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The president is expected to describe the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic at 7 p.m.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on June 17, 2020 on easing level 3 lockdown restrictions. Image: GCIS.
JOHANNESBURG – South Africans await President Cyril Ramaphosa in anticipation of a loosening of lockdown regulations when he heads into the country on Wednesday night.
The president is expected to describe the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic at 7 p.m.
The speech comes after his consultation with the coronavirus command council, which faces pressure to save the country from the economic fallout of the pandemic.
The president’s speech comes amid speculation that South Africa is now ready to move to level one of the lockdown.
While it is not yet clear what this will entail, the change could see restrictions on curfew loosen and the extension of days and hours that allow alcohol sales.
Tourism South Africa expects Ramaphosa to finally lift the ban on international travel to boost the sector hit hard by the shutdown.
Executive Director Sisa Ntshona said: “Certainly, it has been five long months to get to where we are and the opening of international borders is without a doubt the last leg of the recovery of this sector.”
With daily infections steadily declining, Ramaphosa is also expected to outline a stronger roadmap to economic recovery.
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