Ramaphosa calls on congregants to observe health protocols over Easter

'We are still in the shadow of a deadly pandemic'

01 April 2021 - 15:55 By amanda khoza
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
The Easter message of hope, courage and triumph over darkness was deeply inspiring during the Covid-19 pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday. Stock photo.
The Easter message of hope, courage and triumph over darkness was deeply inspiring during the Covid-19 pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday. Stock photo.
Image: 123RF/Thai Noipho

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all congregants attending religious services during the Easter weekend to do so safely by observing public health protocols including social distancing, wearing masks and washing their hands or sanitising.

“This is also a time when large numbers of travellers will be on our roads, and I call on those who will be making journeys at this time to travel safely and obey the rules of the road,” Ramaphosa said on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier on Thursday, co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma briefed the media on the latest gazetted lockdown regulations for the long weekend.

Among the changes implemented was a temporary ban on off-site alcohol sales and the transportation of alcohol.

There were repeated calls for South Africans to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations or face possible arrest.

In his Easter message, Ramaphosa said Christians around the world commemorate the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday, which will be observed on April 3.

“The Easter message of hope, courage and triumph over darkness is deeply inspiring, and particularly poignant at a time when we are still in the shadow of a deadly pandemic,” said Ramaphosa.

The president thanked the leadership of the faith community for working with the government to ensure all the necessary health protocols would be followed during upcoming services.

“In offering our best wishes to our Christian compatriots at this time of great meaning and spiritual significance, it is our collective hope that the rebirth symbolised by Easter may also ring true for our country and our nation.”

TimesLIVE


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now