WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde telephoned President Cyril Ramaphosa this morning asking for clarity about certain vague lockdown regulations.
During the conversation Ramaphosa asked Winde to send a list of these regulations to the Minister of Cooperative Governance today. These concerns will then be discussed at a special President’s Coordinating Council that will be called tomorrow to discuss regulations in particular.
In a statement Winde noted that the sale of cigarettes is of particular importance to many residents, although it is just one of the regulations causing confusion. He said items like data dongles are important to facilitate e-learning right now.
The recent announcement by the Western Cape government that cigarettes are allowed to be purchased with other essential items during the lockdown, has drawn criticism from national government who said provinces can’t make their own lockdown rules.
Winde acknowledged this saying the Western Cape Government does not have the power to change regulations, and made it clear that the Western Cape never intended to change regulations, but that many of these are open to interpretation. “From the outset we have shown our full support to President Ramaphosa for the lock-down and we are doing everything we can to help ensure these regulations are enforced.
“The regulations are however at times vague, and residents across the province are confused about what it means for them.
“We have tried to help with this interpretation, after consulting our legal team, and SAPS. We have done this only to provide the clarity many people need - so that they can abide by regulations properly. Everyone wants to play their part.”
Winde stressed that he takes cooperating with national government towards achieving the goal of beating COVID-19 very seriously. “I thank the President for his willingness to help us and our residents get the clarity they need.”
Winde’s spokesperson Bianca M Capazorio confirmed they would be seeking clarity during the meeting with the President tomorrow. “We have written to CoGTA (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs) for clarification around the regulations on a number of issues, including cigarettes,” she said.
So, it seems smokers countrywide and in the Western Cape, will have to bite the bullet until the regulations have been reinterpreted. But the outcome could well see their fervent appeals for fags go up in smoke.
A STATEMENT WAS ISSUED BY WINDE EARLIER TODAY - READ IT HERE.
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