Eight-year-old Somelezwa Malange has taken the time during lockdown to teach her peers about Covid-19 – and kids are loving her!
The Johannesburg-based Grade 3 learner has shared YouTube videos where she educates kids about the virus and gives tips on how to stay safe.
“Coronavirus is a virus that can travel from one person to another. It can spread through your mouth and your nose. Don’t touch your face! Unfortunately, there is no cure but we can prevent the virus from spreading from one person to another. Children, let’s support our president in fighting the virus,” she says in one of the videos.
Some of her rules include the following:
• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds using soap and water.
• Sneeze in your elbow and make sure no virus is going to another person.
• Keep your distance, one metre away from other people. Kids we cannot play with one another at the moment, we are killing the virus.
• Stay at home. Listen to your family and the government. If your friend is sick, don’t visit them. Show your love and support through the phoning or video-calling.
“We are South Africa and we can beat this virus,” she says.In another video, she tutors a lesson on her favourite subject, maths.
Speaking to DRUM, Somelezwa says she has learnt all about the virus from the news.
“Watching the news is boring but my grandmother explained to me why we cannot leave the house. I must say, I miss going to school, playing with my friends and seeing my teachers. When the lockdown is over, I want to go on a tour of Joburg,” she tells us.
When the little lady grows up, she wants to be a fashion designer. Currently, she is with her grandmother, Mandisa, in East London.Mandisa says she is very proud that her granddaughter is putting all her energy to good use.
“She is a very energetic person and sitting at home could be frustrating, but all of this is giving her something to do. Also, I hope the fact she is explaining the virus to her peers herself gets through to them. She is dramatic and smart, in her I see a public speaker. I would like to nurture her as much as possible,” Mandisa says.
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