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By Zintle mahlati 
1 hour ago
Johannesburg – With President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to address the nation before Easter weekend, speculation abounds as to what measures his administration will implement to curb a possible rise in Covid-19 infections.
Discussions about Ramaphosa’s speech began last week when the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) concluded discussions on how best to handle the upcoming holiday season.
The Acting Minister of the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, confirmed the discussions: “The NCCC is considering what measures should be taken during that period. We cannot discuss the advice provided by the ministerial advisory committee. There are plans on the table that are being considered and when the time is right we all know that the president will call a family meeting. “
Ramaphosa spokesman Tyrone Seale said there were rumors about Ramaphosa’s pending address, but would not confirm when it would take place.
“I can confirm that there are rumors. No, the government continues to monitor conditions in the country around the pandemic and the decisions that are made are based on those findings, ”said Seale.
Prior to the address, key industries have expressed their concerns and wishes.
The liquor industry has come out strongly against reports that an alcohol ban could be on the cards.
The SA Liquor Brand Owners Association (Salba) said it wanted to see scientific evidence to justify a restriction or ban on alcoholic beverages.
Association President Sibani Mngadi said: “The only results the country can expect from decisions to increase collection and ban alcohol sales is the acceleration of the start of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic as it collapses. even more troubled economy.
“The loss of jobs as a result of these unjustified bans is exceptionally damaging to society and the economy,” Mngadi said.
Meanwhile, the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance, which has been calling for stricter measures for the sale of alcohol, said it did not advocate for alcohol prohibition.
The alliance director, Maurice Smithers, said the government should watch out for the increase in cases in December and limit sales over the Easter weekend.
“We strongly believe that if you want specific interventions, that discourage binge drinking but still allow access, you will achieve the same effect without having a complete ban,” Smithers said.
The church industry has also called for an increase in the number of meetings.
Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana said the South African Council of Churches (SACC) had been meeting weekly before the Easter holidays to come up with a solid plan to propose to the government.
“One of the things that the churches asked is that the number of faithful should be half the number of square meters of the place,” he said.
Mpumlwana said that the churches have also decided not to have a central cult, and each branch must worship in its environment.
“Recently there was a meeting with the president and the cabinet with leaders of the religious faith. We all said we would like to increase the site’s square footage to half, ”said Mpumlwana.
A possible spike in meetings could also pose a danger to efforts to curb the virus, warned Dr. Aslam Dasoo, the organizer of the Progressive Health Forum.
“I think at this time the number of indoor (meetings) that cannot exceed 50% of capacity and 250 for outdoor meetings is the result of a tug of war. This was a change from the previous guideline. 50. Frankly, that’s just playing with numbers because you’re going to spread out.
“The demand from sectors, such as churches and those who want to congregate, make resistance difficult. I think any plan (the government) has for Easter should restrict all religious and other gatherings to what it is now, certainly no more than it is now, ”Dasoo advised.
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