End of Year Editor’s Note

It’s that time of the year once more where your calendar, commercials, people and decorations scream ‘Christmas’ with vigour.

Tis the season to be jolly, yes, but there is more to December… like it marking an end to a terrible year! We have lost so many this year, from family, friends, to prominent celebs from either Covid-19 or other means. 2020 has been trying! I personally found myself at times wanting to stop trying and just give up… but here we are! We somehow have made it, and I feel that deserves a round of applause to, first of all God almighty who has allowed it.

Besides the festivities, December is a month that has elements of unity, as the Day of Reconciliation is celebrated on the 16th. The holiday looks to unify and rectify racial disharmony in South Africa, a page we all can learn from. At a time filled with so much uncertainty, we can agree that we have bigger fish to fry than the learnt behaviour of racial discrimination.

World AIDS day is also observed on the 1st; we have been living with this illness in our communities for so long, yet many are still so misinformed and finding themselves living with HIV one way or the other. In between the pressures of current times, let’s find the time to learn/continue learning about HIV and AIDS, teach the young as well, and not discriminate, because it doesn’t.

I am not one to give into hype or promote panic, but I know that the Covid-19 vaccine topic is a landmine riddled with suspicion. For one, I still need a whole lot more information to make a sound decision whether I am for or against the vaccine. I highly recommend for the time being, that we enjoy the holidays with our families, unplug with loved ones, and gear up for 2021 and its immense uncertainties.

We are stepping into the New Year with the concern of the rising number of new covid-19 infections in South Africa, I pray that those fighting the virus have a speedy recovery, and for those affected to have the strength to deal. While so many get sucked into the commercialised aspect of this time of year, let’s look for a deeper notion of the festive season that will give us purpose and strength in the New Year.
Happy holidays and a blessed New Year to all our readers!!!

Hazel Lifa