Business decries lack of consultation as SA tightens COVID-19 measures

South Africa has recently announced a move to a more stringent lockdown for the next 14 days in response to the severe third wave of COVID-19 and the prevalence of the Delta variant. This decision will have a significant impact on various industries, with the hospitality sector being hit particularly hard. The lack of consultation with businesses, especially within the hospitality industry, has raised concerns and frustrations among industry leaders. Wendy Alberts, CEO of The Restaurant Association of South Africa, and Martin Kingston, chairman of the Steering Committee of Business for South Africa, shared their views on the situation in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. The business community, including Cas Coovadia, CEO of Business Unity South Africa, also expressed their concerns about the economic implications of the new restrictions. The closure of restaurants, the ban on alcohol sales, and the lack of communication with the government have left many businesses in a state of uncertainty and distress. The restrictions have not only affected livelihoods but have also raised questions about the effectiveness of the government's approach to containing the virus. Business leaders are calling for better collaboration and consultation between the government and the private sector to navigate through these challenging times.