In light of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting people throughout the world, the South African government is taking a number of steps to flatten the curve.

Gatherings of more than 100 people have been prohibited in the country. To make sure this rule is enforced, those in the Gauteng province wanting to host large events such as weddings and funerals must now apply for a permit to do so.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura made the announcement during a media briefing in Gauteng on Wednesday, March 18. According to Makhura, Gauteng is a high-risk province as it is densely populated and has the most developed transport system used by many.

“We want to call on business to cooperate, including township establishments. Everyone who is applying for a funeral or for a wedding needs to do so at the nearest police station in your area,” said the Premier. ” The police stations are helping us to monitor to ensure that the size of those events complies with the law. So, there’s a specific provincial police officer who is designated on behalf of the provincial commissioner coordinating all those applications so that there is full compliance.”

As of now, South Africa has 116 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no reported deaths thus far.

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