If you’ve listened to yesterday’s podcast episode, you’ll remember that Captain Stay Safe, developed by Jan Louwrens (11) of Baggo Stonetrip, is traveling across South Africa to ease children’s anxiety about covid-19. Thandi and many of the story’s characters are sitting on his wings, but don’t worry, they are all one metre apart to keep each other safe.
In Riemvasmaak they meet little Stephanie whose father is currently ill with covid-19. Together they learn that just because some parts of our beautiful country are far away from the big cities, it doesn’t mean that they can’t also get the virus. That is why our president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has asked all of us to still listen to the lockdown rules.
When Thandi and Captain Stay Safe say goodbye to Stephanie, they first fly towards the stars and say hello to the moon. Later, they stop in Durban where they meet little Monroe who is very worried about covid-19. He tells them, “I heard someone got sick and died and it made me very afraid. Is it true people can die from coronavirus?”
Captain Stay Safe then tells the little heroes, “Some people don’t feel sick at all, but some people can be very sick and some might die. That’s why we all have to be especially careful with older people, and those with other illnesses, because they tend to get more sick. Sometimes when we are feeling very afraid, or unsafe, it can help to imagine a safe place in our minds.”
If you want to go to this safe place along with Thandi and Captain Stay Safe, ask your mom or dad to download the podcast for free on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can also listen to it right here in this article. Just click on the player above and below.
In this episode, the characters also travel to Ceres, a Western Cape town that has earlier been described as a covid-19 hotspot. Oooh, “hotspot” is a very big word, but basically that means a place where many people got sick of the virus.
Food For Mzansi’s editor, Dawn Noemdoe, says children are our heroes. “There are many heroes keeping people safe from the coronavirus, like wonderful doctors and nurses. But you remind me that we can all be heroes, every day, and my biggest hero is you.”
Schedule for “Thandi and Captain Stay Safe” podcast series
Monday, 29 June 2020
Episode 1: Thandi jumps on Captain Stay Safe’s back and together they soar through her bedroom window, into the night sky. They fly towards the stars and say hello to the moon. As the sun rises, they land in a lovely Free State town called Reitz, where a small group of children are playing. The children cry out in joy and wave at Thandi and Captain Stay Safe.
Click here to listen to episode 1 of “Thandi and Captain Stay Safe”.
Tuesday, 30 June 2020
Episode 2: The journey continues and Thandi and Captain Stay Safe land in Riemvasmaak in the Richtersveld of the Northern Cape. The streets are empty because everyone is in lockdown, except for one uncle riding in a donkey cart. Far away in the distance, they heard the beats of traditional Namastap music …
Click here to listen to episode 2 of “Thandi and Captain Stay Safe”.
Wednesday, 1 July 2020
Episode 3: Parents have a responsibility to help children make sense of the consequences of covid-19. Food For Mzansi journalist Sinesipho Tom chats to a child psychologist about helping children organise all their thoughts and feelings during the pandemic.
Thursday, 2 July 2020
Episode 4: While we are all still learning about the coronavirus, far fewer cases have been reported in children, and it seems to usually cause a milder infection in them than in adults and older people. But some kids have developed more serious symptoms. Food For Mzansi journalist Duncan Masiwa chats to an infectious diseases specialist.
Friday, 3 July 2020
Episode 5: South Africa has begun with a phased-in approach to get learners back in school despite the covid-19 pandemic. The reality is, however, that many learners and teachers are falling ill, with reports of school closures due to the coronavirus almost a daily occurrence. Food For Mzansi editor Dawn Noemdoe chats to experts about measures to help keep kids safe in school.
Saturday, 4 July 2020
Episode 6: The covid-19 lockdown is an opportunity to change food habits for good. In this episode, Food For Mzansi journalist Noluthando Ngckani discusses easy, affordable and healthy eating tips for families during the pandemic.
Sunday, 5 July 2020
Episode 7: Who would have ever imagined being locked down in their houses for months without end? This is, unfortunately, the reality of covid-19. Food For Mzansi co-founder Ivor Price chats to experts about keeping your kids busy during lockdown.
How to listen to episode 2 of “Thandi and Captain Stay Safe”
Option 1: Listen right here by clicking on the player below.
Option 2: Click here to listen on Spotify (for all devices).
Option 3: Click here to listen on Apple devices.
Option 4: Do you prefer Google Podcasts? “Thandi and Captain Stay Safe” will also shortly be available on this platform.
