The Democratic Alliance (DA) is not settling for Level 1 lockdown. Despite the announcement from President Cyril Ramaphosa, whereby he eased more restrictions, the opposition is still not impressed. While restrictions on alcohol and curfew have been eased, the DA believes that the restrictions should be done away with completely. If they can’t be done away with completely, the DA is calling on Minister of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to explain why not.
DA WANTS ANSWERS FROM DLAMINI-ZUMA ON ALCOHOL AND CURFEW RESTRICTIONS
The DA said it will write to the Dlamini-Zuma to seek clarity as to why the restrictions on liquor sales and the curfew are still in place.
Despite the President’s account, the government has still imposed a limitation on liquor sales and continues with a curfew between midnight and 4:00.
“No reasons or explanation was given on why these restrictions are still in place,” DA Shadow Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Haniff Hoosen.
While the DA recognises the importance of supporting national efforts to fight the virus, it said it is increasingly concerned about the devastation that these “draconian restrictions” continue to cause on businesses, particularly small businesses across the country.
“Furthermore, we are tired of hearing government admitting, after the fact, that many regulations had been irrational, but still do little or nothing to end them. South Africa has taken some of the most drastic measures in the world to curtail the spread of COVID-19, but continued restrictions on alcohol and the midnight curfew are irrational,” said Hoosen.
LEVEL 1: ‘WHAT EVIDENCE OR RESEARCH IS GOVERNMENT BASING THESE DECISIONS ON?’ – HOOSEN
The DA wants Dlamini-Zuma to tell South Africans what evidence or research gave effect to the government’s decisions.
“Government’s unleashing of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, backed by no researched evidence, has cost livelihoods. It has resulted in unintended consequences and has placed millions of jobs and businesses on the line,” said Hoosen.
“Instead of focusing all efforts on fixing the economy, people are losing everything they have worked hard for because of this government’s illogical decisions,” added Hoosen.
From midnight on Sunday 20 September, there will be a curfew from 12:00 to 4:00 and alcohol can be sold at liquor stores and licenced supermarkets from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:00 and 17:00. Alcohol sales were initially permitted between Monday and Thursday only prior to the Level 1 announcement.
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