On Tuesday, May 27, President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted the ban on religious gatherings during level 3 of the national lockdown.
In his nationwide address, he said that citizens will now be allowed to go back to their place of worship with strict restrictions in place.
The move to level 3 starts from June 1.
Churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and other recognised places of worship will resume services with no more than 50 people or less depending on the space available.
Ramaphosa also advised that social distancing will have to be observed and that face-masks will have to be worn by all congregants.
The news of the un-banning sent social media users into a frenzy, with many arguing the merits for and against lifting the ban.
Many of out celebrities also got into the fray, including musician and pastor, Khaya Mthethwa, who leads the Oasis Church.
They did not hold back from expressing their disappointment with the government's decision on the ban.
Here's what they had to say:
Nail bar I go to owned by 2 women. One does feet, other does hands. In years I've been a client, it's 3 people at a time & always wearing masks when filing nails. Wax, 2 people at a time. If this is a numbers' game & churches are opening, then makes not sense not to open these up
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) May 26, 2020
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/cyrilramaphosa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cyrilramaphosa
— Khaya Mthethwa (@khayamthethwa)
I support a retraction like the cigarette one. 50 a service and the ones that didn't get in ? What is the communication saying who is in and who is out. Guys a pandemic is not meant to be comfortable !!!! Church is not the spiritual part of your faith. Please reconsider this.
— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) May 26, 2020
Laying of hands?
— Rami Chuene🌈🏳️🌈 (@ramichuene) May 26, 2020
Singing and praying in tongues under a mask?
Holy communion?
Those who like being slain in the spirit, who will catch them when they fall?
Poor ushers are in trouble.
Thanks South Africa, I'm logging out now. 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/6dMzwRJ4gk
— Mr. Buns/Buns Out/Abuti Buns/Lebunza/Breadwinner (@MapsMaponyane) May 26, 2020