President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on Friday evening and on everyone’s mind is, will he imposed harsh lockdown restrictions on South Africa?
The Covid-19 second wave is sweeping past the country, putting a strain on the healthcare system with increased infections and deaths.
While some relief was brought by news of a first batch of vaccine doses due for our shores this month, the sharp increase in the death toll has sparked fear of a harder lockdown.
Even Police Minister Bheki Cele voiced his concern with the state of Alert Level 3. In his words, it would be wiser if South Africa was placed on level 4 for a minimum of 30 days, a sentiment shared by Cogta minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Cyril Ramaphosa address may not be a ‘family meeting’
With all of this expectation awaiting Ramaphosa’s address, it appears that much of Friday evening’s address will not be the ‘family meeting’ we’ve come to know.
In fact, head of the ANC’s organising committee Nomvula Mokonyane confirmed that the address is part of the party’s 109th birthday commemoration.
The virtual programme will see a slew of political leaders paying respects to the political organisation, from interviews with stalwarts to alliance members pledging their support.
Ramaphosa is scheduled to make his 8 January statement at 19:00. Much of it will likely be about the ANC’s strides, its legacy, and outcomes of a national executive committee meeting that took place on Wednesday.
The latter is expected to hold hints of the president’s next move on the fight against Covid-19.
Watch live: ANC celebrates 109th birthday virtually
The ANC’s 109th birthday celebrations, usually a massive splurging event, will be held virtually this year. Mokonyane explained how due to the pandemic, “there will be a significant departure from past practices.”
“As you are aware, there will be no mass rally as on previous occasions. This is part of our commitment towards preserving lives in the midst of this deadly virus. As a leader of society, we have a duty to lead by example,” she said.
The virtual event will be broadcast on television nationwide. You can also tune into the live stream below: