South Africans on Friday began the first day of a three-week nationwide lockdown aimed at stemming the tide of coronavirus cases, now topping 900 in South Africa.
All but the essential movement is forbidden and both the army and the police are enforcing the measures.
Ahead of the midnight deadline, there were long queues outside supermarkets as people stocked up on essentials.
South Africa has reported 927 coronavirus infections – the highest in Africa – but so far no deaths.
Late on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited soldiers before they were deployed from a base in the Soweto township of Johannesburg.
“I send you out to go and defend our people against coronavirus,” he said, wearing a camouflage uniform.
“This is unprecedented, not only in our democracy but also in the history of our country, that we will have a lockdown for 21 days to go out and wage war against an invisible enemy, coronavirus.”
Food shops are allowed to stay open although alcohol sales are banned – Police Minister Bheki Cele urged South Africans to stay sober during the lockdown. Jogging and dog walking are also prohibited.
