The year 2020 will see many people all over the globe, including our supporters, spend this Easter differently at home, with only their close family. This is as we are all forced to abide by the government’s regulations as the country and the world continue the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.  

We all know that on a normal Easter long weekend, many of our supporters would have packed their bags, ready to travel to different parts of South Africaand neighbouring countries for different reasons. Some would be going for holiday, many visiting family and friends, while millions would be observing the Christian holy weekend with fellow church members through religious gatherings at different places of worship.

All this is unfortunately not possible after the President Cyril Ramaphosa was forced to initially announce a 21-day lockdown starting on 26 March. On the eve of Good Friday, he announced a further two weeks extension of the lockdown because ending it sooner would be catastrophic for our beloved country.

The purpose of the lockdown is to curb the spread of the Coronavirus by preventing people from crossing provincial and national borders or leaving their homes unnecessarily.

This year, as we celebrate Easter differently, let us use this time to pray for the country, those who are affected by the pandemic, health workers and our leaders who have to make tough decisions to ensure the disease is contained and does not claim too many lives.

Before the lockdown, the government met with leaders of the different religious groups so that the message can filter to the ordinary South Africans to ensure that we all pray in our homes.

In the absence of gatherings, we know that there will be different church services carried on various radio and television stations, which our supporters can listen to throughout the day. Many Men and Women of the Cloth willpreach the word and give their message of hope and sacrifice. This is the way to go at this time and we encourage supporters to listen to the Easter messages on these platforms.

We would like to once again plead with our supporters to respect the restrictions set out by the government. In doing so, we will overcome this pandemic and get back to living our normal lives.

Let’s continue to follow the government’s guidelines regarding hygiene – washing of hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds, use sanitisers, social distancing and staying at home to ensure that we are all safe.

There is a concerted effort required from all of us to ensure we overcome this crisis.

Let us keep believing that we shall overcome and give extra care to young children and the elderly.

Blessed Easter weekend to Amakhosi!