President Ramaphosa says it’s wrong to suggest ministers do what they want

President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against attributing government decisions to individual cabinet members.

This follows widespread criticism of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma’s announcement reversing the president’s 23 April decision to lift the ban on the sale of tabacco products at level 4 of the nationwide lockdown. Level 4 of the lockdown regulations came into effect on 1 May.

In his weekly newsletter, From the Presidents Desk on Monday, Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation of the effects of the lockdown regulations in so far as limiting citizens rights.

” I know how difficult this is and I understand the concern that many of our compatriots have about how these regulations are interfering and limiting their rights. But all this is necessary. Our overriding objective is the preservation of life.” he said

Ramaphosa has also clarified that the decision to extend the prohibition on the sale of tobacco products was a collective one.

‘A decision like this is bound to be controversial, but it is wrong to suggest that there are Ministers or a President doing and saying whatever they want on this matter.”

The president said it was after careful consideration and discussion, that the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) reconsidered its position on tobacco.

“This was a collective decision and the public statements by both myself and the Minister were done on behalf of, and mandated by, the collective I lead.”

To date South Africa has reported 6,783 cases of Covid-19.