The extended lockdown, to fight against the spread of COVID-19, has revealed the country’s failure to deal with grinding poverty, unemployment and inequality.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, writing in his weekly message, “From the desk of the President” this morning.
Ramaphosa said the regulations to curb coronavirus have exacerbated the triple challenges of joblessness, inequality and poverty, which were tearing the fabric of communities.
“…our lockdown has revealed a very sad fault line in our society that reveals how grinding poverty, inequality and unemployment is tearing the fabric of our communities apart,” he said.
“Yes, these are the residual effects of a fractured and unequal past. But they are also a symptom of a fundamental failing in our post-apartheid society. The nationwide lockdown in response to the coronavirus has gravely exacerbated a long-standing problem,” he added
Ramaphosa’s message came as the number of those who tested positive for coronavirus surged to 3158, with 54 deaths recorded by yesterday.
He acknowledged that the provision of support to the country’s most vulnerable, in the weeks after the declaration of the state of disaster, on March 15, had been slower than required.
Ramaphosa called for action against “callous individuals” and government officials who were selling food parcels earmarked for the needy and destitute or diverting them to their friends and families.
The president noted that Cabinet, which is meeting today, would finalise the set of measures to respond to the impact of the lockdown on the livelihood of the people.
“Even when the nation-wide lockdown is lifted, its effects will continue to be felt for some time to come. Those fortunate to have a steady income will be able to return to their jobs; but for millions of others this will be a lost month where they would otherwise have found temporary work, done business in the informal sector or saved money earned to meet their family responsibilities.”
