Restaurants can reopen and schools will remain closed until 26 July, while the ban on liquor sales has been extended for another two weeks.
In further good news, the Covid-19 UIF TERS scheme has been extended for industries negatively impacted by the lockdown.
This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday when he addressed the nation.
The curfew from 9pm to 4am remains in place, as does wearing a mask – covering the nose and mouth – in public.
The president said adjusted Level 4 restrictions will remain in place for another 14 days with a few tweaks.
Gyms and restaurants can reopen but no more than 50 people are allowed at a time, and for smaller venues, only 50% of their normal capacity.
The president said the ban on gatherings has helped contain the third wave: “We know the Coronavirus spread at funerals, parties, office meetings, restaurants, family occasions and taverns. We know as more people move, the virus moves with them and spreads.”
He said while the curfew contained movement and late night gatherings, restrictions on alcohol sales reduced hospital admissions of alcohol-related trauma such as car accidents and domestic violence, freeing up much-needed capacity for Covid patients.
With regards to vaccines, Ramaphosa said in a “historical agreement” between the European Union and the African Union, Aspen will manufacture 17 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine for South Africa and the rest of the continent from July.
This number will double from October.
He also urged people not to spread false information about the vaccine, and encouraged all qualifying citizens to register and get their jab.
Regarding the violent protests in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where supporters of Jacob Zuma have gone on a rampage demanding his release from prison, Ramaphosa condemned the violence and said those found guilty of breaking the law will be dealt with.