Ramaphosa terminates National State of Disaster

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially terminated the National State of Disaster as of midnight on Monday. 

Ramaphosa was addressing the nation on the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic on Monday. 

The president said the declaration of the National State of Disaster on 15 March 2020 empowered government to take the measures that prevented many more people from becoming severely ill and saved countless lives. 

Ramaphosa said the measures were effective in slowing down the rate of infection, easing pressure on hospitals, and providing the time needed to develop the infrastructure, resources and capacity to manage a large number of people who became ill as a result of Covid-19. 

He said going forward, the pandemic will be managed in terms of the National Health Act adding that the draft Health Regulations have been published for public comment.

“Once the period for public comment closes on the 16th of April 2022 and the comments have been considered, the new regulations will be finalised and promulgated. Since the requirements for a National State of Disaster to be declared in terms of the Disaster Management Act are no longer met, Cabinet has decided to terminate the National State of Disaster with effect from midnight tonight.” 

Ramaphosa said certain transitional provisions will remain in place for a period of 30 days after the termination of the National State of Disaster. 

“This is to ensure essential public health precautions and other necessary services are not interrupted while the new regulations in terms of the National Health Act come into effect. We are hopeful that the worst is behind us, and we are confident that there are only better days ahead. Now is the time to grow our economy and create jobs. Now is the time to get our country back on track.” 

Ramaphosa said now is the time to heal, to recover and to rebuild.