The South African Social Services Agency (SASSA) has identified and resolved a glitch that has led to some beneficiaries not being able to access their grants. “Due to a payment system glitch, some beneficiaries have not been able to access their grants today. SASSA has identified and resolved the glitch and the implication of this is that funds will now be released to beneficiaries’ accounts this afternoon after 3pm and can even be accessed from tomorrow, 05 May 2020 going forward,” … [Read more...] about SASSA resolves grant payment glitch
Government
Schools remain locked for more than 127 million children in Eastern and Southern Africa
Innovative approaches taken for continued learning, but safe re-opening of schools remains key More than 127 million pre-primary, primary, and secondary school students in Eastern and Southern Africa - who are supposed to return to school this week - remain at home, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In response, UNICEF has announced advanced support to this unprecedented education crisis, while advocating for the safe re-opening of schools that adhere to safety guidance. In most parts of the … [Read more...] about Schools remain locked for more than 127 million children in Eastern and Southern Africa
Municipalities should be opened up to public oversight immediately
OUTA calls for civil oversight and real-time transparency to avoid more municipal tax abuse The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) commends the proactive approach of and statement by Auditor-General Kumi Makwetu on safeguarding the Covid-19 relief funds allocated to municipalities by applying his powers to oversee these funds. However, OUTA is still concerned that this money will not benefit the poorest of the poor but rather sustain broken municipalities. "Citizens have very little … [Read more...] about Municipalities should be opened up to public oversight immediately
What You Can do During Lockdown Level 4
In terms of the Disaster Management Act (57/2002), Regulations issued in Terms of section 27 (2) of the Act with specific reference to Lockdown Level 4 General Provisions Applicable During National State Of Disaster ALERT LEVEL 4 Determination of Alert Level 15. (1) The Cabinet member responsible for cooperative governance and traditional affairs, in terms of regulation 3(2), declares, upon the recommendation of the Cabinet member responsible for health, and in consultation with … [Read more...] about What You Can do During Lockdown Level 4
Post Office announces grant payment dates
The elderly and persons with disabilities, who receive their monthly social grants from the South African Post Office (SAPO), will from May receive their monies from the fourth day of the month. All other grants will be paid from the sixth of every month, SAPO said in a statement on Tuesday. “The Post Office also advises beneficiaries not to make a balance enquiry on the first day of the month, as their grant will only become available on the dates mentioned above and the balance … [Read more...] about Post Office announces grant payment dates
President welcomes Cuban health professionals in SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday welcomed Cuban health professionals who have arrived in the country to support efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa. In total, 217 Cuban health specialists and workers arrived in South Africa today. This followed a request made by the President to President Díaz Canel Bermúdez of Cuba. The group consists of the following: Experts in the fields of epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health; Family physicians to guide … [Read more...] about President welcomes Cuban health professionals in SA
Call to wear masks
Lockdown avoids massive surge in COVID-19 infections The nationwide lockdown implemented by government to contain COVID-19 has delayed the spread of the virus and given government time to prepare for the pandemic. “By delaying the spread of the virus, we have had time to prepare our health facilities and mobilise some of the essential medical supplies needed to meet the inevitable increase in infections. There is clear evidence that the lockdown has been working,” President Cyril Ramaphosa … [Read more...] about Call to wear masks
Now you know that we are on Lockdown 5
SA to move from level 5 lockdown to level 4 Life in South Africa will gradually begin to return to normal from next month, with government steadily easing the COVID-19 lockdown regulations, albeit under stringent stipulations. From 1 May, government will implement a risk-adjusted strategy aimed at easing the current lockdown restrictions. The decision was taken during a National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) meeting on Thursday. This was revealed by President Cyril Ramaphosa during … [Read more...] about Now you know that we are on Lockdown 5
President Cyril Ramaphosa Announces Lockdown Easing
ON 23 April the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced a Gradual Phased Easing of the South African Lockdown Today marks exactly 7 Weeks since the first Coronavirus infection in South Africa. Many countries health systems are on the brink of collapse. Many countries are not ready for a sudden increase and if the virus spreads too quickly there will not be enough resources for everyone. Sunday 15 March was the initial date of announcement of a National Disaster. Ramaphosa … [Read more...] about President Cyril Ramaphosa Announces Lockdown Easing
Port Elizabeth has Less Than 6 Months of Water Left
Unattended water leaks are sitting at around 7000 During a Democratic Alliance Press Conference held today it was revealed that the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality will run dry if there is no intervention in less than 6 months - negatively compounded by the concern that no major rain is forecast for the forseeable future. Overall, the Metro’s supply dams are currently at just 22.16% of their capacity. Kouga dam is at 12.29% of capacity, Impofu dam at 16.45%, Churchill dam at … [Read more...] about Port Elizabeth has Less Than 6 Months of Water Left
Worried about Schools? Maybe Things Will be Clearer on Friday
Nzimande to announce COVID-19 implementation measures Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Dr Blade Nizmande, will on Friday, announce the department’s measures to be implemented in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. Nzimande has been holding briefings and consultations with the stakeholders in post school education and training, as well as in the science and innovation sector. The consultations were held in order to brief stakeholders on measures that the department will be … [Read more...] about Worried about Schools? Maybe Things Will be Clearer on Friday
What Will Cyril Say Tonight?
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation this evening – Tuesday, 21 April 2020 – on additional economic and social relief measures that form part of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The President’s address flows from recent deliberations at Cabinet, the National Coronavirus Command Council, the President’s Coordinating Council, and the National Economic Development and Labour Council, among others. The Presidency will in the course of the day announce the time for … [Read more...] about What Will Cyril Say Tonight?
Minister Nxesi assesses COVID-19 operations at UIF
The UIF Call Centre has been experiencing system failures due to the influx of calls Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi is today conducting a walkabout at the Johannesburg office of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) that is handling a massive number of claims related to COVID-19. The Minister’s visit to the centre on Monday, comes as the country marks day 25 of the nationwide lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. In an effort to provide income support to workers … [Read more...] about Minister Nxesi assesses COVID-19 operations at UIF
NYDA relieves distressed youth-owned enterprises
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has launched the Youth Micro Enterprises Relief Fund (YMERF) aimed at assisting youth-owned enterprises, which might not qualify for other funds. “This fund will respond to challenges facing youth-owned businesses, such as the inability to pay employees, lack of income and waiting periods for other funding mechanisms. “Funding will be capped at R10 000 for every qualifying business. More details about the NYDA Youth Micro Enterprise Relief … [Read more...] about NYDA relieves distressed youth-owned enterprises
Public urged to air their views in COVID-19 survey
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has launched an online survey to gauge the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public. In a statement on Monday, Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said accurate, real-time statistics are of utmost importance in times of crisis. “These surveys will be used to see how COVID-19 has impacted the population, and will be used by government to inform their strategy going forward. For us to win this fight, the decisions we make must be evidenced-based,” he … [Read more...] about Public urged to air their views in COVID-19 survey
