Joburg COVID-19 Lockdown Journal: Day 9
If you’re new to this blog series and don’t know what’s happening with South Africa’s 21-day lockdown, my first post has all the details. Or read all my lockdown posts.
Welcome to Day 900 of the South African lockdown.
Jokes. It’s not Day 900, it’s Day 9. But at this point I need to force myself to have a sense of humor about the situation.
It’s been raining for three straight days. I feel a new kind of loneliness that I can’t quite put into words yet. It’s cold. People are starving. Everyone is in a bad mood – especially me. Oh, and there’s a virus out there killing people.
Also I’m questioning my decision to blog every day of the lockdown, which may or may not actually end after 21 days. (It probably won’t.)
Since I feel compelled to wallow in self pity today – and I’m sure you all have more than enough self pity to go around already – I’m going to keep this post short and skip right to today’s worthy cause.
Before I do that…Thank you so much to everyone who donated to yesterday’s worthy cause: Bongani’s #SpazaShopChallenge. I’ve processed about R4000 on my end and I know many other people donated straight to Bongani. Please keep them coming and help fulfill Bongani’s goal to feed 100 families in Katlehong.
Today’s Worthy Cause
Today I’m featuring local restaurants who have launched fundraising campaigns to support their staff members.
In South Africa, as in other countries, restaurants and bars were among the first businesses to get crushed by COVID-19. Many were forced to close even before the lockdown started, and the owners had to temporarily lay off all their staff. These restaurant workers rely on tips to feed their families. Now they have nothing.
Many restaurants have started GoFundMe and BackABuddy fundraisers to help support their staff during this time.
I can’t possibly feature all the Joburg restaurants doing fundraisers, so here are the three I know of in Melville (my home suburb). I love all three of these places:
Spilt Milk Café: https://gogetfunding.com/spilt-milk-melville-corona-virus-plea-for-help-march-2020/
Six Cocktail Bar: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/six-restaurant
The Whippet: https://gogetfunding.com/the-whippet-support-fund-we-need-your-help/
Feel free to suggest other Joburg restaurants in the comments section.
Until tomorrow.
Comments
It’s getting to me, too. We’re on week 3? Maybe? I can still walk the dogs, but that’s about it.
Last night social media carried the horror hitting NYC and the healthcare workers there and it was just… Waves of despair because it didn’t need to be like this. And it wouldn’t have been like this if stupid, racist people hadn’t voted for Trump.
Yep, I hear you. I really struggle to read the news about America right now. It’s so hard. And even though we have a way more competent president than Trump in SA, it is still so horrific :(
Hi Heather, I am so sorry it is cold and rainy in Johannesburg. I know this may sound strange considering how you feel today but I look forward to your blog every single day during the lockdown. Please don’t stop writing - we are all on a roller coaster ride of emotions every day. You are not alone. Thank you for sharing the links to support businesses as well as information about what is really going on in South Africa. Hoping day 10 brings some sunshine your way! Best, Natalie
Aw, thanks so much Natalie. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. I hope you and your family are doing well.
The sun will shine tomorrow and when it does we’ll be back on track.
Yes :)
Yes! Please don’t stop writing even if it can’t be anything but gloomy. I for one, would like to know how you…..and South Africa are doing. I’m in Seattle and just yesterday I “went” to my usual yoga class…now on zoom. One of the others chimed in that she was in SA! No further info but I had spent the morning mentally in Inanda circa 1957 for my memoir project so it felt fitting! Connection, no matter how fleeting or minimal is good!
Thanks Brenda. I guess that’s one of the positive outcomes from this crisis - we’re learning how to connect with each other in new ways.
Also waiting for the sun. Please. Sunshine makes everything feel so much better…
Yes. Rain is good for a day or two but it’s enough now!
Yes, a few days ago I had constant rain, and in my tin can I felt glum. Now it’s a bit better, some sun at times, makes a big difference. I keep thinking about three young guys who worked at a coffee shop I used to frequent. Hoping they can access the government funds. Yesterday went to a nearby farmers market, still open as regarded as essential, just hope it continues, it was good to talk with them about their products. One vegetable grower has been using the same line of Roma tomato seeds for forty years, no gmo seeds. They tasted fabulous, just like ones I grew thirty years ago. Still to taste the artisan chocolate I bought, saving that for special occasions????
Ahhhhhh. What I wouldn’t do for a farmer’s market or a decent tomato ????
When you come over I’ll make sure to find a luscious one for you!
Sending a virtual sunshine your way. At least, weather forecast said it’s warmer today.
I thought gloom at first about the rain. I don’t like rain, except when sleeping, so I don’t like to be out when it’s wet. That’s when I decided that this is nature’s way of helping us to not feel terrible about not being able to go out. I would have been indoors the whole time anyway, Covid-19 or not.
Yes, I have mixed feelings about it. I know I’ll miss the rain come July. But three straight days was too much!
And yay! We have a break from the rains. We can even have a braai right now? After all, a family needs to eat. ????
I hope you’re feeling better. ????
Yes! Go for it. I feel sooooooo much better.
Awesomeness! ???? While hubby takes care of the braai, I’ll be catching up on some reading. Your blog looks amazing. That’s what’s on my TBR. ????
You are not allowed to stop your daily blog Heather - we all need you!! Today looks like it could be sunny again so hopefully you will be feeling better. It is a really tough time - just so grateful I am not being locked down in a small flat/no garden/no balcony. My garden is my sanctuary at this time.
Me too. And yay for sun!
I’m trying to do the same thing (though as a novice blogger) in New Zealand. We are on Day 11 here of an initial 28 days. Please oh please oh please let us go to “Level 3” after 28 days - we have a 4 level system although the government is figuring out what the different levels mean as we go because they certainly didn’t have time beforehand. https://janeshearernet.wordpress.com/
Thanks for the message Jane! Will check out your blog. Best of luck in New Zealand.
Heather, please confirm whether my comments are getting to you. Thanks. Please keep bloggong. xxx
Hi Lesley, yep I’ve received this! Not sure about previous ones though?
Hope you are feeling more cheerful with today’s glorious weather
Yes!