Reflecting on South Africa's First Lockdown: Four Years Later - Be Relevant

Over four years ago, on March 27, 2020, South Africa faced an unprecedented moment in history as the nation entered its first lockdown in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time when the world was brought to its knees by a virus that seemed to touch every aspect of life. Fear, confusion, and uncertainty spread as fast as the virus itself, and the future felt clouded in doubt.

Nelson Mandela’s words came to mind during that difficult time: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” These words became more than just a quote; they became a mantra for so many of us.

As a country, we were scared, isolated, and anxious about the unknown future, but there was also a quiet resilience. In the face of chaos, something beautiful emerged: hope. Hope, while fragile, proved to be a lifeline for many. It bloomed amid the anxiety, providing a sense of unity and purpose, especially when everything else felt uncertain.

Photo credit: Josh Rubin

Hope in the Midst of Fear

The early days of the lockdown were filled with a shared sense of struggle, but also a collective spirit that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day. We learned, quickly and together, how to adapt. We embraced the basics of personal hygiene, wearing masks and sanitizing religiously, but we also embraced a new language of kindness, tolerance, and support.

The streets were quiet, but across the country, we held hands in spirit. South Africans from all walks of life showed compassion. We became grateful for even the smallest of blessings—be it health, food on the table, or simply the ability to connect with loved ones virtually.

Those 21 days of lockdown, which turned into months for many, were marked by a profound shift in perspective. Despite the uncertainty, a spirit of solidarity blossomed across the nation. We shared resources, checked on one another, and adapted to a new reality. And through it all, we remained hopeful.

Photo credit: Josh Rubin

One Last Sunset

We still remember the evening before the lockdown began, when families and friends gathered to watch the sunset, wondering if things would ever be the same again. That day, the 26th of March 2020, felt like the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The next morning, our cities stood still, as we retreated into our homes for the collective safety of the nation.

Would our cities look the same when we finally re-emerged? Would we be the same people after months of isolation? These questions hung in the air as we adjusted to life under lockdown. The initial 21 days stretched on, and as we stayed indoors, our cities did indeed transform, but so did we. We found strength we didn’t know we had, and our community bonds deepened in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

Photo credit: Josh Rubin

The Spirit of Ubuntu Lives On

Four years later, we reflect on that moment in history not just with a sense of disbelief at how quickly the world changed, but with gratitude for the lessons learned. South Africa’s spirit of Ubuntu, our belief in shared humanity, carried us through. As difficult as those days were, we united in our shared struggle, and together, we endured.

Through the dark days of the pandemic, the words of our national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, took on new meaning:

“Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.”

We stood together then, and we continue to stand together today, stronger for having weathered the storm.