Premier
Question by:
Hon Cameron Dugmore
Answered by:
Hon Alan Winde
Question Number:
14
Question Body:
With regard to the mixed messages that have been communicated by the provincial government, including about the sale of cigarettes during the lockdown and the wearing of masks:
(1) What are the reasons for these mixed messages;
(2) whether any corrective steps have taken against the respective Ministers and officials involved in communicating these mixed messages; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Answer Body:
- There was an absence of clarity regarding what constitutes essential items in the regulations provided by the National Government. Our legal team worked with SAPS Western Cape to seek clarity on this and the sale of cigarettes. Their interpretation was that cigarettes may be sold in combination with other essential goods. This was communicated in a statement which focused on providing clarity on a number of regulations impacting businesses and which resulted in a flood of queries from members of the public and businesses.
National Government has since made their stance in the sale of cigarettes clear, but we note that this stance is now being challenged in court.
- No steps have been taken against Ministers and officials because the statement was released in good faith, following consultation with legal experts and SAPS in the Western Cape.
Date:
Thursday, April 30, 2020
