DA to approach courts on 'arbitrary' lockdown regulations

The DA says the government's approach to gradually reopen the economy is "blunt and restrictive" with no justification for many of the arbitrary rules and restrictions.

Interim leader John Steenhuisen says the lockdown is proving more detrimental for people's livelihoods than intended.

"We have seen announcements from ministers on keeping sectors of the economy shut that have nothing to do with halting the spread of the virus. Petty, irrational announcements, like the ban on all e-commerce.

"We have seen the outrageous announcements from the small business development minister and tourism minister that they intend to exclude some South Africans, on the basis of their race and other arbitrary criteria, from government's emergency relief measures."

He adds: "We have also instructed our lawyers to take this matter to the High Court, because it is unconscionable that government would play identity politics in a time of crisis."

The DA has already also written a petition to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) asking it to oppose the use of BBBEE as a requirement for Covid-19 relief funds.

"And we will fulfill our duty, as official opposition, of guarding against the abuse of power," says Steenhuisen.

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