The move to lockdown level 3 is pretty much a full opening of the economy. Through negotiations and consultations with almost every social and political group, President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived at a version of level 3 that, according to the original descriptions of the lockdown levels, is really the old level 2.

Almost everything, with the exception of businesses that involve close contact between people, can open. Construction, one of SA’s most vulnerable but labour-intensive sectors, can also reopen. The mystery of the cigarette ban is now the only irrational exception...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.