9 May 2020
In its virtual Caucus meeting held today, 9 May 2020, the ANC Caucus has condemned in the strongest terms the ill- timed and irrational calls by the DA for the Lockdown to end. The levels of incitement by the DA Leader and calls for civil disobedience cannot go unchallenged and remain reckless and childish. “Politicizing COVID – 19 interventions smacks of high levels of political immaturity and should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve”, said ANC Chief Whip, Pemmy Majodina.
The ANC is of the firm view that the right to life and dignity are the most important of all human rights and the source of all other personal rights. These Lockdown measures have been taken in the paramount interest of ensuring the preservation of life, an issue that does not seem to matter to the DA.
As the ANC Caucus in Parliament we strongly believe that over the past five weeks, most South Africans have adhered to the Lockdown regulations and as a result, we have managed to slow the spread of the virus.
The DA’s prolonged yearning for days gone by are signs of a party at a loss on how best to marshall its forces during times of crisis. After presenting a below – average proposal that no sane South African heeded they continue to incite the Nation through their narrow- mindedness.
At a time, when President Ramaphosa and Government requires the support of all our citizens, the DA is bent on undermining the Nation’s efforts through this filibustering posture.
As the ANC Caucus, we cannot afford to lower our guard.
We thus call for sanity to prevail within the ranks of the Democratic Alliance and for its Leader to desist from making calls that are short- sighted when the moment requires calm heads and decisive leadership.
We must continue to stick to the World Health Organization preventative measures and refuse to be side- tracked by reckless politicking that does not value lives.
Thus far; across the world, over 3.4 million people are known to be infected and more than 240 000 have died. Here in South Africa, we have just over 180 casualties, yet to the DA this is an opportunity to end the Lockdown yet current scientific modelling show that the infection rate will continue to rise at a much faster rate in the coming months. We are also mindful that dozens of other countries have imposed curfews such as the one that is currently in place in South Africa.
The ANC Caucus believes it would be suicidal to end the lockdown now. As the ANC Caucus, we trust in the abilities of South Africans to stay on course and not be side- tracked.
The challenges imposed by Covid- 19 global challenge are far – reaching. Narrow sectoral interests led by the DA’s unfortunate and misleading statements will undo the good efforts and take our country to the brink.
For its part, the leader of the DA, John Steenhuisen, must focus on what is happening in the Western Cape and must not mislead the country.
We thus urge all peace loving and patriotic South Africans to stay focused on the bigger goal of flattening the curve and saving lives.
Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip, Hon. Pemmy Majodina
Enquiries:
Nomfanelo Kota
Acting Caucus Spokesperson
0767336511