Dear MyPE The chaotic situation resulting from instructions from the Department of Social Development has led to the closure of food relief operations and thousands of people who were being fed are now without food. A document on food parcel distribution which is labelled a “draft” document, instructs that all private charities close soup kitchens and restrict food parcel deliveries. Even worse, the document declares that a new license must be obtained from the department for every single … [Read more...] about The government is starving thousands of South Africans
Coronavirus
MEC may get his day in court for alleged crony enrichment procurement deal
Dear MyPE On Friday I opened a criminal case against the Department of Education relating to the awarding of a R160 million contract with Sizwe Africa IT Group, to supply the department with an e-learning platform and tablets for Grade 12 learners. The case has been opened against the Department of Education, and the Head of Department, Superintendent General, Themba Kojana. Education MEC, Fundile Gade, initially refused to answer questions around the controversial R160-million … [Read more...] about MEC may get his day in court for alleged crony enrichment procurement deal
Minister Mkhize must explain why expert advice is being ignored
Dear MyPE Reports today that the ministerial advisory committee (MAC) which advises the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, is in disagreement with government strategy to deal with Covid-19 are deeply concerning. It is now clear that the government is reluctant to allow scientific findings to guide the country between the various levels of the strategy in order to save lives and livelihoods. While the Health response has been commendable over the past 7 weeks and the DA has supported the … [Read more...] about Minister Mkhize must explain why expert advice is being ignored
Coronavirus live updates: Obama hits U.S. virus response; Italy plans to roll back lockdown measures – Lockdown News
Coronavirus live updates: Obama hits U.S. virus response; Italy plans to roll back lockdown measures: More than 4.6 million people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19, and the coronavirus has killed more than 310,180. Source: "Coronavirus Lockdown" - BingNews. Katrina Kaif's birthday wish to rumoured boyfriend Vicky Kaushal gets highlighted: Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal celebrated his 32nd birthday on Saturday, with fans and colleagues from the tinsel town sending love and … [Read more...] about Coronavirus live updates: Obama hits U.S. virus response; Italy plans to roll back lockdown measures – Lockdown News
Wrigley Field plays organ concert to neighborhood missing baseball during Chicago coronavirus lockdown – Lockdown News
Wrigley Field plays organ concert to neighborhood missing baseball during Chicago coronavirus lockdown: Wrigleyville should be filled by the sounds of the baseball season, but it isn't, save for a short time Friday evening. Source: "Coronavirus Lockdown" - BingNews. Morocco clears disposable face masks for export: Morocco has cleared disposable face masks for export after reaching a daily production capacity of 10 million daily by 24 factories during the new coronavirus outbreak, industry … [Read more...] about Wrigley Field plays organ concert to neighborhood missing baseball during Chicago coronavirus lockdown – Lockdown News
Comrades Cancelled
Sports committee welcomes cancellation of Comrades Marathon The Select Committee on Education, Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture has welcomed the decision to cancel the 2020 edition of the Comrades Marathon, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Committee Chairperson, Elleck Nchabeleng, said given the latest figures of positive cases in the country, and that KwaZulu-Natal is among the four provinces recording the highest positive cases, the right decision was taken. “The committee welcomes the … [Read more...] about Comrades Cancelled
SARS staff donate to Solidarity Fund
Over 400 employees of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have donated part of their salaries to the Solidary Fund as part of efforts to fight COVID-19. A total 451 SARS employees donated R711 000 towards the Solidarity Fund in April. “The South African Revenue Service is proud to announce an initiative by its employees to collect money in support of those in need due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” In a statement on Thursday, SARS Commissioner Edward … [Read more...] about SARS staff donate to Solidarity Fund
Sandile Buthelezi announced as new Department of Health DG
The Department of Health has announced the appointment of Dr Sandile Buthelezi as its Director-General. A seasoned expert in health governance, policy and programme management, Dr Buthelezi is set to steer the ship at the department. The department announced Dr Buthelezi as its incoming Director-General on Friday. With more than 15 years in the field, Dr Buthelezi promises to bring a wealth of knowledge to the National Department of Health at a crucial epoch in the … [Read more...] about Sandile Buthelezi announced as new Department of Health DG
Nearly 4 Million apply for R350.00 Monthly Grant
More than 3.5 million people have applied for the new special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant - within three days of the system going live. “The special COVID-19 SRD Grant is intended to mitigate the undue hardships faced by individuals and families through this difficult time. We are pleased with the intake so far and we urge all eligible individuals to apply on time,” Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu said on Thursday. The South African Social Security Agency … [Read more...] about Nearly 4 Million apply for R350.00 Monthly Grant
MBDA is proud with progress at the NMB Stadium
On Thursday, 14th of May Cyril Ramaphosa, Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, MEC for Health, Cynthia Gomba and the Interim Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Tshonono Buyeye visited the MBDA operated Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium which has been temporarily converted into a COVID-19 isolation facility. “The MBDA is proud of the progress made by the team in collaboration with the Municipality’s Public Health directorate, working closely with the Department of Health. As an entity of … [Read more...] about MBDA is proud with progress at the NMB Stadium
Eastern Cape COVID-19 response gets the thumbs up
President gives Eastern Cape COVID-19 response the thumbs up President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the Eastern Cape’s preparations to deal with the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic the thumbs up. “I’m particularly happy that you have awoken to the danger of this and are now putting in place a clear health strategy that is going to address this,” said the President. The President paid a visit to Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape on Thursday to assess the provincial response to the … [Read more...] about Eastern Cape COVID-19 response gets the thumbs up
42% Of Businesses not confident of continuing operations
A recent rapid response survey by Stats SA recently revealed that a staggering 42% of respondents were not confident of being able to continue operations post the COVID-19 outbreak. When asked how long business could continue without turnover, 54% indicated that they would only be able to survive between one to three months. “These statistics are a snapshot of a situation facing thousands of South African businesses today. With banking customers, ranging from start-up entrepreneurs to … [Read more...] about 42% Of Businesses not confident of continuing operations
5 Ways to help your kids stay safe online
It’s time to team up to build the ultimate wall of defence against the cyber threat The pandemic has put school in the bedroom, study, kitchen, backyard and lounge. Parents and students are figuring out how to juggle home working and full-time schooling from within the confines of the home and, let’s face it, it’s hard. Schedules clash, internets crash, time is in short supply and the learning curve is steep. But, there’s more. As online learning becomes more prevalent and children become more … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to help your kids stay safe online
Port Elizabeth Citrus Exports Start Up
The Maersk operated vessel, Kmarin Aqua docked at the Port of PE’s Berth 103 on Tuesday, 12 May 2020, carrying 1800 cost chain boxes to start the season’s citrus exports from the Bay. The vessel discharged 850 containers, of which 524 were reefer containers for the export of citrus from the Port of PE. Rajesh Dana, Port Manager at the Port of PE said, “With the negative economic impact that COVID-19 has presented not only to South Africa, but to the entire world, it is significant that … [Read more...] about Port Elizabeth Citrus Exports Start Up
SAPS lose KZN and EC members to the Covid-19 virus
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Management is saddened by the loss of two of its own after both members tragically lost their lives after contracting the Covid-19 virus. At the time of their passing, both members were admitted in two separate hospitals. In KwaZulu-Natal, a 55-year-old Warrant Officer succumbed to the virus on Sunday, 26 April 2020. The Warrant Officer served our country for 27 years having joined the Organization as a student Constable in 1993. In the Eastern … [Read more...] about SAPS lose KZN and EC members to the Covid-19 virus
