The IFP remains cautious of the very difficult announcement which was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his address to the nation this evening in easing the lockdown to level 3.
While we welcome the gradual reopening of the economy, this decision by the National Coronavirus Command Council requires exceptional attention to detail and careful consideration for the lives and livelihoods of South Africans.
Government’s efforts to date have been commendable despite a few hiccups during the 59 days of our nationwide lockdown. However, the transition to level 3, while premature, will require the full cooperation of all sectors of our society.
At this juncture in our fight against the spread of Covid-19 the responsibility now shifts to each and every South African to take extraordinary precautionary measures when not at home.
It is an undeniable fact that we have not yet reached the eye of the storm and therefore we caution all South Africans not to think of the lockdown easing as a return to normalcy but rather the opposite, in terms of ramping up precautionary measures and staying safe.
We welcome the President’s announcement on increasing healthcare and economic relief efforts in particularly in the identified hotspot metros in the country.
We call on government to expedite efforts in civic education to equip all South Africans with the necessary information and tools on how to stay safe during this time as learners and students gradually return to school.
The IFP remains hopeful that this decision to balance the opening the economy and the easing of the lockdown will not result in a rapid increase in the loss of lives.
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Contact:
Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539
