JMPD Officer Busi Ndziba has just been inoculated against Covid-19 following a stressful encounter with the virus.
“When I received my positive Covid-19 test results, it was the darkest day of my life. I remember driving back home from work thinking to myself is this the end of the road for me,” says Ndziba.
Given the negative consequences of social rejection and stigma when one contracts the coronavirus, Ndziba couldn’t wait to get vaccinated so she can bring a semblance of normalcy in her life.
Now that she’s partly immune to Covid-19, she encourages her colleagues in the City to take the jab because vaccines, as the greatest advances of modern medicine, do save lives.
The City and municipal-owned entities have sadly lost 96 officials due to Covid-19 complications. Ndziba says being a Covid-19 survivor makes her grateful for life.
“I have learned to appreciate life in its simplest form and not to postpone anything. What if tomorrow never comes?”
She says contracting the coronavirus has also taught her the mind is an immensely powerful organ of the body.
“The moment you start thinking positively about your life you automatically become strong, and your health improves,” she says.
Despite scientific evidence that vaccines are safe and effective, there are still people who are sceptical about them. Ndziba says she decided to get vaccinated because the health and safety of Joburg motorists, her family and colleagues is contingent on it.
“We must stop listening to fake news, which scare and/or stop us from taking the jab. I am glad I survived even though the virus took away a lot of our colleagues, loved ones and family members,” she says.
Officer Ndziba, who grew-up e’kasi in Rockville, Soweto, joined the JMPD in Region D in 2004, before moving to the Equestrian Unit and later to her current role doing community outreach. Her job in the municipal police service entails teaching pupils road safety etiquette and learner transport drivers about regulations governing their work.
She’s also worked at ABSA Life, and at the Mogale City licensing department. Ndziba was a teacher at St Matthews Primary school before joining the JMPD. She’s a married mother of one.
“I love traveling, watching tv, doing my garden and keeping in touch with my family.”
She reiterates that everyone should get vaccinated as there is still ample time.
“The more we all get vaccinated the better the chances of returning to our normal lifestyle. I took the jab, and I haven’t fallen sick. We must not forget to adhere to all Covid-19 regulations – wearing of masks and social distancing.”
Written by Nomasonto Manyehlisa
01/10/2021