WHEN Neziwe Mzanywa started to see signs and symptoms of Covid-19, she thought her mind was playing games with her.
And she was in denial even though it was obvious.
“In my case, I had diarrhoea, chest pains, a headache and my body was very hot. I sweat a lot at night,” said Neziwe from Godini Village in Ngqeleni, Eastern Cape.
She said she got tested and the results came back positive.
“I became afraid I might die and what would happen to my children,” she said.
Neziwe said she got better after she started taking Covid-19 treatment and living in isolation.
“During my quarantine, I received a call from Community Constituency Front that they were looking for agents and mobilisers,” said Neziwe who joined them after her recovery.
She said she now makes sure people understand Covid-19. “I educate them on how to protect themselves and adhere to Covid-19 rules such as social distancing, sanitising and wearing masks properly.”
Neziwe said the programme started in June and will end in September. She said Covid-19 is real and has killed many people.
“I survived it and appeal to people to vaccinate,” said Neziwe who has already taken her jabs.
“The vaccine activates our body’s immune system to fight against Covid-19,” said the community healthcare worker who has been working at Hospice Association of Transkei in Mthatha for 11 years. Neziwe said her primary role has always been taking care of sick people.
“I encourage them to adhere to treatment because we do not want their situation to become worse or spread to others.
“I also educate them about how to stay healthy and make sure they do not live in denial,” said Neziwe.
