An air of uncertainty hovers over the atmosphere ahead of May’s pay-day weekend and the general sentiment seems to suggest that Cyril Ramaphosa is on the verge of calling the nation to account in an upcoming family meeting.
COVID-19 spike spells for fierce third wave
If there were any doubts of an oncoming third wave, then the latest infection figures published by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) provide the best insight into this daunting reality.
For the first time since the peak of the second wave, South Africa eclipsed 4 000 infections on Wednesday 26 May. According to the data released by the disease authority, a total of 4 623 positive cases of COVID-19 were recorded on the day. This is a 33.2% hike from Tuesday’s tally, which stood at 3 084 infections.
Increased social activities, from illegal protests to crammed social event and religious spaces, have all contributed to the rapid spread of the multi-variant virus that, to date, has claimed more than 56 000 lives.
Is there a family meeting on the way? – Here’s what we know
As things stand, there has been no official statement released by the Presidency. However, history tells us that Ramaphosa prefers panic-inducing, last-minute scheduling.
While no word has been heard from the president, acting Minister of the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni did reveal that a family meeting is most certainly on the cards, following a number of consultations with relevant stakeholders this week.
“As we have said, we are all noticing the numbers are going up in terms of infections, people are starting to notice the tick up in terms of death. As Cabinet, we are discussing and consulting on the measures to make sure that we protect South Africans and a decision will be taken soon after the consultation and we will announce which time the President will then host a family meeting. But we can confirm that there will be a family meeting soon,” Ntshavheni confirmed.
At this point, unfortunately, it is a case of playing it by ear. At the time this article was published, Ramaphosa was at the Pretoria Military Sports Club in Thaba Tshwane, bidding farewell to the SANDF’s General Solly Shoke.
WATCH: The Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa has arrived at the Pretoria Military Sports Club in Thaba Tshwane for the farewell of retiring General Shoke & swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief of the SANDF during a Change of Command parade. pic.twitter.com/yf6s6h1SDl
— Presidency | South Africa (@PresidencyZA) May 28, 2021