A trove of spicy political reactions were delivered, shortly after the extension of the State of Disaster on Tuesday 15 March -Photo: GCIS
A trove of spicy political reactions were delivered, shortly after the extension of the State of Disaster on Tuesday 15 March -Photo: GCIS
In this case, the government’s silence is doing most of the talking for them. With the State of Disaster legislation set to expire within a matter of days, it was hoped the latest Cabinet Briefing would address the fact that South Africa could be lockdown-free by the start of next week. Alas, our ministers have kept it zipped.
Why might the State of Disaster be extended again?
This is proving to be a particular concern, as some ANC insiders have claimed that the State of Disaster laws could actually be extended AGAIN on 15 March – going against the government’s promise that this framework would be dropped after last month’s renewal.
Fears have been raised about the provisions for COVID-19 management, once emergency protocols are dropped. The ANC’s top brass have had months to prepare for this day, but there still appears to be some hesitancy when it comes to giving up the lockdown measures for good.
Health Minister Joe Phaahla says some virus mitigation strategies will instead be written into the National Health Act – but we’re yet to receive confirmation on when this will be completed. The ANC, who have had virus controls in place for the two years, could well be getting cold feet here.
Lockdown restrictions ‘could remain for another month’
Instead of signalling the end of the State of Disaster, the Cabinet’s statement erred on the side of caution. They warned citizens that the battle against COVID-19 ‘is not yet over’, and encouraged people to continue wearing masks and keep their social distance. It’s not exactly what you’d call ‘Freedom Day’ rhetoric…
“Cabinet acknowledged the country’s efforts towards the fight against COVID-19 but cautioned that the battle is not yet over, and urged all people in South Africa to remain vigilant and continue protecting themselves. Unvaccinated people still remain unprotected against COVID-19 and pose a health risk to themselves and those around them.”
“Booster shots are now freely available for most people and Cabinet calls on those who are eligible to get boosted as soon as possible. We must also continue to wear masks that cover both the mouth and nose, wash or sanitise our hands frequently, keep a safe social distance and ensure adequate ventilation by opening windows.”
Cabinet Statement, Thursday 10 March
MEDIA STATEMENT: Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of Wednesday, 9 March 2022 pic.twitter.com/DeZUktTe2E
— GCIS Parliamentary Office (@GCIS_Parliament) March 10, 2022
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