Covid-19: South Africa Relaxes Lockdown Rules For More Businesses To Trade

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

Mines, refineries, ports, certain call centres, DIY stores and ‘essential’ repair service businesses in South Africa may now operate.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says the ‘loosening’ of some trade restrictions is part of a phased approach to lifting the lockdown. 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

Several amendments to South Africa’s Covid-19 national lockdown rules, which will see more businesses allowed to operate during the lockdown, were announced by government ministers during a Covid-19 National Command Council briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.

The amendments will see certain key industries such as mining, oil refineries and ports being allowed to partially resume operations or increase production ahead of the lifting of the lockdown.

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In addition, several other businesses, such as DIY stores, locally-based call centres servicing international clients; call centres handling finance and insurance queries for retailers; as well as “essential service” repair and maintenance providers such as electricians, plumbers and mechanics will now be able to operate during the lockdown on a restricted basis.

According to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the “loosening” of some trade restrictions was part of a phased approach in lifting the lockdown. However, she cautioned that some measures would remain in place beyond the lockdown.

“Everything won’t immediately be back to normal after the lockdown,” she warned.

“When we do stop the lockdown, we cannot do it abruptly — t­hat today we’re in complete lockdown [and] tomorrow it’s open completely … We have to phase-in so that there is an orderly move towards normality.”

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The national lockdown, which is targeted at restricting the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and has forced thousands of businesses to close, was extended from 21 days to 35 days by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week

 

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer.