​The COVID-19 TERS scheme came to an end on 15 October 2020, which does not take into account the implementation of further lockdowns.

Alert Level 3 currently prevents the sale and transportation of alcohol, bringing many businesses to a complete halt. Other businesses in the hospitality industry specifically are faced with reduced operating hours due to the early curfew of 21:00.

These restrictions have brought businesses to their knees and this is why the TERS should be extended, to ensure that businesses are able to stay afloat, retain their employees and reopen when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

I have already written to Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to make the case for changing the curfew from 21:00 to 23:00 because every hour of trading is vital to the survival of many businesses across several sectors.

It is time Minister Nxesi extends the TERS in a bid to save what is left of business, which has been crippled by lockdown restrictions.

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