Repatriated from China, woman pens open letter to the president

She penned the following letter:

Dear Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa,
When I read your letter to our South African citizens and watched you addressing the nation regarding our repatriation, I was at a loss for words.

You humbled me with your sincerity and encouraged me by the faith that you have in all 114 Wuhan repatriates who you believe can make a difference in the country during this devastating ordeal.

You very proudly referred to us as evangelists and it was then that I realised that this repatriation was bigger than just me returning home but it was for me to be given an opportunity to voice my experience and provide South Africans with a sense of comfort knowing that we all can get through this global crisis and national lockdown.

The timeline is actually one that goes hand in hand with change.

Change within our country, change within our homes and communities but most importantly, change within ourselves.

I will do all that I can to uphold the belief that you have in me to educate our country and assure you that we all can make a difference together.

Thank you for all that you have done for me pre-quarantine, during quarantine and post-quarantine. I will forever be grateful.

Yours in service of our Rainbow Nation,
Manashya Maharaj

Family celebrates her return from Wuhan

There were tears of joy, laughter and lots of hugs as a city family welcomed back their daughter who was repatriated from Hubei, China, which was the initial epicentre of the the novel coronavirus.

In search of growth and wanting to step out of her “comfort” zone Maharaj found her new home “supportive and friendly” despite the strict Chinese restrictions on social media.

Even though Hubei Province was the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, Maharaj first learned about the pandemic from South African media she followed daily on the internet.

“I first learned about the coronavirus on news platforms in South Africa.

At first, the situation didn’t really sink in until I realised I was actually living in the epicentre of it all.

I felt concerned but not fearful because I ensured I took the necessary precautions as prescribed by the Chinese authorities to keep myself safe,” said Maharaj, adding the Chinese government took strict rapid steps to contain the spread.

“All stores were closed, public transportation, such as buses and subways were banned for public use. Airports were closed for both local and international flights, temperature checks were mandatory at the gate of our complex and we were not allowed to exit our complex gate unless there were adequate reasons for doing so, for example, needing hospital services,” she said.

The former Heather Secondary learner relied on prayer and daily communication with her family to get through the strict quarantine regiment implemented by the Chinese government.

“Once the lockdown was implemented, the situation was a reality. Apart from daily calls and messages from family, prayer helped me remain positive.

As a South African citizen used to freedom of movement, isolation in China was difficult but I got by with having a daily routine which included exercise, cooking and watching movies,” she said.

Maharaj said the South African government was supportive throughout the ordeal, always remaining in contact.

She had every confidence the government would get her and other South African citizens safely back.

“The support from our South African government was absolutely spot on and I can say that our president and ministers did everything possible to ensure our safe return. Honestly, I was so proud.”

Jumping on the plane after 50 days in lockdown was emotionally overwhelming for her.

“I felt absolute freedom which was exactly what South Africa stands for,” she said.

After the 50-day lockdown in China, Maharaj still had another round of quarantine awaiting her back in South Africa but the warm local hospitality waiting to receive the returning citizens at the Ranch in Polokwane was, she said, “absolutely humbling”.

Emotions eventually bubbled over when President Ramaphosa and ministers arrived to congratulate the repatriates and rescue team for all testing negative after quarantine.

“Being visited by the president was an unreal experience. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, they are here for us, they are here for South Africa’.

It was humbling knowing that our leaders had done everything possible to ensure our safe return.

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