MASK UP: COVID-19 infections in Africa drastically snowballing
WeekendLife
December 2019 was the time a case of the contagious Corona-virus was first identified in Wuhan, China. The world has never been the same again, as the deadly virus swept across countries and killed many people.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are variable, but often include fever, cough, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and loss of smell and taste. African countries felt the heat too, as the first case reached the continent through travelers returning from hotspots in Asia, Europe and the United States. The first COVID-19 case was recorded in Egypt on 14 February. Since then a total of 52 countries have reported cases.
Most African countries took swift action early on, and it is largely thanks to these efforts to limit gatherings and strengthen public health capacities. Governments introduced back-to-back lockdowns, curfews and the compulsory wearing of masks in public places.
Some countries suspended forthwith cross-border trading, save for commercial and transit cargo related to essential and critical services. Air transportation, tourism and social events were at one point shelved to mitigate the spread of this virus. For many countries, this mechanism helped reduce infections, however, numbers dont lie. COVID-19 in Africa has since taken a drastic turn, with numbers now surging at an alarming rate.
The neighboring South Africa has from the onset, been the only country in Africa with the highest number of COVID-19 cases. As of Monday January 4th 2021, there were over 1 Million (1 113 349) infections after the country recorded 12 601 new cases post festive season.
The number of Corona-virus deaths in South Africa has now surpassed the 30 000 mark, the highest in the entire continent. Gauteng province continue to record most cases of the COVID-19, now leading with over 301 thousand cases.
Reports from South Africa say mortuaries have ran out of space as COVID-19 bodies pile up. Funeral parlor owners say they are under immense pressure and are battling to cope with the high number of burials they have to perform due to deaths from the contagious Corona-virus.
The country is currently under level 3 lockdown. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during an address that there will be a nationwide curfew from 9PM to 6AM, subsequently banning the sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption.
In Botswana, President Mokgweetsi Masisi extended a curfew until January 31st 2021. In his address to the nation this week, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Edwin Dikoloti said there shall be no movement of people between 8PM and 4AM until month end while the Presidential COVID-19 Task Force team continue to assess the complexity of the virus.
Botswana currently have over 13 thousand (13 613) confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus, with a significant number of recoveries that stood at over 12 thousand (12 481), as of Monday this week. The Corona-virus claimed over 45 Batswana lives. There were 563 new cases confirmed on Monday.
According to COVID-19 Case Report, there are 553 859 total tests conducted, 407 055 of which were local tests, while 1827 were transferred out. Zimbabwe has 15,829 confirmed Corona-virus cases and 384 deaths as of January 5, 2021. In response to increased COVID infections, the government instituted a new nationwide lockdown on January 5. Curfew is in effect from 6PM to 6AM. International air travel is still permitted, subject to testing requirements, while international land travel and inter-provincial/inter-city travel are largely prohibited.
As of December 1, the government of Zimbabwe requires all new arrivals to the country to present a negative COVID-19 test result issued within the previous 48 hours.The government provides no option for testing upon arrival for such travelers.
In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, COVID-19 has found its adventure playground. Tunisia and Egypt are two countries with most cases and deaths recorded, with 139 140 and 138 062 cases. From both countries combined, there are over 10 thousand deaths related to COVID-19.
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Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.
Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.
In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.
“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,” she said.
Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.
“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,” she stresses.
Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.
She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.”
Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.
As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.
“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.”
In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.
AUBREY LUTE
STAFF WRITER
Happiness research is proving to be a game changer for the environment, as it challenges the traditional notions of success and well-being that have led to environmental destruction. Author Jeff Golden, in his book Reclaiming the Sacred, highlights the findings that money and possessions account for only a small percentage of people’s happiness. Beyond meeting basic needs, additional money does not significantly increase happiness and can even undermine well-being by compromising relationships, leisure time, and gratitude.
This luminous work, crowned as the pinnacle of environmental literature by IndieReader and hailed across genres at the Nautilus Book Awards, shares prestigious laurels with luminaries such as the Dalai Lama and Brené Brown. It delves deep into the heart of happiness, revealing a threadbare connection to material wealth that has been our misdirected pursuit since the twilight of the 1940s.
The decline in happiness in the United States and other industrialized nations since the 1940s can be attributed to the emphasis on economic growth and consumption as measures of success. This focus has led to environmental destruction and a disconnect from the joy and wonder inherent in the world. By shifting our relationships with money and possessions, we have the opportunity to elevate our quality of life and reconnect with what truly matters.
One of the key insights from happiness research is that people living in serious poverty are still satisfied with their lives, while wealthy individuals often struggle to find happiness. Money does not equate to happiness, and the pursuit of wealth can actually diminish the ability to savor positive emotions and experiences. Even lottery winners find that their happiness levels return to baseline within a few months.
The optimal amount of work to maximize happiness is around 8 hours a week, highlighting the importance of balance and leisure time in well-being. By reevaluating our priorities and shifting away from materialism, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life.
Further explorations in Golden’s magnum opus present a paradox of satisfaction amidst scarcity, with a significant majority finding contentment in the face of poverty, juxtaposed against the fleeting happiness of wealth. The narrative delves into the diminishing returns of affluence on the ability to cherish life’s fleeting moments and the ephemeral nature of fortune’s favor. It posits a provocative thesis on the optimal engagement in work for harvesting happiness, challenging the sanctity of the 40-hour workweek.
Jeff Golden, with his background in sustainable development and environmental advocacy, brings a unique perspective to the discussion of happiness and its impact on the environment. Through his book Reclaiming the Sacred, he encourages readers to reconsider their relationship with money and possessions and embrace a more holistic approach to well-being.
The happiness research is a powerful tool for promoting environmental sustainability. By recognizing that true happiness lies beyond material wealth, we can make choices that benefit both ourselves and the planet. It is time to reclaim the sacredness of ourselves and the world around us, and create a more harmonious and fulfilling future for all.
The outgoing Miss Botswana Lesego Chombo says her participation at the on-going Miss World beauty competition has grown her to be an ambassador of Botswana and the African continent at large.
Chombo has made history as the first participant from Botswana to perform exceptionally well at Miss World, with former Miss Botswana Emma Wareus being the second best after placing first runner up in 2010.
The Miss World Top 4 finalist is the first to place in all Miss World Fast Track events, and winning some in the process.
She is also the first Miss Botswana to perform at the Miss World Beauty-with-a-Purpose Gala Dinner.
Further, Chombo is the only Miss Botswana participant at the pageant to have her Beauty-with-a-Purpose project in the Top 10.
Chombo is the first Miss Botswana to place high in Talent Fast Track event.
Meanwhile, Miss World finale will be broadcasting live this Saturday on BTV and the Miss World website and YouTube.