Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, once said: “There is nothing permanent except change”.
This world has seen so many changes, just consider what has happened over the last 50 years, nevermind the last 1000 years. The reality is that change is the only constant thing in life.
For some time this world has experienced a status quo, and societies have been functioning according to fairly normal routines. Yet Covid-19 has changed the world’s behaviour drastically and very quickly.
One small virus has reminded us that change is inevitable. Sports, concerts and all other social events have been cancelled across the globe.
Around a third of the world’s population, including in South Africa, is in quarantine, or in self-isolation or forced lockdown.
Government’s drastic measures are understandable, as the cases of Covid-19 keeps rising dramatically, with fears it will soon hit the one million mark.
While the recovery rate still outweighs the deaths, the real impact will be felt economically and on people’s psyche.
Here in South Africa, who knows how many small and medium enterprises will survive. The outlook at the moment for entrepreneurs looks very bleak, even if the government has promised some kind of financial support.
While Covid-19 is still in the nappy stages compared to the Spanish Flu, it has the potential to mature. And that is the frightening prospect.
Covid-19 is definitely no laughing matter, and it has caused globally social distancing and isolation, with humanity struggling at being thrust out of its comfort zones.
Yet, in the midst of all the challenges, there is always some good news.
Of late, a message from an ex-MP from Egypt has been circulating on social media. The authenticity of the message cannot be verified, yet the crux of the message, whatever the source, is that Covid-19 has sparked certain positives.
According to this message, one of them is that it has brought back humanity. Throughout the world, one can clearly see that humanity coming to the fore, where people are willing to help each other again.
After all, Covid-19 has struck among most races, tribes, cultures, ethnic groups and nations. It has struck the poor and the affluent.
Covid-19 is a dire threat to humanity of a global level, and more than ever we have seen humanity arise in unity to grapple with the dire threat.
It was also pointed out in this message how it has brought down interest rates, how more money is ploughed back into health care, and it forcing authorities to look at its prisons and prisoners. These are all positives in times of great darkness.
What is even more important, is that Covid-19 has brought families together. Systematically countries and workplaces are going into lockdown, causing families to stay indoors, and therefore to communicate again.
Coronavirus is therefore now making us stay at home and living simple lives. This world has become so busy, and now, things are slowing down rapidly. Family life will again take precedence above individual pursuits.
Covid-19 reminds us that at times we must consider the greater threats to humanity, and that together we can overcome, and that there is always the calm after the storm.
Yes, change is inevitable. We need to embrace it and what remains of the wreckage.
And in the midst of Covid-19, as the editor of the Advertiser for the last 12 years, I also bid farewell, but not goodbye. I am laying down my mantle and pen as editor to be the chief sub-editor with Caxton.
Thank you all for the support. It has been an awesome experience to be part of this community for more than a decade, to be witness to changes within the community – many of them positive – and to know the paper will be in the good hands of editor Lana O’Neill.
Nothing stays the same, and with the road ahead, wherever it may lead, I wish all our readers God speed, good health, joy and happiness.