The IFP welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement this evening – in consultation with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and Cabinet – that we implement stricter measures in coronavirus hotspots, as well as the extension of the National State of Disaster.
This was the final warning shot from the President, who stressed that the absence of a change in citizens’ behaviour and attitudes towards regulations will result in the country becoming a hotspot. This is the case in Nelson Mandela Bay, which has now essentially become a case study of what not to do ahead of the festive season.
The resurgence of infections in parts of the country, in particular Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape, pose a great risk to efforts in containing the spread of Covid-19. We therefore implore all residents of Nelson Mandela Bay to comply with the additional stricter measures to Level 1 of their Lockdown.
The President, however, missed an opportunity to implement stricter penalties for non-compliance with Lockdown regulations by citizens and businesses. Many are flouting the regulations – at the cost of precious lives – and we cannot allow this to continue unabated.
Indeed, all efforts in bolstering our public health facilities, improving on tracking and tracing, and ensuring that our health facilities are ready to manage a surge in operations, are welcomed. In addition, we urge government to keep their finger on the pulse in terms of procuring vaccines for our country, and we commend all efforts by pharmaceutical companies in their swift development of vaccines and trial roll-outs.
We thank and salute our heroes and heroines who serve on the frontline in our fight against the spread of Covid-19: nurses, doctors, emergency personnel, and all our law enforcement officers.
The onus now rests upon us as ordinary citizens to ensure that we maintain social and physical distancing, and observe and obey all Lockdown regulations. We must do our utmost best to curb the transmission of Covid-19, by maintaining good hygiene and encouraging all South Africans to wear masks.
We urge all South Africans to conduct themselves in a responsible manner over the festive season in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The IFP offers our most heartfelt condolences to all South Africans who have lost a friend, family member or a loved one over the past few months due to Covid-19.
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Contact:
Mkhuleko Hlengwa, MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539