The decision to move South Africa’s lockdown from the restrictive level 5 to the marginally diluted level 4 has been met with a variety of emotions. For those who are in the financial black with relatively stable jobs and who are able to work from home not much is set to change. For workers in some sectors it will perhaps mean a return to a topsy-turvy form of business as usual. For some, such as learners and students the immediate future remains uncertain. One constant that will affect us all is the growing concern about our shrinking economy; whether we will have jobs when this is all over, whether we will complete our studies on time, whether we will be able to feed our families. It therefore comes as no surprise that political agendas are rapidly coming into play as time progresses and political leaders, united at the start of the pandemic, are rapidly beginning to flip-flop, flail and dissent from the decisions of the African National Congress (ANC).
The Democratic Alliance (DA) supported the lockdown at first, but has since been campaigning for what they have termed a “smart lockdown.” They have been advocating for a balance between economic liberty and ensuring that the health concerns surrounding Covid-19 are properly dealt with. When the shift in the lockdown from level 5 to level 4 was announced, they initially supported the decision, indicating that it was what they had been advocating for all along. When the regulations were formally promulgated on 29th April, however, the party did somewhat of a U-turn, indicating that there was no difference between levels 4 and 5, calling the provisions “draconian” in nature and ultimately failing to open up the economy. In addition, when draft plans were presented surrounding learners’ phased-in return to school, Minister Debbie Schafer of the Western Cape voiced her concern, indicating that the DA did not support the phasing-in at this time. This inconsistency is worrying and suggests perhaps that the DA itself is not sure of what its policy is.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has said in no uncertain terms that it opposes the easing of the lockdown, stating that it is an act of prioritising “capitalist greed” over the welfare of the people. It has indicated that in the event that a worker contracts the virus at work and dies from covid-19, employers should be made to pay the family of the worker a sum of R5 000 000 as compensation. It is also staunchly against the opening of schools in any of the provinces. One wonders what their endgame might be here. Do they think that Government is able to simply carry those who already have jobs but are not getting paid during this time or who are being paid a reduced amount? Will further crippling an economically unsound government really lead to the liberation for which they advocate?
While not a political party, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is a considerable influencer, representing millions throughout the country. It has proffered its support for relaxing the lockdown and is pleased that employees will be able to return to work provided heightened health and safety protocols are observed. It has advocated for increasing the number of health and safety inspectors. Indeed, it is typical of a union coalition to want the best for its members and it would have been very surprising had they adopted any other position. One hopes that COSATU will use its oversight role to ensure that any return to work is done in a safe and orderly fashion and that there is a balance between compliance with the new level 4 and challenging it where it fails to match the best interests of the workers.
While the regulations will allow some people to return to work and for additional goods and services to be made available it is uncertain whether this is enough to save the sinking ship. In light of the declining value of the Rand, increased numbers of people losing their jobs or having to take paycuts, and jobseekers having seemingly nowhere to turn, it seems clear that there are dark times looming ahead. One thing is certain, and that is that the economy and education are two burning issues the ANC is required to address before our country is plunged into ruin. What is somewhat disturbing is that little has been revealed about how the Government arrived at decisions made thus far. We don’t know if this was the correct path to take, and whether efforts to date have been successful. All that can be said is that we are in a precarious position and it doesn’t look as if that is going to change much in the immediate future. So, where to from here? Nobody knows.
The views of the writer are not necessarily the views of the Daily Friend or the IRR
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