President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the public to stop ‘panic buying’ after reports and images surfaced of people buying groceries and other goods in bulk due to the fear of the Coronavirus.
Ramaphosa said this when he met with leaders of all political parties at Tuynhuys, in Cape Town, on Wednesday, to discuss the response to the virus, which he declared a national disaster on Sunday.
“We call on all citizens to refrain from making excessive purchases,” Ramaphosa said.
“It is important to understand that the supply of goods remains continuous, supply chains remain intact, and there is no need for stockpiling of any items.” Images on social media showed people in long queues at Makro and Game Stores pushing overloaded trolleys. Several videos showing items stockpiled by different families also trended on Facebook and Twitter.
He said this as shelves in major retailers ran low on several items, including toilet paper and sanitisers.
DA leader John Steenhuisen echoed the message of the President as he appealed to the private sector to get involved in efforts to tackle the virus and added that their role was critical as the virus had the potential to negatively impact the economy.
“The second appeal I would like to make is to our fellow citizens out there to stop the panic buying. It is not necessary,” Steinhussen said.
Wtf!!!!! pic.twitter.com/ZuTgSM8kd5
— S P H E S I H L E (@FatherBucs) March 16, 2020
