Ahead of the national lockdown, the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs issued amendments to the Regulations of the Disaster Management Act, 2002. The amendments to the Regulations provide clarity on, inter alia, the definitions of lockdown, essential services, essential goods and movement. The amendments also set out the provisions relating to the restriction on movement, prohibitions relating to public transport and resources by the State during lockdown. New annexures have been added to the amendments which include the categories of goods and services that are regarded as essential during the lockdown period and the format of the Permit to Perform Essential Services.
In a separate media release by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Ebrahim Patel, it was announced that all businesses that will be allowed to provide essential services in terms of the amended regulations, are required to make an application to trade during the lockdown period which application is subject to the approval of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. These businesses are required to apply to the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) Bizportal website at www.bizportal.gov.za and obtain a certificate from the CIPC to trade. It was further noted, in a subsequent media update, that it is not a requirement that companies complete the registration before the lockdown begins.