South African police disperse protesters over lockdown pain

South African police officers used water cann to disperse protesters marching Friday outside Parliament over plight of hospitality industry during coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses say revenues have fallen because of country’s lockdown and y seek furr loosening of restrictions.

protest occurred in Cape Town, one of world’s most well-kwn tourist destinations. Officers shooed away protesters, who shouted whistled.

South Africa once h one of world’s strictest lockdowns to delay spre of virus, but government has been loosening it under ecomic pressure.

Sit-down restaurant service was one of activities allowed in recent weeks, and yet restaurant workers this week protested across country over impacts on business and jobs. “Curfew is for wartime, t for restaurants!!!” one sign re.

Ors seek return of alcohol sales, which government abruptly banned again this month after emergency beds in hospitals filled up.

South Africa w has world’s fifth largest virus caselo, and confirmed cases surpassed 400,000 on Thursday. Africa’s most developed country is struggling as number of infections continues to climb.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ackwledged ecomic pain of restrictions in a country where unemployment is w over 30% and joblessness especially affects young ults.