International Legal lookout: South Africa

Abstract

On 27 March South Africa’s Covid-19 regulations were amended to introduce a national lockdown, fifteen days after the World Health Organisation declared the pandemic to be global. Businesses were obliged to shut down operations unless employees are unable to work from home and individuals could leave their homes only to buy food or seek medical attention. All entities involved in the provision of essential goods or the performance of essential services – medical care, food and fuel production and distribution, including the import and export of essential goods – were exempted. Cabinet ministers were permitted to issue delegated legislation known as “directions” that can add additional restrictions, allow exceptions and clarify conditions under which essential services may operate.