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President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended South Africans from all sectors for coming together to stem the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, comparing it with the fight against apartheid.
Ramaphosa said, in his weekly newsletter to the country, that the way in which South Africans had responded to the pandemic affirmed that the nation “is strong, it is resilient and, above all, it is rooted in solidarity”.
“It is these attributes of our national character that won us our democracy and it is what will ensure our victory over this pandemic.”
He expressed his pride in the way “all South Africans have taken charge of not just their own personal health but the health of those around them”, calling it “exemplary and heartening”.
Everywhere we see signs of behavioural change as the nation rallies behind infection control measures, he said.
“From filling stations to taxi ranks, from spazas to restaurants, South Africans fully understand the gravity of the situation. Hand-washing is being practised and hand sanitiser is available in stores and other retail spaces. People are observing the rules restricting large public gatherings. Businesses and workplaces are complying with the regulations in the best interests of their customers and employees.”
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It has been a week since Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster as an urgent response to the outbreak and put in place necessary containment measures.
These measures related to the prohibition of gatherings of more than 100 people, restrictions on people entering the country, the closure of schools, the sale of alcohol and emergency procurement procedures in support of the fight against Covid-19.
The state has also led efforts to raise awareness among the general public around screening and detection, prevention, hygiene control and the importance of social distancing.
Ramaphosa said the state’s plan was to contain the virus, to protect the lives of South Africa’s people, and to fortify the economy against the inevitable disruption to manufacturing, productivity, growth and employment.
“Yesterday, I met with representatives of the business community to discuss measures we need to take together to combat the pandemic and address its economic impact,” he said.
“This week I will be meeting with different arms of the state, trade unions, traditional leaders, civil society formations and other sectors. I have no doubt that they too are already mobilised and united behind the national effort.”
He said South Africa’s success in containing the virus relied on the effort and energies of every citizen and their commitment to help and assist others.
“We have to contain the spread of the virus. We have to ensure those who need help get it. We have to observe the highest standards of hygiene and practice social distancing,” he said.
Ramaphosa called on people to continue to navigate our way through the difficult times that lie ahead in the spirit of empathy and selflessness and move with unity of purpose.
“What we are witnessing is social solidarity in action, a defining feature of our nationhood. At times of crisis such as this one, it would be easy to surrender to the impulses of opportunism, greed and naked self-interest. History bears witness to the dark side of human nature that can be exposed when fear and panic takes hold,” he said.
