During a time of anxiety and panic, South Africa saw a rise of heroes, who heed the call to being at the frontline of the COVID19 war, when many were sheltered and safe in their homes.
Mlungisi Albert Sandi, Station Manager of Makhanda Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been one of these individuals who have been risking their lives to save the lives of members of our community.
Sandi has invested a lot of his years working as an emergency service worker. He started working for the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services in 1991, with the passion to save lives and helping the community of Makhanda, he has never looked back.
Sandi is also a reverend at the Church of Umzi was Topiya of Southern Africa and he says during these trying times, the cap of being a servant of God has sustained him. He says when faced with a lot of emotion, and spiritual strain “I call upon those who are in ministry with me and they pray and give me the courage to continue serving in all the arena I serve in”.
When asked about how he helps his family cope with his type of work and the risks associated with it, he said “I am lucky my children are grownups, but I had raised them to be prayer warriors” and that is their coping mechanism.
He says even though he might not be having a family in panic but “people in our community should adhere to the rules and regulations that have been placed by the government. Wear your mask, sanitise and keep the regulated social distance when in public”.
Sandi says these little gestures by the community show that as frontline workers the community cares and appreciates what they do for the public. Reminding us about the statement shared by our president that “this pandemic is not only a fight for the government but it's a fight for each every South Africa citizen”.