IT has been an incredibly tough and heartbreaking year. Covid-19 has not only been economically devastating, but it has also robbed many of us of our dear loved ones, who have sadly succumbed to the disease.

Our trauma and grief have been made worse by the fact that we have not been allowed to say goodbye in the traditional ways.

Strict protocols have prohibited us from attending large funerals where the bereaved are allowed to physically comfort one another.

These protocols even prevent us from visiting our loved ones in hospital.

Many of us have fallen ill with Covid-19 – despite the best of precautions.

This is a disease that plays havoc on one’s health, with many people still battling with some side-effects weeks after recovering from the virus.

The Zululand Observer will be sharing some of our community members’ Covid-19 survival stories in this week’s ZO Weekender edition (19 February).

And while these are mostly inspirational stories of hope, we cannot forget the devastating losses our region has suffered, and the many familiar faces we have lost to this terrible virus.

We have lost community stalwarts, political leaders, mothers, fathers, siblings and children to this pandemic.

To honour those who have lost their battle with Covid-19, we will also be publishing a special commemorative Wall of Remembrance in the ZO Weekender edition of 19 February.

Make sure you don’t miss it.