Western Cape Premier Alan Winde raised concern that President Cyril Ramaphosa did not indicate when the National State of Disaster would end during his address to the nation on Thursday.

On Thursday evening, the president announced that the country would be moving to Alert Level 1 of the Covid-19 lockdown on Friday.

While the Western Cape welcomed the president's announcement, Winde said he was concerned that the president did not mention when the National State of Disaster would end.

"Earlier today (Thursday) in the President's Coordinating Council meeting, I made clear to President Cyril Ramaphosa that the Western Cape government does not support the extension of the National State of Disaster and that it must come to an end," he said.

Winde said this was an extreme tool that could not be used indefinitely, especially if they were to rapidly grow the economy and create millions of jobs.

He said, "And so, while I welcome the move to Alert Level 1 this evening, as an important first step required for economic recovery, I remain concerned that no clear announcement was made by the president on when the National State of Disaster will end."

The Western Cape said it had a five-point plan for what they believed must be done if they were to get the balance right in saving lives and jobs.

The plan includes ending the National State of Disaster, further enabling provincial and local government to respond to the pandemic, empowering people and increasing vaccinations.

The premier said there was no doubt that the move to Alert Level 1 will provide a welcome boost for the economy, especially the tourism and hospitality sector.

Winde said the country "must now look beyond this centralised approach and put in place the localised response systems that will enable our economy to recover quickly".

He further encouraged residents to play their part by getting vaccinated.

"This weekend, we encourage you to make use of the Vooma vaccination drive and get vaccinated at a designated site. Doing so will ensure that we can protect ourselves and those around us, ensuring that we save lives and that we can safely reopen our economy," Winde added.