Mabuyane at a Virtual Alfred Nzo Monitoring Visit held on Executive Mayor of Alfred Nzo District Municipality
Mayors of Local Municipalities
District Command Council Members
Good morning.
Colleagues I am certain you are living in anxious times like the rest of the population that we serve, in this challenging time of trying to deal with our common enemy of Covid-19. We are conducting District-wide visits to monitor the work that is being done on the ground to fight this pandemic. The purpose really is to ensure amplify where there are successes and provide appropriate interventions where there are challenges. We are in this fight together as National Government, Provincial Government and Local Government together with various sectors of our society including businesses, religious sector, labour and political formations.
Our epidemiological report indicates that as of yesterday we had 53959 people infected with the virus in our province and sadly 726 people have passed away. The Alfred Nzo District accounts for 1594 cases, 787 recoveries and 800 active cases. There are also 7 covid-19 related deaths in this District and I would assume that leadership continues to offer words of comfort and support to families who have lost their loved ones. Let me record my appreciation of the sterling work you are doing in managing the virus in this District thus far because the number of cases are very low compared to what we are dealing with in urban metros. Our greatest fear has always been the impact this virus would have in rural areas bearing in mind challenges of health infrastructure and other services such as water and sanitation facilities. You have done very well so far colleagues in the past 3 months that we have been faced with this virus.
As we enter the peak of the virus which health experts anticipate to be with us for the next two months, we must really double the efforts we have employed over the past 3 months to ensure that many people in our province and in the Alfred Nzo, district come out unscathed.
We know the district has many senior citizens, many of whom stay alone in their homes. Our plans should reach out to them, particularly during this cold winter season that we are in. I don’t want to prescribe what support you should avail to them but old people need to be warm at night therefore blankets should be given to those in need. Food will always be needed as well. But whatever you do please, please, please do not drag the name of the ANC led government into the mud by engaging in corrupt activities in the name of providing support to our people during this pandemic. We must not here about suspicious transactions that municipalities are involved in while our focus should be on fighting this pandemic.
We have announced to the people of the province that we are taking the fight against covid-19 into Wards. This means the communities are now at the forefront of the fight now, they must take the lead supported by government structures. There are five wards that we have identified as hotspots here in Alfred Nzo and we are now pinning our hopes on the cooperation of our people in these communities for all of us to turn the tide against this virus.
The President has also announced enforcement of regulations as we enter the peak season of the virus. These include suspension of liquor sales and mandatory wearing of masks. The regulations on funerals remain in place as most people get infected in funerals.
With those few words I wish to welcome all stakeholders to this virtual meeting. Your inputs will be highly appreciated.
Enkosi.
