South Africa to open up economy from June under eased lockdown regulations

South Africa will allow most economic sectors including mining and manufacturing to fully resume operations from next month as the country further eases coronavirus lockdown regulations, the government has announced.

Africa’s most industrialised economy has been largely shut since a nationwide lockdown began in late March. South Africa has reported 25,937 cases of the new coronavirus, with 552 deaths.

“This is the most significant reopening of the economy since the lockdown began…It opens up all of our core productive sectors from manufacturing to mining,” said Trade and Industry Minister, Ebrahim Patel.


Some high-risk businesses such as hotels, lodges, hair salons and sit-down facilities at restaurants will remain closed.

The government has permitted the sales of alcohol for home consumption from June.

Limited domestic air travel has also been permitted, a government statement said, adding that further details would follow.