• Raliphi ‘Master Push’ Xolelizwe from Chief Mogale writes:

I was delighted that the National State of Disaster (NSD) was finally lifted after being in place for 750 days, which also averted a possible court battle against the government.

However, concerns have remained over the proposed amendments to the National Health Act regulation and it’s going to be even harder as it does not have end date.

After more than two years of abnormal government and major uncertainty we are finally moving away from empty promises and feeble excuses.

This period was a difficult one to healthcare workers when vaccination teams were targeted. A West Rand District Health Services bakkie with mobile site equipment and gazebos was hijacked in Chamdor, Kagiso on November 29 last year. A case of robbery was opened at the Kagiso Police Station. Fortunately, no team member was harmed. Thank God!

Having said all that, we wish to take this momentous occasion to celebrate every single person who contributed to the fight against Covid-19 in the past two years, and to pay my deep respects to all those we lost during the pandemic.

The disaster had passed but the pandemic remains, so it is in people’s own hands to take care.

As much as we are excited by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of ending of the NSD, some regulations only lapse after 30 days to assist in limiting the spread of Covid-19.

Let’s never forget to wash our hands regularly with soap or sanitizer, and wear a mask which is still mandatory in public indoors.