Local Government’s Role in Combatting COVID-19

Posted: 30 March 2020

On 23 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a 21 days national ‘Lockdown’ to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the lockdown on local government, particularly municipalities, has far-reaching implications as it is the sphere that is closest to the people. 

SALGA is encouraged to note that municipalities are adhering to the range of directives issued by the Minister of COGTA in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we call on Executive Mayors and Mayors, working closely with the municipal troika, provincial and national government public office bearers, to play their role and assist the nation in curbing the spread of COVID-19. 

The nation-wide lockdown is necessary to fundamentally disrupt the chain of transmission and we encourage citizens to play their role and stay at home during this period. SALGA reassures South Africans that local government will continue to deliver essential services, comply with the directives issued by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and continue to promote awareness on COVID-19 to amplify government’s communication.

Local government has contributed, amongst other things, to curbing the spread by: 

• Identifying municipal facilities to be utilised for quarantine and self-isolation units should they be required by government
• Providing water to areas where there is no water through alternative means such as water tankers
• Making community halls available for the payment of government grants

The official contact details for any enquires about the coronavirus are as follows 
WhatsApp: 060 0123 456
Emergency number: 080 0029 999
Website: sacoronavirus.co.za

Keep abreast of local government developments on our social media pages.