Publications
Partners
2020: A year of firsts
I remember thinking as the year came to a close last year that hopefully Covid-19, which was having an impact in China and other parts of Asia, would kind of be like swine flu when it eventually reached our shores. You knew people who had it. Some were booked off sick for days, but it never turned out to be as bad as predicted.
How wrong I was.
I know many people who had a difficult 2019 and wanted 2020 to be their year.
Well, the year certainly had an impact - just not in the way we wanted.
For some, 2020 was a bit of a blur from the moment we went into lockdown. There was a lot that happened. But also a lot that didn't.
It was a time of pain, tragedy and loss for some. A new experience for others. A time of connecting with family. A time of difficulties. But, for everyone, it was certainly unprecedented.
Dictionary.com asked people to describe the year in one word. We took it further and, for this week's Friday Briefing, we asked 21 people to share their losses and gains of 2020, looking at it from various angles. Some have delved into our political landscape and economy, while for others the journey was a little closer to home.
We hope you take time to enjoy the read and savour over the holidays.
This will be the last Friday Briefing for the year. In the new year, we take a look at the ANC as it marks its 109th anniversary on 8 January.
Stay safe.
Vanessa Banton
Opinions Editor.
2020: The year of losses and gains
It is easy to focus on what we lost, but what did we gain in 2020? Let's pause to reflect before the new year begins, writes Adriaan Basson.
The things we lost and gained in 2020: 21 authors reflect
21 writers tell us what this year has meant for them, from giving birth while the President announced we were going into lockdown, to losing a parent from Covid-19 to gaining some work-life balance.
To receive the Friday Briefing, sign up for the newsletter here. Now available to all News24 readers.
