It’s funny until it’s not funny

As I wrote this article the world was in the early stages of the Coronavirus pandemic. In fact it had just been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. It was very serious with thousands infected and 3% of the infected having passed away. In true African style, however, there was no shortage of humour to accompany these terrible events. Men were talking about how they could use “quarantine” as a way to get away from demanding spouses. Videos were flying around about people greeting each other by touching feet not hands. All light and well intentioned in the moment. Very funny at times. Until it’s not.

Within days global markets crashed with giant companies like Sasol in danger of breaching their debt covenants. Already struggling hospitality businesses faced bankruptcy due to lower occupancy. There was an overall increase in the everyday threat to our health. Taxi operators, restaurants and numerous small businesses were threatened with closure.