Statement of the ANC on calls to relax lockdown regulations

12 April 2020

The African National Congress frowns upon calls seeking to undermine government efforts to combat the spread of Coronavirus(Covid-19) pandemic. This is in the wake of reports that some sectors of society including business owners intend to approach the courts in order to force the government to relax existing lockdown regulations, particularly in relation to liquor trading.

The President of the Republic Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa pleaded with the entire nation to make even greater sacrifices so that our country may survive this crisis and so that tens of thousands of lives may be saved. It is incumbent upon all South Africans to really play their part in assisting the government to deal with this devastating pandemic.

We call on the business community to take advantage of measures announced by government to mitigate against the detrimental effects of the lockdown on their operations. This includes accessing small business debt relief and business growth facilities, to which the government has allocated millions of rands. We are also encouraged by the initiative of private sector entities, including banks, which have also introduced relief measures such as payment holidays on various finance products. The current situation shows that this is indeed a moment of business unusual, across the board.

The ANC calls on all South Africans to abide by the lockdown regulations as well as precautionary measures which were announced by government as part of curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. They include:

- Washing hands regularly with water and soap

- Avoiding large crowds

- Covering yourself when sneezing or coughing

- Keeping the social distance

- Seeking medical attention when feeling sick

The government has already recorded some progress since the lockdown was effected. It is therefore imperative that we protect ourselves and defend each other as we work towards the total eradication of the COVID-19 monster.

Issued by Pule Mabe, National Spokesperson, ANC, 12 April 2020