7 lockdown moments that made us proud to be South African

Our young democratic country has a lot to be proud of

Freedom Day is on 27 April, which means we get a public holiday on Monday but it will have to be celebrated in lockdown. Although we can’t celebrate Freedom Day like we normally would due to the coronavirus pandemic, there is a lot for us to be proud of as a young democratic country during this time of crisis. Here are seven of the moments that made us feel proud ot be South African. 

EVERYTHING OUR TIRELESS PRESIDENT HAS DONE: WE ARE LED
Our president has been trending a lot during the coronavirus pandemic and for all the right reasons. Ramaphosa’s addresses to the nation have been calm, measured, compassionate and informative. From the cutting of his salary (along with cabinet ministers) to his send off of the army, and even the face mask fumble (we tease the ones we love, right?), Cyril Ramaphosa has led by example. 

Just concluded a meeting of the #NationalCommandCouncil where we were focused on a risk adjusted strategy to resume economic activity. I am now meeting with leaders of political parties represented in Parliament for further consultations ahead of tonight’s address. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/lCVUvGJHL4

— Cyril Ramaphosa ???????? #StayHome (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 23, 2020

WHEN CAPE TOWN STAYED HOME (WE THANK YOU)
After the lockdown began on 26 March 2020, the streets were suddenly totally deserted. It gave us chills: not because of the eerie stillness, but because of what it meant. Capetonians had come together to stay apart, to save lives and slow the spread of the coronavirus. 

WHEN WHO GAVE SOUTH AFRICA AN INTERNATIONAL SHOUT OUT
Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned it in his address to the nation on Thursday on 23 April, and it’s a proud moment we should share with our president. The World Health Organisation (WHO) praised South Africa’s swift and firm response to the coronavirus pandemic at an international media briefing earlier that day. You can listen to the words of praise below. 

WHEN A MITCHELLS PLAIN FAMILY PRINTED FREE MASKS FOR THEIR COMMUNITY
Marshall Nelson runs an initiative that teaches people with disabilities how to build 3D printers. With his business temporarily on hold, Marshall and his three children have found a new purpose for their printers: printing and distributing free protective face masks for their community in Mitchell's Plain. The family has given away over 500 protective visors so far.

CAPETONIANS OPENED UP THEIR HOMES TO TEARS AND THEIR DOGGOS
Our hearts swelled when TEARS reported that Capetonians stepped up in droves to help the animal rescue shelter before the start of lockdown. When TEARS in Sunnydale called on the public to help evacuate animals, Capetonians jumped at the chance to foster the little pups. 117 rescue animals were placed in a home in less than 72 hours. 

WHEN CLAP FOR OUR CARES TOOK ON A DISTINCTLY CAPE TOWN FLAVOUR
The global phenomenon stated in Europe, but it didn't take long for South Africans to make it their own. Sea Point locals started Project the Love, projecting Rugby World Cup highlights, playing songs, and making us all smile every night of lockdown. Watch them talk about how the project started and share some of its most special moments below.   

WHEN THE ORCHESTRA PLAYED THE NATIONAL ANTHEM FROM THEIR HOMES 
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra played a beautiful rendition of Nkosi Sikelel'iAfrika from their respective homes, reminding us that we’re stronger together, even if we're physically apart. 

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How are you celebrating your Freedom Day?

Don’t miss Kopling Mbumba online every Wednesday with the Beerhouse Comedy Club 

Check out some of the awesome virtual events lined up for the weekend. 

Stay in the loop with the latest coronavirus updates. 

Find out which level of lockdown we’re in. 

Looking for more moments of joy? Watch Western Cape wildlife enjoying the city while we were in lockdown.

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