World’s Longest Hard Lockdown Killed SA’s Economy, Not COVID-19, Says DA’s John Steenhuisen

GOVERNMENT should scrap the lockdown altogether because it is serving no purpose, ruined millions of lives and killed the local economy, according to DA’s interim leader John Steenhuisen.

On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a further easing of some lockdown restrictions to allow for economic activities, including the reopening of restaurants, casinos, cinemas and personal care services.

“He seems to have finally realised just how devastating this lockdown has been – and will continue to be – for ordinary South Africans, but it’s happened far too late. Everything he announced tonight could have – and should have – been announced almost two months ago,” said Steenhuisen.

“It is unclear at which level of the lockdown we now find ourselves – not that it makes much difference, as the lockdown is now de facto ended. But this ending comes too late to save thousands of businesses and millions of jobs.”