Speech by Shaun August, GOOD MP
Honourable Chair.
The Coronavirus is a new disease and medical experts around the world are learning more about the best ways to save lives every day.
Politicians are not medical experts. We listen to doctors and scientists.
In time we hope to see a vaccine or a cure. Until then, we are told the best way to save lives is to flatten the curve.
Although the virus is peaking now, there are many South Africans whose contributions to slowing the spread, and bravery under fire on the frontlines, deserve rich acknowledgement.
The President took courageous, proactive decisions. GOOD did not agree with all the regulations, but scientists say our slowing down the spread of the virus saved many lives.
We all have a duty to protect each other. Many led by example, such as the faith community that jumped into action to close places of worship during the phase of rising infections.
Where would we be without the nurses, doctors, police and prison warders; the cleaners, garbage collectors, drivers and grocery store workers?
It is these brave frontline workers who have continued to keep the country and our health care systems operational during the lockdown. They are unsung heroes.
We must also acknowledge the teachers who are placing themselves and their families at risk by going back to work to see to the education of our next generation.
If we don’t learn we are doomed to repeat mistakes of the past.
The last time South Africa was caught up in such a fast-moving pandemic was 100 years ago.
When the Spanish Flu touched down from Europe, those in power over this country did not take enough preventative action and South Africa became one of the worst affected countries in the world.
Between 200,000 and 350,000 South African died in a few months. We don’t know the exact figures because the deaths of black people were not well documented.
But what we do know from this bitter experience, and medical experts across the world agree, is that allowing such a virus to run free in our communities until so many people are infected that it stops spreading is the wrong approach.
GOOD continues to advocate that we stay safe, follow the rules, wear masks, sanitise and make as little contact with those particularly, our elderly who are most vulnerable.
By staying safe, we can keep our loved ones safe.
I thank you.