Dear MyPE The latest bout of loadshedding is another devastating blow to Eastern Cape farmers, who are dependent on Eskom electricity supply to pump water for their irrigation needs. Some Eastern Cape farmers have already had their water allocations severely cut by the Department of Water Affairs, while others have also had to ration their own water supplies, due to the unprecedented drought conditions that have prevailed across the province for years. Farmers ordinarily are allocated … [Read more...] about Loadshedding devastating blow to EC farmers
Letters to the Editor
From the Desk of the Head of Our Family
My Fellow South Africans Welcome to my first weekly letter for 2021. The first two weeks of the year have been difficult for all South Africans. The coronavirus pandemic has gotten worse, with new infections increasing far faster and far higher than before. Hospitals have been under great strain as more people have needed medical attention. While most economic sectors have been able to operate again for several months, it will take some time for the economy to recover and for lost … [Read more...] about From the Desk of the Head of Our Family
Only Big, Meaningful Interventions Can Help Us Now
My fellow citizens, We stand here at the start of a brand new year, and I am sure for many of you it is the most daunting new year you have ever faced. None of us are sure how it will unfold and where we might find ourselves twelve months from now. It is a scary time throughout the world, and the suffering and loss that many people experienced this past year would not have been imaginable a year ago. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to all who suffered tragic loss in this … [Read more...] about Only Big, Meaningful Interventions Can Help Us Now
Proposed Tax Hikes a Slap in the Face of Hard-working South Africans
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly opposes the tax hikes mooted by Treasury Director-General (DG), Dondo Mogajane, to pay for the Covid vaccine programme. Higher taxes would be a slap in the face of hard-working South Africans. The proposal is callous and shows an extraordinary insensitivity to the financial suffering of so many families right now. The total cost of a comprehensive vaccine rollout is estimated at just over R15 billion at most. This amount would be comfortably … [Read more...] about Proposed Tax Hikes a Slap in the Face of Hard-working South Africans
These should be Government’s new year’s resolutions
Dear MyPE Usually a new year starts with lots of excitement, plans, and projections but Covid-19 and the ensuing worldwide pandemic have forced governments around the world to reassess and reprioritize in the interests of the lives and livelihoods of citizens. South Africa is under an immense amount of pressure when it comes to fighting off the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as resuscitating our flatlining economy. Our country already faces immense social challenges pandemic aside, such as … [Read more...] about These should be Government’s new year’s resolutions
DBE to release clear and succinct plan on teacher vaccination
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to engage with the Department of Health to release a clear and succinct plan on what the vaccination process for teachers will look like as a matter of urgency. We are seeking a comprehensive timeline for these vaccinations as it is becoming clear that teachers are increasingly under threat due to the Covid-19 virus as number of teachers have already passed away since the beginning of the pandemic last … [Read more...] about DBE to release clear and succinct plan on teacher vaccination
Mr. President, it’s time to end the alcohol ban with immediate effect
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government to end the economically crippling alcohol ban with immediate effect. After today’s announcement by South African Breweries (SAB) that they have cancelled another investment of R2.5 billion along with their earlier cancelled investment of R2.5 billion, all being a direct result of the ban on alcohol sales, it is abundantly clear that this ill-thought ban is having devastating economic consequences … [Read more...] about Mr. President, it’s time to end the alcohol ban with immediate effect
February school reopening not in the best interest of learners, health experts must brief Basic Education Committee
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) does not support the announcement by the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, that the reopening of schools has been pushed back by two weeks to mid-February 2021, and which has left more questions than answers, including when regulations regarding the reopening would be published. We strongly believe that the health and safety of learners and teachers should be prioritized, however, we do not believe delaying the start of the academic year … [Read more...] about February school reopening not in the best interest of learners, health experts must brief Basic Education Committee
Come On Patriots – When Last Did You Buy A Stamp?
Post Office on the brink of collapse... again Dear MyPE Despite R8 billion in bailouts since 2014, the South African Post Office (SAPO) is once again staring bankruptcy in the face, with reports emerging of unpaid rentals and desperate suppliers, postal backlogs and broken ICT systems. It comes as no surprise therefore to learn of the resignation of the recently appointed CFO, Ms Khathutshelo Ramukumba, after barely two months on the job, in which time the discovery of the shocking … [Read more...] about Come On Patriots – When Last Did You Buy A Stamp?
Was National Treasury the real culprit in vaccine delay?
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, to confirm or deny comments by Deputy Director General of Health, Anbay Pillay, suggesting that the National Treasury was the primary culprit in delaying vaccine acquisition. Pillay’s interview with Financial Mail suggests that Treasury was not convinced that vaccines were necessary, that spending on vaccines would “waste money”, and that the “big challenge” was “risk aversion in the Treasury”. The … [Read more...] about Was National Treasury the real culprit in vaccine delay?
Government lockdown powers must be curbed in 2021
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliances (DA) takes note of the criticism levelled by Human Rights Watch against the South African government and its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. The DA believes that the findings underscore our own view that the power of government to impose and prolong states of national disaster, on full display in 2020, has to be curtailed in 2021. In a report released on Wednesday and covered in Business Day, Human Rights Watch pointed to the government’s … [Read more...] about Government lockdown powers must be curbed in 2021
Pushing back the reopening of schools would not be wise
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken note of Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga’s briefing taking place tomorrow in light of swirling rumors and reports suggesting that the government may consider pushing back the reopening of schools. While we are pleased by the Minister’s imminent address, the DA calls for an urgent meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education to be briefed by relevant health experts and the Departments of Basic Education and Health on the … [Read more...] about Pushing back the reopening of schools would not be wise
Load shedding concern over hospitals and vaccine storage
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) has serious concerns about the consequences of the recent series of rolling blackouts announced by Eskom late this morning. In particular, we fear the impact that these blackouts could have on hospitals where people are fighting for their lives on ventilators as well as the repercussions it could have on the administration and the storage of vaccines when they arrive on our shores. We call on the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, to … [Read more...] about Load shedding concern over hospitals and vaccine storage
Calls for a transparent reopening of Sport, Arts and Culture Relief Fund
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling upon the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, to extend the Covid-19 Relief Fund for Arts and Sports, in light of the extension of the adjusted level 3 lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, earlier this week. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the sports and arts fraternities, not only in South Africa but the world over. While some believe that lockdowns provide a solution to the health problem, … [Read more...] about Calls for a transparent reopening of Sport, Arts and Culture Relief Fund
Motsoaledi must open online applications for IDs and passports to avoid future chaos at Home Affairs
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, to open online applications with immediate effect following an announcement that his department has temporarily suspended certain critical services, including applications for smart identity documents (IDs), passports, marriage registration and solemnization of marriages. The opening of online services will, at the very least, ensure that services are not completely halted, and will also … [Read more...] about Motsoaledi must open online applications for IDs and passports to avoid future chaos at Home Affairs
