After spending just over four days in lockdown, I ventured out. Out of safety and into our towns, our country in lockdown.
Having stocked up with essentials and not having any pressing needs to leave home, I was starting to get cabin fever.
Also read: Infographic: To wear or not to wear? The Covid-19 mask quandary unpacked
Cutting my hair with the assistance of a loved one was the straw that broke the proverbial camels back as my need for change became apparent.
Edenvale:
My editor had asked me to obtain multimedia for our website and to show our readers what was happening in their community, I almost immediately volunteered.
Expecting roadblocks, checkpoints and a strong presence from the security cluster, I readied my protective equipment, press cards, media vest and paperwork which stated I was an essential employee.
However, my excitement and anxiousness were short-lived.
While travelling the odd 30km to Edenvale, it was almost business as usual on the roads. But less cars.
No armed blockades, no screening of road users just employees working and community members off to the shops.
Bedfordview:
The usually noisy and bustling Sebenza, well known as an industrial business district, was eerily quiet as a few light delivery vehicles, a security company and community members made their way about.
Van Riebeeck Avenue was not much busier and the same could be said for Bedfordview as it appeared community members heeded the call made by SA government to stay indoors.
Traffic on the usually jam-packed Gillooly’s Interchange flowed uncharacteristically easily as transport trucks, light delivery vehicles and community members made their way through the largest interchange in the Southern hemisphere.
With regards to pedestrians, I observed the most in Edenvale and its CBD. Although definitely less than usual, many were travelling to and from the shops, carrying essential supplies.
After obtaining what I needed for the newsroom, I returned home. My need for change and to escape my home satisfied, for now at least.
I would describe my journey into a SA in lockdown as a Sunday morning drive.
Gillooly’s Interchange
Community members seemed to obey the regulations implemented by our government.
The R24 flowed smoothly, towns were quiet and there was a definite lull in the number of road users.
Although my expectation of finding a strong presence of security cluster personal was not met, I am by no means disappointed.
So long as we, the proud, stubborn ad vibrant citizens of SA, stick together to flatten the curve, my expectations may never be met. And to be honest, that would be for the best.
If we continue to listen to the advice, obey the law and put our trust in those who lead our beloved country, it will remain the SA we know and love.
Gallery:
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments.
As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed
Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol.
A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za
