South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa last night announced one of the most comprehensive security operations to ever be carried out in Southern Africa.

18 000 Security Officers ( Army, Metro and National Police), supported by 10 000 field officers, will go door to door and test residents for Coronavirus.

As I said last week, I explained that the Lockdown is coming at a heavy cost to the South African Economy. It is unlikely that the South African Government will miss the opportunity presented by the lockdown to deal with other pressing issues such as illegal Immigration, informal settlements and crime.

I therefore predicted that the South African Government will use the lockdown to flush out criminals and to deport illegal immigrants who are now numbering over 4 Million in SOuth Africa.

Last night, President Ramaphosa announced that his government will roll out screening, testing, tracing and medical management programme across the country.

Addressing the nation on Monday evening Ramaphosa said around 10,000 field workers will be visiting homes around the country to screen residents for coronavirus using mobile technology.

“Those with symptoms will be referred to clinics or mobile clinics. Those with moderate symptoms will remain in isolation at home or in a government centre. An extensive tracing system is to be launched to check who those who are positive with coronavirus came into contact with.”

1,326 people have tested positive to Covid-19, while three people have succumbed to the virus.

He urged every South African to stay at home for the next 17 days.

Ramaphosa said some people had “not yet appreciated the seriousness” of the crisis, and emphasised that the virus could affect all people, both black and white.

He added that the government remains committed to providing housing for the homeless, assisting small businesses and providing water throughout South Africa, and looking at ways to urgently support small business.

He thanked the Motsepe Foundation for pledging R1 billion to the solidarity fund in the fight against the pandemic, while multinational South Africa-based company Naspers had pledged R1.5 billion.