Presidential Address - State of Emergency

My fellow South Africans,

It is a week since we declared the occupation of South Africa as a national disaster and announced a package of extraordinary measures to combat this grave national security emergency.

The response of the South African people to this crisis has been remarkable. Hundreds of our people have understood the gravity of the situation.

Most South Africans have accepted the restrictions that have been placed on their lives and have taken responsibility for changing their behaviour.

From economic leaders to our soldiers on the front line, from our diplomats to our meme makers, from our flirting force to professional rage baiters, every part of our society has come forward to confront this challenge.

Many have had to make difficult choices and sacrifices, leaving war mode and facing eco has not been easy.

Over the past week, South Africans have demonstrated their determination, their sense of purpose, their sense of community and their sense of responsibility.

For this, we salute you and we thank you.

I call on all of us, one and all, to play our part.

To be courageous, to be patient, and above all, to show compassion. Let us never despair.

For we are a nation at one, and we will surely prevail. May God protect our people.

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso. God seën Suid-Afrika. God bless South Africa. Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. Hosi katekisa Afrika.

I thank you.