DURBAN: National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) general secretary Matakanye Matakanya says he is grateful to be alive after he tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month.
With schools opening for the third term this week, Matakanya said it was very important for all concerned to observe all the health protocols related to Covid-19.
He said although he had looked at the deadly disease as something far away, this changed when he got infected in the first week of July.
“On July 7, after having problems with breathing and having undergone tests, it was confirmed that my tests were positive and then I had to be isolated”, said the 72-year-old.
He told The Mercury that after two weeks of isolation he was relieved to have emerged with a negative Covid-19 result.
Matakanya said he had survived the ordeal because of his wife, a nurse, looked after him throughout his isolation.
“The reason that I am still alive is because of my wife who provided around the clock care to me, something which I am really grateful for,” he said.
He appealed to everyone involved in the education system to observe all the health protocols, saying he would not wish for anyone to undergo a similar experience as his.
Another public figure, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa revealed recently that he had been out of the public eye because of Covid-19.
His absence was preceded by a statement from the IFP three weeks ago indicating that he was on leave.
While the reasons for him going on leave had not been disclosed, Hlengwa announced on social media last weekend that he had been recovering from Covid-19, and thanked everyone that had supported him while he battled the disease.
He also appealed to members of the public to adhere to health protocols.
THE MERCURY