MBABANE:Mbongwa Dlamini, the President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers(SNAT)has warned that the decision by government to allow ‘non-essential’ businesses to operate with effect from tomorrow, despite the lockdown extension will intensify the spread of the Coronavirus.
Speaking to this Swaziland News, Dlamini said as SNAT they were expecting that the added weeks would be more intense, only to learn that government has relaxed the conditions and allowed businesses to operate.
“One would expect that the added weeks will be more intense. It shocked me to note that government has relaxed the conditions and allowed more businesses to operate. We pray this doesn\'t increase the rate of infection” said the SNAT boss.
Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini announced an extension of the lockdown in a media briefing on Wednesday but, through the Ministry of Commerce, Cabinet announced that some businesses in the construction industry, stationary, Hawkers, repair shops and car wash will resume operation with effect from tomorrow. Other businesses that were allowed to operate include cleaning services, clothing shops, craft and food vendors among others.
Reached for comments, Lucky Lukhele, the Spokesperson of the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) said government was only worried that the revenue authority will not be able to collect anything if the lockdown continues adding that the lives of the people were never a priority.
“The approach by the Swaziland government on this pandemic is embarrassing, bizarre, extremely inhuman and out of touch with reality. This is only about collecting revenue and the lives of the people are not being protected. But the most painful part is that the poor will be affected by this virus and they won’t be able to even access advanced health facilities” said the SSN Spokesperson.
PM Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini