Ramaphosa warns of 'difficult decisions ahead'

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned of "difficult decisions and difficult days" ahead in dealing with the economic effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

He also said there are "no quick-fixes" to recovery even as the government gradually reopens the economy following three months of restrictions.

The president, in a statement, said the finance minister will this week table a revised budget in parliament which would prioritise some programmes and scale back on others.

Businesses have been retrenching staff because of heavy losses while others are closing permanently. President Ramaphosa acknowledged the challenge of balancing safety measures and saving businesses from collapse.

"We would urge that the difficult decisions to be taken are taken with care and with due regard to balancing the sustainability of companies and the livelihoods of workers. It is important that whatever is done is underpinned by ensuring a just transition to all concerned," he said.