COVID-19 Update 12

Last week South Africa was averaging over 4,000 new infections per day. This week South Africa is reporting over 6,000 new infections per day.The daily rate of infections is expected to increase in the coming weeks.Currently, there are at least 100 vaccines in development, but human clinical trials have only started in six studies. We are a good 18 months away from a suitable vaccine to counter this virus. What can we do?Be more vigilant than we have been over the past 3 months and stick to the non-pharmaceutical GOLDEN RULES below. MAINTAIN PHYSICAL DISTANCE IN PUBLICWEAR YOUR MASK PROPERLYMAINTAIN GOOD HAND HYGIENEDISINFECT WORKING SURFACES REGULARLY AT WORK AND HOME Please spare a thought and prayer for all the frontline healthcare workers.Our brave healthcare workers need our support, now more than ever.The best way we can support them is to stick to the Golden Rules. PROTECT THE MOST VULNERABLE STAY VIGILANT SAVE LIVES Dr Nisaar KorowlayIssued: 3 July...

Message from JHESS President Update 10

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيمنحمده ونصلي ونسلّم على رسوله الكريم Dear MemberDuring the past week, the new COVID -19 infections in our country have been averaging over 6,000 a day, a 50% increase over the previous week’s daily average.This is a clear indication that we are heading into the eye of the storm of this pandemic, as predicted by our scientists and health experts. We must take the necessary precautionary steps!Prayer & PrecautionsWe continue to pray that Allah grants all those touched by this virus a speedy recovery and seek His mercy to protect us all, In Shaa Allah. Ameen.The non-pharmaceutical guidelines should be adhered to and implemented diligently in our homes so that we can prevent the further spread of this virus.We should continue with physical distancing, wear masks properly and wash hands regularly. Limit visits to family and friends, and attendance at social gatherings.These small steps will make a big difference and you can make that difference. Adapting to new normsScientists and experts are predicting that a vaccine will only be broadly available in 18 months’ time. We will have to coexist with this pandemic for a long time, and the sooner we adapt to the new norms imposed upon us, the better.This is the reality that we will have to accept to give credence to the notion of “The triumph of the Human spirit”, the title of a book penned by the late Ahmed Kathrada.It was in this spirit of human perseverance that JHESS hosted the 1st virtual Annual General Meeting on 29 June 2020.The AGM was a huge success and a new Executive has been elected...

COVID-19 Update 11

Over the past few days the country has been reporting over 4,000 new infections per day, which is extremely concerning.The next few weeks to months will be challenging for the entire country, and especially the Western Cape, the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic.There is an unsettling expectation of an exponential increase in the number of hospital admissions and deaths in both public and private hospitals.Please spare a thought for all the frontline healthcare workers.Healthcare workers, although brave, are becoming increasingly anxious and fearful, and need to be supported.Let us all act responsibly. I urge everyone to follow the GOLDEN RULES below. MAINTAIN PHYSICAL DISTANCE IN PUBLIC WEAR YOUR MASK PROPERLY MAINTAIN GOOD HAND HYGIENE DISINFECT WORKING SURFACES REGULARLY AT WORK AND HOME PROTECT THE MOST VULNERABLE STAY VIGILANT SAVE LIVES Dr Nisaar KorowlayIssued: 26 June...

Message from JHESS President Update 9

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيمنحمده ونصلي ونسلّم على رسوله الكريم Dear MemberToday I would like to share some of the notes of appreciation from our 2020 bursary recipients. We have deleted the names to maintain confidentiality. I hope it will warm the hearts of our donors too. “I am writing to thank you for your generous bursary. I was very happy and deeply appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your bursary. I wanted personally to let you know how gratifying it was to receive this support and encouragement. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me. Again, please accept my sincere thanks.” “JazakAllah khayran to one and all involved at JHESS for assisting my family financially with my studies.” “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the bursary you awarded to me.” “I am beyond grateful and appreciative for the decision made in aid of my academic fees. Shukran so much. May Allah continue to bless the organisation and grant it strength. Ameen.” “Jazakallah so much for the bursary; it is much appreciated and much needed.” “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the bursary you awarded to me.” “Jazakkallah Khair for assisting in my studies for this year.” We are so humbled with these words of gratitude and would like to reiterate our appreciation to our donors for their generous contributions and the education subcommittee that has worked so diligently during these trying times....

COVID-19 Update 10

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected and disrupted the livelihood of millions of people throughout the world, as it has in South Africa. This past Wednesday the President announced the further easing of the lockdown, with the reopening of restaurants, cinemas and hair salons forming part of the government’s initiative to mitigate the economic hardships experienced by the majority of our citizens. The President further requested that we become more vigilant and collectively take responsibility for the behavioural changes that we need to adopt to reduce the spread of this devastating virus. The next few weeks are crucial as the infection rates are expected to rise significantly. It is incumbent on each individual to be even more mindful of their behaviour and actions. Collectively the COVID-19 virus can be defeated – a point I cannot over emphasise. I urge everyone to follow the GOLDEN RULES below. MAINTAIN PHYSICAL DISTANCE IN PUBLIC WEAR YOUR MASK PROPERLY MAINTAIN GOOD HAND HYGIENE DISINFECT WORKING SURFACES REGULARLY AT WORK AND HOME PROTECT THE MOST VULNERABLE STAY VIGILANT SAVE LIVES Dr Nisaar Korowlay Issued: 19 June...

Message from JHESS President Update 8

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيمنحمده ونصلي ونسلّم على رسوله الكريم Dear Member The COVID-19 infections continue to rise in the Western Cape and many of our families and friends have been infected. We pray that Allah grants them a speedy recovery and protect us all from falling prey to it. We have to adopt and implement the health protocols seriously and be disciplined, otherwise we will continue to add to the cycle of infections. Youth Day This past week we commemorated Youth Day in our country. Many of us recall 16 June 1976 as a turning point in our lives as students who participated in the call for freedom, democracy and change. I am reminded of the African mythical bird called Sankofa, which means ‘Go back and get it.’ Sankofa teaches that in moving forward we must constantly go back to our past and use the lessons and wisdom from there to help us in the present and future. Without the past, there can be no future. Our experiences, whether personal or as a people, remain our greatest teacher and should guide us today. Today our youth will have to take up the cudgels to continue the call for change for equality, justice and economic development so that we lessen the burden of unemployment and poverty. Our youth will have to become active participants in the post COVID-19 economic restructuring. Virtual AGM – Monday 29 June 2020 Membership fees should be paid by 22 June 2020 so that we can provide you with the Zoom link for the AGM commencing at 8.00pm. We encourage you to make your payments as...