Traditional Leader is not ashamed of contracting COVID-19

Chief Eric Galada, Traditional Leader in Langa, tested positive for COVID-19 in May, and spent 14 days in isolation, which he completed recently on 11 June 2020.  “People are scared or ashamed because of the stigma that exists.  I believe that everyone in South Africa will either be affected or infected by COVID-19.  The important thing is, how we respond in such a situation, and to ensure that if infected, that we must isolate.”  Chief Galada believes that the most important step is to accept the diagnosis and shares, “It starts with you, trust yourself, and the right behaviour will follow.”

Chief Galada has first-hand experience in working through any doubt that comes when hearing a positive diagnoses for the first time.  During May, Chief Galada was involved in helping with community screening, but was never in close contact with any members who were being screened nor any patients who were candidates for testing.  He wore the proper PPE including masks and followed all precautions.  After a while he started feeling symptoms associated with the virus, such as a sore throat, muscular pain, and headaches.  As a precaution he decided to take a test, never believing he would test positive.  

“I have always been active in the community with HIV/AIDS and TB awareness, so for me this was an opportunity to show the community I was doing the right thing, and playing my part.  When I received the SMS saying I was positive, I could not believe it!  At home I am staying with my wife and two kids.  We went as a family for testing, and it was the hardest thing to understand that my wife was negative.  Both my children tested positive.” The boys, aged four and thirteen, had to isolate along with their father. 

“We don’t know when, where or how infection may possible affect or infect us.  I felt I was safe and followed all the precautionary measures.  Then you hear that you are infected, and you don’t understand, you cannot believe you are infected. The danger comes, when, in your unbelief,  you hide your diagnoses and you don’t isolate, because of the stigma that exists.”

The chief’s mindset remained positive, and he continued to follow his daily routine, by exercising in his room, and taking nutritional supplements and herbal remedies.  He continued to treat himself as if he had the flu, by taking Vitamin C and building his immune system.  Despite not being able to taste his food, he continued to eat, knowing that should he not do so, he would become weak.

“At first it was difficult.  I am an ex-professional boxer, and so I am using to being fit and having energy.  When I felt better and started exercising, I found I would easily be out of breath, and so I took it one day at a time, and over time became stronger.”  In addition, Chief Galada focused on his hobby of building cars in his own workshop to keep focused and stimulated.  “I ensured that no other family member would access the garage, so that I would be isolated and working on my own.  It was a great help, and I was intentional on sticking to as much of my routine as I could, while still being in isolation.”

Chief shared how he would phone his friends and colleagues and tell them he was positive.  Family members were a bit hesitant and fearful that it would draw unnecessary attention.  The fear of death was a reality and knowing a loved one in the home was infected was a challenge to deal with.  Added to that, the reality of community members possibly showing discrimination was a reality. Chief Galada, however forged on, undeterred, believing that this was an opportunity to teach others and it needed to be spoken about.  “As a community leader, this is part of my duty.  I work for an organisation that offers advice to the community regarding various issues.  This was just another step that provided me with an opportunity to raise awareness in the community. This is not a disease that warrants discrimination, anyone can get it. To be positive, it doesn’t change your life, people must not stigmatise others, thinking this is something that lasts forever.  It is a virus which affects you for a period of time, which are able to overcome, and move on with your life.”

Now that he has completed isolation and is back in top form, he is encouraging others and making them aware that he has survived and there is nothing to be ashamed of.  “No one believes that I was positive, perhaps because they don’t want to, and their perception attached to COVID-19 patients.”  His message to the community: “Accept your diagnosis when you receive it.  Don’t feel guilty or ashamed, talk about it.  Keep on with prevention measures - keep on practicing social distancing, wearing your mask and practicing good hygiene.  Share your own experiences, even with those who are negative because your experience will make others aware, and educate them to know when they should be screened and isolated.”

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