Breaking: President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation on Tuesday

It’s that time again, folks. The Presidency has just announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa will once again convene a family gathering on Tuesday 15 June to discuss outcomes of recent meetings with Cabinet, the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and his team of ministers regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the route forward for the country as COVID-19 cases continue to surge during the third wave.

We’re not expecting much in the way of good news, either. Recent reports and recommendations from a host of ministers have indicated that stricter lockdown restrictions are set to be implemented once more, with alcohol bans and tighter curfew times having been frequently mentioned over the past week.

What time will President Cyril Ramaphosa address the nation?

Te Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday 15 June that the president will address the nation this evening at 20:00.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 20:00 today, Tuesday, 15 June 2021, on developments in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” they said.

“The President’s address follows a meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council, the President’s Coordinating Council and Cabinet.”

Lockdown restrictions set to tighten?

The Presidency said that the address related to this Monday’s discussions with the aforementioned groups around infection rates and the best course of ation to try and stem the spread of the virus..

“As South Africa rolls out its national COVID-19 vaccination programme, government and social partners are continuously monitoring infection, treatment and patient recovery rates, as well as compliance with health regulations and other prevention measures,” they said.

Ramaphosa last addressed the nation just over two weeks ago, but cases have continues to surge. During that address, he put the country back down to Level 2 restrictions, but as the data has shown us in the past fortnight, COVID-19 cases are still soaring – and the third wave has officially been confirmed for Mzansi.

Should Ramaphosa move the country to Level 3 lockdown, gathering allowances will shrink and alcohol restrictions become stricter. Restaurants, indoor entertainment venues, and social hubs will all be at the mercy of government curbs.

The South African will provide the public with a link to the the national address shortly.