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​The ravages of the Coronavirus have not spared the City. As of 7 July 2021, Group Safety, Health and Environment, which tracks citywide screening and Covid-19 testing, informed us that we have unfortunately lost a total of 76 officials in the municipality.
 
These 76 officials were mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandmothers and grandfathers to scores of families. They were colleagues who also played a key role in ensuring that service delivery is indeed accelerated for our residents. They were not just numbers. 

In scores of offices around the City, there are empty desks where the fallen colleagues used to sit. Some offices have gone quiet. The office joker is no more. The one who was so skilful at breaking the tension is gone, leaving the City all the poorer.
 
The sad passing of our colleagues and councillors means that we have lost all that institutional memory they possessed and freely shared with the rest of us. Institutional memory is not something you build overnight. It takes years to acquire and impart. They died in the trenches and we have to pick up the baton and meaningfully transform the lives of our residents.
 
I implore you to strictly follow the Covid-19 protocols. I urge you not to give in to Covid fatigue. Yes, I know the masks can be uncomfortable and make talking difficult, but let’s ensure that this terrible third wave is the last. All who qualify to get the vaccine are begged to please register and get the life-saving jab.
 
Let’s practice physical distancing but also offer social connections to those affected and infected by the virus. We dare not ostracize our infected colleagues. A phone call, a bouquet of flowers, a WhatsApp message and meditations can brighten the lives of colleagues who are in isolation.
 
Please wash your hands as often as possible. If that’s not possible, sanitise regularly.
 
The City, through the Employee Assistance Programme, is offering counselling services to officials and their families who are affected or have come down with the Coronavirus. All the seven regions have EAP representatives who are a phone call away. Let’s please use this invaluable service.
 
In the meantime, let’s ensure that service delivery is not impacted and let’s honour the memories of our fallen colleagues by striving to make Joburg a truly world-class African City.
 
Written by Floyd Brink
Acting City Manager
City of Joburg

08/07/2021