Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Mangement, Sello Lehari

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Various government offices continue to be closed after some officials are reported to be engulfed by the COVID-19. The latest affected office was the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality at the Kgetlengrivier Fire & Emergency Services in Koster.

Two employees were tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. The municipality BPDM executive mayor, Fetsang Molosiwa said two firefighters consulted the doctor separately after experiencing flu symptoms early this week. Molosiwa said one firefighter who is currently in the hospital was in a pro-active section, which is a straight shift.

“He went for the test on Monday and received the results the following day. The other firefighter, who is a shift worker, was on duty over the weekend. She also underwent some tests and confirmed to be positive on Wednesday.

“However, the station will remain opened for members of the public to access emergency services. Another case has been confirmed in the Office of the Municipal Manager late yesterday, but the office will not be closed. The staff member had been in the office over seven to eight days ago,” she said.

Molosiwa further said she is trying to come to terms with the high number of infections in the district, particularly within the district municipality. She said they are aware that the firefighters are one of those that are at the forefront in fighting the spread of the virus.

“This is not good at all and we wish all BPDM employees speedy recovery. With these newly-confirmed cases, it now brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the district municipality to 5,” said Molosiwa.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari has noted with regret the five COVID-19 cases reported by various traffic stations in the province. Lehari said three confirmed cases are in Dr Kenneth Kaunda, one in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and another in Bojanala respectively.

“The department has taken all precautionary measures as prescribed by closing the affected traffic stations. We already conducted the decontamination process on all of them and offered psycho-social support to our staff members.

“These psycho-social support processes were also completed and officials were advised to self-isolate. The Department of Health has been informed and they handled the contact tracing process. We would like to send our wishes for a speedy recovery to the affected colleagues,” he said.

Lehari added that all testing stations for learners and driving licenses are operational throughout the province albeit for fewer applicants than usual in line with the lockdown alert level 3 regulations.

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Picture: Former North West MEC for Tourism 

By REGINALD KANYANE

The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in the North West came out gun blazing and defended one of its own, Wendy Nelson. This comes after allegations emerged that there is a plot to deny Nelson an entry into the North West Provincial Legislature to become a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) as ANC member.

ANCWL acting provincial secretary, Bitsa Lenkopane who is also an MPL said Nelson is the next member on the ANC’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) list to ascend and serve as MPL for the party provided there a space.

“We will hold the ANC to task to abide by the member’s constitutional rights and never find itself discriminating unfairly against Nelson. We believe that the exchanges that have been making rounds on social media will not play into the provincial ANC thinking.

“Comrade Nelson is the ANC List Conference product that has produced the current status quo. She is a member of the ANCWL’s Provincial Executive Committee, a member of the minority group in the country and she is a woman. Comrades have previously painted her bad for reasons of malice intent,” Lenkopane said.

She further said Nelson who is facing charges of fraud has been previously called to answer for those allegations and she has not been found guilty by any court of law. Lenkopane said they will defend Nelson in any patriarchal kangaroo court.

“As women, we will not be silenced or deterred by allegations that have never been tested by any court of the South African Law. As the league, we will not allow tendencies that seek to hijack the ANC’s operations in the province to displace and deny women their constitutional rights to play their roles as ANC members in good standing,” she said.

However, the African National Congress Veteran’s League (ANCVL) provincial secretary, Mike Sebakwane said: “The movement is faced with the enormous task of uprooting this scourge of corruption in the public institutions in order to provide the much needed basic service delivery to the people of this province. We have noticed attempts to discredit good comrades and to promote some who are well-known reactionaries and looters.

“The ANC and its alliance must not be distracted by the corrupt elements masquerading as champions of the justice principle which says “innocent till proven guilty”. The purveyors of this concept pretend that they do not know the resolution of the 54th Conference in Nasrec, which says that any member who is implicated in corruption should step aside to maintain the integrity of the ANC.”

Sebakwane said the veterans’ league calls upon members of the organization to reject the attempt to bring back former public representatives who failed the test of loyalty to the movement and chose to be loyal to champions of corruption against the people’s interests.

South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the Ngaka Modiri Molema shared the same sentiments. SANCO regional secretary, Khumalo Molefe said he is disappointed at the level of ill-discipline demonstrated by the ANCWL. He said the league has elected to rely on some fictitious social media sources and issued a statement instead of walking to the office of the ANC Secretariat.

“In its factional and misleading statement, the ANCWL asserts that Nelson is an ANC list conference product that has produced the status quo. However, as SANCO in the Ngaka Modiri Molema rejects this blatant lapse of memory and the attempt to rewrite history by reminding the league that comrades Nelson and Lenkopane who is also the MPL are not a an outcome of the list conference that we as SANCO participated on.

“Instead, the conference produced capable comrades in Lena Miga and Eric Lansman whose names were mysteriously removed from the list and the ANCWL conveniently looked away forgetting that Miga, who is their former provincial secretary with decorated credentials is a woman,” said Molefe.

Meanwhile, the ANC in Matlosana released a media statement clobbering the ANCVL. ANC’s Tyrone Thomas branch secretary, Francois Quincy Galamadien said: “We have noted with deep regret the veiled attack against the swearing-in of comrade Nelson. The ANCVL statement smacks of cowardice and the inability to comradely address issues of concern directly.

“We challenge the veterans to produce any court outcomes and equally to produce a statement written by them as a counter against any other member of the legislature who may have faced any criminal charges post the 54th National Congress, there are none,” Galamadien said.

He said the oblique attack on Nelson is racial because she is coloured. Galamadien added that there has been no attempt to dealing with the interest of minority groups in the North West, yet corruption is selectively used to attack leaders.

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Picture: (Courtesy of google: The late Dr Nelson Mandela) 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The global community celebrates the life and honour the legacy of the late Dr Nelson Mandela. South Africa’s first black president spent most of his adult life fighting apartheid system. He died at the age of 95 after ensuring a prolonged lung infection.

The Republic of South Africa’s National Parliament said today, the country celebrates Mandela Day during a period where Covid-19, a deadly novel virus that has changed how they interact with each other, the NA speaker, Thandi Modise said in a statement.

Modise said after 114 days of different levels of a phased lockdown, whose aim was to flatten the infection curve, they now have to deal with the exponential increase in infections in some provinces.

“This period, which had a devastating effect on the economy and the livelihoods of many in our country, requires that we stand socially distanced from each other but side-by-side while we continue to stop the spread of infection.

“As we celebrate and honour the legacy of the Founding Father of our democracy, Tata Nelson Mandela, we remember his words when he said may people’s choices reflect their hopes, not their fears,” said Modise.

She added that the choices people make individually, and collectively, should reflect the hope that the country will win this fight against this virus. Modise said choosing to stay at home or going out only to get essential goods, while observing all hygiene protocols, is a reflection of the collective hope that they are working to survive beyond the inconveniences brought about by the disease.

“With our collective efforts, much has been achieved. We are at a comparatively much better situation than many countries. However, we must still observe social distancing, wash our hands regularly and wear protective equipment like masks and face shields.

“Addressing a plenary of the National Assembly recently Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize reminded us that “Covid-19 will not be defeated in hospitals but in our communities. As Parliament, we would also like to urge every person living in South Africa today to ensure that whatever action they take is for the common good,” said Modise.

She highlighted that regulations that the government has put in place are designed to minimise the spread of the virus. Modise said people must follow the exemplary, selfless leadership of Tata Madiba and his peers, and put the health of all around them at home and in their communities first.

“As Madiba said, “a fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.” The post-coronavirus period will require all of us to find ways to recover our economy, to reinstate the lost livelihoods of the majority and to continue our efforts of bringing about a just and equitable society.

“Parliament has during this time continued to intensify its scrutiny of executive action, passed legislation and facilitated people’s engagement in the battle against this pandemic. As we honour Madiba, we must at all times strive to emulate his noble values and principles, care for others, stand with each other, fight for one another and protect each other against this pandemic. Madiba’s revolutionary life has taught us that with resilience, courage and determination, we can overcome even the most challenging battles.

“We stand in solidarity with all the unsung and selfless heroes at the forefront of the battle against this cruel and devastating enemy, such as doctors, nurses, scientists, police officers, amongst others,” Modise concludes.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Executive Director, Neeshan Balton said: “There are myriad challenges that people are subjected to in the country. Mandela Day encourages active citizenship. It is about taking Madiba’s legacy forward. While it is important, especially in light of the current health and food crisis as a result of Covid-19, to undertake humanitarian work, it is equally important to promote democratic ideals.

“These are important because it will ensure a strengthened democracy that will allow us to weather the Covid-19 storm, as well as respond effectively to increased economic and social tensions. We must be cognisant of the fact that if certain parts of our democracy were not ‘broken’, if the state had not been captured in the last decade, and if the people’s interests were always at the heart of governance, our country would have had greater resilience to deal with all other issues.”

He said the foundation is deeply concerned that as the country grapples with the pandemic, public money still continues to be looted, even from emergency funds made available to deal with the crisis.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation is expected to hold a virtual annual lecture today at 3pm. The foundation spokesperson, Luzuko Koti said they have invited prominent people to drive debate on significant social issues.

“The lecture series is an important event on the Foundation’s calendar, and encourages people to enter into dialogue – often about difficult subjects – in order to address the challenges we face today.

“This year’s theme – Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A new social contract for a new era. This year’s lecture takes place at a time when the world faces an unprecedented test, as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens everyone, everywhere.  The world must unite to protect lives and ease suffering.  As always at times of crisis, the vulnerable suffer first and worst,” he said.

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Picture: North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro 

By STAFF REPORTER

Many people were left gobsmacked on why the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro ‘opted’ for a medical facility in Johannesburg after tested positive for COVID-19 leaving healthcare facilities in his own province. Now, allegations have surfaced that Mokgoro actually had something to be looked at in his lungs.

Most people say Mokgoro’s actions demonstrate a lack of confidence in provincial facilities. However, the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha was quick to pour cold water on the matter and said Mokgoro’s case was exceptional.

“Our people will forever suspect that we are serving them sub-standard services. He did not opt for Gauteng, even the hospitalised situation was precautionary as he was not necessarily sick to be hospitalised. Remember, it was a day when we lost comrade Kegakilwe, so we took a precautionary decision as health that he must do his isolation in a health facility.

“He should have done it at home, but the reason he went to Gauteng is because centrally, there was something to be looked at in the lungs. So, this was a precautionary decision, not because he was sick. We wanted to avoid a situation where he isolates home and complications developed, and later it should be a rush-rush from home to that facility,” said Sambatha.

He said the late MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Kegakilwe who died a week ago due to COVID-19 complications was hospitalised at a medical facility in Vryburg and later transferred to Klerksdorp. North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, and MEC for Public Works and Roads, Saliva Molapisi also tested positive for COVID-19 respectively.

“Both Kegakilwe and Molapisi tested in Mahikeng, which is local. Molapisi got isolated at his home in Potchefstroom. Five MECs, ANC IPC spokesperson, Kenny Morolong, and Zakes Tolo were in a state quarantine site in Rustenburg.

“We tested at Job Shimankane Tabane hospital in Rustenburg and used NHLS testing kit which is used by the public. This was a message to people that we encourage them to go and get tested at a mobile lab using NHLS. We do not want to have a situation where we have the services for the elite, which is better, and then you have services for the majority that is appalling,” he said.

He added that Mokgoro would have ‘opted’ for Gauteng, but it is not an element of a declaration of no confidence because the whole executive remained in the province. Sambatha further said they want to close the gap that people are talking about and give them confidence.

Meanwhile, Mokgoro’ spokesperson, Vuyisile Ngesi said: “The Premier is in good health and he will be back at work on Tuesday next week upon completion of his isolation. Furthermore, the allegations are not true and in addition, the health of any individual is his private matter unless he/she decides to make it public.

“Thirdly, the Premier was in voluntary quarantine and South Africa is a unitary state where one can go to any medical facility in the country.”

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North West said Mokgoro was hospitalised at a facility in Johannesburg, citing the “overburdened” at the North West health facilities as the reason for being admitted in Gauteng. The DA provincial spokesperson on Health, Gavin Edwards said Mokgoro’s decision highlights the fact that the North West province is by no means ready to deal with the anticipated surge of Covid-19 patients.

“It is not surprising that the Premier would choose to rather be hospitalised in another province, but it is ironic that he would choose a province that is itself overburdened with high numbers of Covid-19 cases. This demonstrates a lack of confidence in provincial facilities, which hardly instills hope to people who have no option but to make use of North West health facilities.

“Again, it goes to show that government officials and political leaders abuse their positions to secure the best quality of services, while ordinary citizens have to contend with poor and substandard services. The Premier missed an opportunity to set an example for other politicians and public representatives to experience first-hand what ordinary citizens are faced with, but we wish him a speedy recovery,” Edwards said.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said they will revamp the Vryburg old hospital and turned it into a quarantine site. Sambatha visited the Taung District Hospital and Joe Morolong Hospital in Vryburg on Thursday to monitor compliance at those healthcare facilities.

“This was an internal visit where I checked how compliant we are as the department. It is always imperative to ensure that there is compliance at our healthcare facilities. So, I am grateful even though I have realised that not everyone is compliant from where I have gone.

“There are internal challenges to some, but there is an element of a good working relationship between employees, managers, and unions. The general challenge is the increasing number of COVID-19 infections or transmission towards our employees. When the number increases, it creates a pressure of availability of staff,” he said.

Sambatha further said it is startling to see the number of infected staff members exceeding the number of patients who tested positive for COVID-19. He outlines that it is clear that there is a sign of laxity among healthcare workers.

“We have an element where staff members testing positive, but their contact person/s are not patients. This means that these people get exposed to the coronavirus outside their workplace. We need to run a very tight internal awareness campaign to educate or caution them about the risks.

“Our employees need to know that it is not only at the workplace where they can get exposed to the virus. The majority of people have that tendency of organising and attending parties. They need to know that they will bring the virus to the health facilities,” said Sambatha.

He also added that the department has experienced a challenge concerning the Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs). Sambatha said there is a delay of PPEs at some healthcare facilities.

“We are working around the clock to ensure that we are well-prepared as the country is heading to the peak of the virus. At the end of May 2020, we had less than 1000 reported COVID-19 cases. However, things took a sharp turn and we experienced a bulk of new cases since 5 June 2020.

“Currently, the province is above 11 000 cases. Our planning must never be relied on what we are seeing now, but we need to plan for the worst. If that period of surge arrives, it must find us ready. If you read into our numbers, there is very minimal admission to our facilities,” he said.

Sambatha said most deaths in the province were people with comorbidities.  North West has 11 891 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 2694 recoveries, and 48 deaths thus far.

“Our people continue to be ignorant and we have realised that 99.9% of deaths are people with comorbidities. So, we urge them to stay away from any system that might jeopardise their health. It is important for people to stay home, practice social distancing, wash their hands and sanitize at all times.

“We planning to have around 2000 COVID-19 dedicated beds in various health facilities and we are working towards revamping the old Vryburg hospital to be used as an isolation facility in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati,” said Sambatha.

He also encouraged a good working relationship between the healthcare facilities management and the public. This comes after more healthcare facilities being shut down due to positive reported cases among staff members. He said the management need to provide alternative mobile clinics to avoid lack of service delivery.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

North West Health MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department has made more than 100 beds available amid the rapid spread of COVID-19 pandemic across the province. Sambatha said the province has exceeded the 10 000 mark in the last 24 hours.

“We have experienced 638 new infections, taking the total number of infections to 10 525. The total number of recoveries has increased to 2575. Two wards at the Job Shimankana Tabane (JST) hospital together with the Rustenburg Town Clinic, which is 95 metres away from the hospital are being remodelled to make available 100 COVID-19 beds.

“The beds will be used for people who are not able to isolate at home. Those beds will also be used for patients who go to hospital for any other illness and are suspected of having contracted COVID-19 after screening,” he said.

Sambatha added that such patients are kept away from others as they are regarded as people under investigation. He said the North West Health administrator, Jeanette Hunter visited the JST hospital on Saturday to check the progress.

“Furthermore, two field hospitals are being planned in the district, which will make available 500 beds on top of the above-mentioned 100. A site on the JST hospital grounds is being prepared to accommodate 300-bed field hospital with the remaining 200 beds going to Moses Kotane hospital.

“The department has received support from mining companies in Rustenburg. Royal Bafokeng Platinum partnered with the department to build a 200-bed field hospital, which is now operational. Bleskop mine hospital has also been made available for COVID-19 with additional 100 beds,” said Sambatha.

He said tracing and screening initiative is moving swiftly thus far. According to Sambatha, the province identified 3436 contacts of which 3146 contacts have been successfully traced.

“The untraced contacts are from the new cases and only 125 contacts tested positive. A total of 1454 contacts have completed 14 days monitoring period too. The province is responding to COVID-19 at all levels and all districts are now implementing a ward-based screening and contact tracing programme.

“The department has now conducted5 409 103 community-based screening with 7770 referrals. The province’s COVID-19 laboratory confirmed cases contributes 3.7% to South Africa’s burden of the disease,” said Sambatha.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A 35-year-old man sentenced to two life and 15 years imprisonment by the North West High Court in Klerksdorp in connection with two counts of murder and a count of robbery aggravating. Netshiongolwe Pfunzo brutally killed an elderly couple in their residential area in Potchefstroom back in 2017.

North West police spokesperson, Lit Colonel Amanda Funani said: “The sentencing came after the accused was arrested back in 2017 for the brutal double murder of an elderly couple at their residential place in Potchefstroom.

“Pfunzo stole the victims’ vehicle during the attack. However, the accused was involved in an accident outside Potchefstroom while trying to escape. The quick response of the police led to the apprehension of him at the scene.”

Funani added that the accused has been behind bars since his arrest and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000).

The North West Police Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed sanction. He applauded the Potchefstroom detectives for the excellent investigation, which resulted in the maximum sentence.

Furthermore, Kwena said that the sentence will serve as an indication that those who do the crime, will do time in jail.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West police launched a manhunt after twelve awaiting trial detainees escaped from lawful custody in Koster on Monday. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspects aged between 20 and 40 allegedly dug a hole through the police lawful custody and fled.

“The incident took place in the early hours of the morning today. However, two of the escapees have since been re-arrested. The escapees are facing various charges such as assault, burglary theft, and possession of suspected stolen goods.

“Investigation into the matter is underway and police request anyone who may have information that can lead to the re-arrest of the escapees to call the nearest police station or contact Koster Detectives Brànch Commander at 0823739689,” he said.

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Picture: Portfolio Committee chairperson on Tourism, Supra Mahumapelo 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The Portfolio Committee on Tourism has expressed unwavering support to the sector amid COVID-19. This comes after the Minister of Tourism, Mamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane addressed the committee recently. Kubayi-Ngubane said while easing lockdown regulations in the sector was aimed at assisting businesses, it had to be done under strict conditions in reinforcing the government’s health objectives towards defeating Covid-19.
“Our focus will be on supporting domestic tourism as the first point of recovery. However, we would like to caution that the recovery of the entire tourism industry would largely depend on how travel-ready authorities were in terms of managing and controlling coronavirus locally and globally,” she said.
The Portfolio Committee chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo said: “We would like to express our full support for the department’s efforts to re-open the tourism industry. We want to also thank the department for its commitment and effort to save the industry while balancing the pressure both from industry stakeholders and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The department has been commended for heeding the call to include the promotion of villages, townships and small towns in the District Development Model. We all have a role to play in defeating coronavirus and rebuilding the tourism industry and our economy.”

Mahumapelo also calls on all relevant parliamentary committees to support the industry in its drive to manage the reopening of the tourism industry, but to do so cautiously without unnecessary risks to the lives of innocent citizens and the people who work in the industry. He said the department has informed the committee members that 3 861 companies and individuals had already benefited from the R200 million Tourism Relief Fund, with assistance capped at R50 000.

Meanwhile, the Tourism department Director-General, Victor Tharage confirmed that the department lost close to R1 billion in its re-adjusted budget as announced by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni. However, Tharage added that although there were difficult times ahead for the industry and those dependent on it, his department would still be able to meet all its amended targets in line with its adjusted budget.

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By OBAKENG MAJE

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create a global disaster and impacting on economies, health, and social conditions, says the president of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday. Ramaphosa said the country has succeeded in delaying the spread of a virus in the past 120 days.

“We delayed the spread of the virus by working together and by maintaining our resolve. But now, the surge in infections that we had been advised by our medical experts would come, has arrived.

“The storm is upon us as more than a quarter of a million South Africans have been infected with coronavirus. We know that many more infections have gone undetected. As of this evening, there are 276,242 confirmed cases in the country. We are now recording over 12 000 new cases every day,” he said.

Ramaphosa added that the coronavirus storm is far fiercer and more destructive than any they have known before. He further said it is stretching the resources and their resolve to their limits.

“The surge of infections that our experts and scientists predicted over 3 months ago has now arrived. It started in the Western Cape and is now underway in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. Gauteng is fast approaching 100,000 confirmed cases. The Eastern Cape has passed 50,000 cases, and although the rate of transmission has slowed in the Western Cape, it will soon have 80,000 cases.

“According to current projections, each of our provinces will reach the peak of infections at different times between the end of July and late September. Yet, while infections rise exponentially, it is important to note that our case fatality rate of 1.5% is among the lowest in the world. This is compared to a global average case fatality rate of 4.4%,” said Ramaphosa.

He lauded the relatively low number of deaths in the country to the experience and dedication of health professionals and the urgent measures they have taken to build the capacity of the health system which faced a number of its own inherent challenges before COVID-19. Ramphosa said the most important measure of success is the number of lives they save.

“More than 134,000 South Africans have recovered from the coronavirus. Many of those who have recovered took personal responsibility for their health and the health of others, by self-isolating or presenting to quarantine themselves facilities. Even as most of our people have taken action to prevent the spread of the virus, there are others who have not.

“There are some among us who ignore the regulations that have been passed to combat the disease. They also act without any responsibility to respect and protect each other. In the midst of our national effort to fight against this virus there are a number of people who have taken to organising parties, who have drinking sprees and some who walk around in crowded spaces without masks,” he said.

Ramaphosa added that scientists and other scenario planners have presented them with models that project that South Africa may have between 40,000 and 50,000 deaths before the end of this year. He urged people to make it their single most important task to prove these projections wrong.

“Through our own actions – as individuals, as families, as communities – we can and we must change the course of this pandemic in our country. We are by now all familiar with what we need to do to protect ourselves and others from infection. We need to wear a cloth mask that covers our nose and mouth whenever we leave home.

“We must continue to regularly wash our hands with soap and water or sanitiser. We must continue to clean and sanitise all surfaces in all public spaces. Most importantly, we must keep a safe distance – of at least 2 metres – from other people. There is now emerging evidence that the virus may also be carried in tiny particles in the air in places that are crowded, closed, or have poor air circulation,” said Ramaphosa.

He also highlighted that the taxis undertaking local trips will now be permitted to increase their capacity to 100%, while long-distance taxis will not be allowed to exceed 70% occupancy on condition that new risk mitigation protocols related to masks, vehicle sanitising and open windows are followed. Ramaphosa suspended the sale, dispensing, and distribution of alcohol with immediate effect.

“As we head towards the peak of infections, it is vital that we do not burden our clinics and hospitals with alcohol-related injuries that could have been avoided. This is a fight to save every life, and we need to save every bed. There is clear evidence that the resumption of alcohol sales has resulted in substantial pressure being put on hospitals, including trauma and ICU units, due to motor vehicle accidents, violence, and related trauma.

“Most of these and other trauma injuries occur at night. Therefore, as additional measures to reduce the pressure on hospitals, a curfew will be put in place between the hours of 9pm and 4am. Apart from people who need to travel to and from work or who need to seek urgent medical or other assistance during this time, everyone will be required to remain at home. The curfew will take effect from Monday at 9pm,” he said.

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