Masks, hand sanitising, social distancing, lockdown ... our vocabulary and even our way of living have changed.
Is it not an incredibly confusing time?
The regulations relating to the lockdown were confusing and often inconsistent. Education going to and fro like a game of tennis. The smoking debacle. The debate regarding loss of life versus the opening of the economy. People who totally ignore the regulations. The brutality of the police and army. Who is in control? Is it President Ramaphosa? Minister Dlamini-Zuma? South Africa's credit rating was downgraded. Did the virus come from a pig or a bat? Did China cultivate the virus in a laboratory? George Floyd was murdered in America. Black lives Matter. Someone from VBS Bank has been arrested at long last. And Donald Trump is still annoying everybody.
I don't know whether I should laugh or cry.
The first important aspect is that, at the time of the writing this article, more than 400 000 people had already lost their lives. It is important to sympathise with the families of these victims and to support them during difficult times. To lose a loved one, without having been able to properly say goodbye, is heart-wrenching.
The economy is in crisis. We cannot get past it - we are in a very difficult situation. Even before the pandemic, we were at a place very close to the edge of a precipice. The full impact of the pandemic on South Africa will only become clear over the next few months. More economists are saying that a bail-out from the IMF is a strong possibility.
Business confidence in the agricultural sector has, according to a survey, decreased to its lowest point since 2009. The spendable income of the South African public has decreased significantly and will have a direct impact on our farmers.
Indications in the Overberg are that there will be a good harvest. We are aware of the high debt levels due to the droughts of the past two years. Eastern Cape farmers who export citrus, are expecting a very good harvest. There were rumours of problems at the harbours, which have fortunately been dealt with. Export markets are currently still open for South African agricultural produce. However, water shortages remain problematic, particularly in the Hankey Valley, with the Kouga Dam level being at approximately 8% at present. The Eastern Cape grain producers are doing well. The Cradock area remains one of the most stable areas in the JDI network. Although agriculture has been affected by the pandemic, our producers can continue to do business.
What does the future hold? I don't know. No one knows. But most people agree that our lives will never be the same again.
Where does it leave you and me?
We have been at many crossroads in this life. Some turned the world upside down. Others forced us to think in a different way about life, how to spend our money and about what is important.
Focus on what you can change. Today. It serves no purpose to be angry with the government for not doing this or that right ... you cannot change it. Leaders will be evaluated in a much harsher manner. They will be held responsible for their decisions at some time in the future.
What is in your hands? You may think that you only have two fish and five small loaves of bread. That is more than enough. Your positive attitude, your smile every day, your hope, your peace, your friendliness. Be able to adjust, be willing to walk the extra mile. Listen to good advice from wise people. Stay away from people who always blame others. Be a problem solver, not someone who complains all the time!