27 Apr 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has reportedly birthed social stigma and discriminatory behaviour against people who had contracted the virus.

Some of those who suffered stigmatisation have thus called for an end to any other form of inhumane treatment against affected people, because the virus knows no bounderies.

One such, Kgosi Babinang Majatsie revealed in an interview that stigmatisation was real and called on members of the community to change that mindset.

He acknowledged that it was understandable that there was anxiety, confusion and fear among the public, but during these difficult times, people should show empathy and support one another.

Kgosi Majatsie said he tested positive on March 1, but he was now fully recovered and back at work.

He stated that he did not panic when he was told that he had tested positive, because he was already in home quarantine for contact tracing.

Although he said the home isolation period was not easy as he experienced stigma and discrimination, he did not let the situation disrupt his focus and road to recovery.

He credited his family for his survival and recovery, saying they walked the journey with him and encouraged him to always steam, drink hot water, ginger, garlic and follow all the health officials’ instructions.

Kgosi Majatsie said the statement that ‘when times are hard, friends are few’ resonated well with his situation, as apart from his family, only a few friends and some colleagues called to check on him.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic had taught him that one had to accept their health status once diagnosed and treat it like any other disease.

He also urged the public to help fight discrimination and stigma around the coronavirus, as one of the consequences of stigma could be people being afraid to seek medical help, even when they have COVID-19-like symptoms.

Kgosi Majatsie also encouraged elders to take full responsibility for their lives by taking the vaccine.

Another survivor, Ms Itiah Hiyoveni concurred that there were reports of stigma and discrimination, but stated that she did not experience any, adding that anything was possible when one had the right support.

Ms Hiyoveni revealed that she was the one who discouraged people from coming close to her, for their own benefit as she understood the nature of the disease.

She appreciated that many people supported her all the way, although they were not allowed to visit.

The 53-year-old said she tested positive in January and was once admitted at Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital because she was critically ill.

“I felt like I was losing my mind because I experienced severe coughing, vomiting some blood, running stomach and my blood pressure was high, but I survived by God’s grace,” she said.

Ms Hiyoveni concurred that suffering from COVID-19 was not an easy journey, as one would be on her own for some days.

She also attested that steaming and drinking hot water worked wonders for her recovery, adding that she was thankful that after her recovery, the community, including her colleagues, welcomed her with open arms.

She encouraged COVID-19 patients to take care of themselves and stay home for the benefit of their families and the entire society.

She said stigma would always be there, but they should not let it prevent them from moving on with their lives. ENDS