South Africans worried about life after lockdown

South Africans are worried about their lives after the 21 days national lockdown. Thursday is Day 7 of the lockdown that began on March 26 and will end on April 16. The lockdown makes provision for essential workers to work; and grocery shops and pharmacies to open. The rest of the citizens are to stay at home. SABC News spoke to some citizens who fear that the lockdown will have a detrimental effect on their finances.
Some say they work in the hospitality business and will be laid off after the lockdown. Others say they are stressed and have mixed emotions as they do not know how they are going to survive the pandemic financially.
Many South Africans who are addicted to cigarettes and alcohol are being negatively affected by the national lockdown, both physically and mentally. This is according to the SA Drug Policy Initiative which is calling for a reversal of the decision to ban the sale of alcohol and tobacco during the 21-day period.
The organisation says although the decision was taken in good faith, people who are highly addicted to nicotine and alcohol will develop a range of symptoms such as psychosis, seizures and even death. Initiative founder Keith Scott says the ban may also pave way for other illegal markets to thrive. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has urged all taxi owners and operators to abide by the amended regulations and preserve the lives of their passengers. Mbalula has announced amended measures for public transport during the remainder of the coronavirus lockdown period.
Public transport will be permitted to ferry essential services workers from 5 am to 10 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm. Minibuses and minibuses will get an hour’s grace to get to pick-up and drop-off points before the official operating hours. Addressing the media at the Noord Taxi Rank in Johannesburg on Wednesday, the Minister said that MECs in all provinces expressed reservations over the new amendments.
In other news – Minnie Dlamini blasts Forex traders testifying in her comments – Watch
Following many of our favourite celebrities, we surely stand with Minnie Dlamini who in fact may happen to be the first one to come out and blast these testifiers. It is not only these traders who testify but many other individuals like ‘sangomas’ who come and flood their testimonies in the comment sections in a way to market and promote their brands or products. Read more
Source: sabcnews