“Hope is a mystery that foresees the beauty and the victory of the future. It is hope that testifies in our hearts that our nation will overcome this deadly virus. Our blessed and beautiful nation has been through a lot of challenges and difficulties, and we overcame them all. We keep on overcoming because we are the children of the soil, the soil that strengthens our feet to stand firm in all circumstances. This deadly virus will soon be added to our records of victories. Our struggle continues but our victory is assured. Losing is not in our dictionary, we can’t spell it, we can’t pronounce it.
“The South African government has been doing a wonderful job to cure the infected and to further reduce the spread of the virus. The President and other distinguished leaders have been hands-on from day one in combating this virus. Nevertheless, as a nation we have to agree that it is impossible to make everyone happy, or even to reach everyone’s expectations while trying to save lives.
“Perfection doesn’t really exist, it is just the imagination appreciating commitment to excellence. For instance, leading a family, a school, a company, a church, a sports team even a choir is not easy, so imagine leading a nation. It’s not child’s play. We have to try to be positive and supportive of our President and his officials. Negativity has never won any battle, it only brings fear, confusion and distress. We have to live positively, then we will be rewarded with healing and restoration.
“I am personally impressed by our leaders in the forefront of this battle. Saluting also the endless and selfless efforts and sacrifices of our medical personnel; you people are angels in human bodies. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Johann Rupert, Nicky Oppenheimer, and Patrice Motsepe for their donations that will make a huge difference in winning the battle against corona. Many South Africans have different views on these billionaires’ donations, nevertheless this is not the time for a dialogue on race nor politics. This is the time for our nation to unite, despite the race, gender, status, religion and political differences. So we won’t allow ungrateful people with senseless opinions to divide us. We shall unite against all odds because we have now a common enemy and that enemy is Covid-19.
“Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to be outside as I must obey my President. That doesn’t necessarily mean I shouldn’t attempt to help my nation. I am more concerned about our economy. I am afraid that more jobs will be shed and the unemployment rate will sky-rocket. I am more worried about South Africans who will carry the economic burden and the frustration of living from hand to mouth on a daily basis. I am inspired to write at least 19 inspirational poems and I will name them Letters of hope, Covid-19. The letters will concentrate on health, economical, family, leadership and faith issues. I quote Mahatma Gandhi: ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’.
*To get more inspiration from Eric ‘The Speaker’ Shikobela, or to simply show your support, please contact him at ek.shikobela@gmail.com or 078 169 7968.
