AS bans and restrictions are slowly lifted and Covid-19 positive cases decline, one group in Montclair felt moved to pay tribute to frontline workers who lifted the country up in its time of need.
This initiative was intended to pay tribute to all who have fought and are fighting against Covid-19 on Saturday, 15 August.
According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, over 24 000 healthcare workers countrywide were diagnosed with Covid-19 as of 2 August, with 181 recorded deaths. He said the national infection rate of health-care workers stands at 5 per cent of all confirmed cases.
As of Sunday, 16 August, KZN recorded 764 new general cases, making a 21 per cent contribution of the new cases nationally.
The province continues to be the second-highest in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases countrywide with over 105 000 cases with recorded 14 new Covid-19 related deaths.
The general death rate accounts for 14 per cent of the deaths countrywide. The province continues to be the fourth highest in terms of deaths.
In the privacy of their home, observing required lockdown protocol, residents were encouraged to keep a light on, be it from a candle or a cell phone torch to show their support for just 10 minutes.
Some opted to participate in their own home while those who could, followed strict social distancing etiquette, including keeping curfew, outside Yellowwood Park Spar.
“Most families have had the daunting task of dealing with unforeseen deaths and thus often could not pay tribute to their loved ones properly. This initiative was started by a group of friends in the hope to show love and support in KZN,” said organiser, Dawn Gounden.
She said the idea was to also honour the many frontline workers throughout the country including SAPS members, nurses, security personnel and others who had lost their lives through the virus.
The project was carried over social media using the hashtags, #Let’sSetCovidAlite and #BeTheLiteInTheDarkness on Facebook.
“This initiative was supported by countless companies, community activists and leaders, CPF members and individuals throughout the country who are working in unison for the sole purpose of showing compassion, empathy, sympathy, and passion.”
Hundreds of residents throughout the province paid tribute with motorcades, as community members stood outside their respective gates holding candles.
“The initiative also united political parties with community activists, who all shared the same mindset of those who lost the battle fighting for those with the virus. The #BeTheLiteInTheDarkness initiative is now joining hands with other provinces for a national tribute and wishes those who have lost their loved ones to also pay tribute.”
“Communities need to stand together because as much as Covid-19 is a medical issue, it can cause psychological issues as well. We are standing with all families in the hope that this too shall pass.”
“Let’s set Covid-19 alight by joining hands throughout South Africa to show respect, love and support to all those who lost the battle but whose spirits triumphed in the end.”
Should you wish to be part of this initiative, call Dawn Gounden on 074-712-5855.
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