SA remembers fifth anniversary of Covid-19 lockdown

TODAY marks the fifth anniversary of South Africa's first lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a day that will forever remain etched in the memories of millions of people around the country.

- LUNGANI ZUNGU

Prominent movie-maker Dr Eubulus Timothy has embarked on a symbolic initiative, encouraging people across the country to pause around midday (today) and remember the more than 100000 people who died when the deadly pandemic struck.

The initiative is dubbed "Life Unusual".

"We are encouraging people to stop at midday and just remember the people who died at the time, around the country. The pandemic changed the way we do things, which is why this initiative is called Life Unusual. Everything changed." he said.

Later on Thursday at 7h30 pm, Timothy said there will be a gathering at the North Beach North Pier, where he urged residents to attend.

Timothy said: "Those who attend will get an opportunity to drop flowers into the ocean as a remembrance of those who passed on."

Britain, where more than 270 000 people died as a result of the pandemic, hosted a similar event last week.