DA threatens legal action over hairdresser ban
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has described the ban on the personal service industry under lockdown Level 3 as irrational, arbitrary and unlawful.
The party has written to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma over the ban on personal care services like hairdressers.
The DA's Dean Macpherson says should the minister not come up with a satisfactory answer, she will leave the DA no option but to head to court.
"Our litigation will especially be for the sake of the single mothers and the young entrepreneurs who have no other source of income than the personal care services they provide, often from their homes and other low-rent venues."
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Macpherson says the ban prevents thousands of people from earning an income.
"The COVID-19 pandemic is ripping lives and livelihoods apart and adding more dependents to the roll of grant recipients every day."
Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel has vowed to find a solution for hairdressers, nail salons and other personal care, saying focus would shift to this sector.
He said because these businesses cannot take place without some kind of physical contact, making sure they open safely will be vital.