A 29-year-old male has appeared at the Ngcobo Magistrates Court on charges of contravening the Disaster Management Act regulations. Members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) deployed in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, followed up intelligence information, which led to the arrest of the suspect on 9 June 2020. “During the execution of a search warrant at Ebumnandini Hardware, which also operates as a supermarket, the following successes were achieved. “One male suspect, aged 29 … [Read more...] about EC Man appears in court for illegal tobacco sales
Government
Parts of the Electoral Act declared unconstitutional
The Electoral Commission has noted the judgment of the Constitutional Court declaring parts of the Electoral Act unconstitutional. The highest court in the land on Thursday ruled that the act was unconstitutional in requiring that only candidates of political parties contest national and provincial elections. “The Electoral Commission welcomes the clarity the court has provided to the interpretation of the rights of citizens to stand for public office. We will study the judgment in … [Read more...] about Parts of the Electoral Act declared unconstitutional
Cabinet considers recommendations regarding Level 3
Cabinet, at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, has received an updated report from the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC). The NCCC tabled several recommendations about the enhanced risk-adjusted alert level 3 of the national lockdown. South Africa entered level 3 lockdown on 01 June 2020. South Africa’s infection rate increased by 2 430 to 55 421 on Wednesday, as the country ramps up testing for COVID-19. The country has tested close to a million people, an increase of 30 … [Read more...] about Cabinet considers recommendations regarding Level 3
Independent candidates to be included in national elections
OUTA welcomes Concourt judgment overturning sections of Electoral Act The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) welcomes the Constitutional Court’s judgment in the case of the New Nation Movement and others, declaring sections of the Electoral Act unconstitutional. We believe this judgment should give rise to meaningful amendments to the act, which could reduce the problem of MPs and political leaders placing political party interests ahead of those of citizens and the country. “OUTA … [Read more...] about Independent candidates to be included in national elections
Nearly a million tested
COVID-19 cases increase to 55 421 South Africa’s infection rate has increased by 2 430 to 55 421 on Wednesday, as the country ramps up testing for COVID-19. Meanwhile, there are 48 new COVID-related deaths, bringing the toll to 1 210. Of the additional deaths, 37 are from the Western Cape, nine from the Eastern Cape and two from KwaZulu-Natal. “We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased,” Health Minister, Dr … [Read more...] about Nearly a million tested
Noxolo Nqwazi Relieved as Acting City Manager
Statement by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's Interim Executive Mayor Cllr Thsonono Buyeye As the Interim Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, I have taken the decision to relieve Ms Noxolo Nqwazi from her Acting position as City Manager. Ms Nqwazi's acting term expired on 28 May 2020. Subsequently, her acting tenure was extended from May 28 to the next Council meeting, scheduled for 5 June 2020. The Council that was to sit on 5 June was going to appoint a new Acting … [Read more...] about Noxolo Nqwazi Relieved as Acting City Manager
Western Cape and Eastern Cape have been proactive in conducting roadside screenings
COVID-19 cases rise to 48 285, death toll close to 1 000 Mpumalanga has recorded its first death as the number of COVID-19 infections increased by 2 312 to 48 285. Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, 45 people succumbed to the COVID-19 related disease, bringing the death toll to 998 as of Sunday. “We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize. The Western Cape remains the … [Read more...] about Western Cape and Eastern Cape have been proactive in conducting roadside screenings
President Ramaphosa urges caution
With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increasing at a startling rate in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the public not to be alarmed but to prepare to deal with an upsurge in numbers. This comes as the country on Sunday confirmed 2 312 new cases, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 48 285. “During the course of this coming week, we can expect that the total number of cases will pass the 50 000 mark. Sadly, we are also likely to record the 1 000th death from … [Read more...] about President Ramaphosa urges caution
DBE assesses first day of school reopening
It is the first day of school for Grade 7 and 12 learners across the country under the COVID-19 learning environment - complete with face masks, screening and social distancing protocols. On the first day of the reopening of schools, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga visited various schools across Gauteng to oversee their implementation of the COVID-19 health and safety regulations. While the Minister was yet to receive feedback on the national reopening, she expressed her … [Read more...] about DBE assesses first day of school reopening
Most schools ready to reopen on Monday
Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, says most of the country’s schools are ready to receive learners on Monday morning. The Minister briefed media in Pretoria on Sunday on the readiness for schools to reopen for matrics and Grade 7s. “We can now say with confidence that about 95% of our schools have been ably provided with the COVID-19 related imperatives. The sector, with the assistance of our partners, will strive to deal with the remaining 5% to ensure that the unfettered … [Read more...] about Most schools ready to reopen on Monday
Cabinet to appeal ruling on COVID-19 regulations
https://youtu.be/Obo2PxYrJnU On 2 June 2020 the South African High Court ruled that the South African government’s lockdown regulations are not legal but they will nevertheless remain in place for at least the next 14 days. Government spokesperson Phumla Williams said on Tuesday evening that government had taken note of the judgment delivered by the Gauteng Division of the High Court declaring the Alert Level 4 and Alert Level 3 Lockdown regulations unconstitutional and invalid. Judge … [Read more...] about Cabinet to appeal ruling on COVID-19 regulations
Mbalula confident airports are COVID-19 ready
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has expressed confidence that the aviation industry and the country’s airports will adhere to COVID-19 regulations and directives, as the sector reopens. The Minister made the declaration on Wednesday at the O.R Tambo International Airport, where he was inspecting the airport’s adherence to lockdown regulations and directions. “These regulations and directives are there for the protection of all people and we expect absolute compliance,” said … [Read more...] about Mbalula confident airports are COVID-19 ready
100 000 applicants paid COVID-19 relief grant
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it has kept its promise to pay at least 100 000 clients who had applied for the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant. According to SASSA, by 31 May 2020, 116 867 clients were paid for the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant. To date, over 35 million applicants were checked to confirm if they are either active SASSA grant recipients; are on the UIF database or receive an NSFAS stipend. “We have received approximately 13 million … [Read more...] about 100 000 applicants paid COVID-19 relief grant
Government to study lockdown regulations judgment
The South African Government has taken note of the Johannesburg High Court ruling, which declared COVID-19 lockdown regulations in levels 3 and 4 unconstitutional and invalid. The court, however, suspended the declaration of invalidity for a period of 14 days. “This means that the Alert Level 3 regulations remain in operation for now,” government said in a statement. The court has further directed the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, in consultation with the … [Read more...] about Government to study lockdown regulations judgment
Neighbourhood Watches can operate under alert level 3
The Western Cape Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, has welcomed feedback received from the National Secretary of Police that Neighbourhood Watches (NHW) may now operate under Alert Level 3. During a meeting today between officials of the Department of Community Safety (DoCS) and the National Secretary of Police, it was confirmed that the restrictions placed on NHWs have been lifted under Alert Level 3. Within the targeted COVID-19 hotspot areas, NHWs will be deployed to assist … [Read more...] about Neighbourhood Watches can operate under alert level 3
