President Cyril Ramaphosa says while many countries around the world have imposed coronavirus lockdowns with a view to saving the lives of their citizens, the lockdown in South Africa has revealed a fault line which shows grinding poverty, inequality and unemployment is tearing the fabric of the country’s communities apart.
Ramaophosa was addressing the nation in his weekly newsletter as South Africa entered day 25 of the national lockdown.
South Africa has so far recorded 3,034 COVID-19 infections while 54 people have died from the pandemic.
Ramaphosa says there can be no greater anguish than that of a parent whose children cry out to them for food, but they have none to give.
“There can be no greater injustice than a society where some live in comfort and plenty, while others struggle at the margins to survive with little or nothing at all.”
Ramaphosa says Government had to also contend with allegations both disturbing and disgusting.
“A number of provinces have received reports that callous individuals, some of them allegedly government officials, are hoarding or selling food parcels earmarked for the needy and destitute, or diverting them to their friends and families.”
Ramaphosa says cabinet will finalise a set of measures to respond to the impact of the lockdown on the livelihoods of South Africans by engaging with a number of stakeholders including business, labour, religious organisations, civil society and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
Faizel Patel
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