KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for pulling in one direction as the nation fights against the spread of Covid-19.
“We are seeing a united effort from all stakeholders, including the media, religious sector, labour, political leaders but most importantly the health workers, emergency workers and volunteers who are on the frontline manning the forward combat against the Coronavirus. This inspires confidence,” said Premier Zikalala.
Premier Zikalala, who was accompanied by KZN Social Development MEC Mrs Nonhlanhla khoza, visited a number of pension pay points in Port Shepstone on Monday to monitor and ensure that grant payments to the elderly and people with disabilities were processed smoothly.
“We observed that people were being sanitised and adequate preparations seemed to be in place. All MECs were on the ground visiting the pension pay-points.
We were worried by the long queues in some areas and the social distance compliance. However, once we informed our people they positively responded,” said Premier Zikalala.
Premier Zikalala also used the opportunity to assess work being done by the uGu District Command Centre on the monitoring of the lockdown regulations.
The visit was part of the provincial government's Sukuma Sakhe programme where all MECs visited various districts where they are champions to monitor whether communities were observing the lockdown as directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
During his visit to Port Shepstone, Premier Zikalala said he was grateful that people were listening to the call of the lockdown and the majority of them were staying at home.
“The lockdown is a strategy whose end point is to overcome and bring an end to the spread of the Coronavirus infections. We will win this war if we pull together.
“Today we learned with concern that cases being reported include a death in our province and first cases being reported in our vulnerable areas such as informal settlements. Let us intensify our efforts to bring down the infection rate. People must heed the call to stay home," pleaded Premier Zikalala.
“We will flatten this curve of infection if we become disciplined and observe what the health practitioners are telling us.
"We will continue to ensure that in all areas there are no people who are roaming around. Everyone must be at home, " he said.
He encouraged the elderly and disabled people to observe social distancing during their pension payouts.
"Let's take care of ourselves. No one will not get their pensions. We thank the government and President Ramaphosa for ensuring that pensions are paid out despite the lockdown," said Zilalala.
He discouraged people from sharing water to wash their hands and eating utensils.
The Premier also joined a roadblock at the Oribi Plaza toll gate to monitor the enforcement of the lockdown on motorists. Police were out in force to check whether drivers had permits to be on the roads.
For enquiries, contact:
KZN Provincial Government Spokesperson
Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
Bongani Mthethwa
KZN Premier Media Liaison
Cell: 083 253 0748
