The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) notes the announcement made by President Ramaphosa, ending the National State of Disaster as of midnight on 4 April 2022.
The people of South Africa have bravely battled the Covid-19 pandemic for more than two years; with everyone making daily sacrifices so as to prevent the spread of the virus and save lives.
As the IFP, we would once again like to pay tribute to all of those who were working on the frontlines – from our life-saving medical personnel to the hardworking delivery people and retail staff who kept going to work, day-in, day-out, despite the risks.
As a nation, to date, we have lost over 100 000 souls to Covid-19. Today is also a day to honour their lives and remember their many contributions to our country. May they rest in peace.
Further, as the President rightly said, “Although the pandemic is not over, we can be confident that we are in a better position now. We are hopeful that the worst is behind us.” The IFP shares this hope, and therefore calls upon all South Africans to respect those restrictions that will remain in place for the next 30 days, such as the wearing of masks indoors, the various restrictions pertaining to gatherings, as well as the provisions relating to international travel.
We are further pleased to see that the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant will remain in place, particularly with unemployment at an all-time high, and many millions still struggling to make ends meet.
As the IFP, we will continue to support measures that are guided by international best practice, as well as the advice of scientists and the many experts that have guided us over the past two years. The health and safety of our fellow South Africans will always be our priority. We are further in full support of measures that are designed to give our ailing economy a much-needed ‘jab’ of its own.
We hope that in the coming days and weeks, South Africans will be able to return to a semblance of ‘normal’ life. Let us continue to work together and rebuild and heal as a nation.
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Contact
Hon. Mkhuleko Hlengwa, MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539