People gathered on beaches across the Western Cape for a second day on Sunday, January 31 to protest lockdown regulations that prohibit access to beaches across the country. Holding signs and standing their ground firmly, protestors called for government to lift the ‘nonsensical’ ban on the use of beaches.
On Saturday, protestors swam, surfed and walked into beaches in a show of defiance against the beach ban. Many questioned why the beach is a super-spreader area and demanded a response from government that made sense.
Premier Alan Winde has asked government to lift the beach ban, which he says is costing the Western Cape R10-billion a month. When the ban was enforced, President Cyril Ramaphosa said they will look into changing lockdown regulations only once the peak has passed.
With the decline of coronavirus cases in the province, it is believed that we have passed the peak, and yet there has been no word on when the alcohol ban, or the beach ban will be lifted. The wine industry in the Cape has suffered immeasurable damage since alcohol was not allowed. Restaurants are on the brink of ruin and the fallout from these industries have caused serious damage to the local economy.
Surfers at #muizenberg today making it quite clear what they make of the ridiculous lockdown ban on beaches. pic.twitter.com/5YFdXmcLKs
— Martin Stabrey (@stabestweet) January 31, 2021
The pandemic shouldn’t also take away our freedom.. Apart from the beach we even have a alcohol ban.. Government losing taxes but they dont care.. This is destroying the economy #EndTheLockdown
— Nikki Niks (@Niks13Niks) January 31, 2021
I would beg to differ, we have just come from Plett where the beach closures have totally crippled the town that relies on local tourism entirely. Restaurants and shops are closing on the weekly due to the beach ban. Plus no beach but gym if covid spread is the #1 concern? https://t.co/F6ihOvW6jB
— GoodLuck (@Goodlucklive) January 31, 2021
Picture: Chris De Vos
