International travel within all African countries will be permitted under lockdown level one, co-operative governance & traditional affairs (Cogta) minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made the announcement on Friday.
This is after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Wednesday that the country is ready to move to Level one starting from midnight on Sunday.
“After seeking advice from stakeholders, cabinet decided this morning that the country should now move to level 1,” Ramaphosa said.
Dlamini-Zuma said there would be permission to travel between African countries starting from October 1.
“The 35 land borders that were closed will remain closed. We must use the 18 borders that are open.”
“Only three airports will be open (Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International, King Shaka in Durban and Cape Town International). All commercial sea ports will be open, but not for tourism,” Dlamini-Zuma said.
However, travel from countries that are known to be of high risks will not be permitted.
Domestic travel still stands.
Dlamini-Zuma mentioned that night clubs and initiation schools won’t be given permission to open.
“Night vigils will not be permitted. The health protocols still remain at funerals. When you enter a building, you must wear a mask.”
Indoor gatherings are not allowed to have above 250 people in attendance and outdoor events are not permitted to have above 500 people.
“If the venue is too small and cannot accommodate 250, then the number must be less. It must be half the capacity,” Dlamini-Zuma said.
Other decisions made include the following:
Spectators are still not allowed at stadiums.
International sporting events are not allowed.
The sale of alcohol on weekends is still prohibited.
The curfew under level 1 will be in force between one minute past midnight and 4am.
“We will rely on every single one of you to overcome this pandemic. Our situation has improved. The numbers are going down, but we are not out of the woods yet,” the minister said.
“Your choice could be the difference between life and death. When you decide to leave your house, remember you are making a life or death decision. Older people are still at higher risk. We must protect them by wearing our masks.”
