Covid-19: The seven hardest-hit districts in SA and why lockdown can’t be lifted yet
Ramaphosa, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma attended the meeting, where they articulated the need for a stronger partnership with faith-based leaders, three religious leaders told News24.
“The overwhelming sentiment by religious leaders was to open places of worship under regulated protocol, and the president together with a select group of ministers listened. They have undertaken to look at written submissions and to come back after studying the proposal,” said Mary Kluk, president of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies.
“There was a lot of motivation on ideas, as the levels reduce and go back to a new normal, how that would include worship,” Kluk said.
#COVID19 | President @CyrilRamaphosa participates in a virtual Interfaith Leaders’ Meeting as part of wide consultations that government is currently undertaking with various constituencies as part of preparing for a step-down from Alert Level 4 of the national lockdown. pic.twitter.com/hUizzomkF6
— Presidency | South Africa ???? (@PresidencyZA) May 20, 2020
The leaders said Ramaphosa expressed concern over the proposal, citing South Korea, where almost 60% of its national coranavirus infections were linked to a church gathering.
OPINION | Collective effort by every citizen worthy in the effort to combat Covid-19
Meanwhile, Al Jama-ah leader Ganief Hendricks made an impassioned plea to Ramaphosa to allow for Eid prayers in line with funeral regulations in an earlier meeting of political parties on Wednesday.
Hendricks said they had submitted a request to Dlamini-Zuma to allow for Eid prayers on Sunday morning to be given the same status as funerals, with less than 50 people in attendance, social distancing and hygiene standards.
“The president said it was a very logical argument but they have to weigh it up against the refusal by government to allow Easter celebrations,” Hendricks said.
He added Dlamini-Zuma appeared to have not bought the argument.
“She said she was reluctant to make piecemeal concessions. Every thing she does must apply for all religions,” Hendricks said.
He said they were hopeful that government would give in to the application to allow for Eid prayers.
Stay healthy and entertained during the national lockdown. Sign up for our Lockdown Living newsletter. Register and manage your newsletters in the new News24 app by clicking on the Profile tab
