Picture: (Courtesy of google: The late Dr Nelson Mandela)
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The global community celebrates the life and honour the legacy of the late Dr Nelson Mandela. South Africa’s first black president spent most of his adult life fighting apartheid system. He died at the age of 95 after ensuring a prolonged lung infection.
The Republic of South Africa’s National Parliament said today, the country celebrates Mandela Day during a period where Covid-19, a deadly novel virus that has changed how they interact with each other, the NA speaker, Thandi Modise said in a statement.
Modise said after 114 days of different levels of a phased lockdown, whose aim was to flatten the infection curve, they now have to deal with the exponential increase in infections in some provinces.
“This period, which had a devastating effect on the economy and the livelihoods of many in our country, requires that we stand socially distanced from each other but side-by-side while we continue to stop the spread of infection.
“As we celebrate and honour the legacy of the Founding Father of our democracy, Tata Nelson Mandela, we remember his words when he said may people’s choices reflect their hopes, not their fears,” said Modise.
She added that the choices people make individually, and collectively, should reflect the hope that the country will win this fight against this virus. Modise said choosing to stay at home or going out only to get essential goods, while observing all hygiene protocols, is a reflection of the collective hope that they are working to survive beyond the inconveniences brought about by the disease.
“With our collective efforts, much has been achieved. We are at a comparatively much better situation than many countries. However, we must still observe social distancing, wash our hands regularly and wear protective equipment like masks and face shields.
“Addressing a plenary of the National Assembly recently Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize reminded us that “Covid-19 will not be defeated in hospitals but in our communities. As Parliament, we would also like to urge every person living in South Africa today to ensure that whatever action they take is for the common good,” said Modise.
She highlighted that regulations that the government has put in place are designed to minimise the spread of the virus. Modise said people must follow the exemplary, selfless leadership of Tata Madiba and his peers, and put the health of all around them at home and in their communities first.
“As Madiba said, “a fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.” The post-coronavirus period will require all of us to find ways to recover our economy, to reinstate the lost livelihoods of the majority and to continue our efforts of bringing about a just and equitable society.
“Parliament has during this time continued to intensify its scrutiny of executive action, passed legislation and facilitated people’s engagement in the battle against this pandemic. As we honour Madiba, we must at all times strive to emulate his noble values and principles, care for others, stand with each other, fight for one another and protect each other against this pandemic. Madiba’s revolutionary life has taught us that with resilience, courage and determination, we can overcome even the most challenging battles.
“We stand in solidarity with all the unsung and selfless heroes at the forefront of the battle against this cruel and devastating enemy, such as doctors, nurses, scientists, police officers, amongst others,” Modise concludes.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Executive Director, Neeshan Balton said: “There are myriad challenges that people are subjected to in the country. Mandela Day encourages active citizenship. It is about taking Madiba’s legacy forward. While it is important, especially in light of the current health and food crisis as a result of Covid-19, to undertake humanitarian work, it is equally important to promote democratic ideals.
“These are important because it will ensure a strengthened democracy that will allow us to weather the Covid-19 storm, as well as respond effectively to increased economic and social tensions. We must be cognisant of the fact that if certain parts of our democracy were not ‘broken’, if the state had not been captured in the last decade, and if the people’s interests were always at the heart of governance, our country would have had greater resilience to deal with all other issues.”
He said the foundation is deeply concerned that as the country grapples with the pandemic, public money still continues to be looted, even from emergency funds made available to deal with the crisis.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation is expected to hold a virtual annual lecture today at 3pm. The foundation spokesperson, Luzuko Koti said they have invited prominent people to drive debate on significant social issues.
“The lecture series is an important event on the Foundation’s calendar, and encourages people to enter into dialogue – often about difficult subjects – in order to address the challenges we face today.
“This year’s theme – Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A new social contract for a new era. This year’s lecture takes place at a time when the world faces an unprecedented test, as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens everyone, everywhere. The world must unite to protect lives and ease suffering. As always at times of crisis, the vulnerable suffer first and worst,” he said.
The Guardian 