South Africa is doing its lockdown in phases, and now is the time to move down to the next level of lockdown, often accompanied by reduced strictness in enforcing lockdowns. According to a new set of guidelines from the country’s Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the country may reopen up all sectors of its economy from 1 June, with the exception of:

• Hotels;
• Restaurants;
• Bars;
• Gyms;
• Other recreational facilities (casinos, clubs, etc).

“The outcome of these interventions will determine if there is a need to impose lockdown restrictions in a limited geographic district or metropolitan area,” Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize was quoted as saying last week.

Here Is What You Need To Know

• According to Sunday Times reports, under the new guidelines, vendors of alcohol will be allowed under level 3 lockdown. However, smokers are still shut out from accessing the market and restocking their cigarettes because cigarette shops will not be allowed to open.
• The new guidelines will further most likely restrict the number of people who can return to work, with larger companies of more than 500 people expected to provide transport for their workers in an attempt to ease congestion in the public transport system.
• Businesses will also be asked to introduce staggered working hours, to limit congestion on public transport and at the workplace.

The draft regulations also show:

• Non-contact sports matches would be allowed, with no fans in attendance — only the teams, management, medical staff, limited broadcast crew, and two journalists;
• Domestic workers would be allowed, but only if employers organise private transport for them (not at the domestic worker’s cost);
• Public parks and beaches would be open for the purpose of exercise only;
• Exercise would not be restricted by time, but still cannot be in groups or organised clubs, and needs to adhere to social distancing rules.

South Africa had in the middle of May, 2020 allowed its citizens to buy or sell anything online except cigarettes and booze, as the country’s lockdown  entered Alert Level 4. By the terms of the regulations, the range of items e-commerce sites in South Africa may sell are no longer placed under any limit. However, owners of the sites must comply entirely with the terms of the new regulations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The new directions took effect immediately.

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.