Well-known movie-maker Dr Eubulus Timothy.
Image: File
TODAY marks the fifth anniversary of South Africa’s first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a day that will forever remain etched in the memories of millions of people around the country.
Prominent movie-maker Dr Eubulus Timothy has embarked on a symbolic initiative, encouraging people across the country to pause around midday (today) and remember the more than 100000 people who died when the deadly pandemic struck.
The initiative is dubbed “Life Unusual".
“We are encouraging people to stop at midday and just remember the people who died at the time, around the country. The pandemic changed the way we do things, which is why this initiative is called Life Unusual. Everything changed.” he said.
Later on Thursday at 7h30 pm, Timothy said there will be a gathering at the North Beach North Pier, where he urged residents to attend.
Timothy said: “Those who attend will get an opportunity to drop flowers into the ocean as a remembrance of those who passed on.”
Britain, where more than 270 000 people died as a result of the pandemic, hosted a similar event last week.
“We view this event as important for people who lost their loved ones. During COVID-19, people were not allowed to see the bodies of their loved ones.” said Timothy.
While COVID-19 was “scary”, Timothy said: "It gave new impetus to our lives. It taught us to do things differently. I remember I was also scared because I did not know what would happen in the future.”
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said: “As we commemorate the fifth anniversary of the first day of lockdown in our city and across the world, I invite all people in our city to join together in a moment of reflection and solidarity.”
He added: “On Thursday, at midday, let us observe a few seconds of silence, remembering our loved ones, those who have been affected by this pandemic, and those who are working tirelessly to keep us safe.”
He concluded: “To our Christian brothers and sisters, may you find comfort in the words of Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. To our Muslim community, may you find strength in the verse from the Quran: "And with every hardship comes ease." (Surah Al-Inshirah). To our Hindu friends, may you find peace in the mantra: "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" - May peace be with us all. To our Jewish community, may you find hope in the words of the Torah: Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble. To our Buddhist and Bahá'í friends, and to people of all faiths and none, may we all come together in a spirit of compassion, empathy, and unity.”
Lockdown became a new reality for South Africans on March 26, 2020, when President Cyril Ramaphosa brought the country to a standstill by declaring a national lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
As the days turned into weeks, the lockdown deepened its grip. For 21 days at first, then it stretched longer and longer.
Social distancing became a way of life; schools were closed, businesses shut, and the traditional way of worship was altered. Churches were not limited to only 50 people in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
Many people lost their livelihoods as companies were forced to close shop amid the prolonged lockdown.
Cities in other provinces were expected to also host their events to pay homage to the people who died during the pandemic.
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