Cope leader calls for patriotism amid coronavirus pandemic

Several political leaders have landed their voice to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. South Africa is among the African states that have been he=it heavily by the coronavirus, and Congress of the People (Cope) leader Mosiuoa Lekota believes its a good opportunity for the country to showcase its patriotism. Thus far, South Africa has recorded 240 confirmed COVID-19 cases, second only to Egypt in the continent. The Cope leader believes this period of fear and uncertainty is the perfect time for South Africans to band together.

“This is the time for patriotism which is about the love of your country and your people,” said Lekota. Mosiuoa Lekota

Political leaders weigh in on COVID-19 crisis

Also chiming in on the pandemic were leaders from some of South Africa’s political parties. United Democratic Movement’s (UDM) Bantu Holomisa said it will take discipline to combat the virus.

“The UDM believes that in order to succeed in combating this virus, our plan should be guided by discipline, clean environment, speed and control,” said Holomisa. Gen. Bantu Holomisa

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the nation later on Sunday but, on Saturday, he too echoed the call for patriotism. This was on a rather lowkey Human Rights Day, without the usual political rallies known to accompany the day’s celebrations. “We observe Human Rights Day at an extraordinary time for our country and the world, as we battle to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, Covid-19.

“The threat posed by this formidable adversary has compelled us to take unprecedented steps to protect the most fundamental human right of all, and that is the right to life.” Cyril Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa added;

“This disruption is one of many necessary interventions we need to embrace as our nation sets out to meet a challenge that calls for unity, social solidarity and personal discipline among all South Africans.” Cyril Ramaphosa

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected over 300 000 people worldwide, with over 12 000 succumbing to the virus. Source: The South African Read More