WHERE AND WITH WHOM ARE YOU SPENDING THE LOCKDOWN? I'm at home in the East Rand with my mother and son.

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT BEFORE THE LOCKDOWN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR VIEW OF LIFE, AND HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED? I've learnt that things can change at any given time. Tomorrow is not promised. This period has also taught me to never take anything for granted.

THE UNIVERSITY IS WORKING TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE REMOTE MULTIMODAL TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT. HOW DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LECTURERS, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES ACCOMPANIED BY ONLINE LEARNING, AND WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THIS NEW LEARNING MODE? I keep in touch with my lecturers by email. By far, the biggest challenge of online learning has been network/Internet problems, as well as data charges.

AS A BUDDING JOURNALIST, WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF THE MEDIA'S WAY OF DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ON THE SITUATION, AND WHAT MEDIA DO YOU FOLLOW TO STAY INFORMED? All information provided by the media has been highly informative and helpful. The media keeps us updated on all the latest news, as well as other occurrences during the lockdown. I stay informed by watching the news, YouTube and keeping an eye on the news24 and eNCA apps.

HOW HAS PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA HANDLED THE SITUATION, GIVEN THAT HE HAS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY CURB THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS AND PROTECT THE ECONOMY? Very well. It has forced him to take extra precautions and make tough decisions to ensure that the spread of the virus lessens, the safety of our citizens are paramount, and that funds for the poor and those in need are made available. He is trying his utmost to ensure that people do not lose their jobs and that our economy picks up after the lockdown.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF DR BLADE NZIMANDE'S PROPOSED MEASURES TO KEEP HIGHER EDUCATION'S WHEELS TURNING DURING THE LOCKDOWN? It was unfair of Dr Nzimande to offer only NSFAS-funded students laptops as well as monthly data, because many other students are not funded. Online learning will be a problem, as some students live in rural areas and have no access to the Internet as well as other resources.

HOW CAN EACH SOUTH AFRICAN PLAY HIS/HER PART TO ENSURE THE CURB OF THE VIRUS, TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THAT MEASURES SUCH AS SOCIAL DISTANCING ETC. ARE MORE EASILY SAID THAN DONE IN MANY OF OUR COMMUNITIES? Government should train individuals to go into different communities and educate people, especially the poor, on measures they can take to stop the spread of the virus. All functional facilities should take extra precautions to ensure that every individual accessing them are safe, e.g. shops should provide sanitisers to shoppers and social distancing should be strictly monitored.

NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY ABOUT THE BANNING OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS, SUCH AS CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL? ISN'T IT INFRINGING ON OUR HUMAN RIGHTS? It is, but it’s for our own good. I fully support the ban on these products. For instance, if alcohol was accessible, people would be in pubs and clubs having fun in groups, which would increase the spread of the virus.

ON 27 APRIL, SOUTH AFRICANS CELEBRATED FREEDOM DAY, ALBEIT IN A QUITE DIFFERENT FASHION THIS YEAR. WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU IN A TIME THAT MANY PEOPLE DO NOT FEEL FREE AT ALL? Freedom Day is South Africa’s annual celebration of the first democratic elections of 1994. This day symbolizes peace, unity, and the preservation and restoration of human dignity. This year, for the first time in 26 years, people did not celebrate the day as freely as always. Instead, the lockdown made them spend it mainly indoors.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO FELLOW STUDENTS DURING THIS TIME OF ANXIETY AND FEAR? Stay informed. Stay safe. Wash your hands regularly. Wear your mask when leaving the house, and always try to educate the next person about the virus.

WHERE AND WITH WHOM ARE YOU SPENDING THE LOCKDOWN? Alone in Pretoria, as I'm providing essential media services as part of my internship.

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT BEFORE THE LOCKDOWN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR VIEWS, AND HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED? I've learnt that there are stuff we can certainly live without (e.g. fast foods). I've saved money and motivate myself by keeping my ears on the ground (news), following social media, reading books and keeping in contact with my family.

THE UNIVERSITY IS WORKING TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE REMOTE MULTIMODAL TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT. HOW DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LECTURERS, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES ACCOMPANIED BY ONLINE LEARNING, AND WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THIS NEW LEARNING MODE? My lecturers contact us through e-mails and MyTutor notice boards. Challenges include a lack of Internet signal, especially for students who live in deep rural areas, lack of gadgets, and data to access websites. Some students can simply not function properly without physical classes.

AS A BUDDING JOURNALIST, WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF THE MEDIA'S WAY OF DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ON THE SITUATION, AND WHAT MEDIA DO YOU FOLLOW TO STAY INFORMED? I follow almost all platforms of media, including radio, newspapers, television, social and digital media. I'm very satisfied with the way the media is reporting on the pandemic by upholding the highest ethical standards to report, even though some people use social media to circulate conspiracy theories, like the 5G-theory.

HOW HAS PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA HANDLED THE SITUATION, GIVEN THAT HE HAS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY CURB THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS AND PROTECT THE ECONOMY? He is handling the situation very well by implementing the lockdown to slow down the spread of the virus. This will save a lot of lives, provided that people adhere to the rules.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF DR BLADE NZIMANDE'S PROPOSED MEASURES TO KEEP HIGHER EDUCATION'S WHEELS TURNING DURING THE LOCKDOWN? I'm very satisfied with his proposals. The main priority now is to save lives, while also saving the academic calendar. It will not be easy, especially for students who live in rural areas.

HOW CAN EACH SOUTH AFRICAN PLAY HIS/HER PART TO ENSURE THE CURB OF THE VIRUS, TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THAT MEASURES SUCH AS SOCIAL DISTANCING ETC. ARE MORE EASILY SAID THAN DONE IN MANY OF OUR COMMUNITIES? The community must try by all means to stay home and go out only to get essential goods. They must wear masks when leaving home and sanitise their hands at all times.

NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY ABOUT THE BANNING OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS, SUCH AS CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL? ISN'T IT INFRINGING ON OUR HUMAN RIGHTS? It might, but the right to life is overriding here. We know how reckless people can act when they are under the influence of alcohol. We also know that smoking damages the lungs, therefore we can not risk saying smokers must continue while we all know Covid-19 targets the respiratory system.

ON 27 APRIL, SOUTH AFRICANS CELEBRATED FREEDOM DAY, ALBEIT IN A QUITE DIFFERENT FASHION THIS YEAR. WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU IN A TIME THAT MANY PEOPLE DO NOT FEEL FREE AT ALL? This year’s Freedom Day was no ordinary commemoration of our freedom and democracy. We are now living under severe restrictions. But, we have to agree that we are facing a pandemic and allow Government to implement the lockdown in a manner that does not cause unnecessary panic, pain and hardship for communities. Respect the privacy of Covid-19 patients, confidentiality of medical information, and protect the right to education.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO FELLOW STUDENTS DURING THIS TIME OF ANXIETY AND FEAR? We've been through crises before and came out stronger. During the last century, our country has experienced pandemics and wars and it has always recovered. I want to reassure my fellow students that life will get back to normal eventually. Hope is not just believing things will get better, it's taking action to make that happen. Let's adhere to the lockdown rules. Wash your hands regularly, or use alcohol-based sanitiser, observe social distance, and wear masks. We can overcome this, together!

WHERE AND WITH WHOM ARE YOU SPENDING THE LOCKDOWN? I'm at home in Ga-Rankuwa with my family. I came here as soon as the lockdown was announced.

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT BEFORE THE LOCKDOWN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR VIEW OF LIFE, AND HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED? This pandemic has made us return to our primal value, which is caring for each other. South Africans are holding hands to make sure that everyone is fed during the lockdown. This is so patriotic.

THE UNIVERSITY IS WORKING TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE REMOTE MULTIMODAL TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT. HOW DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LECTURERS, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES ACCOMPANIED BY ONLINE LEARNING, AND WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THIS NEW LEARNING MODE? We have an online class session via the Zoom app. The only challenge is getting everyone on board, as connectivity and data can be a hustle.

AS A BUDDING JOURNALIST, WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF THE MEDIA'S WAY OF DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ON THE SITUATION, AND WHAT MEDIA DO YOU FOLLOW TO STAY INFORMED? The media is trying its level best to share information that is factual, as we are faced with large amounts of fake news due to panic within society. Press releases are my way of staying up to date with what is being said by health officials and Government.

HOW HAS PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA HANDLED THE SITUATION, GIVEN THAT HE HAS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY CURB THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS AND PROTECT THE ECONOMY? On 5 April, the Rand traded at R19,26 to the US Dollar during the lockdown. That's why it was imperative that the President announced plans to revive the economy, hence the lockdown restrictions level moving to Level 4.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF DR BLADE NZIMANDE'S PROPOSED MEASURES TO KEEP HIGHER EDUCATION'S WHEELS TURNING DURING THE LOCKDOWN? Minister Nzimande said that every NSFAS student will be given gadgets to assist them in studying away from campus. We need to be assisted in that regard to make everything easy and the academic year to proceed.

HOW CAN EACH SOUTH AFRICAN PLAY HIS/HER PART TO ENSURE THE CURB OF THE VIRUS, TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THAT MEASURES SUCH AS SOCIAL DISTANCING ETC. ARE MORE EASILY SAID THAN DONE IN MANY OF OUR COMMUNITIES? Wear a mask while shopping and practice good hygiene.

NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY ABOUT THE BANNING OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS, SUCH AS CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL? ISN'T IT INFRINGING ON OUR HUMAN RIGHTS? It's high time we take a break from narcotics and intoxication and focus on building a South Africa we all can live in.

ON 27 APRIL, SOUTH AFRICANS CELEBRATED FREEDOM DAY, ALBEIT IN A QUITE DIFFERENT FASHION THIS YEAR. WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU IN A TIME THAT MANY PEOPLE DO NOT FEEL FREE AT ALL? The theme of this year’s Freedom Day was Solidarity and the triumph of the human spirit in challenging times. On this day, we welcomed Cuban health experts to support our efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. Many countries also showed its support to South Africa by displaying our flag. What a way to make history right.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO FELLOW STUDENTS DURING THIS TIME OF ANXIETY AND FEAR? It's going to be tough, transitioning from being a contact student to doing most of the work online. Push through. Remember the goal. Stay safe, stay home and comply!

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT BEFORE THE LOCKDOWN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR VIEWS, AND HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED? Life will no longer be the same, because tons of people have lost so many things and are trying desperately to retain it. Some have already lost houses and are stuck in debt. This is only the beginning, the worst is yet to come.

THE UNIVERSITY IS WORKING TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE REMOTE MULTIMODAL TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT. HOW DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LECTURERS, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES ACCOMPANIED BY ONLINE LEARNING, AND WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THIS NEW LEARNING MODE? The main question is how do they expect us to do online learning when we do not have the resources? They said we will be provided with laptops and data, but we still have not seen that happening at the time of this interview. For instance, UJ students got almost 20GB of data and they are succeeding with online learning. TUT is always behind with things. I understand they are trying hard, but time is running out.

AS A BUDDING JOURNALIST, WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF THE MEDIA'S WAY OF DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ON THE SITUATION, AND WHAT MEDIA DO YOU FOLLOW TO STAY INFORMED? For me, not to receive false in information, I stick to watching Channel 404 on SABC. I would advise people to stay away from social media, since people are frustrated and can easily spread lies.

HOW HAS PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA HANDLED THE SITUATION, GIVEN THAT HE HAS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY CURB THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS AND PROTECT THE ECONOMY? The man works tirelessly to ensure that we are protected. He is handling the situation to the best of his ability.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF DR BLADE NZIMANDE'S PROPOSED MEASURES TO KEEP HIGHER EDUCATION'S WHEELS TURNING DURING THE LOCKDOWN? He has mentioned a lot of things regarding online learning, but some of these initiatives aren't in place yet. Our institution has many students who aren't funded by NSFAS. I wonder if they will also receive the necessary resources.

HOW CAN EACH SOUTH AFRICAN PLAY HIS/HER PART TO ENSURE THE CURB OF THE VIRUS, TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THAT MEASURES SUCH AS SOCIAL DISTANCING ETC. ARE MORE EASILY SAID THAN DONE IN MANY OF OUR COMMUNITIES? People should stay home. Unfortunately, we have citizens who do not understand how this virus can actually hurt a lot of people. I have seen many people ignoring the social distancing rules.

NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY ABOUT THE BANNING OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS, SUCH AS CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL? ISN'T IT INFRINGING ON OUR HUMAN RIGHTS? I'm not a smoker or drinker, but I believe that people need to adhere to the rules set out by the President and they will be safe.

ON 27 APRIL, SOUTH AFRICANS CELEBRATED FREEDOM DAY, ALBEIT IN A QUITE DIFFERENT FASHION THIS YEAR. WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU IN A TIME THAT MANY PEOPLE DO NOT FEEL FREE AT ALL?  Yes, people did not feel free at all. Being stuck at home on that day was the worse, since we had events planned and, unfortunately, couldn't attend.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO FELLOW STUDENTS DURING THIS TIME OF ANXIETY AND FEAR? Stay safe, seek God and remain healthy. Everything will be well!

WHERE AND WITH WHOM ARE YOU SPENDING THE LOCKDOWN? I'm mostly at two places, sometimes at home with my family in Giyani, or at my apartment in Tzaneen where I work.

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT BEFORE THE LOCKDOWN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOUR VIEW OF LIFE, AND HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED? It has shown me that anything can happen at any time. It taught to use every opportunity, because today will not be the same as tomorrow. Prayer keeps me motivated, reading the Bible, and also the fact that I still have a lot to live for.

THE UNIVERSITY IS WORKING TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE REMOTE MULTIMODAL TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT. HOW DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LECTURERS, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES ACCOMPANIED BY ONLINE LEARNING, AND WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THIS NEW LEARNING MODE? I usually send emails to my lecturers if ever I have something I need clarity on. Challenges include limited or no network coverage, and not having data bundles to go online. The University should make sure that students have devices to go online and provide data bundles.

AS A BUDDING JOURNALIST, WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF THE MEDIA'S WAY OF DISSEMINATING INFORMATION ON THE SITUATION, AND WHAT MEDIA DO YOU FOLLOW TO STAY INFORMED? The media is doing a great job. It uses all platforms available to spread the word on Covid-19. I usually read newspapers, or browse online.

HOW HAS PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA HANDLED THE SITUATION, GIVEN THAT HE HAS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY CURB THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS AND PROTECT THE ECONOMY? He is doing all he can to save the people and the country. It's not easy, but he is trying his best.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS OF DR BLADE NZIMANDE'S PROPOSED MEASURES TO KEEP HIGHER EDUCATION'S WHEELS TURNING DURING THE LOCKDOWN? He made good proposals, given that we have lost a lot of academic days. At least we can still catch up on the lost days.

HOW CAN EACH SOUTH AFRICAN PLAY HIS/HER PART TO ENSURE THE CURB OF THE VIRUS, TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THAT MEASURES SUCH AS SOCIAL DISTANCING ETC. ARE MORE EASILY SAID THAN DONE IN MANY OF OUR COMMUNITIES? Follow the hygiene rules as requested and practice social distancing, even though it's hard in some places. Also wear your mask at all times.

NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY ABOUT THE BANNING OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS, SUCH AS CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL? ISN'T IT INFRINGING ON OUR HUMAN RIGHTS? I understand the banning of alcohol, because a lot of people misbehave once they are drunk. I know cigarettes are bad for our lungs, but most people can still function when they smoke. It's hard for a lot of smokers. It's like rehabilitation in a very harsh way.

ON 27 APRIL, SOUTH AFRICANS CELEBRATED FREEDOM DAY, ALBEIT IN A QUITE DIFFERENT FASHION THIS YEAR. WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU IN A TIME THAT MANY PEOPLE DO NOT FEEL FREE AT ALL? It means being free to express myself without breaking any law. It means being free to voice my concerns.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO FELLOW STUDENTS DURING THIS TIME OF ANXIETY AND FEAR? We should focus on our studies, although it's hard. If you feel stressed, talk to someone, spend time with your family if possible, and relax your mind so that you can be able to continue studying.

Vol12 no3 2020

I've learnt

that things can

change at any

given time.

Tomorrow

is not

promised.

We've been

through

crises

before

and came

out stronger.

Focus on

building a

South Africa

we all

can live in.

Use every

opportunity,

because

today will

not be

the same

as tomorrow.