Zimbabweans around Beitbridge welcome easing of lockdown regulations

Some Zimbabwean nationals around the Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement to ease the lockdown regulations.

The country will move to alert level one of the lockdown with effect from Sunday at midnight.

In the video below, International travel ban lifted under Lockdown Level one: 

Many Zimbabweans illegally cross the Beitbridge border to Musina daily to buy basics. They say the move will also benefit both countries economically.

In the video below, small business owners at the Beitbridge Border post in Limpopo hope for the reopening of border: 

Some locals fear that the rate of the coronavirus infections might rise again as the lockdown regulations are eased.

Confirm COVID-19 cases in South Africa: 

#COVID19 Statistics in SA as at 17 September.

Use the COVID Alert SA app to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. Start using this privacy preserving app today. Add your phone to the fight! Download the Covid Alert SA app now! https://t.co/8YKEqaiiRF pic.twitter.com/qyMq9XkGHv

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) September 17, 2020

As of today, the total number of confirmed #COVID19 cases is 655 572, the total number of deaths is 15 772 and the total number of recoveries is 585 303. pic.twitter.com/Yy0BhwhD3s

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) September 17, 2020

Meanwhile, taxi operators outside Musina in Limpopo have also welcomed government’s decision to open international borders from the first of next month.

Taxi driver, Donald Ramuthivheli says, “We are very happy for what he said, the president. He said starting on Sunday, the international borders will open. I think a solid thing, a strong word from the president. We understood and appreciate what he said. We are very happy people from the taxi industry, we are very much happy.”

In the video below, mixed reaction to President Ramaphosa’s Lockdown Level one decision: