Not much of a reprieve from one of the most stringent COVID-19 lockdowns in the world!

With one more week at what is now known as Level 5 (complete lockdown) to go, last night President Ramaphosa outlined what we can expect to change. Which is not much. The biggie for me is that we will be able to get out to “exercise” which means I can go for walks, instead of being in here going stir crazy.

But…and there are two big ones. One is that Westville, where I am, is in the eThekwini (Durban) Municipality which is one of the epicenters. These five different levels of shutdown can vary depending on the location. They have already said that this area may not get lowered to Level 4, which is slated to start next Friday. And the other thing is, they are saying is that “elderly” people cannot go out! NO! NO! NO! Their definition of elderly is over 60! I might have to dye my hair so they don’t automatically look at my hair and know my age!

Of course, we all know it’s the best way to ease the country into life again, but knowing doesn’t make it any easier. They didn’t ease the liquor ban, either, so I will definitely have to ration my gin.

There was no mention at all about when international travel can begin, but locally, we can travel within the province, which will be great. I can go to see Mick and Debbie. And maybe go for walk with some of my local friends. It will be such a treat to be face-to-face with people (albeit at a social distance).

Lack of Motivation

At the start of the lockdown, I got quite a lot of stuff done. But as it wore on, I lost more and more of any kind of motivation to do anything! The only way I can manage anything productive is to talk myself into doing stuff, like my exercise each morning, which I know is good for me and that I feel better when I do it. But it’s a real battle. And I don’t think I’m alone, feeling this way. It’s just so much easier to veg out with a book.

And I have to remind myself that I really don’t have it that bad, when I see what is happening in the informal settlements and townships, where the people live jammed into tiny, tin houses, often without water and sanitation. And they are hungry, as their meagre jobs have disappeared.

With so much corruption inherent in this government, I was nervous about giving to any of the numerous funds set up, but wanted to do something to help! Well, Ryan and I decided to do a giveaway promotion on the underwear site during Pride month in June. And for the giveaway, we have ordered beaded keyrings from the Hillcrest Aids Centre, aka the bead ladies at Woza Moya. They have started making them already!

I know that an order now, for them, is a godsend as their usual outlet at the store is closed down. The majority of these ladies live out in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a beautiful area but very, very rural. And a lot the women support multiple family members with their work.

And I know exactly where the money is going and how it is dispersed. They get paid first, before anyone else has dibs on any of it.

Hopefully, I will be able to go an see some of them - if the lockdown allows it. But whatever happens, I will do an article about The Bead Ladies, which will go with the giveaway to our customers, and hopefully spread the word.