Central SA
Only 2000 to attend Free State presidential #Imbizo─── LUCKY NKUYANE 06:50 Sat, 09 Apr 2022
At least 2,000 people are expected to attend President Cyril Ramahosa's long-awaited Mangaung imbizo in Bloemfontein this morning, in accordance with COVID-19 regulations.
According to the Free State Health Department's spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, this is the maximum number of people who can attend the event at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung.
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This is in terms of COVID-19 measures, which are aimed at curbing the spread of the virus - which has so far killed more than 7,500 people and infected more than 200,000 patients in the province.
Mvambi says despite President Ramaphosa ending the national state of disaster, specific protocols remain in place.
"The president has set the upper limit of people attending the event at 2000. Preventative regulations are still in place in a sense. If you are in close proximity in enclosed settings, you are then expected to put on your mask," he adds.
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Mvambi says people must take personal responsibility for the prevention of infections, and must also make sure that rules are adhered to. According to the National Department of Health, the Free State has 1400 active cases, with over 7500 deaths reported. Cumulative cases stand at 202 667 and recoveries at 193 578.
"As of today (Friday) the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in SA is 3 730 066 with 1 377 new cases reported. Today 9 deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 100 084 deaths. The cumulative number of recoveries now stands at 3 617 624 with a recovery rate of 97,0%," the Department has said.
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According to the office of the presidency, the presidential Imbizo will serve as an opportunity for the President to engage the public on the implementation of the government’s Programme of Action to help improve the lives of people.
"It will also allow President Ramaphosa to view first-hand key achievements attained by the Free State government in Government’s Programme of Action, particularly those highlighted during this year’s State of the Province Address," the presidency adds.
Residents who often feel frustrated with the lack of service delivery will also be allowed to engage President Ramaphosa on issues that affect them directly.
