By now, all of us are aware that President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Command Centre have declared a 21 Days National Lockdown, effective from midnight tonight, due to the sharp increase in COVID-19 infections that we have witnessed recently but also as a means to curb the spread of COVID-19.

As a country, we are part of the 3-billion people worldwide who are under lockdown due to the rapid spread of the virus and we are calling on every citizen of this province to take heed of the calls to stay home for the next 21 days.

We are aware of the far reaching impact the lockdown will have on citizens but it is a necessary step that had to be taken by government, if we are to win the battle against the spread of the CoronaVirus.

Of the 709 COVID-19 cases reported and confirmed yesterday by the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the North West Province had five cases reported and confirmed.

I am accompanied by the entire Provincial Command Centre; of which I am the Convenor and Chairperson, which is tasked with ensuring that we comply with the 21 Days Lockdown instruction while making sure that the Provincial Government continues to provide services to the citizens of the North West.

All Provincial Government Departments are responsible to procure and provide their staff with sanitizers, masks and gloves.

We have therefore called you here today as we believe that, the media, are best positioned to assist us to reach as many citizens as possible; you are a very important partner in our fight against COVID-19.

Click here for the full speech.