The president said the country would move from level 5 to level 4 on 1 May, which still required people to stay at home but allowed some sectors of the economy to reopen under strict conditions.
“It is encouraging that we are able to cooperate in this way, and to know that we are on the same page as we face this daunting challenge,” the DA’s interim leader John Steenhuisen said in a statement.
Reacting Ramaphosa’s announcement, Steenhuisen said the move by Ramaphosa was similar to what the DA had proposed calling it a “smart lockdown model”.
“This phased, risk-adjusted model, whereby restrictions are lifted as and when the data suggests it is safe, is critical to protecting precious jobs and ensuring that the livelihood of millions of South Africans is saved,” he said.
“The DA has called for precisely this approach in our smart lockdown plan, released 10 days ago. It is encouraging that we are able to cooperate in this way, and to know that we are on the same page as we face this daunting challenge,” he said.
Crucial to the phasing out of the lockdown is a massive increase in testing, tracing and tracking, the DA leader said.
“We also reiterate our call for certain restrictions to be lifted immediately. All stores selling essential items should be permitted to sell all items in their stores, including electronics, stationary, books, beauty products and cigarettes. Stores selling non-essential items should be allowed to open immediately for purposes of fulfilling delivery orders only.
“Similarly, restaurants and fast-food outlets should be able to open their kitchens for home delivery. All e-commerce stores should be allowed to operate,” he said, adding that he had communicated this to Ramaphosa when the president briefed political leaders earlier on Thursday.
“The DA supports the efforts of President Ramaphosa to combat the spread of the virus and to bring economic relief to those affected. And we will most certainly support him in instituting the much-needed economic reforms that will ensure that South Africa emerges from this crisis with the best fighting chance.”
