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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have issued a response to the coronavirus pandemic, criticising the government’s handling of confirmed cases.

So far, 24 South Africans have tested positive for the deadly virus, while a further 122 are due back in the country from Wuhan, the Covid-19 epicentre, in the weekend.

EFF slams government’s handling of coronavirus cases

The citizens, who have been repatriated from China will, upon landing, be sent for quarantine at Protea Hotel’s The Ranch Resort in Polokwane.

The EFF have slammed this move, suggesting that state quarantine be prioritised for confirmed cases instead of those yet to test positive.

“It is ironic that over 130 South Africans from Wuhan who have been confirmed not to be infected will be under forced, state quarantine. Yet, people who are infected are allowed to ‘self-quarantine’. This shows the inconsistency and absolute incompetence South African government policy on the spread of the virus,” EFF national spokesperson Vuyani Pambo said in a statement.”

Revisiting Robben Island

The red berets have gone as far as recommending what it sees as suitable sites for state quarantine.

The party named Robben Island – the former maximum-security prison which held political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela – as a possible site to send those infected with the coronavirus.

“It is clear that South Africa does not have a special coronavirus facility to commit the infected persons to. This, Robben Island or a special facility must be immediately identified and prepared for medical care of all persons infected with coronavirus,” he said.

“It is irresponsible and utterly dangerous for the government to allow unmonitored self-quarantine. This did not work in other countries and will obviously not work here. Coronavirus will sweep all over our country with supersonic speed, all because the government lacked the courage to quarantine the infected.”

Vuyani Pambo

Covid-19 spreading at “supersonic speed”

The novel coronavirus broke out earlier in the year and has since infected close to 150 000 people, with the death toll crossing the 5 000-mark.

South Africa recorded its first confirmed case on 1 March, and the number has risen steadily in the past week.

The EFF cautioned the government against what it deems a lack of action.

The EFF has called for the immediate quarantine of all coronavirus infected persons.

In a statement, the EFF’s Delisile Ngwenya says: “It is ironic that over 130 South Africans from Wuhan who have been confirmed not to be infected will be under forced, state quarantine. Yet, people who are infected are allowed to ‘self-quarantine’. This shows the inconsistency and absolute incompetence South African government policy on the spread of the virus.”

On Saturday morning, a group of South Africans who were repatriated from Wuhan, China arrived home at the Polokwane International Airport on a special SAA flight.

 

The EFF called for the immediate quarantine of all who are infected; preferably in Robben Island.

“It is clear that South Africa does not have a special Coronavirus facility to commit the infected persons to. Robben Island or a special facility must be immediately identified and prepared for medical care of all persons infected with Coronavirus,” said Ngwenya.

“The risk does not come from the 130 South Africans from China, it comes from infected persons allowed by the authorities to self-quarantine,” she said.

Ngwenya insists: “It is irresponsible and utterly dangerous for the government to allow unmonitored self-quarantine.”

The EFF has thrown its weight behind Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, and has even offered her legal assistance. She’s come under fire after her report found that outgoing Public Enterprises Minister, Pravin Gordhan, acted improperly. This was for approving former Sars deputy commissioner Ivan Pillay’s early retirement. Mkhwebane’s recommended that President Cyril Ramaphosa take action against Gordhan for violating the constitution. A number of groups have come out in support of Gordhan. In response, Gordhan’s approached the courts to ask for a judicial review. EFF leader, Julius Malema, joins us live to discuss his party’s position on the matter. Courtesy #DStv403