Why does South Africa keep banning alcohol?

South Africans have faced three alcohol bans since the Covid-19 pandemic hit last March.

The government says as it battles a surge in Covid-19 cases a ban on alcohol is necessary to alleviate the pressure on its healthcare system.

The last ban was imposed on 28 December.

But the South African government is now facing mounting legal challenges to the ban.

The liquor industry argues that legal action is needed to protect its employees, suppliers, and customers.

It says the damage to the South African economy is disproportional and unlawful and takes away the right of the public to responsibly consume a drink in the safety of their homes.

It says unless the ban is lifted millions of jobs could go.