He said the plea follows reports of a surge in the number of applications for permission to fly remotely-piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), commonly referred to as drones.
Appealing to aircraft owners for co-operation, he said: “While these applications are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis, it is important to remember that the country is under lockdown for a reason. Restrictions are there to stop the spread of Covid-19; it is a matter or life and death. We cannot put lives at risk in an effort to rescue unessential business operations, if it is not deemed urgent, it must wait. We simply cannot put a price tag on human lives.
“Minister Mbalula also noted daily reports that indicate that procedures as set by various organisations, including the World Health Organisation on disinfection and other hygiene and Covid-19 combating measures, are being followed precisely,” the transport ministry said in a statement.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fikile Mbalula: Easter road death toll drops 82%Reduced traffic during Coronoavirus lockdown sees 28 deaths this year compared to 162 during Easter 2019
Read more »
Fikile Mbalula reports Easter road death toll plunges 82%Any attempt to compare year-on-year figures was an exercise in futility as the material conditions this Easter were fundamentally different from a normal period in which traffic is able to mover freely
Read more »
Fikile Mbalula reports Easter road death toll plunges 82%Transport minister Fikile Mbalula said there were 28 road users killed this year, but comparisons with last year are 'futile' as there was far less traffic.
Read more »
Mbalula urges aviators to comply with lockdown regulationsTransport minister Fikile Mbalula has urged aviators, particularly pilots and drone owners, to comply with the regulations and directions of the Disaster Management Act aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.
Read more »
RECORDED | Mbalula to release Easter weekend traffic statisticsTransport minister Fikile Mbalula will on Friday release the Easter Weekend traffic statistics.
Read more »
Taxis denied entry into Eastern Cape over Easter weekend told to return homeThe 11 vehicles were sent back for various reasons which ranged from incorrect permits to not complying with lockdown regulations.
Read more »