The ANC says the “continuing attacks” on the Minister of Co-operation and Traditional Affairs must be stopped and South Africans should give their support for the “joint decisions” of the Cabinet and the National Coronavirus Command Council.
Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is responsible for coordinating the country’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in terms of the Disaster Management Act and has recently been the target of several of the government’s controversial announcements.
In particular, there were many questions after Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa said in a speech that the sale of cigarettes will be allowed at coronavirus level 4. Days later, however, Dlamini-Zuma made the announcement that this would not be the case.
ANC spokeswoman Pule Mabe said Dlamini-Zuma was carrying out her duties following discussions by the Cabinet and the command council chaired by pres. Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The discussions are supposed to be confidential until the final decisions of the collective are announced. It must always be remembered that the decisions of the cabinet and the board of command are taken together and should never be individualized, ”he said.
Mabe says it is unacceptable that some in “employing certain companies” try to push a wedge between people.
“They launch malicious attacks and undermine our leaders.
“It is particularly clear with regard to the proposed continued ban on the sale of cigarettes, tobacco-related products and alcohol. Those who do so show contempt for the health of our citizens and seem to be only interested in profit, ”Mabe said.
NewsLiteSA reported earlier that according to a reliable source, Dlamini-Zuma was still opposed to the sale of tobacco products during the latest round of discussions on the level 3 regulations. This while there are apparently many other members of, among others, the command council in favor of it.
A court case to challenge the government’s decision on the ban on tobacco sales is already underway.
However, the ANC says it welcomes the way the cabinet and the commanding authority under Ramaphosa carry out their duties. “We fully support the decisions they made.
“We appeal to those who try to undermine the Cabinet and the Board of Governors – and the decisions they make – to stop their selfish and unpatriotic behavior.”
Ramaphosa addresses South Africa on Sunday at 19:00 to inform the country of the latest developments in the strategy to tackle the spread of the new viral disease.
It is highly anticipated that he will make an announcement about South Africa’s move to containment level 3.
