Government gets multiple lawsuits for imposing lockdown regulations on Western Cape beaches
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Photo: Garden Route District Municipality
Government and health ministry say they will not back down on their decision to impose strict lockdown restrictions in certain parts of the country as the anticipated second wave of Covid-19 infections looms.
This follows recent backlash towards the government and NCCC by the Democratic Alliance and AfriForum who demanded explanation the lockdown more especially in certain Western Cape beaches particularly Garden Route.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize responded that their decision did not fall from thin air, it was based credible scientific advise and evidence.
“As Health, we stand by the recommendations made to the NCCC which are well substantiated by evidence. We have every intention to oppose these applications as the Department, and Government’s mandate to protect the lives and health of our people remains paramount.”
“We dare not neglect this responsibility by omitting to take the necessary actions to protect the health care system from being overwhelmed and collapsing, as we’ve seen in other countries” said the Minister.
AfriForum and Greater Brak Business Forum say the recent regulations by the government infringe on business owner’s rights.
Whereas the Democratic Alliance say the regulation is not in line with the scientific advice available from medical experts, and is impossible to enforce.
“Such a regulation will also be the final nail in the coffin for the Garden Route’s coastal economies which are nearing total collapse.”
“It was very clear from the start that the Western Cape did not want beach closures, nor did the province need them. National government has blatantly ignored these requests and overlooked the competency of the Western Cape government at the peril of the lives and livelihoods of the province’s coastal communities” said the Democratic Alliance.
