As the dying sun filters through the rising smog of evening coal fires, three friends from the West Rand are counting their blessing as they live to tell their Covid-19 story of survival and motivation to their community.
Phumeza Sentiwe, Rethabile Wycliff Mohape and Simthembile Mahlanza all tested positive for the coronavirus at the beginning of July after they experienced Covid-19 related symptoms.
Phumeza revealed that she had minimal symptoms, but felt she would be failing the community if she did not share her experience and give hope to those who test positive for the virus.
“It’s comforting to hear about Covid-19 recoveries. There is never a time when God is not in control. My advice to everyone is not to panic and go buy everything that you hear about, but listen to your body and treat your individual symptoms,” said Phumeza.
When asked if she feared for her life given all the available statistics and the current Covid-19 situation in the country, Phumeza confidently indicated that she somehow believed that her immune system would not let her down.
Phumeza works as a Branch Manager at a bank but had to stand in as a receptionist since the start of the pandemic. The business usually doesn’t require a receptionist but needed someone to screen clients and check temperature at the door. “I was ready. It was just a matter of time because I work with people and I see around 80 people a day. As much as I wear my mask, wash and sanitize my hands regularly, I would fix my mask with dirty hands even in the middle of a conversation because it tends to get inside my mouth when I have been talking for long,” said Phumeza.
Rethabile, on the other hand, was hospitalised shortly after experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. Shortly after attending the funeral of a close friend, he started experiencing throat infections and had to clear his throat often. “I did government testing at Sunshine on 27 June, and by then I started having some breathing issues,” said Rethabile.
He was admitted to Life Flora Hospital after his breathing got worse and was tested for Covid-19 again. Two days later the hospital results came back negative, but his oxygen levels remained low.”While I was in hospital I received my government results via WhatsApp and they were positive. Then I was discharged from hospital. The week when I started getting cold and my breathing got worse was very scary, I thought I would pass away in my sleep. I advise everyone to take care of their health and make sure they have a strong immune system by taking vitamins and also stay at home as much as possible,” said Rethabile.
According to Simthembile, when he tested positive he knew and understood very well the importance of complying with the regulations. He took advice about some remedies from friends and loved ones. He said while he was ill, he could not taste or smell anything, he also had a runny stomach and some shortness of breath.
“All I can say is everyone must take it as if he or she is positive and do whatever it takes to protect themselves and others from being infected. I survived, and you will also survive,” said Simthembile.
