While several political parties have welcomed government’s interventions to combat the COVID-19 virus, some have criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration of being complacent in dealing with the health crisis.
On Sunday, President Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster.
Several political parties have weighed in on the health crisis, some welcoming government’s interventions and calling for mass education.
“The African National Congress (ANC) makes a clarion call to all our structures, alliance partners and South Africans to be at the centre of mass mobilisation to win the battle related to COVID-19 through the following measures: mass education to the country’s population about the virus and preventative actions. We said to our structures expand surveillance to find, isolate and care for every case and trace every contact,” says ANC Secretary General, Ace Magasule.
“We welcome the announcement made by the president and I think it’s the right action at the right time. It’s up to all South Africans to play our part in containing the spread of the COVID 19 virus. We need to heed the regulations put in place,” says DA Interim Leader John Steenhuisen.
“We call on South Africans to stand together to combat this virus in South Africa. We welcome the ban on international travelling, the closing of schools and the ban of gatherings,” FF Plus leader, Pieter Groenewald.
“It was a very difficult decision for him to take. We think it’s in the best interest for all of us,” says Cope Spokesperson, Dennis Bloom.
“We believe that government has taken the correct decision particularly in so far as the travelling ban is concerned. If you look at the fact that the cases in South Africa are of people who have travelled abroad. A lot of work needs to be done here at home. The ripple effects have got bearings socially and economically,” IFP Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
Meanwhile, other parties have accused the government of dragging their feet when dealing with the health crisis. Some even requesting government to implement stricter measures to combat the pandemic.
“We welcome what has been announced, but we continue to lament the indecisiveness of President Ramaphosa. Clearly, this decision should have been taken two weeks ago. So, this is the kind of leadership that President Ramaphosa continues to display in the country, ” laments ATM Head of Policy, Mzwanele Manyi.
“We’ve been clear from the onset: ‘state, quarantine people that have been identified!’ That would be the first measure to make sure the containment of the virus is clear. Make testing centres to the public, especially in hospitals,” says EFF National Chairperson, Veronica Mente.
“I would say it’s typical of president Ramaphosa who always likes to consult. Sometimes you need to be pragmatic and cut corners. In any event, we welcome the decision,” says UDM leader, Bantu Holomisa.
The nation is requested not to panic, but rather unite in adhering to personal hygiene precautions to overcome the pandemic.
Following the cancellation of human rights celebration on Saturday. Several political parties have followed suit by putting a hold to their political activities. They’ve further implored government to do more to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 infections.
