The FF Plus is of the opinion that the South African government must take steps to protect South Africans against the Coronavirus by temporarily cancelling all sporting events and must consider closing the country's borders.
It would be prudent seeing as approximately 97 worldwide sporting events were either cancelled or postponed due to the rapid spreading of the virus. Various countries have also started to close their borders, the most recent case being the Czech Republic denying foreigners access to the country and prohibiting its citizens from travelling overseas in an attempt to contain the virus.
At this stage, South Africa has 24 cases that tested positive for the virus and this has been confirmed by the Ministry of Health and the relevant Department.
The FF Plus pointed out last Wednesday during a session of the Portfolio Committee on Health as well as last Thursday during the Coronavirus debate in Parliament that our borders with neighbouring countries are permeable and that the control of the daily influx of people across South Africa's borders is inadequate.
South Africa must urgently follow the example set by other countries that have decided to close and secure their borders.
The FF Plus wants to make it very clear that this is not a measure to discriminate against anyone, but the safety of South African citizens is paramount. With regard to the cancellation and postponement of sporting events, it is a given that all countries will implement these measures to try and curb the spread of the virus and South Africa has no choice but to do so as well.
This past week, the presidency announced that the Cabinet will meet in Pretoria tomorrow to discuss the pandemic and the FF Plus expresses the hope that the Cabinet will take drastic steps to address these two issues.
The FF Plus has already arranged a meeting with the Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhezi, to discuss these matters.
Contact details: 060 556 4347 Philip van Staden, MP
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