Deputy President David Mabuza / Image via GCIS
Coronavirus: ‘The world order as we know it, will be altered’ – Mabuza
Deputy president David Mabuza said the government is relying on traditional leaders to convey Ramaphosa’s coronavirus lockdown message.
Deputy President David Mabuza / Image via GCIS
Deputy President David Mabuza, while meeting with traditional leaders in response to the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday 24 March, said that they need to further convey President Cyril Ramaphosa’s message.
“This is a pandemic that is highly infectious and one that has no borders is affecting young and old, black and white, poor and wealthy,” said Mabuza.
“Our engagements with you forms part of our outreach as the government to mobilise support for the national effort to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus,” he said.
Ramaphosa on Monday evening announced that effective from midnight on Thursday the 26 March, South Africa will be under a nationwide lockdown — meaning no South Africans can leave home unless it is for essential items.
Coronavirus: Mabuza calls on traditional leaders to raise awareness
Mabuza said it is important for these leaders to filter down the message to communities that the supply of food and other basic goods will continue, as will the banking services, power and water provision, as well as telecommunications services.
“Our healthcare facilities will continue to operate, as will our police stations and a full list of businesses that will be permitted to stay open, will be published in due course,” he said.
“We are counting on the leadership of AmaKhosi to equally raise awareness in our communities about what quarantine entails and why it is necessary,” he added.
Location of quarantine sites must not ensue panic
Mabuza said the location of a quarantine centre or facility, whether in a village or city centre, does not mean the health of the community is being put at risk.
“What is needed over and above social distancing, are aggressive tactics such as strategic testing, tracing and isolation of contacts to curb the spread of coronavirus,” he said.
“The role of traditional leaders, as leaders closest to the people, is very important in assisting us to reverse the increase in new infections,” he added.
“The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused so much global disruption and panic that has been swift and unrelenting. It is without a doubt that the current world order as we know it will be altered, hopefully for the better,” added Mabuza.
He said that while so far, most cases of infections have been mainly confined to urban areas, it is only a matter of time before coronavirus reaches rural areas.
Mabuza said those living with HIV and TB, are severely exposed and are most vulnerable to this pandemic.
