Unions encourage use of different languages in COVID-19 fight
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 26, 2021 06:00
“As for the languages, I think that’s a great idea as it personifies good stakeholder involvement because citizens are the largest stakeholders in this fight against COVID-19. I definitely would go for it as one of the solutions. Sometimes the spread does happen because people lack information because mostly on Btv detailed messages are in English or Setswana. An old woman at home cannot relate to what is being said in some rural areas because she do not understand either English or Setswana. Some of them do not even have a television set. Maybe this is the time we change strategy. It cannot be ignored that the virus has now reached other areas that we did not expect,” BDU president Dr Shingirai Muzondiwa said in an interview on Wednesday. He also said if people do not know some things, then they are bound to make mistakes unlike those who have.
Still, on the matter, the Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) president Obonolo Rahube said the use of different languages could help to save the country from the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The government has been trying to use different languages but the messages were not detailed as compared to when the Presidential Task Force team brief the nation. Some tribes in other settlements lack information on COVID-19 and how they should even take care of a COVID-19 patient. Therefore, the Presidential Task Force should find ways of communicating with such tribes and educating them,” Rahube said.
He also called on the government to look for funds so that the nation can be properly taught on COVID-19 issues.