SACP calls for measures focusing on assisting the unemployed, poor and lower sections of the middle class during the Covid-19 nationwide lockdown
26 March 2020
The SACP has welcomed the decisive step taken by government to institute a nationwide lockdown for 21 days starting midnight on Thursday, 26 March 2020, to break the chain of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) spread. The SACP reiterates the call made by its General Secretary, Dr Blade Nzimande, to our Party structures, members, all South Africans and people within the borders of South Africa to fully co-operate in the implementation of the national state of disaster measures, including the nationwide lockdown. It is important to worryingly note that the spread of Covid-19 in other countries, such as Italy, China and the United States of America, has caused a massive loss of life. That has to be stopped. One life lost, is one too many.
It is very critical to flatten the Covid-19 curve. The nationwide lockdown and other related measures, including Covid-19 contact tracing, testing, quarantine and treatment, have to be successful. Every person has to co-operate, and assist where possible according to their capacity, to ensure the success. This includes consistently observing hygiene standards, social distancing and all the regulations aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.
The Covid-19 pandemic has wider implications, over and above public health. It has economic and social implications with adverse effect, for instance, on millions of the unemployed and poor, as well as on lower sections of the middle class, in varying ways. The legacy of uneven development in our country, especially lack of development in rural areas, informal settlements and townships, is deeply worrying.
The SACP has noted the economic interventions announced by government and various state institutions.