On Thursday, 09 April 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on continued measures to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in South Africa.
President firstly thanked the nation for cooperating with the lockdown regulations, since ordered from 26 March 2020.
Ramaphosa announced that the nation lockdown has been extended for a further 2 weeks (14 days) – until the end of April. He also announced more positive cases of COVID-19, now with a total of 1934 infections in South Africa.
In addition, Ramaphosa announced that he, the Deputy President David Mabuza, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Premiers have all pledged to undertake a 33% salary cut (1/3) over the next three months, and donate to the Solidarity Fund.
“The struggle against the #coronavirus is far from over. We cannot relax and we cannot be complacent! We have to massive extend the extent of the response.”
“Since the implementation of the lockdown, the rate of infection of confirmed cases has decreased. The average daily increase was around 42%. Since the start of the lockdown, the average daily increase has been 4%.”
“If we end the lockdown too early we risk an extreme resurgence of the virus.”
Here are some of the key takeaways:
– The Industrial Development Corporation has set aside R3 billion for the procurement of essential medical supplies.
– It has already approved R130 million in funding and expects to approve a further R400 million in the coming week to companies who applied for funding under this special facility.
– The Small Enterprise Finance Agency has approved the postponement of loan repayments for a period of 6 months.
– The small business debt relief and business growth facilities are currently adjudicating applications for assistance. There is a total of R500 million available in support.
– Government has reprioritised R1.2 billion to provide relief to smallholder farmers and to contribute to the security of food supply.
– The (Unemployment Insurance Fund) UIF has set aside R40 billion to help those who are unable to work during this time.
– The Solidarity Fund has so far raised around R2.2 billion.
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