Just a few months ago it was something affecting other people in a country far, far away. The chances of it coming here were slim, we were told. Don’t panic.
But just look at us now. Like the rest of the world, we’re living life under a cloud of COVID-19 – and people are losing their lives.
As the virus continues its relentless march across the world, stories of both heartache and hope are emerging about South Africans affected by the disease.
ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
NALEDI RADEBE (29)
When Naledi Radebe set off on her holiday to the United Kingdom, she could have never foreseen the frightening turn her trip would take.
The model and content creator from Johannesburg was spending time with family in London when she first started experiencing a tight chest and difficulty breathing.
It was Sunday 15 March – the same day President Cyril Ramaphosa made his first address to South Africa about the measures that would be put in place to try to curb the virus.
Terrified she wouldn’t be able to return, Naledi decided to take the first flight back home. “That was pretty much the international sentiment then – get home.”
Now, chatting to us via video call, Naledi is in her 17th day of self-isolation at home. She’s holding up okay, she says. “At this point, I actually feel like I’m becoming a professional at it.”
Naledi is well on her way to a full recovery but it’s been an unsettling experience.
Denne historien er fra 16 April 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra 16 April 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest
