News

SA Moves to Level 1

Written by Mfundo on 1 March, 2021

By: Bright Ntuli

President Cyril Ramaphosa says under alert level 1 of the national lockdown the sale of alcohol will be permitted, according to normal licence provisions.

Ramaphosa says the easing of restrictions is based on an assessment of the current state of the Coronavirus pandemic in South Africa.

He says however, no alcohol may be sold during the hours of curfew from midnight to four in the morning.

Social, religious and political gatherings are permitted for up to 100 people indoors and 250 outside.

Night clubs will remain closed.

Ramaphosa says wearing a mask in public is still mandatory.

Some political parties have welcomed the President’s announcement, with some saying it’s been long over due.

ANC Spokesperson, Pule Mabe, says if the people of the country continue with what they have been doing until now, there will be a growing decline in the spread of the virus.

He adds that the government has made an investment in the work done by scientists to find solutions.

Meanwhile DA Leader John Steenhuisen says moving to level one has been long overdue, adding that it will bring relief to many South Africans who have taken significant constraint during the past year.

And the EFF’s Sinawo Thambo says Ramaphosa’s announcement is a testament of the mediocrity of the government’s COVID-19 plan.