Until we have overcome this pandemic, we all have to play it safe, for ourselves and those around us, writes the president.

Just as they perform what is their professional duty, we too have a duty to them and to their families, writes Cyril Ramaphosa.

While we had an unemployment crisis and weak economic growth pre-coronavirus, there is reason for optimism, writes President Cyril Ramphosa.

In his weekly letter, the president call on young men in particular to take up the struggle against gender-based violence.

As we watch COVID-19 infections rise, we must remember we are not helpless, writes President Cyril Ramaphosa.

As parents, you have entrusted us with the welfare and safety of your children, writes the president.

The continent's experience with communicable diseases such as Ebola and TB has put it in a strong position to deal with COVID-19.

Every South African has a right to approach the courts, and not even the president could stand in their way exercising that right.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Wednesday night, saying that the lockdown had achieved its purpose and that government was considering easing lockdown to level 3 at the end of May.

In the same way we changed our behaviour to curb HIV's spread, our behaviour must change to stop the coronavirus, writes President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"The public statements by both myself and the Minister were done on behalf of, and mandated by, the collective I lead."

President Cyril Ramaphosa says that while South Africa has achieved much in the 26 years since the country's first democratic elections in 1994, poverty and inequality continue to stalk our land and that the COVID-19 lockdown has forced us to confront this reality.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says that the lockdown has revealed a very sad fault line in our society that reveals how grinding poverty, inequality and unemployment is tearing the fabric of our communities apart.

Ramaphosa used his weekly letter on Monday morning to send a stern warning to criminals taking advantage of the COVID-19 lockdown, highlighting GBV and destruction of infrastructure.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says that the coronavirus pandemic has served as a stark reminder that in our interconnected world, no country and no nation exists for and of itself but that African countries are working together to contain the spread of the virus.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says that the experience of the South Africans in Wuhan demonstrates the effectiveness – and the necessity – of a state of lockdown.

"It is essential that every person in this country adheres strictly – and without exception – to the regulations that have already been put in place."

As we navigate our way through the difficult times that lie ahead, we must continue in the spirit of empathy and selflessness and move with unity of purpose, writes the presidents in his weekly letter.