In the latest edition of Econ3x3 we feature two new articles: one measures the effects of the December 2020 curfew instituted nearly nine months after the initial hard lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic; the other is a robust critique of the most recently published batch of Advisory Briefs issued by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.

The first, by Mahlatse Mabeba, asks whether the curfew imposed just before traditional new year celebrations at the end of 2020 had the desired effect of curbing the spread of COVID-19. South Africa was facing a “sharp surge” in cases during the pandemic’s second wave in December 2020 when the government imposed a strict nighttime curfew combined with an alcohol ban. The move prompted criticism from many quarters – people argued that it was a blunt instrument that targeted many who posed no risk. It also adversely affected informal traders and workers in the hospitality, retail and transport industries.

But measured in terms of the significant drop in infections, Mabeba argues that the short, targeted lockdown achieved its purpose.

Our other piece is a thoughtful reflection on what exactly the Presidential Economic Advisory Council has delivered.  The focus of the Advisory Briefs, writes Andrew Donaldson, is more on aspects of the green transition than on some of the pressing employment and investment problems facing South Africa.  

Although the green transition is an important long-term issue, the government already has the Presidential Climate Commission to guide policy on this. But more importantly, if the economy continues to falter on growth and employment, we risk not having the resources to deal with the green transition issues in the future. 

Pippa Green