Ramaphosa says Covid-19 lockdown is effective, extends it for 2 more weeks

The South African government has not only decided to extend the nationwide lockdown for a further two weeks but President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet – along with premiers from all provinces – will be donating a third of their salaries to the Solidarity Fund for the next three months.

“After careful consideration of the available evidence, the national coronavirus command council has decided to extend the nationwide lockdown by a further two weeks beyond the initial 21 days. As your president, I am mindful of the great and heavy burden this will impose on you,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa established the Solidarity Fund and so far R2.2 billion has been raised in the last two weeks since it was launched.

The fund has also set up a R100 million facility to fast-track the purchase of urgently required protective equipment such as face masks and shields.

The fund – chaired by businesswoman Gloria Serobe – was established to mobilise resources from companies, organisations and individuals to combat the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and limit its economic pain on families.

“It [the Solidarity Fund] will also allocate funds for humanitarian relief to vulnerable households, in addition to the R400 million set aside by government for social relief of distress grants,” he said.

The president said R1 billion had already been put aside to purchase sterile gloves, face shields, surgical masks, test kits and ventilators.

In his speech on Thursday evening, he also encouraged public office bearers and executives of large companies to make a similar gesture and to further increase the reach of this national effort to beat the Covid-19 pandemic.

The president said the lockdown measures have been beneficial for citizens as there has been a decrease in the average number of cases.

“In the two weeks before the lockdown, the average daily increase in new cases was around 42%. Since the start of the lockdown, the average daily increase has been around 4%,” according to Ramaphosa.

The Covid-19 national command team is in the meantime trying to create ways to sustain the economy and assist businesses and individuals who will need financial support until the end of April.

“The Unemployment Insurance Fund has set aside R40 billion to help employees who will be unable to work, as part of the effort to prevent jobs losses as a result of the lockdown. To date, it has paid out R356 million,” Ramaphosa said.

The Industrial Development Corporation has set aside R3 billion for the procurement of essential medical supplies.

“It has already approved R130 million in funding and expects to approve a further R400 million in the coming week to companies who applied for funding under this special facility,” he said.

The Small Enterprise Finance Agency has approved the postponement of loan repayments for a period of 6 months and small business debt relief and business growth facilities are currently adjudicating applications for assistance.

There is a total of R500 million available in support.

In addition to these expenditure measures, the Reserve Bank has also lowered interest rates and has taken measures to inject liquidity into the economy.

The country now has additional plans regarding combatting the deadly disease, which includes the roll-out of a community screening and testing programme across all provinces, focusing in particular on highly vulnerable communities.

Those who test positive and cannot self-isolate at home will be isolated at special facilities that have been identified and are now being equipped.

“At all times, we will observe the human rights of all people. Let us not discriminate against people who test positive,” Ramaphosa urged citizens.

Queenin Masaubi Political journalist | City Press

+27 11 713 9001 Queenin.Masuabi@citypress.co.za Media Park, 69 Kingsway Road, Auckland Park

Rise above the clutter | Choose your news | City Press in your inbox

City Press is an agenda-setting South African news brand that publishes across platforms. Its flagship print edition is distributed on a Sunday.