Page 4 - Dainfern Precinct Living 6 2021
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FROM THE EDITOR
THE TROUBLEMAKER
hen I was in school, and the world population is now much of a ‘troublemaker’ his son
one of the subjects estimated to be 7,75 billion. would become. This boy didn’t
that I detested was In the space of 100 years, the just shake up the South African
Whistory. Perhaps it’s exponential growth is more than status quo, he became one of the
because we were fed only what four times the 1918 tally. One greatest statesmen in the history of
the prevailing government saw could ask, how is that possible? modern mankind.
as politically correct. Now, with Or, rather, how was that allowed?
the liberation that comes from On 5 December 2013, Rolihlahla
being able to do multiple searches To a large extent, this can be passed away at his home in
online, we have the opportunity to attributed to the tremendous Houghton, Johannesburg. World
more easily compare the history progress in research done by the leaders came in their droves to
of other countries around the medical profession to develop pay their respects to this legendary
globe and suddenly events snap vaccines that help to minimise man. And, every year on his
into place and become a lot more the effects of diseases, in some birthday, even though he’s no
meaningful. instances so successfully that they longer around, people all over
are almost entirely eradicated. the world continue to pay tribute
The Spanish flu has been referred to him. Most of us know him as
to frequently over the last 18 But let’s go back to that year, Nelson Mandela.
months due to its significance as 1918. It was against the backdrop
a pandemic that had affected up of the Spanish flu and the First It’s been nearly eight years since
to 30% of the world’s population World War that a baby boy was he left us, but his legacy lives on
(which at the time was a mere born on 18 July at Mvezo, a rural in the many outreach initiatives
1,8 billion people) in three waves village in the Eastern Cape. He that continue to make a huge
that began in February 1918 and was given the name Rolihlahla, difference to the lives of those less
lasted for well over a year. It was a Xhosa name that, roughly fortunate. In this issue, we take
the most severe pandemic of the interpreted, means ‘troublemaker’. a look at some of the activities
20th Century. Back then, the father would not that have been planned, some
have been able to predict just how aimed at culminating on his
Was it a coincidence that this birthday, (which was proclaimed
happened during the First World “Do not judge me by International Nelson Mandela Day
War? It’s difficult to know the back in 2009 by the UN General
true spread and impact of the my successes, judge Assembly), and some as ongoing
flu because of media censorship projects.
during the war, but shipping armies me by how many
from one country and region to times I fell down and Many residents in our precinct are
another would surely have been a already actively involved in either
contributing factor. got back up again.” organising or contributing to these
- NELSON MANDELA initiatives and if you’re feeling
Fast forward to a century later somewhat desolate as a result of
being isolated or quarantined, we
invite you to join in. If you enjoy
cooking, be sure to read up on
the soup challenge. Alternatively,
if you have nimble fingers – this
includes boys and girls – get
yourself some wool and start
knitting or crocheting scarves and
blankets – and for extra measure,
maybe throw a few beanies and
pairs of bed socks into the mix,
too!
Till next time, stay home, stay
warm, stay safe and take care.
Ann
Kindest regards,
Ann Arnott
EDITOR
annar@nowmedia.co.za
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