The Alberton RECORD spoke to some of the town’s older residents ahead of the Covid-19 lockdown to hear how they will cope during this time.
Clara Pretorius (83)
“Before the lockdown, I did my necessary shopping,” said Clara.
“I bought the food I needed and toilet paper and other toiletries.”
Clara, who lives alone, said this will be a very quiet three weeks for her.
Her plan is to do a bit of reading and if she gets restless to take her dogs for a walk around the house.
“I’ll try to stay busy,” said Clara.
“I’m not scared of this lockdown period. I’m only slightly scared of what could happen if the period of isolation is extended.”
According to Clara she will have to go out again during this period to buy necessities but that she is not scared to do so.
Apart from that, she plans to use WhatsApp and other social media to stay in contact with her family and loved ones.
“We just have to remain positive and keep praying,” said Clara.
Mercia Russouw (88)
Mercia, a resident of Queenshaven, said she is not at all worried about this time of lockdown.
“They are treating us very well here,” said Mercia. “They are keeping us safe and giving us everything we need.”
According to Mercia, the effects of the lockdown and the possibility that it might be longer than expected is not something she thinks about.
“As long as the Lord cares for us we will be safe,” she said.
Mercia remembers something on a very smaller scale that happened during her childhood where they had to stay inside because of a severe outbreak of flu where she lived.
“It was nothing compared to this,” said Mercia.
Mercia said she believed we, as a society, will be safe as long as nobody did things that they are not supposed to.
Pieter Kok (87)
“It is what it is, there’s nothing we could do about it,” said Pieter about the state of lockdown.
“I am not scared of this lockdown. My faith is placed in the Lord.”
Pieter, who lives on a plot of land with his wife, said they are ready for the lockdown to take place.
“We have bought all the necessary supplies.”
He said he has always been busy with work around the house and he will continue doing this to keep himself busy throughout the lockdown.
“We are nice and isolated on our land,” said Pieter.
“I believe in the words of Psalm 91 that the Lord will keep us safe during this time.”
