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By OBAKENG MAJE

Taung community-based radio station, Vaaltar FM Board of Directors deputy chairperson, Omphemetse Leshobo said he is grateful that he is still alive. This comes after Leshobo tested positive for COVID-19 recently.

He said it was a deplorable moment for him after he received his results.

“I recently tested positive for COVID-19 and it was shocking. I saw my life flashing before my eyes. However, the unwavering support I received from my family and friends was amazing. I still remember vividly that it was in the morning of 9 August 2021 when I started to experience short breaths and felt dizzy.

“Before that, I had terrible flu for the whole week. I did not inform my wife about my situation because I did not want her to panic. So, I woke up and tried to take a bath on that day, but I was so dizzy and weak,” he said.

Leshobo (35) who was recently elected as a member of the Board of Directors at Taung District Hospital said what surprised him was that his symptoms were slightly different.

“Even though I was weak, I could eat normally without any hindrances. My taste sense was also still intact. I had a little bit of discomfort when coughing and I decided to call one of the nurses, Boitumelo Motimeng who is the Head of the COVID-19 unit at the hospital.

“Unfortunately, Motimeng informed me that they were not testing for COVID-19 on weekends and public holidays, however, I explained my situation to him and he eventually advised me to go to the hospital because my case was an emergency. So, when I arrived there, the nurses were very supportive and I went through all necessary processes before being tested,” Leshobo said.

He said he waited for his results for about 15 minutes and the shockwave went down his spine when the results came out positive. Leshobo further said his wife was also tested, but he was happy when her results came out negative.

“Fortunately, my wife tested negative and those nurses that were assisting me counselled me before giving me my medication. There are many challenges that one comes across after testing positive.

“I was in disbelief while I was still in the hospital unit when a woman wearing a mask requested another mask after she heard that I tested positive. She wore the second mask on top of the other one,” he said.

Leshobo added that in most cases, people stigmatize those who tested positive, and that needs to stop. He said the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his living arrangements because he sometimes felt lonely while in quarantine.

“I sometimes felt lonely because I’m used to spending much time with people. However, during quarantine, that was not the case. I tried so hard to be calm during the process, but there were moments where I wanted to give up.

“I sometimes felt dejected and afraid that I might succumb to the pandemic. However, God gave me a second opportunity to live. So, I would like to encourage others to adhere to COVID-19 regulations and be safe,” said Leshobo.

 He said COVID-19 has robbed the world of many people who mattered in life and people must do the right thing to honour those who departed. Leshobo said some people believe that the COVID-19 is a myth, whereas others believe that it is a deathtrap, but that should not be the case.  

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