SA govt. to challenge court ruling on constitutionality of lock-down regulations

The South African government has announced its decision to challenge a court ruling that found lockdown level 3 and 4 regulations unconstitutional. Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu revealed that Cabinet had reflected on the North Houghton High Court judgment delivered by Justice Naman Deviss on the 2nd of June 2020. The court judgment declared the COVID-19 lockdown regulations in level 3 and level 4 unconstitutional and invalid. After receiving legal advice and considering feedback from the legal community, the government believes that another court might reach a different conclusion on the matter. As a result, Cabinet has decided to appeal the North Houghton High Court decision. The government plans to request an urgent hearing for the appeal to ensure clarity on the regulations. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, will lead the appeal along with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize. Cabinet reassures the nation that all measures implemented since the declaration of a state of national disaster in March 2020 have been in the best interest of the public health and safety.