COVID-19 came from Italy, not neighbouring countries - Malema
The Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF) leader Julius Malema has scolded President Cyril Ramaphosa for closing 20 local borders.
The borders were closed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the number of COVID-19 infections escalated in the country.
Under Level 3 restrictions, border activities have been limited for general use, except for transportation of fuel, cargo, and goods, and emergency medical attention for a life-threatening condition with proof of such treatment.
That includes the return of a South African national, permanent resident, and a person with a long-term residence visa.
Find out more here: [READ] Govt gazettes lockdown restrictions
The EFF leader, Julius Malema, described this move by the president as "classism and racism".
"It is ironic as the coronavirus did not enter South Africa through Zimbabwe, Lesotho or Swaziland, but came from Italy.
"It is a narrow quick fix solution to a complex problem and will undermine the dignity of many people who have families and livelihoods in South Africa," said Malema.
He added the party condemned the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for failing to mitigate the needs of our African people in terms of cross border travel, particularly at the Beitbridge border.
"The closing of borders around SADC, knowing how interlinked our economies are in the region at the level of migration, is reckless and inhumane," he said.
"The EFF calls for a high-level meeting by SADC to resolve the matter and resolve on common protocols and procedures for travel including free testing and provision of clearance permits to enter South Africa."
