President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday eased COVID-19 restrictions and moved the country to adjusted alert level three, which allows the sale of alcohol and opening of restaurants.
Ramaphosa said the month-long adjusted alert level four measures had helped to reduce the spread of the virus.
He said infections dropped by 20 percent. Infections in Gauteng were slowing down but in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and North West cases were on the rise.
The President said onsite alcohol consumption can resume but must end at 8 pm. Off-site sales can resume between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Thursday.
The curfew remains in place from 10 pm to 4 am.
Funerals are still limited to a maximum of 50 people, but night vigils and after burial gatherings are still banned.
Gatherings remain limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
The president said about 10 percent of the nearly 60 million population had been vaccinated so far and by the end of the year nearly everyone should have had a jab.
Ramaphosa also took time to address the unrest and resultant crisis.
He lamented the deaths of more than 300 people and the destruction of businesses.
The president said those behind the unrest would be brought to book.
He said arrangements have been made to prosecute the more than 3 000 people arrested for public violence and looting.
Workers affected by the unrest will be assisted by the UIF, said the President.
He said the R350 per month TERs was being extended.
The president said SASRIA – the government insurance – would assist insured businesses affected by the unrest.
