Many of us lost loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. In South Africa, the impact was especially devastating in our townships and working-class suburbs. The explanation we often heard was that people with existing “co-morbidities” — such as diabetes, hypertension, and immune disorders — were more vulnerable. While this is true, the deeper question is rarely asked: What causes these diseases in the first place?
The answer, in many cases, is stress. Long-term, unprocessed stress disrupts the body’s balance — its homeostasis — and creates conditions that can lead to chronic inflammation and illness. Scientific research continues to confirm that high stress levels are linked to a wide range of conditions, from heart disease to depression and even some cancers.
When we consider the South African experience, especially as Black people, it’s clear that stress is not simply personal. It is structural. The effects of apartheid continue to shape our lives — in housing, education, access to food, healthcare, and safety. Our daily environment, in many ways, is not designed for our wellness. Add to that the fast pace and demands of urban life, and we see how easily disconnection from our natural rhythms can occur.
This is why Bra Peter recommends something simple but powerful: rest and cannabis, used responsibly. Cannabis can support the body in reducing inflammation, calming the nervous system, and improving sleep. Rest allows the body and mind to return to balance. But both are only effective when we are aware of our stress and where it comes from.
This is not just about medicine — it is about lifestyle. Returning to ourselves. Growing food, spending time in sunlight, reducing digital stimulation, creating community, and honouring African ways of being. We cannot expect to heal in the same system that made us sick.
We hope to share practical tools for wellness that empower individuals and communities. The journey back to ourselves won’t be easy, but it is necessary. We are not just surviving — we deserve to live well.
May you find rest, clarity, and rhythm on your path.
With respect,
Bra Peter Wa Ptouch
