EFF rejects move to Level 3, says hard lockdown must be maintained

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have condemned the nationwide move to Level 3 lockdown which was confirmed made by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night.

While most South Africans have welcomed the reopening of the economy, following two months of dormancy which has brought business to its knees, the EFF have branded the move as ‘reckless’ and ‘unscientific’.

Level 3 lockdown: Welcomed by most… not all

On 1 June, most of South Africa’s workforce will return to the grind. Aside from a few exceptions, most industries will lurch back into action and attempt to rebuild a sense of commercial sustainability from the ruins of lockdown.

Ramaphosa noted that deep consultative sessions with various stakeholders, including business, labour, epidemiologists, local government and international coronavirus experts, had informed government’s decision to relax regulations and redouble testing efforts. While Ramaphosa reaffirmed that government would be using a risk-adjusted, district-based approach — whereby regions with heavy caseloads or inefficient health care systems may be kept at higher lockdown levels – the nation, as a whole, will move to Level 3 lockdown on 1 June.

‘Reckless and senseless’ – EFF slams Ramaphosa

The EFF has, however, argued against the ‘premature’ easing of restrictions. The party, which has lobbied for parliament to reopen as a matter of urgency in order to hold Ramaphosa accountable for the ‘flawed ‘COVID-19 response, noted the president’s Sunday-night speech as a resignation, explaining:

“The announcement by Ramaphosa tonight must be read as a resignation speech from fighting COVID-19 and saving lives, especially black lives.

Government’s decision to uplift the lockdown regulations happens on no sound scientific and epidemiological basis. This is despite their repeated commitment that science will be the only basis to guide decisions for reopening the economy.

Tonight’s decision must therefore be categorically rejected as reckless and senseless only benefiting the white capitalist establishment at the expense of black people’s lives.”

The Red Berets added that the unbanning of alcohol would only serve to overwhelm hospitals and trauma units with victims of violence and drunk driving, thereby adding strain to a sector which was expected to be relieved during lockdown.

‘It is now in your hands’

The EFF was especially perturbed by Ramaphosa’s assertions that the responsibility to fight COVID-19 would now be left in the hands of ordinary South Africans. The EFF have argued that for most of the population, poverty, overcrowding and poor healthcare services mitigated that level of empowerment. The party said:

“Ramaphosa told the nation and its citizens that ‘it is now in your hands’.

This is because from here on, the government does not have a plan that will deal with Covid-19.

The lives of black people are lives of overcrowding, dilapidated healthcare, sanitation and housing. The Covid-19 virus will only thrive under these conditions. Many people will die because of no access to healthcare and treatment. Majority of these people will be blacks, especially Africans.”

The EFF ended its retort by stating, ‘on record’, that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) had “abdicated its responsibility to guarantee the right to life” by choosing to move the country to Level 3 lockdown.