The Solidarity Movement has warned that an extension of the lockdown in its current format could result in an implosion of the lockdown. This follows after an announcement by President Ramaphosa tonight that South Africa’s lockdown period will be extended until the end of April. The Movement consists of more than 20 community organisations with 500 000 members which includes AfriForum, Solidarity and Solidarity Helping Hand.
According to Flip Buys, Chairperson of the Solidarity Movement, the extension will exacerbate the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Radical changes will have to be made during the lockdown to make it sustainable. People should be allowed to work healthily. Changes in the regulations are necessary in order to ensure sustainability in the long battle against COVID-19.
According to Buys, radical changes will have to be made to workplaces to ensure safe working environments.
“All work that can be performed in a healthy manner is essential work. If the economy isn’t stimulated, it could lead to large-scale job losses and social instability.”
“We will offer comprehensive suggestions to President Cyril Ramaphosa about strategies to ensure healthy work circumstances. A shift needs to be made to allow everyone who can work healthily to do so, instead of only allowing essential workers. It shouldn’t be a question of choosing between health or work, but rather about implementing healthy work circumstances for as many workers as possible,” says Buys.