South Africa's lockdown decision expected today

With a week to go in South Africa’s five week countrywide lockdown, all eyes are on President Cyril Ramaphosa as he prepares to address the nation yet again on tonight with interest largely pinned on which lockdown regulations may be eased.

The president has, however, been advised to adopt a staggered approach to reopening the economy and ensure that workers are protected from COVID-19.

Earlier this week, Ramaphosa unveiled his administration’s R500bn ($26.6bn) socio-economic response to the deadly coronavirus and undertook to provide details of measures to be undertaken to reopen the economy beyond the 35-day national lockdown.

The response he announced on Tuesday includes R100bn ($5.2bn) to protect and create jobs, R50bn ($2.6bn) in temporary social relief, R40bn ($2bn) for the health response and emergency water supply, increased sanitisation of public transport and facilities, food and shelter for the homeless.

Ramaphosa also secured a R200bn ($10.4bn) loan guarantee scheme with major banks, the National Treasury and the SA Reserve Bank to cover companies’ operational costs such as salaries, rent and payment of suppliers.

While it is unclear if the country’s lockdown will be extended beyond April 30, 2020, pundits say a prolonged shutdown will have dire economic consequences for South Africa.