As the one-year anniversary of the first reported coronavirus case in South Africa approaches, the Sunday Tribune interviewed KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala to reflect on the Covid-19 ravaged-year that has passed.
The first confirmed case of the coronavirus in the country was reported on March 5. It happened to be that of a KZN father of two from Hilton, who had returned from a holiday in Italy. That was when Zikalala’s daily routine turned around. Live streaming, zoom meetings and sleepless nights became the new normal for him. He has been at the helm in the fight against the pandemic as chairperson of the provincial command council.
He engages with district councils and reports to the national command council chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa on every progress. When the first case was reported, KZN became a blueprint and had to lead the way.
“It demanded of us to rise to the occasion and life suddenly changed. We had to adjust to the new normal, we start a day very early and we do not know when it will end.
“The fight against the virus became a key priority which forced us to put everything in abeyance,” he said through a virtual interview. He said funds had to be reprioritised to the health department for the provision of makeshift hospitals, more staff and PPEs. Asked what was being done to prevent fraud and corruption with regard to the vaccines, Zikalala said there were preventative measures in place.
We are more proactive this time, unlike before where we had to swiftly react after the reports. We have capable management that will be deployed across the province. All systems are in place including security. We are happy with the work of law enforcement with regards to the investigation. We are monitoring the investigations that are taking place in all the municipalities,” he said.
In other news – Lunga Shabalala Joins the cast of Legacy on M-Net
Model, TV presenter and actor, Lunga Shabalala who played the role of Lindani Dhlomo on the multi-award-winning telenovela, The River is joining the cast of Legacy on M-Net. It is reported that Shabalala will play the role of Msizi Zulu’s model-c son on the novella. Learn more
Source: IOL