Political parties weigh in on Level 2 lockdown
The countdown has begun to midnight when the country will move down to Level 2 of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Smokers let out a collective sigh of relief when the ban on the sale of cigarettes - which has been in place for over four months - was lifted.
Businesses will also be able to sell liquor again for off-site consumption - while gyms can also open from midnight.
There's been mixed reaction from some opposition parties to the easing of restrictions.
READ: Zikalala hopes move to Level 2 will help recover R30bn loss
Democratic Alliance interim leader, John Steenhuisen says the move has come too late.
"The ANC government has caused devastation on an unimaginable scale to the lives of ordinary South Africans, while they themselves have not experienced a single day without income.
"Throughout the lockdown crisis, they could not have been more out of touch with the people whose lives they destroyed.
"The only thing the lockdown achieved was the devastation of our economy and the loss of millions of jobs. And that is what President Ramaphosa and his government must take responsibility for," says Steenhuisen.
KZN's Economic Freedom Fighters leader Vusi Khoza believes Level 2 is premature.
"We are not ready to move to Level 2. It is going to end in tears, infections are going to increase, people are going to die, and we are going to hold this government and President Cyril Ramaphosa accountable," says Khoza.
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