The IFP calls on the authorities to take the unpopular decision and apply a no-nonsense approach to enforcing lockdown regulations.
This comes after the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, revealed that KwaZulu-Natal is among the Provinces that are the key drivers of the new second wave of the Coronavirus.
Enforcing lockdown regulations must be non-negotiable.
A mandate to wear a mask must be enforced. People who disregard lockdown regulations and ignore the call to practise social distancing must be punished. No-one must be treated with kid gloves when it comes to mitigating the spread of the Coronavirus.
The IFP believes that if we allow lawlessness, we cannot win the fight against the spread of Covid-19, particularly as we enter the second wave. People are not adhering to protocols anymore, which is unacceptable. As a citizen, you have a responsibility towards your fellow South Africans to wear a mask and follow the appropriate social distancing protocols.
The IFP echoes the call made by the KZN MEC of Health, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, that if the people of KwaZulu-Natal do not change their attitudes, the province is at risk of being slapped with tough new Covid-19 restrictions – similar or more stringent than those imposed in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. We cannot afford to go back to hard lockdown. Therefore, attitudes must change. Stubbornness does not help – it puts people’s lives at risks.
The IFP wants to see the following enforced to mitigate the spread of Covid-19:
Law enforcement agencies must conduct road-blocks to ensure that people travelling in large groups are wearing masks.
Taxi associations must ensure that passengers and drivers do not board a taxi without wearing a mask; they must also have sanitiser available in the taxi.
Anyone not wearing a mask must be given a fine.
No-one must be allowed to enter any event without a mask.
While the IFP calls for the enforcement of lockdown regulations, it does not condone any form of brutality by law enforcement agencies. The IFP commends those who are still continuing to adhere to the lockdown regulations.
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Contact:
Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana, MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Health
078 302 3991
