A few days before Level 3 of the state of containment comes into effect on Monday, Julius Malema, EFF leader, called on South Africans to stay away from churches, workplaces and schools.
At a virtual media conference, Malema said opening up the economy, schools and churches is indefensible and will lead to more Covid-19 cases and deaths.
“All we can do is refuse to obey and stay at home, as in the days of apartheid. We need to start a stay away from action. If we die of hunger, let us die with our boots, rather than kneel down and protect the white monopoly. “
As a result of the relaxation of level 3 regulations announced on Thursday, much of the economy will reopen and church meetings with a maximum of 50 people will be allowed – in both cases under strict regulations.
On reopening schools, Malema said it would be difficult to enforce social distancing and health and safety measures in townships and rural areas. He urged parents not to gamble with their children’s lives.
“Instead of preaching about wearing masks, we should preach that children stay at home. The story that kids at school are going to be safe. . . let’s have a look. When they go to school, they walk together. They do not meet at the school premises. They meet on their way to school. . . they have already ignited each other. “
The EFF leader pleaded with church leaders not to open the doors of their churches. “You are the people who have to tell your members not to come to church. Don’t go to church, you’re going to die. It is a trap. Our people can still worship at home.
“Restaurants are closed, but churches are opened. . . what is the contribution of churches to the economy? Restaurants had already applied social distancing before there was still social distancing.”
See the EFF press briefing below:
