Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has nailed his colours to the mast this week, and he is now adamant that South Africa should do away with its State of Disaster laws going forward. The senior politician has tabled this bold suggestion ahead of an expected relaxation of lockdown restrictions for SA – but what are his motivations?

ALAN WINDE PUSHING FOR AN END TO COVID LAWS

As Winde sees it, the picture in Mzansi has been changed by the accelerated vaccine programme. He reckons that a more ‘modern’ approach is needed, prioritising things like regular testing and vaccine status certification.

The State of Disaster laws, which have been ever-present in South Africa since March 2020, are set for renewal next week. But Winde wants to see the national government take a brave step out of its comfort zone.

WHEN WILL THE STATE OF DISASTER END IN SOUTH AFRICA?

During a daily update posted on his Twitter page, the DA representative said it was time to prioritise ‘economic and employment needs’, branding State of Disaster laws ‘outdated’. Alan Winde also has one eye on a possible fourth wave of infections before the year ends, and he is convinced that this is the best time for Cabinet to take the plunge.

“During the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC) today, I called for the National State of Disaster to be lifted and a better COVID-19 management system to be implemented to reduce pressures placed on the economy and drive job creation.”

“We need to lower lockdown levels and unlock the economy. But we have to manage COVID-19 in a different way. Regions should be managed in a differentiated manner. I don’t think we need a State of Disaster – that should be scrapped and replaced by a more modern approach. This needs to start immediately, before any possible fourth wave.”

Alan Winde