In his announcement of what will be permitted during Level 3 of the national lockdown, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government is considering proposals to allow the partial reopening of religious activities.

"We have had fruitful discussions with leaders of the interfaith religious community on their proposals for the partial opening of spiritual worship and counselling services, subject to certain norms and standards," Ramaphosa said in a national address on Sunday evening.

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) said that it had urged Ramaphosa at a meeting this week to allow places of worship to reopen under Level 3 of the lockdown under strict guidelines, including physical distancing.

During his address on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa also wished Muslim South Africans well for Eid, which will take place on Monday.

The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has urged the Muslim community to exercise physical distancing and to stay at home during Eid, saying the day could become a "super-spreading event".