MIND THE MEDICAL AID GAP

When 32-year-old Rorisang Gumede’s* husband started showing severe flu-like symptoms, the couple feared the worse. This was two months ago, and just as South Africa started reporting almost daily increases in the number of coronavirus-related deaths. So, their fears were not unfounded. “It was like the flu, but more severe. He had the shivers and his body temperature kept jumping from 37-39°C, which is considered mild. “His breathing was okay and even though he couldn’t hold down any liquids or food, I decided to quarantine him at home and treat him with cold and flu medication, and hope for the best,” Gumede says. With two toddlers who are in constant need of medical attention for nicks