The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of the easing of restrictions for travellers as South Africa continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
During an announcement to the nation on Tuesday, the President announced that travellers entering South Africa will gain entry into the country after presenting proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
Previously, travellers entering the country needed to present a negative PCR test regardless of their vaccination status.
Party spokesperson, Siviwe Gwarube says tourists coming into the country will assist in retaining jobs: “We welcome the scrapping of some of the requirements for international travellers. We’ve longed called, in particular, for the easing of red tape as it pertains to tourism because we are of the view that we want to make sure that tourists start visiting South Africa again in order for us to start retaining jobs as opposed to losing them.”
Meanwhile, The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of abusing the powers that accompany the National State of Disaster.
The party argues that the impact of the coronavirus has subsided in the country and that regulations must also be adjusted to suit the threat the pandemic poses.
The party’s Sinawo Tambo says government’s vagueness in ending the State of Disaster is an indication of it’s intention to continue granting it control over the lives of South Africans.
On Tuesday, the President confirmed Cabinet’s intention to lift the National State of Disaster after consultations with the public.
Tambo has further accused government of controlling the political space and the ability for South Africans to protest: “There’s simply an uncontrollable attachment to the power that has come in terms of not being held accountable during the COVID-19 pandemic and President Ramaphosa seems to be struggling to let go of the powers that come with the state of disaster in the country. So, he needs to start accustoming himself with the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided in terms of its impact in society as such regulations must also be… even the ambiguity and this vagueness that comes with ending the state of the disaster is announced tells us that this government has become so happy that it can limit gatherings and control the political space by limiting gatherings and limiting people who can attend to protest.”
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