As the nation waits for President Cyril Ramaphosa to speak at 8pm tonight, 15 August, the Minister of COGTA Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has gazetted the notice of extension of the national state of disaster until 15 September 2020.

Many are eagerly awaiting the President’s address, especially with regards to the re-opening of the sale of alcohol and cigarettes.

Earlier today, Premier Alan Winde participated in the President’s Coordinating Council meeting where he put forward the Western Cape’s position that the focus must urgently must urgently turn to the second pandemic of unemployment and the humanitarian crisis that have been the result of a prolonged lockdown period in South Africa.

“Businesses who can operate safely must be allowed to do so. The alcohol ban which has also had a significant impact on the agricultural, agri-processing and hospitality industries should also be lifted, in conjunction with smart interventions aimed at reducing the harmful effects of alcohol on our society.

I believe that President Cyril Ramaphosa, his cabinet and the various advisory councils understand the severity of the problem we currently face and the need for urgent and decisive action to change our course. We eagerly await the outcomes of President Ramaphosa’s deliberations and the announcements he will make tonight.”

PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS THE NATION ON SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2020
 
President @CyrilRamaphosa will address the nation at 20h00 this evening on developments in South Africa’s risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of COVID-19. #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/PztxvlkM73

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 15, 2020