WHERE Italians sing opera and the British clap on their doorsteps to lift spirits during coronavirus lockdown, South Africans have rediscovered the vuvuzela as an instrument of gratitude.
The uproarious stadium trumpet – which became infamous worldwide during the 2010 World Cup when spectators blew them incessantly – can be heard in some parts of Johannesburg at about 7pm and in Cape Town, until about 8pm.
A few penetrating blasts from the Vuvuzela are understood as both comfort against the corona blues and also as thanks for the many service staff and medical helpers still working during the national lockdown.
The virus, whose magnified surface itself appears to feature a range of upturned, long-stemmed vuvuzelas, also has South Africa in its grip. With 1,749 confirmed cases and 13 Covid-19 deaths, it is the country with the highest number of cases in all of Africa.
At the same time, it has also carried out the continent’s highest number of tests – about 50,000. In the fight against the coronavirus, it has imposed one of the world’s strictest curfews - even jogging and walking the dog are prohibited - and people may only venture from their homes for essential groceries or medicine.
Never a nation to be kept down by its immense hardships, however, South Africans have shown their “gees” [spirit] by blowing their favourite sports-battle bugle, banging pots, singing the national anthem and creating humorous memes to share on social media. – dpa
