COVID-19: S Africa announces relief package to fight hunger; boost economy during lockdown

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a Rand 500 billion (USD 26 billion) economic and social relief package to counter the devastating effects on the country's economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ramaphosa was addressing the nation in a live TV broadcast on Tuesday evening but there was no indication of whether the lockdown, now in its 26th day after the initial 21 days were extended by a fortnight, would be extended further.

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of infections and deaths due to COVID-19 across the country in the last few days.

There was much anticipation that there would be an announcement around easing some elements of the lockdown, especially since there have been widespread calls for lifting the prohibition on sale of hot prepared foods by restaurants and supermarkets as well as the sale and transport of liquor.

Ramaphosa said he would make another announcement on Thursday evening on measures to boost the country's economy.

"We will ...