We have come to the end of a second year dominated by SARS-CoV-2. After a terrible third wave in the middle of the year, coupled with the unrest that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng, the country was beginning to hope for a return to some degree of normalcy as new cases plummeted … and then our scientists did what any responsible world class scientists do – they discovered a new strain of the virus and shared the results with the world.
We selected this uncharacteristic end-of-year picture for our last feature because in the wake of the announcement of the Omicron variant, several countries across the world instituted travel bans against Southern Africa – without being guided by the science or engaging meaningfully with Southern African countries.
In response, SAIIA, together with a number of other African think tanks, penned this piece, which was disseminated widely on social media and was also published by der Freitag in Germany.
We will be taking a break from 16 December to 2 January. We would like to wish you all a safe and peaceful festive season and thank you for your support in 2021.
We look forward to re-engaging in the new year.
Warm festive wishes, wear a mask, adhere to social distancing and stay safe,
Elizabeth Sidiropoulos
Chief Executive
