With calls continuing across South Africa to have the national state of disaster lifted, some experts caution against lifting the restrictions prematurely.
The regulations were implemented in March of 2020 at the start of the national lockdown.
Many scientists and civil rights group say the state of disaster measures, meant to curb the spread of Covid-19, are no longer needed.
Infectious diseases expert at the WITS University, Professor Francois Venter spoke to eNCA and had this to say.
Audio PlayerVenter says it’s time the regulations are abolished.
Audio PlayerMeanwhile Dr. Mosa Moshabela, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, says it would not be so easy to do away with the State of Disaster.
He says even though he agrees that it is time to do away with these measures, the regulations should rather be done away with in a gradual, controlled manner.
Audio PlayerMoshabela says South Africa does not have the legislative framework to fall back on, should it do away with the Disaster Risk Management Act.
Audio PlayerRelated articles:
- Decrease seen in excess Covid-19 deaths in fourth wave.
- Up to 90% of Western Cape adults had protection against Covid-19 before the onset of the fourth wave.
- Professor Shabir Madhi: “Decision to not abolish contract tracing & quarantine should be reconsidered”.
The more I engage in these debates around urgency to end the State of Disaster in South Africa, the more I realise most agitators are driven by fear and mistrust of government. They are afraid government wants to prolong a hold on to power and maintain control of society.
— Prof. Mosa Moshabela (@MoshabelaMosa) January 24, 2022
