COSATU statement on Presiden Ramaphosa’s decision to move the country to Covid-19 Alert Lockdown Level 2
12 September 2021
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) notes President Ramaphosa’s decision to move the country to COVID-19 Alert Lockdown Level 2 and the various updates in the fight against Covid-19. The Federation calls upon all South Africans to continue to abide by the various health and safety measures, in particular wearing masks, sanitising, social distancing etc. These are vital to curbing the pandemic.
We applaud the progress on speeding up the vaccination campaign and the tireless efforts of all health care workers. The procurement and delivery of vaccinations programme has shown a positive improvement.
It is however deeply worrying that many people have failed to vaccinate. All adults need to vaccinate because the vaccines have proven to be highly effective in minimising infections and saving lives. It is critical that everyone vaccinates not only to protect themselves, but also their co-workers and families.
It is only through achieving mass population immunity that the economy will be able to emerge safely, and jobs saved. The economy cannot afford to continue absorbing periodic lockdowns, nor is there enough in the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to provide relief to workers. COSATU and its Affiliates will be strengthening their campaign to mobilise all workers and their families to vaccinate.