The South African government said it was reviewing a High Court judgement which ruled that some of the government’s coronavirus lockdown regulations unconstitutional. South Africa introduced in March one of the world’s most restrictive COVID-19 lockdowns – including a ban on alcohol and cigarette sales – but has gradually eased restrictions down to the third of five levels.
The Liberty Fighters Network advocacy group filed a lawsuit against the regulations in May, arguing they were unlawful as they violated South Africa’s Bill of Rights. The judgement said all regulations under level three and four must be reviewed and amended giving due consideration to their impact on individual rights, aside from a few exceptions including the closure of borders, nightclubs and casinos.
Africa Dialogue speaks to:
• Professor Elmien du Plessis is an associate professor of constitutional law at the North West University
• Wayne Ncube is the Deputy Director at Lawyers for Human Rights
