Image: GCIS
South African business leaders lauded the government’s plan to substantially ease a nationwide lockdown that’s crippled the economy, even as the number of the coronavirus cases grows exponentially.
While other nations have opened up after the pandemic peaked, South Africa is relaxing its rules when cases are still on an upward trajectory — a third of its 22 583 infections were diagnosed in the past week alone.
We believe that the decision announced by the president is best for the country given where we find ourselves now
“We believe that the decision announced by the president is best for the country given where we find ourselves now,” said Sipho Pityana, the president of lobby group Business Unity South Africa.
South Africa’s economy went into lockdown on 27 March, with only grocers, pharmacies and suppliers of essential services allowed to keep operating.
‘Important and welcome’
While the government had previously been accused of taking arbitrary decisions, its response now appears to be based on a rational analysis of the available options to protect the economy and fight the pandemic, said Busi Mavuso, CEO of lobby group Business Leadership South Africa.