Political reactions to first COVID-19 deaths in South Africa

In what seems to be a very sad day in South Africa, two women have lost their lives to the COVID-19 virus. These two women are the first to have succumbed to the disease. 

Not only have we lost two of our own to the global pandemic on Friday 27 March but it is also the very first day of a nationwide lockdown — something we will no doubt have to get used to. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa, less than one week ago, announced that all South Africans are to remain indoors, in their homes for the next 21 days, in efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. 

Details of COVID-19 deaths in SA 

Although the details of the death of two South Africans are slim at this stage, there has been a slight update from Western Cape premier Alan Winde, where he revealed their ages and circumstances. 

“Today, we woke up to the sad news that we, too, have seen our first casualties. A 28-year-old woman and 48-year-old woman both passed away this morning,” said Winde. 

The 48-year-old woman’s condition worsened while in ICU, which led to her passing on Thursday morning. 

The 28-year-old was admitted to hospital yesterday and received emergency healthcare. She also passed away this morning. 

“The clinical picture is consistent with COVID-19 but we are awaiting the test results to confirm this,” she said. 

“We mourn this loss as a province and as a country. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased. I would like to ask all our residents to join me in a moment of silence at midday today, as we mark the loss, and celebrate their lives,” said Winde. 

Political reactions to COVID-19 deaths

African National Congress  

The ANC Caucus in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature said it is saddened by the news that South Africa recorded its first two COVID-19 fatalities — both of them in the Western Cape.

“We express our sincere condolences to their families and loved ones,” it said in a statement. 

“The hard reality of the fatalities is that this virus is deadly, it does not discriminate in terms of colour or class,” said ANC leader in the Western Cape Cameron Dugmore. 

Economic Freedom Fighters 

The EFF said the rise in the number of people that have tested positive for COVID-19 and the recent deaths must be an indication that the situation is serious. 

This as Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced the total number of positive cases tipping the 1 000 mark on Friday. 

“The EFF notes with sadness the passing of two South Africans in the Western Cape who had tested positive for COVID-19,” it said in a statement. 

The EFF called on employers that insist on remaining fully operational during the lockdown, to desist and shut down their companies. 

“The LGBTQI community must also be treated with care and respect during this difficult time. It is a well-known fact that the police in this country don’t have adequate training in dealing with gender-based violence and cases of rape,” it added. 

Democratic Alliance 

The DA said the identities of the two COVID-19 victims have not yet been released. 

“This sad news is a reminder that this deadly virus is very real, and not something that happens far away to other people. It will spread through our communities — as it has done elsewhere in the world — and all that stands in the way of significant loss of life is our collective effort as a nation. We dare not take the lockdown measures lightly,” said DA Leader John Steenhuisen. 

“To date there is no cure and there is no vaccine. The only weapon we have in the fight against this virus is time. If we can slow down the infections by breaking the social contacts that spread the virus, we can buy our healthcare workers the precious time needed to treat those who require critical care,” he added. 

Steenhuisen called on South African citizens to join the blue party as it observed a minute’s silence at midday on Friday in honour of the two women who lost their lives to COVID-19.