Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele announced on Thursday the approval of the extension of the National State of Disaster to December 15.

Last month it was extended to November 15.

The National State of Disaster was first declared by government on March 15, 2020, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gungubele explained that these measures continue to assist in the country’s fight to stop the spread of Covid-19, especially as the country is in the midst of a sharp increase in infections.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has said South Africa will need to meet certain requirements before the country’s state of disaster regulations can be lifted.

Gungubele stated that Cabinet was pleased that 260 000 people vaccinated during the second Vooma Vaccination Weekend which was held countrywide from November 12 until 14.

“We must remember that the virus has not been eradicated and vaccination protects us from serious illness, hospitalisation or death. Vaccination is free to all people living in South Africa, and anyone aged 12 years and older is encouraged to vaccinate. Let us vaccinate to ensure a safe and joyful festive season with our families and friends,” he said.

XENOPHOBIA

Meanwhile, Cabinet has noted rising xenophobic sentiments and stereotypes in some parts of the country against foreign nationals. 

Gungubele said the onslaught of Covid-19 has affected all people in the country and the negative sentiments being perpetuated by a handful of people do not reflect the true state of cordial relations between foreigners living and working within the country’s communities and among its citizens.

Cabinet called on communities to be vigilant and avoid being coerced into hating other fellow human beings.

It further called on everyone to act responsibly and within the bounds of the law, by reporting any act of lawlessness such as intimidation and public violence to law-enforcement agencies.