Ramaphosa to address the nation tonight
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 19:00 today, Wednesday, 16 September 2020, on developments in South Africa’s risk-adjusted response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The address follows a meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council on Monday, 14 September 2020; a meeting of the President’s Coordinating Council on Tuesday, 15 September 2020; and a special sitting of Cabinet today, Wednesday, 16 September 2020.
The President’s Coordinating Council is co-chaired by the President and the Deputy President and brings together Ministers, Premiers and the leadership of the South African Local Government Association and National House of Traditional Leaders.
The President’s address will be broadcast and streamed on a range of platforms that are accessible to South Africans and international audiences.
The announcement comes at a time when Cabinet is expected to agree to the resumption of international travel and the reopening of borders.
Ramaphosa is expected to announce the move to Level 1 of the lockdown, including the lifting of the curfew, among others, once Cabinet gives the plans a green light.
The president is also expected to announce a stimulus package for economic recovery.
Sources say the National Coronavirus Command Council has deliberated restricting international tourism but allowing movement through permission.
According to the recommendation Cabinet will decide on, people will be allowed to enter and exit the country with strict visa requirements.
This is to ensure that travellers from high-risk countries will be excluded from travel to South Africa.
As part of this plan, only three international airports will be open, subject to strict conditions, insiders say.
Land borders will only be opened to those who have visas – in contrast to the usual free flow of travel between SADC countries
Holders of Zimbabwean Special Dispensation and Lesotho Special Dispensation permits will be allowed to travel easily.
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