Pandemic provides glimpse into the future

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought in a great deal of uncertainty and change. The beginning stages where nervous citizens isolated themselves stocked up on toilet paper while they baked banana bread and tried indoor workouts have come and gone.

Currently, there is a sense of apathy towards the pandemic, where behaviour and adherence to the Covid-19 regulations largely depends on where one happens to be. One thing is certain – there is an observable deflated morale in many circumstances which require the utmost attention to guidelines.

As the viral TikTok by London-based content creator Heather Chelan cautioned, “The pandemic isn’t over just because you’re over it!”

This year highlighted many social issues which were otherwise side-lined and forced South Africans to become creative in terms of problem solving and crisis management.

Among the issues highlighted were inequality, access, education and the way work is structured. Many companies migrated to the work from home model due to Covid-19 regulations, where some have continued until early in 2021. Technology facilitated the ‘new normal’ which meant prioritised self-leadership, flexibility and a more manageable way to observe Covid-19 guidelines.

This was also the case at malls which introduced no-touch entry, schools made use of online learning and retailers were forced to become more sophisticated in making their products accessible. The increased use of technology had a downside for citizens who did not form a part of a certain socio-economic class who found themselves further from the means to function.

With the buzz of the arrival of the fourth industrial revolution, the country was shown a glimpse into the future – what needs to change and what is needed to drive that change. An opportunity to plan, fix and initiate a South Africa which takes all into consideration – one that prioritises longevity as opposed to instant gratification.