Weekly Highlights 25 February 2022

Weekly Highlights 25 February 2022 - Issue No. 124 Mr Enoch Godongwana MP Dear Colleagues Minister of Finance In a special Cabinet meeting held on Monday, 31 In this issue January 2022, it was announced that Wednesday, 25 February 2022, was the day when the National Values Entrenchment Drive: Profiling Ethics Budget Speech would be delivered in Parliament by the Ambassadors Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, as it always happens after the State of the Nation Address (SONA) GETTING TO KNOW THE REGISTRY: ARTICLE 3 every year. COVID-19 VACCINATION CHANGES: What You Need So what does this mean for the country and what can to know we expect? In the National Budget Speech, the Minister of Finance presents the country’s budget for the year WORKPLACE BULLYING and how different government institutions will be funded in order to carry out their functions. It is one of the most Implementing the RAF People with Disability important speeches delivered by the government each Strategy year since it is when we get to be informed of how MOTHER-TONGUE INSTRUCTION: OUR LAST HOPE TO much funds are available to carry out the various plans DEVELOP AFRICA made by the South African government to keep the LIFE WITH AND AFTER COVID-19 country running. Covid-19 Statistics As was stated in the SONA about two weeks ago, we are facing huge challenges as a country, and we are the fun page waiting to see how much of the budget will be allocated where it is needed most. This is always done to close Letters to the Editor the gaps that exist in the various sections of our economy. The resources need to be allocated mostly We invite our readers to share their where they will make a difference and improve the lives comments, feedback, and suggestions of ordinary South Africans. For the average person, with us. Readers are encouraged to submit especially the unemployed and those in the informal their letters, of no more than 200 words, to economy, any budget announcements that might bring Thabang@raf.co.za and TholakeleR@raf. some relief to their situation will be most welcome. co.za. We are looking forward to hearing from you. As public servants and taxpayers we are also waiting with bated breath to find out if our tax will be reduced, Editor: Thabang Mahlatsi (thabang@raf.co.za) increased or remain as it is since that has a direct Sub-editor (Acting Editor): Tholakele Radebe (tholakeler@raf.co.za) impact not only on our earning potential but on our Editor-In-Chief: Anton Janse van Rensburg (antonj@raf.co.za) spending habits and affordability. Life has become so expensive, with the price of fuel going up all the time, which increases food prices and those of everything else. So, tax cuts would be most welcome. In other news, next week, please be on the lookout for an exciting special edition of the Highlights focussing on the RAF Annual Awards in all the regions. Enjoy this week’s Highlights! Kind regards Internal Communication

Values Entrenchment Drive: Profiling Ethics Ambassadors by Letticia Pinkoane In last week’s edition of the Highlights, we brought tion to meet its objectives because it begins with me you the first article on the ethics ambassador and seeing to it that I am professional in the manner I profiles feature as part of the RAF Values Entrench- conduct myself. ment Drive. We have some more profiles for you in this edition so you can get to know some more of Question 2. The RAF Values have been communi- your ethics ambassadors better. cated on a regular basis; do you think that employ- ees do get the message, and if not, what do you Let’s find out below who our next two ambas- think can be done better? sadors are and what they stand for. Answer 2. In as much as the business is communicat- ing RAF Values electronically and displaying them on the walls, I feel that as staff members we are still hold- ing on to the old Values, more especially the ‘old’ staff members. It is sometimes difficult to unlearn old habits, but through repetition it is possible to learn new ways. COVID-19 has taken away many platforms that opened opportunities for employees to know the RAF Values. For instance, we would have general staff meetings with our General Manager (GM) where she would randomly ask about the RAF Values. The Ethics Office would also arrange training sessions where they would give exciting presentations and would offer beautiful gifts to be won. Such platforms would leave indelible memories to staff and create awareness. Unfortunately, they are no more. I recommend that we have such pro- grammes back again in the business. Tulile Kondlo Finance Assistant in East London Question 1. How do the RAF Values motivate you when conducting your day-to-day activities and engaging with claimants and/or colleagues? Answer 1. The acronym ICARE on its own makes me proud of the work I do and the organisation I work for. According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of the word ‘care’ is “the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of some- one or something”. It also means serious attention or consideration applied to doing something correctly or to avoid damage or risk. The RAF Values make me confident that my welfare is taken care of. That makes it easy for me to do the same when dealing with stake- holders by means of ensuring that I excel in everything I do and go an extra mile. I ensure that I do not put my name and that of the organisation into disrepute. The RAF Values encourage me to support my organisa- CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page... 2

Values Entrenchment Drive: Profiling Our Ethics Ambassadors (Cont.) Question 3. Generally, how do you see the RAF Val- Answer 4. We need to learn the culture of being vocal, ues being received and adopted within the organ- and neither be intimidated nor be afraid of being victi- isation and your peers? mised. Fortunately, the RAF shares cases of fraud and corruption with staff in general and likewise, they should Answer 3. There’s really nothing wow about it. Maybe be shared by the leadership in departmental meetings departmental managers should spare time at least to reinforce awareness. once every quarter and allow ethics champions to pres- ent RAF Values and make the moment exciting, even Question 5. Do you see your colleagues’ behav- if there are no gifts given out. A suggestion might be to iour changing towards adopting and living the RAF include that in their performance contracts to ensure it Values? is implemented… just a thought! Answer 5. I am positive that we have no major behav- Question 4. Which behaviours are important and ioural issues other than that staff need guidance and required in your role to support others to live up to leadership that models the RAF Values and organisa- the RAF Values? tional culture. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page... 3

Values Entrenchment Drive: Profiling Our Ethics Ambassadors (Cont.) nication is championing these Values by exhibiting them daily. Consistently and transparently rewarding the right behaviours will encourage alignment and adoption by all employees. Question 3. Generally, how do you see the RAF Values being received and adopted within the organisation and your peers? Answer 3. I believe in principle most employees em- braced the Values. However, giving effect to this in terms of consistent behaviours will always be a work in progress underpinned by a fresh commitment daily. Every day we are required to revalue our values and make sure that we are still walking the talk. Our Values are expressed not so much in what we say but what we ultimately do. As a man of God once said, “If you value something, stay commit- ted.” Therefore, we need to reaffirm our commitment to the RAF Values daily by making a fresh commitment to do better every day, staying committed to deliver excellence. Question 4. Which behaviours are important and re- quired in your role to support others to live up to the RAF Values? Lloyd Pretorius Answer 4. Diligence in the pursuit of excellence means Senior Manager: Project Management in you do not compromise on quality and yet you pursue this Eco Glades; SRC Project Management excellence in a respectful and compassionate manner, supporting your team, your stakeholders, and your claim- Question 1. How do the RAF Values motivate you ants. It means being accountable and allowing others to when conducting your day-to-day activities and en- be accountable for their outputs and respecting their area gaging with claimants and/or colleagues? of expertise and integrity to do what is required to further the interest of the business. Trust is therefore crucial. Answer 1. The Values I subscribe to form the very core Trust that is based on line of sight is not really trust, that of who I am and how I approach life in general, and that is why I am a firm believer in managing outcomes and includes my work. The RAF Values are congruent with delivery. my own values as a person and therefore they act as a constant reminder of how to manage situations and how Question 5. Do you see your colleagues’ behaviour to interact with fellow employees at work. I think every hu- changing towards adopting and living these Values? man being seeks to reduce dissonance in his or her own life and therefore gravitates towards living true to their own Answer 5. Certainly, I do not for one minute doubt the values. willingness and the right intent of the RAF employees in general. It helps to hold each other accountable but also Question 2. The RAF Values have been communicated to set an exemplary path by our own behaviour. Change is on a regular and frequent basis; do you think that em- often an uncomfortable journey. But a change in the right ployees do get the message, and if not, what do you direction can be a highly rewarding journey. We also must think can be done better? accept that there will be instances where there is misalign- ment between the Values of some individuals and those Answer 2. Communicating and reminding employees of a particular organisation, which will then require crucial about our Values as the RAF community is certainly conversations and a decision to realign either your Values adding value. However, a more potent form of commu- or your place of employment. LetMticaianaPginekmoeanntebiassaedMiannEacgoerG: Clahdaensge CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE 4

GETTING TO KNOW THE REGISTRY: ARTICLE 3 by Vanessa Mathope correctly classified, filed, stored, and disposed of when no longer needed (NARSSA 2007:203). Section 13 (1) of the NARSSA Act reveals that the National Archivist is charged with the proper management and care of all public records in the custody of governmental bodies. This means that heads of governmental bodies need to identify the regulatory environment that affects their activities/functions (NARSSA 2007:7). The Road Accident Fund has done this because there is always a section on all the annual reports that reads: “8 LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER MANDATES” on page 23-24, 34-35 and 31-32 of the 2019-2020, 2018-2019 and 2017-2018 annual reports. NARSSA (2007:7) also states that organisations should ensure that their activities/functions are documented to provide adequate evidence of their compliance with the legislation governing their specific environment, and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000. Ideally, records should be managed according to a systematic programme known as a records management programme. This programme consists of various elements that constitute best practices. Figure 1 below illustrates what a sound records management programme entails: Vanessa Mathope: Registration Officer Menlyn Usually, I start my articles with “The National However, this does not happen as it should. In Archives and Records Services of South Africa 2007, NARSSA stated that controlling and managing (NARSSA) (2007)”, and then provide the page records according to the legislation promulgated by number in case you want to check whether I am government for timely access to accurate and reliable being truthful with you. Based on the Management information did not happen as expected. As a result, Directive issued on 9 February 2021 titled record-keeping resulted in problems. According to “Records Management Policy”, I am accurate with NARSSA (2007:1), records management problems my NARSSA comparison because the directive that were experienced by governmental bodies were communicated that its purpose was “To inform the following: RAF employees of the Records Management Policy to be used when creating, managing, storing There was no top-management support for records and disposing of records”. The Directive also revealed that the newly developed policy includes the stipulation found in the repealed Documents Services Policy, as well as Records Management Standard Operating Procedure and that it aligns to Records Management Principles and stipulations of the NARRSA Act of 1996 (Act no. 43 of 1996). As per usual, we begin, NARSSA (2007:7) states that “Good governance depends on government’s ability to function efficiently and effectively. All governmental bodies need to have ready access to the information they require to perform their services to the public in an accountable manner”. This means that a registry should be well organised to ensure that records are CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page... 5

management or registry functions. and that good record-keeping processes enable governmental bodies to deliver improved services to the No approved records management policies and public. controls that existed to compel officials to apply sound record-keeping and records management practices. President Ramaphosa stressed that under his Administration, governmental bodies, which include Due to the perception that was associated with the the RAF, would be expected to contribute to the registry, officials were not using the registries but were country’s economic and social development as per keeping the records in their own offices (NARSSA their respective mandates (SONA 2019). The President 2007:1). This resulted in information not being readily also mentioned that his Administration was committed available at a central point, thus preventing sound to building a better country for all, guided by the management decisions to be made based on authentic, National Development Plan (NDP). As an organisation reliable, and relevant information (NARSSA 2007:1). committed to the NDP’s 2030 objective of creating a NARSSA also revealed that due to this negative better South Africa for all, the RAF needs to ensure that perception that was associated with the registry, the motor vehicle accident victims are compensated and records managers (if they were designated at all) did rehabilitated promptly to support government’s efforts not have the necessary authority or backing to enforce to restore social balance (RAF 2019:18), and record- proper records management practices throughout the keeping plays an important role to achieve that end. governmental bodies. When President Ramaphosa was sworn in as South I know that because I keep referring to the 2007 version Africa’s sixth democratically elected president he of the NARSSA Policy Manual, many readers may be introduced the “Thuma Mina” (“Send Me”) movement, thinking my references are so dated and the situation in which he pledged to serve South Africa and to might have changed a lot now. You are correct in work with South Africans in building a better country thinking that the situation has changed…for the worst. (SONA 2019). The President also posed the “Thuma In fact, the situation is so bad that it even got the Mina” challenge to all governmental institutions, President’s attention. In his State of the Nation Address including the RAF, requesting their cooperation in (SONA) of 2019, the President of the Republic of South realising this pledge (SONA 2019). Therefore, poor Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, set out specific priorities records management no longer has a place in South on which the government must focus. The President Africa, and services must be delivered to build the acknowledged that most governmental bodies face envisaged country. This means to effectively manage challenges such as poor governance, inefficiency, its records; the RAF must have an implemented records and financial sustainability, which prevents them from management policy that entails established procedures delivering effective services to the public (SONA 2019). designed within the policy principles developed by the NARSSA (2007:1) suggests that good governance RAF and approved by NARSSA (Marutha 2011:41; is achievable through effective records management Ngoepe 2008:127). The organisation must implement and continue to maintain a records classification system such as a file plan, and it must have record control mechanisms in place for both paper-based and electronic records (Kalusopa 2011:233; Schellnack- Kelly 2013:88). Records management best practice also requires that the RAF establishes a disposal programme to ensure the proper disposal of records (Kalusopa 2011:111; Marutha 2011:16; Ngoepe 2008:19). Lastly, record-keeping employees need training to ensure that they are adequately skilled to perform their tasks (Kalusopa 2011:93; Ngoepe 2008:13). Despite numerous studies on the records management processes of governmental bodies (Marutha 2011; Ngoepe 2008; Schellnack-Kelly 2013), the situation has not improved much. President Ramaphosa’s SONA speech also illustrated that records are still not appropriately managed despite the availability of information. President Cyril Ramaphosa Continues to the next page... 6 CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

RAFzins, let us follow our current records management that the RAF should strive towards improving its overall practices in the organisation. In 2019 the Auditor- control environment (RAF 2019:196). General of South Africa (AGSA) said, “Management did not implement proper record-keeping in a timely On 9 November 2020, the RAF announced via its manner to ensure that complete, relevant and accurate various social media platforms that the institution had information was accessible and available to support received a clean audit outcome. Part of the media performance reporting” (RAF 2019:192). For ease of statement read: “The RAF welcomes the Auditor- reference, it is on page 192 of the 2018-2019 Annual General’s audit outcome for the 2019/2020 financial Report. In the same year, Internal Audit revealed that year. The AG issued an unqualified audit opinion with the RAF had a weakness in policy implementation no material findings to the organisation. It is the first (RAF 2019:196). The exact words used were: “Findings clean audit for the RAF in over three financial years. by Internal Audit related to the lack of documented While the organisation maintained the unqualified audit policies or policies not being updated, non-monitoring opinion over the past financial year, the AG still found of processes, lack of consequence management, concerning material findings. The AG audit focused non-adherence to policies and standard operating on the quality of financial statements, performance procedures and inadequate security management information, and compliance with laws and regulations” within the information and communication technology (RAF: 2020). I would like to draw your attention to environment” (RAF 2019:196). The team recommended Figure 1 above. Then I ask, based on what you see in Figure 1, the AGSA’s findings, Internal Audit’s findings, the President’s SONA revelations and my limited storytelling ability: do you feel that we RAFzins are in alignment with the President’s Thuma Mina movement? Sources: references used in this article is available on request. The list of CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Vanessa MatbhaospeedisInaMReengliysntration Officer 7

COVID-19 VACCINATION CHANGES: What You Need to know by the Government Communication Information System Getting protected has never been easier! that which was administered as the primary dose allows for greater flexibility. It is now even easier to get your jab and boost- er shot at a clinic, pharmacy or health facility It allows individuals to get boosted and offered ad- near you. ditional protection regardless of which vaccine is available. To ensure you are better protected, you can now get your second Pfizer shot 21 days after your first Vaccines are our pathway to normality. dose. Many highly vaccinated countries have returned Individuals who are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer to a more familiar way of life, and we can do the vaccine, having received both doses, can now get same if we all choose vaccination. their booster dose 90 days after the second dose. All individuals older than 18 years of age who have COVID-19 vaccinations are effective in preventing received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vac- serious illness, hospitalisation and death. cine, are now eligible to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine or a booster dose of the Pfizer We don’t know what is coming next and the only vaccine after 60 days. certainty we have is the power of vaccines to pre- vent serious illness, hospitalisation and death. Individuals over the age of 18 years who have re- ceived two doses of the Pfizer vaccine are eligible If we all choose vaccination, we can reduce the to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine or a chances of further deadly mutations. booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 90 days after the second dose. Protect yourself and your loved ones by vaccinat- ing today! Your health and safety is our priority! Getting vaccinated has never been easier, simply The provision of heterologous booster doses, visit your nearest vaccination site even without an meaning booster doses of a different vaccine to appointment. Government Communication Information System CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE 8

WORKPLACE BULLYING by the Government Communication Information System Say no to bullying in the workplace! A workplace policy should set the standards of behav- iour in the workplace and make a clear statement that Every person has the right to a working environ- bullying will not be tolerated. ment that is conducive to productivity, equality, human dignity and security. A workplace procedure sets out how to report work- place bullying and how the workplace will respond to Despite this, millions of workers around the world in- allegations of bullying. cluding South Africa suffer from the scars of workplace bullying. We urge employers to be empathetic and supportive of the needs of their employees, and to encourage em- Workplace bullying is a form of harassment that ranges ployees to report any form of bullying to the relevant from verbal and emotional abuse to more serious physi- officials. cal assaults. It involves repeated attempts to torment or wear down a Stopping workplace bullying starts with person, provoking, intimidating and intentionally harm- you ing the victim. Incidents or suspected incidents of bullying in the work- It affects not only the employees themselves, but has place can be reported to managers, supervisors or any a ripple effect on co-workers, employers, families, and other person victims feel comfortable talking to. society as a whole. Employers are expected to treat incidents or suspected Employers and employees are responsible for creating incidents of bullying with care, sensitivity and confiden- and maintaining safe and respectful workplaces. tiality. We call on all employers and employees to oppose any Employers have a duty to protect the privacy of the indi- form of bullying and create a culture that promotes and viduals involved and must ensure victims do not endure protects respect for human rights. secondary trauma when reporting cases. Employers should, in consultation with their employees Victims of bullying should be supported and referred to develop a workplace policy and procedure for work- psychosocial services for counselling and support. place bullying. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Government Communication Information System 9

Implementing the RAF People with Disability Strategy by Letticia Pinkoane ity within the workplace, we can achieve the following benefits: Increase the number of suitable candidates. Many stud- ies have shown that disabled employees are even more reliable that those with no impairments. Increase employee diversity and inclusivity in our busi- ness environment. Boost productivity and creativity levels. All employees work together to achieve one set goal. So, a much more diverse work culture can boost productivity levels through using a wider variety of talents. Employees learn from one another using different strengths and experiences, meaning fresh ideas are brought to the table and performance can be improved. Creativity is also a major factor of a diverse work environment in which those with different viewpoints and perspectives can understand issues in a different light – meaning problems can be solved at a quicker pace and decision- making is facilitated. South Africa has developed relevant legislation to Finally, the PWD Strategy Implementation is aimed at overcome the barriers that people with disabilities working towards an inclusive organisational culture by face in the labour force, yet there remain practical removing barriers through reasonable accommodation issues relating to the implementation of these poli- and education programmes which will positively impact cies. The RAF People with Disabilities (PWD) Strat- PWDs’ future opportunities for integration. egy is aimed at ensuring that there’s inclusivity for people living with disabilities within the RAF and to further convey information and improve knowledge on disability management. It is through this strat- egy that the organisation will drive equal opportuni- ties through employing PWD in various positions where every candidate will be given the opportunity to fulfil their job role regardless of a disability or impediment. By employing PWD, the RAF further promotes equal- ity and diversity in the workplace, in the sense that any applicant or employee will be given a fair opportunity to carry out their job and get treated in a fair manner. The cost of hiring a disabled employee doesn’t have to be high. Reasonable alterations may have to be made for disabled employees to go about their tasks without any struggle, for example, adapting the premises of the workplace and adapting equipment for those with physi- cal impediments. When business accommodates and welcomes disabil- LetMticaianaPgienmkoeanntebiassaedMiannEacgoerG: lCahdaensge 10 CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE

MOTHER-TONGUE INSTRUCTION: OUR LAST HOPE TO DEVELOP AFRICA by Nickey Mokone There have been different views about the use of the to improve the quality of education. Furthermore, UNESCO mother tongue in classroom teaching and learning has raised concerns against the ruling elite in Africa, for versus English as a medium of instruction in school having inherited colonial languages in government systems settings. There are questions about whether this and other official communication platforms. This resulted in is a contributing factor towards the poor quality of UNESCO’s laments about the unsuitability of the imposition education in Africa as a result of colonialism. However, which makes it practically impossible for Africa to recover scientific research has provided overwhelming evidence from colonialism and reclaim itself. This is a completely a of the benefits of using mother-tongue instruction in different scenario compared to what European countries educational institutions as a panacea towards resolving uphold in their own backyards since they insist on the use of most of our educational ills in African countries. mother-tongue instruction in schools. There are various barriers and challenges highlighted In Africa, the situation restricts learners’ access to quality as impediments contributing towards the poor quality of education because the majority of teachers use English – education. These include lack of political will, especially which is not the learners’ mother tongue, hence they fail to on the part of our elite African leaders through their hostile master subject content. Teachers are the key role players, policies, stereotypes generated amongst communities if we are to crack it and realise this truth in our education towards mother-tongue instruction and colonial mentality system. Our current situation is characterised by our sufferings by Africans post-colonialism. indigenous languages being stuck in the trenches. However, a background study has provided an insight There are benefits provided by the use of the mother tongue into the crucial role of the value derived from encouraging in any official platform or official communication, and they communities, authorities and policymakers to support the use of mother-tongue instruction in the classroom. Research has cited that foreign language use in classroom teaching and learning has far-reaching effects on the poor quality of education which at times leads to school learner dropouts. This sentiment was echoed by the then Norwegian Minister of Development – at the Language Education in Africa conference, wherein he advocated the use of mother-tongue instruction in education as playing an integral part to provide greater empowerment. In addition, it maximises creativity and resourcefulness that would lead towards the promotion of community development (Skattum and Brock-Utne, 2009:19). A UNESCO report entitled ‘The Use of Vernacular languages in Education’ supports this view that the use of mother-tongue instruction in schools provides more benefits CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Continues to the next page... 11

have far-reaching effects be it in the arts (e.g., music, carrier of values, information and world-views (Donald et al comedy, etc.), business engagements and advertisements 2010:55). This is also supported by Schultz (2004:1) who (e. g., clinching business deals and selling activities). For states that a clear understanding between thought and instance, compelling scientific evidence (Johannes: 2009) language is necessary for the understanding of intellectual has shown that in Ethiopia using mother-tongue instruction development. in the teaching of Mathematics had positive results in the performance of learners. This was contrary to a fear There is also a supporting assertion from scientific research expressed by most Ethiopian learners who insist on the that lack of confidence as a result if inability to use language use of English as a medium of classroom instruction in in an academic context leads to more loss of confidence Mathematics teaching and learning. generally. It makes learners who learn in a foreign language rather than their mother tongue vulnerable to this negative Research has also attested that when people realise they are cycle. good at doing something, that boosts their self-image, thus leading to propelling their self-confidence to bigger heights. My view is that if our communities are not enlightened about And this is supported by Bhatt (2007: 70) who states that the benefits that are associated with using mother-tongue in the layman’s language, self-efficacy can be regarded as instruction in schools, they end up trapped in never-ending self-confidence towards teaching or learning. Language is socioeconomic ills. Community members and later the regarded as playing a central role in cognitive development nation become job seekers, not self-reliant economically, as as proposed by Vygostsky. He believed that language consumers rather than producers. Our mother Africa, being contains the cumulative social construction of any community the second largest continent behind Asia, with many natural of people, well phrased here in this way: ‘it is a powerful resources, surely deserves better returns than breadcrumbs offered by countries in the other six continents. CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Nickey Mokone is a Manager: Language Unit, 12 based in Eco Glades

LIFE WITH AND AFTER COVID-19 by Tholakele Radebe light at the end of the tunnel since we now have adequate supplies of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. News reports have informed us of a COVID-19 pill to be used to treat the infection after diagnosis which will be available later in the year in South Africa, so it seems many gains have been made in the fight against the disease. It has also emerged that we should now start treating the disease as an endemic one rather than a pandemic, which means we must continue to use pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions to keep ourselves and those around us safe. Just a little over two years ago we heard of an A lot has been done and a lot has been said to continue outbreak of a mysterious disease in China. Little the fight against COVID-19. We have heard some en- did we know then how much it would end up affect- couraging voices and some dissenting voices who still ing people around the world. To be honest, during won’t admit to the existence and seriousness of COV- the outbreak I never expected it to spread across ID-19. I guess we should each believe what makes sense the world. I guess I never realised how serious it to us. We have even heard of cases where one must was until it reached our shores. Then things started choose between getting vaccinated or losing one’s job. changing in earnest. Everyday life as we knew it Many employers have had to draft what is now popularly changed overnight. known as “No Jab, No Job Policies’’ in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus and protect their employees. Ulti- I first came to the shocking realisation of how serious mately, the choice to vaccinate or not to vaccinate is an the outbreak of the disease was when the country went individual one but it also affects everyone. on lockdown for the first time in March 2020. Back then I thought to myself after the 21 days of the initial lock- So, how will life be after COVID-19? We are yet to see, down life would go back to normal. I later realised how but we’ll always remain hopeful that things will eventually naïve I was about pandemics when the outbreak got get better and be grateful that we have been given this more and more serious, and lockdowns continued. I chance to live through the pandemic. It is a story that will then started panicking and asking myself when all the be told for generations to come. sickness and loss of life would stop and how long the restrictions would continue. It became a living night- mare. Watching news reports of the havoc COVID-19 was causing in many parts of the world added to the panic all around. At some point, I even stopped watch- ing the news with all its COVID-19 daily statistics. The future seemed very uncertain, and one was constantly worried not only about one’s health but that of fam- ily members, especially those who unfortunately got infected with coronavirus. We have passed through different COVID-19 waves of infection caused by different variants of the virus. Latest reports say we emerged from the fourth wave some weeks ago and the big question is what to expect next. There is still a lot of uncertainty but there seems to be a CLICK HERE FOR NEXT PAGE Tholakele Radebe is a Copy Editor based in Eco 13 Glades



THE FUN PAGE This week we look at the funny side of budgeting. We hope you enjoy it! NOTE TO READERS: What kind of content would you like to see on this page in future editions? We would love to hear from you! Kindly send your suggestions to: internalcommunique@raf.co.za