By Kgomotso Ramotsho

The Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA) and the Association of Regional Magistrates of Southern Africa (ARMSA) have both accepted the challenge set by President Cyril Ramaphosa for public office bearers to contribute to the Solidarity Fund, which was established, to assist in curbing the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa. This comes after President Ramaphosa announced on 9 April that the 21-day nationwide lockdown that was due to end on 16 of April would be extended until the end of April.

In a statement released by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, the ministry welcomed the announcement by JOASA and ARMSA for pledging to the Solidarity Fund. In his comment, the President of ARMSA, Regional Magistrate Jonathan Ratshibvumo expressed his gratitude to the magistrates and the regional magistrates in the country for continuing to offer essential services to the nation during the lockdown.

Minister Lamola said: ‘This contribution is a positive gesture that heeds President Ramaphosa’s call for everyone in society who is able to make a contribution to the Solidarity Fund, to do so. We encourage more commitments such as these to help government deal with the unprecedented effects that COVID-19 is having on our country. We remain committed to working with any of our partners and entities in keeping with the collective spirit that we are all in this together’.

JOASA contributed R 50 000, while ARMSA contributed R 200 000 to the Solidarity Fund.

Kgomotso Ramotsho Cert Journ (Boston) Cert Photography (Vega) is the news reporter at De Rebus.