[ad_1]
By Zintle Mahlati 
5h ago
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country is in recovery mode and the focus is now on restructuring the economy.
The president addressed the nation on Wednesday night, warning of a possible second wave as coronavirus cases have increased in certain parts of the country.
But it was probably the lifting of some restrictions, including the granting of international travel and the return to normality of the alcohol trade, that may have caught the attention of citizens.
Ramaphosa explained that the lifting of international travel restrictions as part of the amendment of the Level 1 regulations and that this would be in line with health protocols. No country would have restricted entry, but a negative Covid-19 certificate was mandatory to enter the country.
He said that these measures would go a long way in helping the tourism industry that had been hit hard by a decline in tourism.
Previously, the government had issued a regular list of countries whose citizens were restricted from entering South Africa.
Another notable part of the speech was the extension of the FIU Covid-19 scheme until October 15, 2020. The social distress grant was also extended and will end at the end of January.
“Discussions continue with our social partners on supporting distressed companies in the future, mindful of the need to ensure that the FIU has sufficient funds to deal with the anticipated increase in jobless claims.
“The Covid-19 FIU scheme has already paid almost R53 billion to more than 4.7 million workers. These relief measures were necessary to protect the most vulnerable in a time of great distress, but they will have to come to an end, ”Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa said the national state of disaster will be extended until December 15 to allow steps to be taken to deal with the rising infections.
The president said the focus was also on driving economic recovery through investment in infrastructure and attracting investment to the economy.
“We are relentlessly focusing on the implementation of our plan, pursuing some priorities with the highest impact and making sure we deliver on them. Our infrastructure program continues to accelerate, with strong support from the private sector and development institutions.
Many programs supported through the Presidential Employment Stimulus have already begun and hiring for others has begun. Next week, we will host our third South African Investment Conference, which is an important indicator of the country’s continued value as an investment destination for both local and foreign investors.
The president also warned citizens that as the holiday season approaches, precautions must be taken and people must adhere to guidelines on social gatherings and wearing masks.
Meanwhile, District Attorney John Steenhuisen has called on Ramaphosa to stop the terror and attacks on the economy and end the state of disaster.
It is incomprehensible that the state of disaster has extended for another month. The government cannot continue to manage South Africa around a single risk when our nation is so threatened by far greater risks, such as poverty, hunger and unemployment, “he said.
Political Bureau
[ad_2]
