When Covid-19 arrived in the country at the beginning of March 2020, it was evident from the
experience of other countries that this would have significant health, economic and social
ramifications for South Africa. Government, fully supported by business and other societal
stakeholders, took swift action and the resulting lock-down provided time to prepare the health
care system for patient volumes which it was ill-equipped to handle, and to slow the spread of the
virus.
Today, it is clear that the virus will continue to circulate through the population, with infection rates
increasing significantly across the nation. We therefore need to develop protocols and mechanisms
which allow the country to operate under these difficult conditions, carefully balancing health and
safety considerations with the need for protecting livelihoods and ensuring economic growth.
Read more: B4SA A New Inclusive Economic Future for South Africa (narrative) – 10 July