Opposition Parties React to Ramaphosa’s Pronouncements

By: Bright Ntuli

Political parties have had mixed reactions to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that off-site consumption of alcohol will not be allowed from Good Friday to Easter Monday, while on-site sales remain permitted.

Updating the nation last night, Ramaphosa also announced that religious gatherings will also be permitted, under some conditions.

The ANC Spokesperson, Pule Mabe,  says the restrictions announced by the government for the Easter weekend are not to punish South Africans but for their own protection.

DA Leader, John Steenhuisen, says imposing a restriction on off-site alcohol sales for four days around Easter is not only entirely unscientific, but it also places an unnecessary further strain on the livelihoods of those who make their living in this sector.

Steenhuisen adds, that the first two alcohol bans were directly responsible for 165 000 job losses in the country.

The EFF’s Sinawo Tambo says Ramaphosa’s decision to allow the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption at restaurants, shebeens, and bars while prohibiting off-site consumption is the highest level of foolishness.

“By stopping alcohol sales from outlets for off-site consumption, Ramaphosa is encouraging mass gatherings at restaurants, mass infection and drinking and driving,” says Tambo.

Meanwhile, The IFP’s Mkhuleko Hlengwa has welcomed the restrictions imposed by the government for the Easter weekend.

“The responsibility falls in the hands of South Africans to continue exercising maximum discipline and maintaining the protocols that are in place,” states Hlengwa.

The sale of alcohol for off-site consumption will be prohibited this coming Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday but on-site sales at restaurants, shebeens and bars will be allowed, according to licensing conditions, up until 23:00.