The Socio-Economic Effects of the COVID-19 National Lockdown on South Africa and its Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Keywords:
Covid-19, unemployment, socio-economic effects, pandemic, economyAbstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a global public health emergency. In the absence of approved and effective prophylactics and therapeutics, almost all countries have resorted to some version of national lockdown coupled with social distancing and enhanced hygiene measures to curb the spread of the pandemic. The COVID-19 has infected almost fifty million people globally, with more than a million deaths so far. Although national lockdowns have been employed as the primary response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have also resulted in untold economic devastation to South Africa. Millions of people in the informal sector have been impoverished due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown. More people have become unemployed, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of almost all the nations have significantly contracted and public debt has rapidly increased while South Africa’s national budget has been severely strained. This article examines the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19-induced lockdown on South Africa and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reference will be made to Tanzania and Sweden which have shunned lockdowns. This is done for comparative purposes and to inform policy reform.
References
References
Arndt, C. et al, (2020), ‘Covid-19 lockdowns, income distribution, and food security: An analysis for South Africa’, Global Food Security, Vol. 26, pp. 1-5.
Balogun, J.A., (2020), ‘Lessons from the USA Delayed Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic’ African Journal of Reproductive Health March 2020, Vol. 24, No. 1. pp. 14-21.
Bradlow, D. (2020), ‘The IMF’s $4bn loan for South Africa: the pros, cons and potential pitfalls’ available at: https://theconversation.com/the-imfs-4bn-loan-for-south-africa-the-pros-cons-and-potential-pitfalls-143553 (accessed 20 October 2020).
Bulled, N. and M, Singer, (2020), ‘In the shadow of HIV & TB: A commentary on the COVID epidemic in South Africa’, Global Public Health, Vol. 15, No. 8. pp. 1231–1243.
Democratic Alliance. (2020), ‘Mboweni admits R70 billion IMF loan “could be used for salary payments” for ANC cadres’ available at: https://www.polity.org.za/article/mboweni-admits-r70-billion-imf-loan-could-be-used-for-salary-payments-for-anc-cadres-2020-10-23 (accessed 05 November 2020).
Department of Health Republic of South Africa. (2020), ‘An analysis of social behavioral change and the impact on social interactions’ available at: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/08/20/an-analysis-of-social-behavioral-change-and-the-impact-on-social-interactions/ (accessed 27 October 2020).
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, (2020). Trade, Industry and Competition on impact of Coronavirus COVID-19 on economy available at: https://www.gov.za/speeches/trade-industry-and-competition-impace-coronavirus-covid-19-economy-12-may-2020-0000 (accessed 02 November 2020).
De Villiers, C., D. Cerbone, and W. van Zijl, (2020), ‘The South African government’s response to COVID-19’, Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, pp. 1-15.
Farina, M. and A. Lavazza, (2020), ‘Lessons from Italy's and Sweden's Policies in Fighting COVID-19: The Contribution of Biomedical and Social Competences’ Frontiers in Public Health, Vol 8, pp. 1-10.
Friedman, B. ‘SIU update on cases of Covid-19 tender corruption’ available at: http://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/396823/how-many-cases-of-covid-19-corruption-and-fraud-is-the-siu-investigating (accessed 28 October 2020).
Konjuktur Institutet, (2020), ‘The Swedish Economy September 2020’, available at: https://www.konj.se/download/18.796b4c14174b4a2794363cd6/1601547630518/SESep2020.pdf
Krugel, L. and C, Viljoen. (2020) “Impact of trade disrupting COVID-19 on South African business” https://www.pwc.co.za/en/assets/pdf/impact-of-trade-disrupting-covid-19-on-sa-business.pdf (accessed 15 October 2020).
Labuschaigne, M., (2020), ‘Ethicolegal issues relating to the South African government’s response to COVID-19’, S Afr J Bioethics Law, Vol. 13, No. 1. pp. 1-6.
Labuschaigne, M. and C. Staunton (2020), ‘The Social & Economic Impact of Covid-19 on South Africa’ available at: https://www.silkroadbriefing.com/news/2020/04/16/social-economic-impact-covid-19-south-africa/ (accessed 27 October 2020).
Miltimore, J. (2020), ‘BBC: Sweden’s Economy Is Doing Way Better than the Rest of the EU during the COVID-19 Pandemic’ available at https://fee.org/articles/bbc-sweden-s-economy-is-doing-way-better-than-the-rest-of-the-eu-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ (accessed 27 October 2020).
Ministry of Finance Republic of South Africa, (2020), Remarks by Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni, During the Media Briefing to Outline R500 billion Economic Support Package 24April 2020 available at: http://www.treasury.gov.za (accessed 28 October 2020).
Mkhize, Z. (2020), ‘First Case of Covid-19 Coronavirus Reported in SA’ available at: https://www.nicd.ac.za/first-case-of-covid-19-coronavirus-reported-in-sa/ (accessed 02 November 2020).
National Treasury Republic of South Africa, (2020), Medium Term Budget Policy Statement 2020 available at: www.treasury.gov.za (accessed on 01 November 2020).
National Treasury Republic of South Africa, (2020), 2021 Medium Term Expenditure Framework Technical Guidelines available at: www.treasury.gov.za (accessed on 01 November 2020).
National Treasury Republic of South Africa, (2020), Adjusted Estimates of National Expenditure 2020 available at: www.treasury.gov.za (accessed on 01 November 2020).
National Treasury Republic of South Africa, (2020), Special Adjustment Budget Guidelines 2020 available at: www.treasury.gov.za (accessed on 01 November 2020).
OCHA, (2020), Southern and Eastern Africa Covid-19 Digest: Situation Report https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/southern-eastern-africa/ (accessed 28 October 2020).
Ozili, P., and T, Arun, ‘Spillover of COVID-19: impact on the Global Economy’ available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3562570 (accessed 11 November 2020).
Paterlini, M. ‘‘Closing borders is ridiculous’: the epidemiologist behind Sweden’s controversial coronavirus strategy’ available at: https://covidcalltohumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Palertini_Closing-Borders-Is-Ridiculous.pdf (accessed 26 October 2020).
Pierre, J. (2020), ‘Nudges against pandemics: Sweden’s COVID-19 containment strategy in perspective’, Policy and Society, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 478–93.
Ramaphosa, C. (2020), Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Further Economic and Social Measures in Response: The Covid-19 Epidemic available at: http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2020/cram0421.pdf (accessed 27 October 2020).
SADAG Online Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health available at www.sadag.org (accessed 12 November 2020).
Saleh, M. (2020). ‘Impact of COVID-19 on Tanzania Political’ Economy International Journal of Advanced Studies in Social Science & Innovation Vol. 4, No. 1. pp. 24-36.
Skiti, S. (2020). ‘SANDF hid R200m expenditure on ‘Covid’ drug it can’t use’ available at: https://mg.co.za/news/2020-10-22-sandf-hid-r200m-expenditure-on-covid-drug-it-cant-use/
Stats SA Republic of South Africa, (2020), Social impact of COVID-19 (Wave 3): Mobility, Migration, and Education in South Africa: Report no. 00-80-04 www.statssa.gov.za
Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics available at: https://www.nbs.go.tz/index.php/en/ (accessed 02 November 2020).
Umviligihozo, G. (2020), ‘Sub-Saharan Africa preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A perspective of early career African scientists’, Wellcome Open Research, https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16070.2
Van Heerden, O (2020), ‘An IMF loan is a generational debt trap – don’t do it Tito!’ available at: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2020-04-01-an-imf-loan-is-a-generational-debt-trap-dont-do-it-tito/ (accessed 22 October 2020).
World Health Organisation. (2020), ‘Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 94’ available at: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200423-sitrep-94-covid-19.pdf (accessed 28 October 2020).
Arndt, C. et al, (2020), ‘Covid-19 lockdowns, income distribution, and food security: An analysis for South Africa’, Global Food Security, Vol. 26, pp. 1-5.
Balogun, J.A., (2020), ‘Lessons from the USA Delayed Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic’ African Journal of Reproductive Health March 2020, Vol. 24, No. 1. pp. 14-21.
Bradlow, D. (2020), ‘The IMF’s $4bn loan for South Africa: the pros, cons and potential pitfalls’ available at: https://theconversation.com/the-imfs-4bn-loan-for-south-africa-the-pros-cons-and-potential-pitfalls-143553 (accessed 20 October 2020).
Bulled, N. and M, Singer, (2020), ‘In the shadow of HIV & TB: A commentary on the COVID epidemic in South Africa’, Global Public Health, Vol. 15, No. 8. pp. 1231–1243.
Democratic Alliance. (2020), ‘Mboweni admits R70 billion IMF loan “could be used for salary payments” for ANC cadres’ available at: https://www.polity.org.za/article/mboweni-admits-r70-billion-imf-loan-could-be-used-for-salary-payments-for-anc-cadres-2020-10-23 (accessed 05 November 2020).
Department of Health Republic of South Africa. (2020), ‘An analysis of social behavioral change and the impact on social interactions’ available at: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/08/20/an-analysis-of-social-behavioral-change-and-the-impact-on-social-interactions/ (accessed 27 October 2020).
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, (2020). Trade, Industry and Competition on impact of Coronavirus COVID-19 on economy available at: https://www.gov.za/speeches/trade-industry-and-competition-impace-coronavirus-covid-19-economy-12-may-2020-0000 (accessed 02 November 2020).
De Villiers, C., D. Cerbone, and W. van Zijl, (2020), ‘The South African government’s response to COVID-19’, Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, pp. 1-15.
Farina, M. and A. Lavazza, (2020), ‘Lessons from Italy's and Sweden's Policies in Fighting COVID-19: The Contribution of Biomedical and Social Competences’ Frontiers in Public Health, Vol 8, pp. 1-10.
Friedman, B. ‘SIU update on cases of Covid-19 tender corruption’ available at: http://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/396823/how-many-cases-of-covid-19-corruption-and-fraud-is-the-siu-investigating (accessed 28 October 2020).
Konjuktur Institutet, (2020), ‘The Swedish Economy September 2020’, available at: https://www.konj.se/download/18.796b4c14174b4a2794363cd6/1601547630518/SESep2020.pdf
Krugel, L. and C, Viljoen. (2020) “Impact of trade disrupting COVID-19 on South African business” https://www.pwc.co.za/en/assets/pdf/impact-of-trade-disrupting-covid-19-on-sa-business.pdf (accessed 15 October 2020).
Labuschaigne, M., (2020), ‘Ethicolegal issues relating to the South African government’s response to COVID-19’, S Afr J Bioethics Law, Vol. 13, No. 1. pp. 1-6.
Labuschaigne, M. and C. Staunton (2020), ‘The Social & Economic Impact of Covid-19 on South Africa’ available at: https://www.silkroadbriefing.com/news/2020/04/16/social-economic-impact-covid-19-south-africa/ (accessed 27 October 2020).
Miltimore, J. (2020), ‘BBC: Sweden’s Economy Is Doing Way Better than the Rest of the EU during the COVID-19 Pandemic’ available at https://fee.org/articles/bbc-sweden-s-economy-is-doing-way-better-than-the-rest-of-the-eu-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ (accessed 27 October 2020).
Ministry of Finance Republic of South Africa, (2020), Remarks by Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni, During the Media Briefing to Outline R500 billion Economic Support Package 24April 2020 available at: http://www.treasury.gov.za (accessed 28 October 2020).
Mkhize, Z. (2020), ‘First Case of Covid-19 Coronavirus Reported in SA’ available at: https://www.nicd.ac.za/first-case-of-covid-19-coronavirus-reported-in-sa/ (accessed 02 November 2020).
National Treasury Republic of South Africa, (2020), Medium Term Budget Policy Statement 2020 available at: www.treasury.gov.za (accessed on 01 November 2020).
National Treasury Republic of South Africa, (2020), 2021 Medium Term Expenditure Framework Technical Guidelines available at: www.treasury.gov.za (accessed on 01 November 2020).
National Treasury Republic of South Africa, (2020), Adjusted Estimates of National Expenditure 2020 available at: www.treasury.gov.za (accessed on 01 November 2020).
National Treasury Republic of South Africa, (2020), Special Adjustment Budget Guidelines 2020 available at: www.treasury.gov.za (accessed on 01 November 2020).
OCHA, (2020), Southern and Eastern Africa Covid-19 Digest: Situation Report https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/southern-eastern-africa/ (accessed 28 October 2020).
Ozili, P., and T, Arun, ‘Spillover of COVID-19: impact on the Global Economy’ available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3562570 (accessed 11 November 2020).
Paterlini, M. ‘‘Closing borders is ridiculous’: the epidemiologist behind Sweden’s controversial coronavirus strategy’ available at: https://covidcalltohumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Palertini_Closing-Borders-Is-Ridiculous.pdf (accessed 26 October 2020).
Pierre, J. (2020), ‘Nudges against pandemics: Sweden’s COVID-19 containment strategy in perspective’, Policy and Society, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 478–93.
Ramaphosa, C. (2020), Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Further Economic and Social Measures in Response: The Covid-19 Epidemic available at: http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2020/cram0421.pdf (accessed 27 October 2020).
SADAG Online Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health available at www.sadag.org (accessed 12 November 2020).
Saleh, M. (2020). ‘Impact of COVID-19 on Tanzania Political’ Economy International Journal of Advanced Studies in Social Science & Innovation Vol. 4, No. 1. pp. 24-36.
Skiti, S. (2020). ‘SANDF hid R200m expenditure on ‘Covid’ drug it can’t use’ available at: https://mg.co.za/news/2020-10-22-sandf-hid-r200m-expenditure-on-covid-drug-it-cant-use/
Stats SA Republic of South Africa, (2020), Social impact of COVID-19 (Wave 3): Mobility, Migration, and Education in South Africa: Report no. 00-80-04 www.statssa.gov.za
Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics available at: https://www.nbs.go.tz/index.php/en/ (accessed 02 November 2020).
Umviligihozo, G. (2020), ‘Sub-Saharan Africa preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A perspective of early career African scientists’, Wellcome Open Research, https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16070.2
Van Heerden, O (2020), ‘An IMF loan is a generational debt trap – don’t do it Tito!’ available at: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2020-04-01-an-imf-loan-is-a-generational-debt-trap-dont-do-it-tito/ (accessed 22 October 2020).
World Health Organisation. (2020), ‘Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 94’ available at: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200423-sitrep-94-covid-19.pdf (accessed 28 October 2020).
Published
2021-02-24
How to Cite
Chitimira, H., & Hamadziripi, F. . (2021). The Socio-Economic Effects of the COVID-19 National Lockdown on South Africa and its Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Array. Acta Universitatis Danubius. Juridica, 17(1). Retrieved from https://dj.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/AUDJ/article/view/777
Issue
Section
Studies and Articles
License
The author fully assumes the content originality and the holograph signature makes him responsible in case of trial.
