Lockdown Day 28 & 29 - My President

I have spent the better part of the last 24 hours really thinking about the president of South Africa, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa. What a road he is on. I think about how he came into power, the emotion around the subsequent elections, the collective outcry over the state of our nation. Many began to doubt whether or not he was the right one to lead this nation...

But how he has stepped up to the plate. I have read countless tributes to him on social media. Even the World Health Organisation has commended him, singling him out in the manner in which he has responded to this global crisis, and done his best to protect the people of our country. One of my favourite descriptions of how he has handled the situation in South Africa is this: Third world country; First world President. It's true - he has approached this pandemic with wise council and genuine compassion, he has operated with prudence and integrity, and he has carried himself with grace - and good humour. I cannot think of a South African leader better equipped to take on this mammoth task than he.

So I leave you by this beautiful poem by Claire Lagerwall, and a reminder to pray for our president.

My President you're tired

We can see it in your eyes

It's not really something

You can easily hide

We see you across 

Our television screens 

Addressing the nation 

On a history unseen

We see you stumble 

Over words being said

And I pause to wonder 

What's going on in your head 

Are you coping Sir 

With all that you face

A broken nation 

Looking to you for grace

Are you okay Mr President

You look so sad

Your eyes tell a story

I'm sorry it's so bad

We pray for you 

Hold you in our thoughts

This is a war 

We have never fought 

I'm glad that you're ours

That we don't have to share

That our precious nation

Is under your care

With our cries of faith

We trusted God for a man

Who could steer a nation

Into unknown lands

Thank you, my President

For being so brave

Whilst a nation is judging 

Each move that you've made 

We pray for you Sir

We really do

And we thank God 

For a leader like you