Minister Zulu apologises for Instagram post
Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu has apologised
for posting an Instagram video showing her in a public area and saying that
it's difficult to stay at home.
The minister’s comments come despite the government’s calling on South Africans to practice social distancing as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The video was shared widely on social media, with South Africans taking the minister to task over her seemingly careless conduct and irresponsible comments.
— Engineer Matšhela Koko (@koko_matshela) March 21, 2020
In a statement Zulu said she has noted the comments around the video.
"I hereby wish to apologise to South Africa for this video's content.
"I wish to mention that, together with all South Africans, am also frustrated with our current situation and how the COVID-19 virus, continues to cripple our economy and our social system.
"My statement does not in any way seek to undermine the severity of the virus.”
The minister also reiterated her commitment to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recently announced guidelines and safety precautions.
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Ramaphosa also announced that various ports of entries around the country would be closed in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. "South Africa has 72 ports of entry through the land, sea and airports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 will be shut down with effect from 16 March.
"As the president, and my ministerial colleagues have said - we should not panic but take precaution and understand the severity of the situation,” Zulu said
"We have to do all we can to beat this virus and bring our economy back to sustainability.”