President Cyril Ramaphosa says the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) has decided that places of worship may resume services, but under strict conditions.

According to the president, the NCCC had recognised calls from religious leaders across the country, which is why faith-based organisations would now be allowed to congregate - under Level 3 regulations.

The religious sector had fiercely lobbied to be allowed to gather, arguing that many people had been experiencing emotional and psychological distress due to the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown.

"Places of worship may open, subject to strict regulations," said Ramaphosa, using the occasion to reiterate a call for a day of national prayer.

"We understand the great importance that the closure of places of worship has had on members of the faith community and this has worsened the distress of communities, who are unable to worship in congregation," said the president.