South Africa’s local events, hospitality and tourism industries may see some reprieve as these sectors are allowed to operate under eased restrictions.
In a much-anticipated announcement last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa will be moving to adjusted Alert Level 3 restrictions, with the country appearing to have passed the peak of its third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On 28 June 2021, South Africa moved to adjusted Alert Level 4 restrictions that meant no leisure travel would be permitted to and from Gauteng, in addition to no social gatherings. Restaurants were also forced to close their doors to seated diners, and an alcohol ban put in place across the board to reduce the number of trauma cases at hospitals.
As well as the adjusted Alert Level 3 restrictions, President Cyril Ramaphosa also addressed the issue of the unrest that has taken place in recent weeks, saying: “To ensure that order and stability are maintained, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, we have increased the deployment of SAPS and SANDF personnel. We have maintained this deployment in areas regarded as potential hotspots, as well as key economic and government infrastructure, shopping centres, warehouses and factories. Security forces are also responsible for keeping critical supply routes open and safeguarding the transport of goods.
“Through these measures, we have been able to restore order in affected areas and to return the ports, freight rail network and road transport to full operational capacity. Investigations into the violence and those behind it are continuing, led by our specialised law enforcement units, with a view to speedy arrests and effective prosecutions.”
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Download the official government gazette here.
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