The Covid Chronicles

The Covid Chronicles: 5 years after masks, thermometers and 'My Fellow South Africans'

In this special limited podcast series, the Jacaranda FM News Team reflects on the dawn of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. It was in the last week of March 2020 that we experienced a lockdown for the first time.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would implement a Level 5 lockdown to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Five years later, we are reminded of the impact of the pandemic and the levels of lockdown – how it changed our lives and our country forever.

Series credits:
Marius van der Walt
Marlinée Fouché
Gerda de Sousa
Chanel September
Emile Pienaar
Anastasi Mokgobu
Masechaba Sefularo
Mmangaliso Khumalo
Lebohang Ndashe
Cliff Shiko
Selaki Ledwaba
Salen Thulukalam (Sound Engineer)

Daily English South Africa News · Society & Culture

6 Episodes

Growth, hope, and positive change

The last episode of our series is dedicated to the resilience shown by so many South Africans – and the sectors that refused to accept defeat. Although most stories about the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown involve hardship, grief, and loss, there were also moments of growth, hope, and positive change.

27 Mar 11PM 18 min

How COVID-19 broke small businesses

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality for businesses when world leaders announced the new phenomenon of lockdown in March 2020. This episode commemorates the five-year mark to the day when lockdown was first implemented in South Africa. The Jacaranda FM News team explores the impact of these…

26 Mar 10PM 23 min

‘Lockdown hangover’ grief & freedom after COVID

When the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were imposed in March 2020, many South Africans were forced to reckon with their own vulnerability and loss of autonomy while navigating fear and grief during the pandemic. In this episode, the Jacaranda FM News team explores the impact of the lockdown regulations and the…

25 Mar 10PM 28 min

COVID-19: The scars that won’t heal

Five years after the world came to a virtual standstill, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shape many lives. The pandemic which changed the way we lived, loved, and lost, left an indelible mark on scores of families in South Africa and around the globe. In this episode,…

25 Mar 12AM 25 min

Where were you 5 years ago?

South Africans will this week remember the announcement of five years ago that brought lockdown and the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic into our lives. It was the week in March 2020 when we scrambled to buy masks, hand sanitizer, and groceries and prepared for the unknown while confined to…

24 Mar 12AM 26 min