Tebogo Msimanga|
“One of the best ways to honour the memory of those who have departed due to COVID-19 is to vow to never let our guard down in an effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.”
These are the sentiments of Gauteng Health MEC Jacob Mamabolo as the province takes part in the national five days of mourning to pay tribute to victims of COVID-19 and to remember victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
In Gauteng, 4989 people have died as a result of COVID-19. The Gauteng Department of Health lost 45 employees to date.
“The health workers who died did not die in vain. They lost their lives in the line of duty working hard to ensure that we minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We owe them a debt of gratitude and we need to continue working hard to stop the spread of Coronavirus in their honour.”
MEC Mamabolo further stated that it is important during this period to also ensure that government intensifies its work with all stakeholders to put an end to GBV which has been described as the second pandemic ravaging our society.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 11 November 2020 that Cabinet has decided that from the 25th to 29th of November, the nation should embark on five days of mourning in remembrance of all those who have departed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and gender-based violence.
During this period the national flag will fly at half-mast throughout the country from 6am to 6pm.