"Humanity will rise again," that was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's message in his Easter address as he called for concerted efforts in his country's fight against COVID-19.

The president acknowledged the challenges that have been brought by the disease, but is confident measures put in place by his administration will help tackle it.

President Ramphosa called upon South Africans to make donations to a solidarity fund which he announced earlier this week, in order to help less fortunate citizens cope with the tough times.

"We have to expend our every effort and energy to ensure that this period of hardship does not leave our economy in ruins. We have to give support to those who need our help in any way we can. I call upon each of you to make a donation, no matter how small, to the Solidarity Fund that was established to combat the coronavirus pandemic," the president said.

South Africa is one of 52 African countries that have reported cases of COVID-19. The country is the worst affected in the continent, with close to 2,000 confirmed cases and 18 deaths. 95 patients successfully recovered.

"This is a time of great trial for our country. We will at times find ourselves and our very faith sorely tested. Yet we know that the harshest of tests pushes us to persevere and to prevail. Working together, side by side, we will weather this storm and we shall overcome," President Ramaphosa said.

In total, Africa has reported close to 11,000 COVID-19 cases, with over 500 deaths. Over 1,000 people have recovered.

Source(s): South African Presidency