EDITORIAL: Covid lays bare SA cracks
While President Cyril Ramaphosa acted with commendable speed and unity, the Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare SA’s deep social fractures
While President Cyril Ramaphosa acted with commendable speed and unity, the Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare SA’s deep social fractures — both in terms of how unequal the country is, and how mismanaged the state has been for years.It means that now, when we need urgent measures to stem a pandemic, SA is hostage to these structural constraints.For example, most South Africans travel to and from work in taxis — not in government-run trains or buses that the state would have the obligation, and ability, to police, clean and monitor. Instead, millions remain at the mercy of a thuggish and self-serving industry where reports are already surfacing of discrimination against commuters wearing face masks.This week, water minister Lindiwe Sisulu sent water tankers to informal settlements to give residents access to water to wash their hands. It is lamentable that it has taken a global crisis to force the government to do what it should have done all along — provide basic services.Closing schoo...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
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.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.