Charles Molele
Government is seriously considering proposals to give 15 million poor South African families a stipend of R1 000 each for six months to lessen the economic impact brought about by the deadly COVID-19 outbreak, which has left many in the country hungry.
If endorsed by Cabinet, the proposal, which was discussed during one of the National Coronavirus Command Council meetings over this past weekend, would cost the fiscus over R82 billion.
This comes as the government is also considering a recommendation from experts to keep five of the country’s key metros – Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Ethekwini and Cape Town, under lockdown after April 30.
The five metros have been identified as epicentres of the Coronavirus pandemic in South Africa, with a combined number of infections currently standing at more than 1 900 by Tuesday afternoon.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to outline major economic and social relief measures
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