​Bukuta Nkuna
Leaders of political parties represented at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature have joined hands in efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. 
Gauteng Premier David Makhura hosted a consultation session with leaders of political parties  on Thursday, 19 March 2020 to highlight the provincial government's measures towards containing the pandemic.  Premier Makhura said: "The parties agree with the provincial government that our province is particularly vulnerable to the outbreak of COVID-19 due to several factors, such as the fact that Gauteng is a port of entry for air travel (aviation). 
"Tshwane is the host of one of the largest diplomatic communities in the world, the province is the economic hub of the SADC region, the high population density and the dense nature of human settlements, as well as mass public transport systems that move millions of people on a daily basis." 
Makhura said that all political parties agreed to support the measures introduced by government and committed to mobilise their constituencies and society to adhere to all measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. 
"The parties appreciate that government's response to COVID-19 must always be informed by the knowledge and expertise of our scientific community and public health professionals," said the Premier.
In addition, the parties made further proposals that will be considered by the Provincial Command Council chaired by the Premier.
Meanwhile Speaker of the Legislature, Ntombi Mekgwe, said that all proceedings of the legislature had been scaled down with an exception for the passing of the budget on Tuesday, 24 March 2020. 
"I have requested to join the meeting, to ensure that the Gauteng Provincial Legislature is part of the comprehensive response. The only sitting of the Legislature is for passing of the budget on Tuesday, 24 March 2020. After this, the legislature will scale down its operations," said Mekgwe.