Transforming global approaches to trade and development must be prioritised when charting a sustainable course to recovery following the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, which has gravely wounded the world economy with serious consequences for all communities and borders.That’s according to Mukhisa Kituyi, secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad). He said that as the virus had moved across borders, along the principal arteries of the global economy, it had benefited from the underlying interconnectedness – and frailties – of globalisation, precipitating a global health crisis that had hit the most vulnerable the hardest.What also needed to be considered was the emotional impact of the coronavirus on people, he added. According to an Ask Africa Covid-19 tracker study, the impact of lockdown on both socio-emotional and economic factors has been significant. The study found that depression and a heightened sense of anxiety was prevalent amongst South Africans.The prolonged lockdown – albeit now far less restrictive – has left many discouraged and facing uncertain futures characterised by higher levels of debt. The study also found that there had been a deterioration in the state of people’s mental health in terms of how well they were coping with the ongoing pandemic.Low economic activity is exacerbating the situation and it remains up for debate how much more South Africans can take.news service. The popular features supplements have been retained. They are however now distributed digitally on a weekly basis and collated into a printed compendium which is sent to our FTW readers. Says Marsh: “We have found this new formula to be well received by readers and advertisers. So much so that we are rolling out similar models to other titles servicing other industries in the group. The success of the transition has been due, in no small measure, to the hard work and dedication of the Freight News staff who have been simply incredible. I would also like to thank advertisers for their support. While we believe we deliver a great product and value, without our advertising partners there wouldn’t be a title to service the industry and keep this niche news f lowing.”
