Growing up, there used to be an exercise book that would circulate whenever there was a funeral in the neighbourhood. In it, would be recorded the contribution of each house towards funeral expenses (it was fixed).

And then each household also had to send over some mealie-meal.

I don't know how many of those trips I did. Over a hundred. From age 14 to 18, I was usually the designated courier of mealie-meal to whichever household was bereaved.

It wasnt a duty I questioned, it was just how things were done. It wasn't something remarkable to me. It is now

Sometimes, I'd struggle to find the house in question. Because the funeral-book covered a vast area, some places would be unfamiliar to me.

Also, one had to dress modestly for the courier role. I took my attires seriously, I didn't want the family to think I wasn't respectful

So you'd show up, a perfect stranger. Armed with a house number, checking for a conspicuous red cloth (or other material) that'd be tied to the gate... signalling that there was a funeral at the home.

You'd show up with your mealie meal, your modest clothes and your best manners

I'm reminded of this practice, in light of the corona virus. I'm reminded of the strength of community, the power of empathy and the unity of purpose that anchors so many of our communities, in innocuous and seemingly unremarkable ways.

I'm reminded of how unity triumphs.

The problem with how some folk discuss the coronavirus is that they make it seem as though those who contract it are now their sworn enemies, they speak of them so callously.

As if they acquired the virus, with the specific intent of hurting you? We can do better. Much better.

So whilst you're outchea demanding to be told the names of those who have contracted Covid-19, letting fear make you unkind, allowing paranoia to make you cruel... you are choosing to be the worst version of yourself, at a time when we owe (yes owe) each other empathy, solidarity

So I’m thinking. Let’s go back to being the people who grew up in such solidarity... who were raised on such communal values of solidarity and Ubuntu

Values based on the knowledge that, just like death, misfortune (in this case) ill-health can visit any of us, any time
#Empathy