Final answer:
Initial behavior at the start of the lockdown in South Africa was varied, with elements of cooperation and compliance, as well as resistance due to perceived infringements on individual freedoms. People's responses were influenced by their levels of trust in science and authority, as well as the psychological impacts of drastic changes in daily life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The behavior of people at the beginning of lockdown in South Africa, as in many parts of the world, was likely a mix of different responses. However, given the context provided, the most fitting description reflects a situation where people's actions were varied, with some showing compliance and others resistance. Folks faced collective behavior issues as government restrictions challenged their daily lives, their individual freedoms, and their responsibilities to the community. Initially, there may have been a sense of cooperation and compliance as the understanding of the disease's severity was grasped and trust in scientific explanations was high. Simultaneously, there was resistance from those who saw restrictions as an infringement on their rights and questioned the benefits of measures like mask-wearing. Meanwhile, the drastic changes to everyday life led to a range of psychological impacts, including uncertainty, isolation, and anxiety.