Parliament, Thursday, 24 December 2020 – The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Amos Masondo, wish all Christians a joyful, peaceful and heavenly blessed Christmas period.
“This year’s Christmas comes at a time when the world is still faced with the Covid-19 pandemic. This is, as President Ramaphosa said in his last address to the nation, a different festive season - many people have lost their loved ones, others their jobs while others are trying to survive this pandemic” said the Presiding Officers.
“We humbly urge South Africans to follow the Covid-19 safety protocols as we are in the second wave of this virus that has already taken the lives of many of our people” urged the Presiding Officers.
Christmas is a time most families gather to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time for giving and sharing. While the conditions under which this annual important celebration on the Christian calendar is being celebrated are different and difficult, we still have a valuable opportunity to show each other love, care, honour, support and solidarity by protecting ourselves and others from the spread of Covid-19. Let’s also be mindful and share with the less fortunate, particularly in the context of the economic hardships on many South Africans brought about by the pandemic.
The Presiding Officers further called on all road users to exercise caution and to avoid drinking and driving.
By being responsible on the roads and helping to combat the spread of Covid-19 we will be assisting to lessen the burden on our healthcare system and our health workers, who have been working tirelessly throughout the year to save lives.
May you all enjoy this well-deserved rest. Merry Christmas South Africa.
Issued by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
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