HERE’S TO 2020 - ‘WON’!

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We can all agree that when the year 2020 started, we all had high hopes.

Why not, Eswatini had after all been recognised by the world as the fifth best destination to visit globally. 

We were looking to tourism to be one of the contributors to our dwindling economy. 

Our hopes were so high that we even christened the year as ‘20-Plenty’, but as the saying goes, ‘man makes plans and God laughs’. 

Government had called 2020 the year of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and had a promising economic recovery plan. 

With a government that had, in the previous year, presented a promising strategic plan to revive the economy, we were never ready for what was headed our way and to date we still aren’t. 

Eswatini recorded its first COVID-19-related death in April, but by then we were already living under what has been dubbed the new normal. Schools and universities were closed while unnecessary travel was restricted. It was going to be the start of many cancellation of events, of note being the King’s Birthday celebrations and Easter or Good Friday services. 

lockdown 

As the partial lockdown continued we waited with bated breath as the Minister of Health, Lizzie Nkosi, gave us sometimes shocking statistics of people who had contracted the virus. This was when we also started witnessing the effects of the pandemic on our economy. Businesses were closed, in particular the hospitality industry, hairdressing salons were banned from operating and many layoffs were implemented by companies as thousands lost jobs without any form of income. There was nowhere to run to as even places of worship were only allowed to host 20 people. The year made us miss sporting events as attending a football match for example with your loved ones was no longer an option, let alone going on vacation with our families and friends as the border gates were ‘closed’. Other industries that suffered huge losses were that of entertainment and liquor as concerts and pubs were put under strict bans. 

The most saddening was of course the loss of our friends, family members and prominent people. We lost the very same people we believed had a lot to contribute in helping our country become better, including the Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini. 

He had so many dreams to help turn the country’s economic fortunes around. Today, he is no more and the Strategic Road map he presented remains unfinished business. 

However, it is unfortunate that despite all the infections and deaths which continue to engulf us, some of us have remained irresponsible.

 What with the over 260 pupils who were impregnated mostly by adult males? Some people have continued not to adhere to the health guidelines which include simple tasks of wearing a mask, social distancing and washing hands despite numerous reminders from government and the frontline workers who are struggling to cope. Having outlined the above, we must bear in mind that for every challenge, there is a lesson to be learnt. 

lessons 

With the COVID-19 situation, there are many lessons to be learnt. We can hope that our government will make it a priority to have strategies in place for the country to deal with any disaster that may arise. 

The fact that the pandemic struck when we did not have a disaster fund in place is a sign that there is a lot that needs to be done. We cannot rely on donors forever. 

With today being the last day of 2020, there is hope that if we all come together as a united front we can conquer this pandemic in this coming New Year. Let us claim back our lives and win 2021. 

To our healthcare workers who are still standing in the frontline despite all the challenges, you are our heroes. To our readers and the nation at large, it’s a wrap. May God bless you all. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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