Admired by some but berated by others for imposing a tight lockdown, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faces a fresh leadership test over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

Africa’s most industrialised nation is preparing to reopen its economy on Monday as it moves into level three of a five-tier lockdown, in force since March 27, sowing bitter divisions.

South Africa had already slipped into recession in the final quarter of 2019 before the virus arrived in March.

The rand meanwhile has depreciated by 22.9 percent since January. Unemployment is very high and so is poverty.

Under level three, all but high-risk sectors of the economy will be allowed to reopen, as will schools and places of worship.Liquor sales will resume, but for home consumption only.

South Africa has recorded nearly 31,000 coronavirus cases so far, including at least 643 deaths.