[ad_1]
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed three separate requests related to the government’s decision to close the beaches in certain active Covid-19 areas during the holiday season.
The plaintiffs wanted certain beaches on the Eastern Cape and Garden Route to be reopened.
However, in delivering his sentence on Wednesday morning, Judge Hans Fabricius said that the government’s decision was neither irrational nor illegal.
READ | Garden Route Beaches Will Be Closed As DA Loses Judicial Bid
The applicants were the Great Brak Business Forum, the local Kouga municipality and the Buffelsbaai Homeowners Association.
It was argued in court documents that the regulations would have a devastating impact on the economy, limit economic and tourist activity, and therefore affect the freedom of trade, as enshrined in the Constitution.
Last Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the closure of certain public beaches and parks during the holiday season to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The closure applied to all Eastern Cape and Garden Route beaches. In KwaZulu-Natal, the beaches will be closed on what are “traditionally the busiest days of the season.”
More to follow.
Did you know that you can comment on this article? Subscribe to News24 and add your voice to the conversation.
We live in a world where fact and fiction blur
In uncertain times, you need journalism you can trust. For only R75 per month, you have access to a world of in-depth analysis, investigative journalism, leading opinions, and a variety of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest today in the future.
