The Executive Mayor, Cllr Geoffrey Makhubo has called on Joburgers to shake off the stigma around the Covid-19 pandemic, urging residents and City employees not to ostracise those infected with the deadly virus.
Makhubo says Joburg, as South Africa’s newly proclaimed epicentre for the novel coronavirus, has entered unchartered waters, with the number of positive cases continuing to rise unabated.
“The novel coronavirus has already affected people who are close to us. In the City, we have already lost six officials to the pandemic. I urge every one of us to practice good hygiene, observe social distancing and sanitise often,” he says.
Although a cure for Covid-19 is yet to be found, the Mayor emphasises that pharmaceutical companies are working to produce a vaccine, with a breakthrough expected around 2021.
“In the meantime, I urge you to please look after each other. Our colleagues who have tested positive for Covid-19 are still our friends and workmates. We should not shun them or treat them like lepers,” Makhubo explains.
He says society should fight to destigmatise the coronavirus the same way it did with HIV-Aids.
“A colleague in my office recently tested positive for Covid-19. We all rallied around them and gave our unstinting support at this crucial time and they have returned to work stronger and more resolute to ensuring that our residents get services delivered on time,” says the Mayor.
He says people should not allow the virus to divide them.
"My years in the liberation struggle have taught me that only when we’re united can we defeat the enemy. We will win the war against the novel coronavirus. We might lose battles along the way, but we need to face the enemy together and present a united front,” Makhubo urges.
