Pretoria, April 10, 2020.- Statement of the Alliance of Government in South Africa; African National Congress (ANC), South African Communist Party (SACP) and South African Congress of Trade Unions (COSATU). April 2020
Let’s win the war against Covid-19 and turn around our economy
Protect yourself, defend each other, let’s do this together!
The Secretariat of the Alliance met on Thursday, 2 April 2020, to discuss the global emergency of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), its impact on South Africa, and the economy. The meeting was held virtually due to the national state of disaster and nationwide lockdown caused by the global and national spread of Covid-19.
Support for measures to flatten the Covid-19 curve Alliance formations the African National Congress (ANC), South African Communist Party (SACP) and Congress of South African Trade Unions
(Cosatu) expressed their support for the measures announced by government aimed at containing and stopping the spread of Covid-19, as well as ensuring treatment for those affected.
The Alliance is encouraged by, and commends, the positive response by the millions of our people who have heeded the call to stay home and responded to the injunction: ‘Protect yourself, defend each other, let’s do this together!’
Regrettably, there have been exceptions which underscore the need to redouble our efforts, communicate with and mobilise our entire society, especially young people. The Alliance commends all workers in the front line of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular public sector health care workers.
Adequate personal protective equipment is essential, and should be made available to protect the workers.
The Secretariat meeting welcomed the inclusive and consultative manner in which government, under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has brought together the broadest range of social forces – government, labour, business, civil society, faith-based communities, traditional leaders, and many others.
The Covid-19 pandemic affects the entire world. As a member of the United Nations Security Council and Chairperson of the African Union, South Africa has a special responsibility to provide leadership in the regional, continental and international response to the pandemic.
The Alliance commended Cuba for the assistance it has offered to South Africa. Government should accept the solidarity medical support offered by Cuba and in turn seek to strengthen Cuban capacity and collaboration with Cuba.
Issued by the Secretariat of the Revolutionary Alliance.