From the Covid-19 frontline – a journalist’s view
OPINION – A woman who I came across at a grocery store in Emmarentia said she couldn't share such a message with me and immediately broke out into tears.
Andile Dlodlo, a journalist for Caxton Local Media’s Joburg North office, has spent the last few weeks writing about, and photgraphing, the community’s struggle through the Covid-19 locklown. “The work of a journalist is never done, but Andile’s passion, and love for people has shone through in recent weeks. With dignity and determination, he has been by the side of his community through it all,” said editor, Aimee McGill.
The lockdown is not over, and the work continues. Read Andile’s own words about his experience below:
From the very first day of the lockdown, with my mask on my face and gloves on my hands, I’ve been trying to keep the community informed with what has been taking place and sharing things of interest during this time.
It’s been very beautiful to see that the element of togetherness in the communities I report on has not disappeared, in fact it’s increased a whole lot more.
I feared what the lockdown would result in for the less fortunate but there have been some pretty amazing people helping out wherever they can.
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Old age homes, homeless and displaced people shelters and organisations have been receiving a world of support from the community and it has been incredible.
Prior to the lockdown I was asking people to share any message they have for essential services workers such as healthcare and grocery store workers.
A woman who I came across at a grocery store in Emmarentia said she couldn’t share such a message with me and immediately broke out into tears.
Knowing I couldn’t comfort her, due to social distancing and merely respecting her personal space, I was shocked as to what was going on.
Related article: Watch: President tours Nasrec Expo Centre quarantine site
She eventually informed my colleague and I that her daughter is a doctor in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. She explained that she had seen how healthcare workers were dying due to the virus and feared the same for her daughter.
It’s been a roller coaster of emotions for me but seeing how optimistic people are to win this fight keeps me going.
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