In an effort to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 national lockdown on indigent households, Eskom has launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) programme. The programme is targeted at giving limited free electricity to indigent households. Qualifying households, in terms of the government’s policy of providing support to the unemployed, low-earning, the destitute and the elderly, are encouraged to approach their municipalities to register as … [Read more...] about Eskom embarks on free basic electricity programme campaign
Government
Time for Parliament to crack the whip
OUTA urges Parliamentarians to improve oversight of government spending and performance Members of Parliament (MPs) must live up to their oath of office and defend the public by ensuring effective oversight of government. OUTA has produced a publication titled “Combating Corruption and Maladministration in the South African Public Sector: Tips for Members of Parliament”, which encourages MPs to provide ethical leadership and use their positions in Parliament to combat corruption and ensure … [Read more...] about Time for Parliament to crack the whip
Concern at increasing inmates COVID-19 cases
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has noted a resurgence of positive cases in East London, where 98 inmates tested positive for COVID-19. “Additionally, six officials and three inmates were confirmed to be positive in the Western Cape, whilst Kimberly registered one case of an official. As a result, the total number of positive cases is now at 321,” said DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo. In a bid to curb the further spread of the virus, the department appointed a medical … [Read more...] about Concern at increasing inmates COVID-19 cases
International Nurses Day
President Ramaphosa pays tribute to nurses President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday paid tribute to South Africa’s nurses for their critical contribution to the nation’s well-being. “As a nation, we owe our wellbeing to the untiring commitment of nurses whose positive impact on our lives reaches beyond our physical health,” said President Ramaphosa. The President’s comments come as the globe today marks International Nurses Day. International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every … [Read more...] about International Nurses Day
1356 COVID-19 Cases in the Eastern Cape
South Africa records 10 652 confirmed COVID-19 cases South Africa has 10 652 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 206 deaths. A total of 637 confirmed COVID-19 cases were announced on Monday with 12 new deaths recorded. Meanwhile, the North West province recorded its first death. Of the 12 deaths recorded, nine were in the Western Cape , two in the Eastern Cape and one in KwaZulu-Natal. “We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and appreciate the health workers … [Read more...] about 1356 COVID-19 Cases in the Eastern Cape
COVID-19 likely to be around for another year
While government plans to steadily reduce the COVID-19 alert level by stabilising infection and anticipating the inevitable increase in cases, President Ramaphosa has warned the virus might be around for another year. South Africa moved to Level 4 of the national lockdown on 1 May. The lockdown is aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. The move to a lower level of the lockdown was implemented to gradually allow economic activity to resume. “But it will not be life as we knew … [Read more...] about COVID-19 likely to be around for another year
No to salary increases and bonuses in government
Government now needs to cut the fat and lighten the load on taxpayers - OUTA The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is calling on national, provincial and local government to curb and cut unnecessary costs, starting with salary increases and bonuses. In a letter sent to the minister of CoGTA, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and copied to the President as well as all provincial CoGTA executive council members, OUTA has called for direction and influence from the top, calling on all public … [Read more...] about No to salary increases and bonuses in government
End the lockdown crisis now
The following speech was delivered by the DA Leader, John Steenhuisen MP, during his address to the nation on the Covid-19 lockdown crisis. My fellow citizens, I know you love this country as much as I do. There is a lot to love. We all want South Africa and her people to succeed, and it is heart-breaking to see so many suffering in these difficult times. We pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to the virus, and our deepest condolences go out to their friends and … [Read more...] about End the lockdown crisis now
Interprovincial travel window draws to a close
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has called on interprovincial travelers to exercise extreme caution on the roads, as the grace period for transit across provincial boundaries draws to a close. The once off movement, of persons who were not at their places of residence or work, when the lockdown commenced, will end at 23:59 tonight. “Law enforcement officials will be out and about, ensuring road safety and compliance to lockdown rules and regulations. We urge road users to … [Read more...] about Interprovincial travel window draws to a close
Schools must remain closed
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Thursday warned against the premature re-opening of schools. This comes after the department became aware that some independent (or private) and public schools were already preparing to reopen much earlier, and even receive learners ahead of the schedule announcement by Minister Angie Motshekga. In some schools, teachers have already been reporting for duty and parents meetings have been held where plans were announced to have learners … [Read more...] about Schools must remain closed
576 639 Workers have been disadvantaged to the tune of close to R2.4 billion
Employers urged to pay relief funds to workers Employers have been urged to ensure that money paid over by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for the COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) is disbursed to the workers. Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi made the call to employers following numerous complaints received from workers who allege that their employers have not paid them the money the UIF has disbursed as part of COVID-19 TERS. The money is meant to … [Read more...] about 576 639 Workers have been disadvantaged to the tune of close to R2.4 billion
Disability organisations receive donations
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister, Hlengiwe Mkhize, has today handed over food parcels, sanitary pads and masks to disability organisations. This is to help mitigate the compounded risks that people with disabilities continue to experience during the COVID-19 lockdown. The donations were made to the Blind SA Association and the Deaf Federation of South Africa. The Ministry said people with disabilities should be supported though extraordinary measures to ensure … [Read more...] about Disability organisations receive donations
511 healthcare workers test positive for COVID-19
A total of 511 healthcare workers in the country have tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19), says Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize. Addressing the media in Rustenburg on Wednesday at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital, the Minister said of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, 149 have recovered, 26 were hospitalised and two have lost their lives. Mkhize, together with the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, received personal protective equipment (PPE) … [Read more...] about 511 healthcare workers test positive for COVID-19
More Explanation of THAT Ban
The decision to uphold the ban on the sale of cigarettes as the fight against COVID-19 continues, has many citizens fired up and wondering if government is not encroaching on civil liberties. “People think that government is trying to force things down their throat,” says Dr Catherine Egbe, a specialist scientist of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). Civil liberties, which form part of our daily lives, are hardly given a … [Read more...] about More Explanation of THAT Ban
COVID-19 pushes by-election dates
As the pandemic continues to plague the entire nation, the Electoral Court has since been forced to postpone the by-elections that were set for June due to COVID-19. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Electoral Commission said it welcomed the decision and that it will revise the by-elections timetable accordingly. “The Electoral Court today granted the application of the Electoral Commission to postpone the by-elections scheduled for 3 and 10 June along with associated … [Read more...] about COVID-19 pushes by-election dates
