Moving house is permitted during level 4, under these conditions

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, confirmed on Thursday 8 May 2020 that South Africans may move house during lockdown level 4, under certain conditions.

New regulations for lockdown level 4 allow the movement of person and goods. However, this is a once-off condition.

Moving house during lockdown level 4: What you need to know

Time period for relocation

According to Gazette Volume 659 issued on 7 May 2020, the “once-off movement of persons and transportation of goods – which is limited to household furniture and effects – will be allowed.

However, you’d only be able to move house for the period between 7 May and 7 June 2020. In addition, residents must obtain a permit to travel across provincial, metropolitan and district boundaries.

What you’ll need

As per the direction stipulated in the Gazette, these permits can be obtained from SAPS station commander. The permit must “indicate the persons who are part of the household who will be required to move”.

In addition, you must also have in your possession “the relevant lease agreement indicating the date of expiry of the old lease and the date of commencement of the new lease”, or the transfer documents.

Residents who are moving house must also complete From 1 on page 6 of the Gazette; titled “Permit to travel to another province, metropolitan area or district for purposes of relocation”.

New conditions

Prior communication from the government indicated that “people are not allowed to move houses; moving companies are not provided for to resume operations in Level 4.”

It was then decided that a grace period of seven days would apply, until such time as the new conditions have been gazetted. On 8 May, Minister Fikile Mbalula called on residents moving between provinces to exercise extreme caution:

“Minister Fikile Mbalula calls on interprovincial travellers to exercise extreme caution on the roads, as the grace period for transit across provincial boundaries, draws to a close. The once-off movement of interprovincial travellers will end at 23:59 tonight”.

Moving house: In conclusion

To sum up, you will need:

• A permit to travel across provincial, metropolitan or district boundaries; stamped by a SAPS police station or a person designated by him or her

• The completed Form 1

• Indicate the members of the household who will be required to move

• have in your possession the relevant lease agreement indicating the date of expiry of the old lease and the date of commencement of the new lease; or the transfer documents attesting to the change in place of residence or change of ownership of property