Faizel Patel –12/01/2021
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his appreciation to the religious leaders and communities of South Africa for their support and understanding that they have demonstrated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The president briefed the nation on Monday after holding meetings with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the Cabinet.
Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will remain on adjusted level three lockdown saying that most of the measures announced last year will remain in place.
The president says religious leaders have played an integral role in the battle to stop the spread of the Coronavirus in communities.
“Not only have faith based organizations had to limit or to adjust the nature of worship or their various other activities, they’ve also provided counselling, they’ve provided support. They’ve also taken up quite efficiently feeding schemes and other social services to communities and we commend them for this.”
However, Ramaphosa says while people need both material and spiritual comfort, it is indeed unfortunate that the restrictions on religious and other gatherings have to remain in place for the moment.
““Research has identified several risks that arise from religious services and other gatherings. These include the risks associated with enclosed spaces, large groups, close proximity to others, staying for a long time in one place, and loud talking and singing. We will continue our discussions with religious leaders on how best to safely meet the desire of many our people to worship in congregation while working together to preserve life.”
Ramaphosa says the restrictions on religious gatherings have been communicated to religious leaders and will be having further discussions with them.
Listen to President Cyril Ramaphosa speak about religious gatherings
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