Many articles ask readers to imagine a post Coronavirus
(COVID-19) world. However, it is difficult to do so when we have no
idea when the pandemic will end. We do know that we are living
through unprecedented times and a pandemic that will change our
world as we know it. But it is difficult to speculate how the post
COVID-19 world will look. This article focuses on lessons from the
present. We argue that COVID-19 in South Africa has demonstrated
the importance of striking an equitable balance between the pillars
of sustainable development, namely environmental protection, social
development and economic development.
South Africa has seen reduced carbon emissions during its
national lockdown, which some perceive as an indirect gain for the
environment. However, the lockdown has also brought about economic
and social devastation, with many South Africans facing
retrenchments, pay cuts and food insecurity. Unemployment figures
are at an all-time high.
