It is only when death takes a person we are close to, that one comes to realization that we are living in a real world! The death of the Minister in the Office of the President in the Republic of South Africa, Jackson Mthembu, came as a shock to many, rightfully so! Although the death of a person, particularly of someone who was as prominent, healthy and likeable in many sectors as Minister Mthembu was cannot be easily accepted, life has to go on. To many doubting Thomases, Mthembu’s death should serve as a serious warning that COVID-19 is real, and worse, that this second wave is much stronger in its mission of the destruction of human life. Just like in the early stages of the identification of HIV/Aids many years ago, people are still in denial that COVID-19 exists. As with the identification of HIV/Aids, many still ignore, or rather, do not want to use the necessary precautions set out for them, and are easily at their disposal. Many still come up with the G5, depopulation, the Bill Gates and many other bull manure stories. Like many who did not believe in using condoms to prevent being infected with HIV and/or Aids because of their promiscuous ways, they will die a painful death that they would have called upon themselves. Even though people are dying left, right and centre, there are many in our communities who are still against wearing masks, who are still not practicing social distancing and who are hell-bent on not practicing any form of hygiene, although they have known for years that ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’. I know that I am just a messenger, whom many might dislike and not regard as knowledgeable in this subject (Corona), and dislike his message too, but what delights me is that even the holiest and revered of Christians in our society have now come to the realization that they can no longer disregard the methods of their forbearers when it comes to Covid-19, and have now, like many, resorted to using traditional methods for one or another purpose towards trying to protect themselves against COVID-19. Even they too have come to the realization that prayer only cannot save them from the dreaded Covid-19. They are listening! At the begining of this article I had wanted to greet you and wish you well for the coming year, but ‘Izinto Azisafani’. Instead I have to repeat the words that I left you with in the year 2020. Wash your hands, keep to social distancing and wear your mask. Be safe!

Lerato wa ha Serero…

(This is Lerato Serero’s, Editor of Sedibeng Ster, weekly comment)