President Cyril Ramaphosa announced an R500-billion relief package to support the economy and the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a special address to the nation, Ramaphosa announced “a massive social and economic support package of R500-billion, which amounts to about 10 percent of our GDP.”
“The impact of the coronavirus requires an extraordinary coronavirus budget… the scale of this emergency programme is historical,” he said.
Ramaphosa said South Africa was now entering the second phase of its COVID-19 response aimed at stabilizing the economy, addressing the decline in supply and demand and protecting jobs.
Trade union federation Cosatu welcomed the measures but called for big corporations to match the amount that the government has placed on the table.
“Nothing less than an R1-trillion stimulus plan will be sufficient to turn our already bleeding economy around and save workers from the pain of skyrocketing unemployment levels,” Cosatu said in a statement.
DA interim leader John Steenhuisen said approaching institutions such as the IMF and World Bank for the bulk of the funding for this package was “encouraging”, especially “as these institutions have made available low interest, unconditional loans specifically for COVID-19 relief.”
“It is also encouraging to hear Ramaphosa speak of a phased re-opening of the economy following on a risk-adjusted approach based on scientific evidence,” Steenhuisen said.
“This is essentially the Smart Lockdown plan the DA proposed. We look forward to the details of this plan.”
It is also encouraging to hear #CyrilRamaphosa speak of a phased re-opening of the economy following on a risk-adjusted approach based on scientific evidence. This is essentially the Smart Lockdown plan the DA proposed. We look forward to the details of this plan. – @jsteenhuisen
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) April 21, 2020
The Economic Freedom Fighters released a media statement, welcoming the core of the aspects announced on social relief but said they would be waiting for the details on economic measures Ramaphosa would announce during the week.
The EFF stated they would like to see the distribution of food be facilitated out of political hands to prevent corruption.
The party opposes the re-opening of the economy should it put people in danger and warned against accepting loans by the IMF and World Bank.
Economic Freedom Fighters Statement on South Africa’s Economic Stimulus and Social Relief Measures. pic.twitter.com/UAQU7lr6sK
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) April 21, 2020
The Freedom Front Plus said the unlocking of the economy is necessary.
It said attention should be paid to people who were not economically vulnerable before the pandemic who have are facing economic difficulties now.
FF Plus response to the economic stimulus package @GroenewaldPJ #Covid_19SA pic.twitter.com/7ZgiBGOPsq
— VRYHEIDSFRONT PLUS / FREEDOM FRONT PLUS (@VFPlus) April 21, 2020
South Africa is in its fourth week of a five-week lockdown imposed from 25 March.
The country has so far reported 3,465 coronavirus infections and 58 people have died.
– Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
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The NICD has another Clinician Hotline to improve #COVID19 communication and support for healthcare providers. The Clinician Hotline is 0800 11 1131, operating 24 hrs. The Public Hotline is 0800 029 999 also operating 24hrs.
In other news – Shauwn Mkhize nails the Pillow Challenge – Pictures
After a range of individuals who have participated in the #pilowchallenge, don’t quickly rush to conclude the outstanding person who nailed it than everyone, until you see Mamkhize aka Shauwn Mkhize.
She has also decided to take part in some of the fun – taking on the Pillow Challenge. The reality show star, got creative while social distancing at home on Wednesday, transforming her bedding into a fashionable outfit in the style of social media’s latest viral trend. continue reading
Source: AFP
