South Africa is to end its nationwide lockdown and ease restrictions put in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic from May 1, but will keep the country's borders closed.
In an address to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the mineral-rich country will move from a level five alert, which began at midnight on March 26, to level four next week.
"Beyond Thursday April 30, we will begin the gradual and phased recovery of economic activity. It will be a risk-adjusted strategy through which we take a deliberate and cautious approach to the easing of current lockdown restrictions," Ramaphosa said.
"On May 1, borders will remain closed to international travel except for the repatriation of South African and resident citizens. No travel will be allowed between provinces except for goods and exceptional circumstances like funerals," he added.
Mining and other industries will be...