President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed children and teachers at public schools to remain at home from Monday until 24 August, with the exception of matrics and grade 7s who will return sooner.
Speaking at his coronacast webinar on Thursday afternoon, John Steenhuisen said government had resorted to the prolonged lockdown as its COVID-19 response had failed to suppress transmissions.
The Constitutional Court dismissed the DA's court bid, saying it was not urgent nor in the interest of justice.
DA interim leader John Steenhuisen referred Eyewitness News to a statement he issued on Tuesday in which he said Helen Zille's comments on racists laws were not true, but would not comment further on what it meant for the party.
On Wednesday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa relaxed more regulations under level three, which mean you'll soon be able to sit down at restaurants, visit hair salons and stay at hotels.
The personal care industry had been restricted since March and was still prohibited from operating under level 3 lockdown, and the party is seeking to have this overturned.
Democratic Alliance (DA) interim leader John Steenhuisen said that Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma had exaggerated the number of submissions received which were against the lifting of the ban.
The official opposition has taken exception to the regulations and vowed to challenge the legitimacy the of National Disaster Management Act in court.
Democratic Alliance (DA) interim leader John Steenhuisen said that South Africa was heading towards an economic depression because of the six-week hard lockdown implemented by government to fight the spread of COVID-19.
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) president Glenda Gray criticised aspects of government’s approach in responding to the coronavirus and claimed that there had been an increase in malnutrition cases at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
The party has approached the Constitutional Court to challenge the constitutionality of the Disaster Management Act.
The party's federal executive council has resolved to hold the online congress on 31 October.
DA interim leader John Steenhuisen said that continuing the lockdown is irrational and the regulations are unlawful.
The party is now going to the highest court in the land over government's implementation of regulations governing the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape will on Friday file papers, challenging the constitutionality of the Disaster Management Act.
Democratic Alliance (DA) interim leader John Steenhuisen was reacting to President Cyril Ramaphosa's address and also made an announcement regarding the party's latest court action against extended lockdown regulations.
The president on Wednesday night announced that most provinces will ease into a level 3 lockdown by the end of the month - depending on the infection rates and capacity of health facilities.
It wants the lockdown lifted, explaining the economy can't take any more pain.
