The Free Market Foundation has slammed Police Minister Bheki Cele’s warning that people who are caught with a cigarette will need to provide proof of purchase – questioning whether Cele was serious when he made the comments.
Foundation CEO, Leon Louw, says the lockdown imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus has become a threat to individual freedoms.
This comes as the country prepares to move to level three of the lockdown.
Louw says South Africa is one of the few countries in the world that has banned cigarette and alcohol sales during the lockdown.
He demanded Cele and others to read the constitution and the bill of rights.
Also liquor associations have called on government to urgently reopen the manufacturing, distribution, and trade of alcohol during level three of lockdown.
Most parts of the country are expected to move to Level 3 of the nationwide lockdown from the first of June, while areas with a high number of coronavirus infections might remain on a higher level.
Parts of SA could move to Level 3 lockdown: Anban Pillay
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on Sunday evening at around 7pm as the country battles coronavirus and prepares to move to level 3 of the lockdown.
The presidency says in a statement that speech follows meetings among cabinet, the coronavirus command council and the president’s co-ordinating council.
President Ramaphosa has also held consultative meetings with business, labour and civil society.
The SABC will broadcast the speech on its TV, radio and streaming services.
INFOGRAPHIC: What is permitted during Level 3 lockdown:
