Towns and business centres in the Vhembe District were busy on Monday morning, with taxis ferrying commuters to and from various areas. At face value, no lockdown was in place, and long rows of people could be spotted in Louis Trichardt and Thohoyandou’s central business district. Most of the activity was, however, caused by the earlier South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pay-outs.

The new chief financial officer (CFO) of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Ms Mulatwa Thangavhuelelo, assured the public that she would be working towards the improvement of a clean audit as she assumed duty on 16 March.

The spokesperson of the Musina Local Municipality, Mr Wilson Dzebu, said essential services would not be interrupted during the entire lockdown period.

A young woman from Makwarela outside Sibasa, Ms Tondani Sikhwari, has initiated a project of adding value to the lives of those less fortunate around her, and she is doing this out of the goodness of her heart.

Khosikhulu Vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana warned communities against vandalising government buildings such as tribal councils, community halls, clinics and schools, even if they are angry with the poor delivery of services.

The leader of the United African Apostolic Church (UAAC), archbishop David Mureri, stated his support for the total lockdown announced by the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, on Monday night.

“The land that you received through restitution is an asset that you must cherish, appreciate and manage well. We need to ensure that the lease that you will sign with the SEZ company or Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) must have both benefits and obligation between the lessor and the lessee.”

The Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale, described W/O Thinandavha Stanley Mudau (53) as man of bravery, loyalty and sacrifice, who dedicated his life to the protection of people’s safety.

The term “business as usual” does not currently apply for stall owners and people who own bakkies for hire in Kruger street in Louis Trichardt’s CBD. The drastic measures instituted by the government to curb the Covid-19 disease has already had devastating effects on their livelihood.

The Public Service Association (PSA) and the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) expressed concern about the health of clinic staff and patients at some of the clinics in the province.