Are you behind the ‘depolonisation’ of South Africa?
The news that the source of the listeriosis outbreak has been traced was a relief to some, and caused anxiety for others. While the Department of Health and the relevant companies try to get things under control, South Africans are carrying themselves through the chaos with humour.
This has been an intense week for consumers in South
Africa. After the Minister of Health announced on Sunday, 4 March that the
source of the listeriosis outbreak had been confirmed, people were anxious to
get rid of any contaminated foods they may have bought, while grocery stores
began the process of recalling products and even offered refunds on certain
purchases.
The disease has made one of the more popular food items in
the South African diet a hazard. No longer can you rely on a quick hot dog or a
ham sandwich for your or your child’s lunch. This may change once the virus has
been contained and eradicated, but in the meantime please use these tips to
keep yourself safe.
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People who follow memes on social media also know that South Africans truly shine during a time of crisis. From parody videos, to Photoshop battles, the creativity of South African internet users is honed during a chaotic news cycle.
The latest meme revolves around a new word to describe the process of removing all processed meat products from your home: ‘depolonisation’. A clever play on two topical terms on social media: ‘polony’ and ‘decolonisation’. The earliest uses of the word were in a group chat and then in this news article.
South Africans have had a great time with this new word:
I've been asking for the depolonisation of South Africa for a while. https://t.co/3RIGWeLRJP
— Lerato Mlambo (@Leighratoh) March 4, 2018
Mom is not responding well to the #depolonisation. “But I have been eating it and haven’t died yet!” pic.twitter.com/WcpztVVRb0
— Ranjeni Munusamy (@RanjeniM) March 5, 2018
I love new words. In the media today, I keep seeing 'depolonisation', which I guess is getting rid of all polony and other processed cold meat products. So clever! #depolonisation
— Peta Krost Maunder (@PetaKM) March 8, 2018
Depolonisation in our lifetime. #listeriosis
— patternist (@kwabzmaru) March 5, 2018
We are faced with a depolonisation matter immediately after a cabinet reshuffle and a party presidential recall. #SouthAfrica is never without "drama".
— Mtu Huria (@ConverseChatty1) March 5, 2018
Depolonisation without compensation? I want my money back.
— Alan Fuchs (@alanjfuchs) March 5, 2018
We’re living in a post-polonial world now. Can you keep up?