President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday evening that the lockdwon to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) will remain in place until the end of the month. Venter says he is very impressed with the measures the government has put in place.

“The President acted like a statesman, and I think the restriction measures were announced in time. We did not wait as long as Italy and Spain - we acted on time. And, I think that's why the incidence and mortality in South Africa is still so low compared to what's happening in the rest of the world,” Venter adds.

Meanwhile, Venter says the national lockdown and the accompanying regulations provide a very difficult choice for South Africa.

“It's a choice between the virus and the economy. The restrictions are very detrimental to the economy. Economists believe we're probably already in a recession, and I wouldn't be surprised by this. But, it is the choice we have to make to save people's lives. There is simply no other way to get through this process than to bring the country to a standstill,” says Venter.

However, Venter believes these measures are not just bad news.

“I know, individually, everyone has to make sacrifices. Financially and otherwise, there are people who are going to go hungry, but this is an essential period that we must make to overcome the virus,” Venter concludes.

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