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KZN Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala monitored the level of compliance with Covid-19 protocols in Durban municipalities on Sunday. PHOTO:
With the large gatherings cited as super broadcasters that could plunge KwaZulu-Natal into a Covid-19 disaster, the controversial KwaSizabantu Mission has been identified as one of the organizations behind the super broadcasters events in the province.
According to KZN Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala, the church recently organized a gathering of about 2,000 people.
“It’s no wonder that at least 48 of the attendees have tested positive since then,” Zikalala said.
The church is currently under investigation, among other bodies, by the South African Human Rights Commission and the Commission for the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) after allegations of rape, assault and other rights violations were brought. humans against mission leaders.
The latest church conduct, along with the behavior of citizens attending funerals and revelers on the beach who continue to disobey Covid-19 protocols, are largely to blame for the recent surge in infections in the province.
Zikalala, who reported to the media in Durban on Sunday, said the provincial government was concerned about organizations and individuals not adhering to Covid-19 protocols.
“There is a high level of non-compliance with the proper use of masks, which seems to be influenced by alcohol consumption and a high appetite for gatherings, especially in entertainment areas that present a high risk of being super spreader, including beaches.
“We have also noticed cell phone camera footage showing crowded scenes on beaches and people swimming in rivers and elsewhere not wearing masks,” Zikalala said.
As of Saturday, KZN, which is one of the country’s Covid-19 hotspots, had registered 154,000 infections, with nearly 3,000 cases recorded on Saturday alone.
Although the provincial government imposes more restrictions on public spaces and beaches in the province, which will be closed on December 25, 26 and 31, January 1, 2 and 3, non-compliance remains a major problem.
“We want to remind citizens to behave responsibly. The use of masks is mandatory and adherence to social distancing is absolutely necessary.
“So is the need to respect the 11 pm to 4 am curfew that has been established. Those who intend to disobey safety regulations are better warned: action will be taken against them, ”Zikalala said.
The rise in Covid-19 infections at KZN has created fears that the province’s health facilities will soon be overwhelmed.
Zikalala, who also blamed “reckless” liquor store owners for the spread, said there are currently 717 Covid-19 patients in the province’s health facilities, and that another 1,274 patients have been admitted for evaluation. .
“We also want to dispel the notion that our healthcare facilities are beginning to fail. Yes, healthcare facilities are in high demand, but the system has not collapsed under the pressure. It’s up to all of us to make sure we don’t get to that stage. “
The provincial government’s concerns about the high level of non-compliance come after Police Minister Bheki Cele identified KZN as one of the province’s crime and Covid-19 hotspots.
While police were under increased pressure to enforce Covid-19 regulations, Cele said the focus remained on fighting crime in the country.
“I have told the police that they must serve, protect and prevent crime. This was their role before Covid-19 and it will continue to be their constitutional mandate, ”he said.
