BORING LOCKDOWN FULL OF SURPRISES FOR MANY

MBABANE – Having some fun during isolation comes natural for many emaSwati who are experiencing a partial lockdown for the first time in their lifetime.
The partial lockdown, which will have attributes of a full lockdown next week was announced to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

However, some workaholics have seized the moment to get up to date with studies, improve their businesses remotely from home, or forge some work related tasks.

lazing

Most people who are lazing around have posted on social media how they used their time in a lax manner to do tasks such as counting the number of rice or sugar grains in a 500 grammes packet or coming up with strange games.

Others created home gyms to ensure that they did not lose momentum on building muscles.
Most people said they were surprised at the rate monthly groceries were being depleted in their pantries and refrigerators. They said food that was planned to last for a month was getting finished in two weeks.

profitably

Mater Dolorosa High School Form V pupil Paul Mamba of Extension 3 in Mbabane, said he was using the time profitably to prepare for the final examination.
“I have never allowed myself to lose time. Luckily, our teachers are sending us some study materials and past exam papers, which is what I use to study hard even in this lockdown. We were also informed that after the lockdown, there would be a series of test. I start studying after breakfast at 9 am until 5pm. When everything is quiet at night, I also study until 10 pm,” he said.

Titus Thwala, the former MP at Zombodze Emuva said he had maintained a busy schedule, taking advantage of the situation to read more books and clear weeds in his crops.

comfort

“I’m up at 4am and then I do some praying and reading. Then I go and work in my maize fields, where I clear the weeds until 9.30 am in the comfort of my living rooms. I then return to feed the pigs and take a rest. From 12 noon I begin to work indoors on my computer, where I do consultancy work for colleges and university students locally and abroad,” he said.

Kidwell Nkutha, a family man of Nhlambeni and school head teacher said he took pride in his village chickens, which he feeds every morning and then did menial home chores before reading newspapers and books.
A public servant who was found at home, Mfabantfu, said he was pleased that as from Monday he would work from home.
“To me this is a lovely holiday because government said we should work from home but did not give me any working tools. I have already organised myself to build a barn for my crops as harvest time is drawing near,” he said. 

Sithembile Masuku, also a government clerk, said she had sent her house maid away and was surprised at how much work there was at home.
“I used to assume that she was lazy, but I see that she is a hard worker because at times by 11am, I find that I’m not even halfway done with household chores.

demand

MTN Eswatini Manager Corporate Affairs Mandla Luphondvo said his company was offering a ‘Work from Home’ bundle which is a highly subsidised offer for those whose demand for data has increased.

“Related to this offer is that all our WOW bundles now come with 100 per cent bonus. Students, who are currently at home will have zero-rated access to several educational websites, which we are rolling out in the coming week,” he said

Meanwhile, government has insisted that government workers should work from home, apart from those in essential service.
Police are ensuring that people only go to town if there is a pressing need.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: