The good doctor Zuma has apparently had second thoughts about restricting the movement of people to their new house or business during the level 4 lockdown.

In some poorly drafted regulation notice published this afternoon, 14 May 2020, she has indicated her intention to “facilitate the movement of persons” moving house, moving as a result of domestic violence, or moving their business to new premises. All of these people are now entitled to move as desired, and they can transport their furniture and effects to the new place of residence or business. The previous deadline of 7 June has now also been abandoned.

Once again, if you need to cross provincial, municipal or district boundaries, you will require a permit, which can now be obtained from the “head of court” as well as a station commander at a police station, or their designated representative.

The form of the permit can be found here.

To obtain the permit you will be required to produce:

• the relevant lease agreements indicating the date of expiry of the old lease or the date of commencement of the new lease, or
• the proof of purchase of residence and occupation date, or
• the transfer documents attesting to the change of ownership of property, or
• a domestic violence order, or
• proof of change or new occupation of business premises.

You should also have the relevant documents in your possession when you travel.

Our take on these regulations is that we should not become too bogged down in the detail. They are not a model of clarity and it is easy to criticise the drafting. Let’s accept that restrictions are being lifted make use of the additional freedoms as needed.

Warmest regards
Miltons Matsemela Inc.