The South African government insists on the "immediate and urgent" lifting of travel restrictions from southern Africa imposed by several countries, following the detection of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2.

Second South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation this Sunday, said that there is still a lack of "scientific justification" to support these restrictions.

"The completely unjustified closing of the borders represents a form of discrimination against South Africa and neighboring countries," Ramaphosa believes.