Diary Pages: COVID-19

For weeks our diarists have spoken about the many consequences of lockdown. However, very few have spontaneously mentioned the impact of the COVID-19 virus itself on their lives. To understand if the virus was starting to have more of an impact we asked: Have you or anyone you know been directly affected by the COVID-19

Diary Page: Crime

How has the lockdown affected experiences of crime in Cape Town? Statistics released by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District’s (CCID) Safety and Security department show that there has been a 73% drop in all reported crime during Level 4 Lockdown. Are these statistics representative of actual crime levels or only reported crime? Has

‘Those who zol’: Dangerous discourses in a time of crisis

This post first appeared in the Mail & Guardian. To date, South Africa is the only country in the world to have banned both alcohol and cigarette sales during lockdown. When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the government would be reversing its cigarette ban, it took only a few days for minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to

Everyday support in lockdown shows Cape Town is a city of many stories

Among accounts of hardship, hunger, crime and anxiety, the measures taken to address the COVID-19 epidemic have spurred stories of solidarity and support. Drawing attention to relationships that have long been present before the current crisis, these stories allow us to recognise people’s humanity and interconnectedness. This blog first appeared on LSE blogs Nigerian author Chimamanda

Diary Pages: Childcare in Lockdown

We asked our diarists:  Can you share any experiences you have had caring for children within or beyond your home during the lockdown? Caregivers are under pressure during lockdown, and those looking after children are no exception. Diarists expressed a deep desire to protect and nurture children in their care but also the anxiety and