Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma conceded the government has fallen short in implementing its planned social and economic interventions.

After giving details on the resumption of alcohol sales, she defended the continued cigarette ban under Level 3 of the lockdown, saying all measures the government had implemented were difficult, but necessary.

The Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association served the government with court papers in early May to challenge its decision to retain the ban on the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products under Level 4 of the lockdown.

According to Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel, the government had met with supermarkets, bottle stores, alcohol producers, taverns and other on-site consumption companies.

Dlamini-Zuma said under Level 3, local governments would operate close to full operation, while all public servants would be required to return to work, with the exception of those who have permission not to.