As a way of lifting South Africa’s national state of disaster, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has gazetted new regulations.
These proposed regulations are currently open for public comment until 17:00, Friday 1 April. This will then assist the government with deciding on when and how to officially lift the state of disaster.
Dlamini-Zuma further added that the state of disaster cannot be lifted in a “reckless and abrupt manner”. And some rules would also remain in place for a further 30-day period once it is lifted.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will then make a decision based on the comments received and is then expected to address the nation by lifting the state of disaster by 5 April.
Mandatory protocols for public places
Masks must be worn when:
- In an indoor public place (Children under the age of 6 are excluded)
- On any form of public transport
- Entering any public building, place or premises to obtain goods or services
- Performing work-related duties at the employment premises
When in public open spaces, a face mask is not needed. However, a 1-metre social distance must be kept between people.
No social distancing is required in school environments.
Gatherings post-state of disaster
All gatherings are permitted at 50% of the venue capacity:
- If persons are fully vaccinated and in possession of a valid vaccination certificate; or
- Unvaccinated but in possession of a valid certificate of a negative Covid-19 test. The test cannot be older than 72 hours before the date of the gathering.
Alternatively, gatherings are permitted for unvaccinated people if the indoor gatherings are limited to 1 000 persons and outdoor gatherings are limited to 2 000 persons.
If venues are too small to hold the above numbers, then no more than 50% of the venue capacity may be used – while implementing a 1-metre social distancing between all.
Full capacity allowed for:
- Hotels
- Lodges
- Bed and Breakfasts
- Timeshare facilities
- Resorts
- Guest Houses
The partial reopening of borders
Land borders:
The 21 land borders that are fully operational will remain open.
The 32 land borders that are closed, will remain closed.
Travelling to and from SA from neighbouring countries is allowed:
- If travellers can show a valid vaccination certificate
- Unvaccinated travellers must provide a valid certificate of a negative Covid-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organisation, which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.
International air travel is restricted to the following airports:
- OR Tambo International Airport
- King Shaka International Airport
- Cape Town International Airport
- Lanseria International Airport
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
If a traveller cannot submit a negative Covid-19 test, an antigen test will be done on arrival at the traveller’s cost.
And if the traveller tests positive, they will be required to isolate at their own cost for 10 days.
Outbound travellers from South Africa must comply with the requirements of the country of destination.
All commercial seaports will remain open.
Small crafts and all passenger ships, including cruise ships, will be allowed entry into seaports, in line with all health and border law enforcement protocols.
Representations can be submitted by email using the following address: regulations@cogta.gov.za