• Level 3 lockdown means no leisure drives
• South Africans may only travel within a five-kilometre radius
• Any unnecessary driving could warrant a fine
South Africans are under the impression that Level 3 lockdown regulations mean complete freedom of movement, but it's not the case. Here's how far you're allowed to drive.
During Lockdown levels 4 and 5, you could only drive to your nearest grocery store or get medical supplies, and then travel to work if you're an essential worker.
With the arrival of Level 3, citizens seem to think we're all free to do as we please. Unfortunately, this is not the case and the same rules apply.
Essential trips to the store, medical reasons, and travel to work and schools for pupils are the only driving you're permitted to do. Other than that, you're only allowed to drive within a five-kilometre distance from your home, according to the City of Cape Town.
It also means you're not allowed to visit family and friends, or even have a braai or any social gatherings at your home or anywhere else.
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The cold weather has brought about some annual snowfall we've become accustomed to in the Western Cape which meant many citizens ventured out to Ceres, and its surrounding areas, to get out and see the snow.
Naturally, everyone who entered these areas were politely asked to turn around and head back home.
And while this applies to residents of the Cape, the rule applies to all citizens across the country.
The City of Cape Town's Chief Inspector: Traffic Services, Maxine Bezuidenhout, says: "Under the current regulations people are not allowed to move between metro's and provinces for any other reasons as contemplated in section 33.
"Remember, the Western Cape is classified as a hot spot. A leisurely trip to watch the snow is not in line with these regulations."
No leisure drives are allowed under Lockdown Level 3 restrictions. Image: Wheels24 / Janine Van der Post
Section 33(4) of the regulations stipulate the following in the published in the Government Gazette on 28 May 2020:
(4) Movement of persons between provinces, metropolitan areas and districts and hotspots is prohibited, except for –
(a) persons doing so in the course of carrying out work responsibilities or performing any service permitted under Alert Level 3, provided that such person is in possession of a permit issued by the employer which corresponds with Form 2 of Annexure A;
(b) persons travelling for purposes of-
(i) moving to a new place of residence; or
(ii) caring for an immediate family member: Provided that such person is in possession of an affidavit which corresponds with Form 6 of Annexure A:
(c) members of Parliament performing oversight responsibilities;
(d) learners or students referred to in regulation 34(5) who have to commute to and from those schools or institutions of higher learning during periods when those schools or institutions are permitted to operate."
Bezuidenhout also says those who had recently travelled outside their areas are lucky they were not fined for doing so.