Patel gazettes 'Alice in wonderland' clothing list Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) is stunned by the bizarre and extraordinary clothing list that has been gazetted by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel which seems to have been plucked from Alice in Wonderland. These new clothing regulations are frankly mad and seem more at place during the 1980's under the Soviet Union than they do in a democracy like South Africa. There is simply no justification for the … [Read more...] about Minister Patel should be fired
Coronavirus
Loan applications open for COVID-19 hit business
South African banks are now ready to accept loan applications from COVID-19 distressed businesses. This was revealed on Tuesday by the National Treasury, the South African Reserve Bank and the Banking Association of South Africa. The development comes after the loan guarantee scheme announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April is set to operate from today, 12 May 2020. “The initial set of participating banks (Absa, First National Bank, Investec, Mercantile Bank, … [Read more...] about Loan applications open for COVID-19 hit business
Government should follow the correct processes in spite of Covid-19 pandemic
Dear MyPE The DA in the Eastern Cape condemns the R160 million contract that has allegedly been awarded to the Sizwe Africa IT Group by the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE). It is alleged this happened without a competitive bidding process taking place. The Sizwe IT Africa Group is owned by known ANC acolyte Iqbal Survé. Mr Survé has long been embroiled in having workers’ pension money pumped into his failing business ventures by the Government Employees Pension Fund … [Read more...] about Government should follow the correct processes in spite of Covid-19 pandemic
Condolences to the family and friends of Dr Clarence Mini
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) has learnt with great sadness of the passing of the chairperson of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), Dr Clarence Mini, due to Covid-19 complications. Dr Mini’s passing is a loss to the South African health industry. His role as chairperson of CMS was critical in the crafting of the country’s Universal Health Care path. During all my interactions with Dr Mini in Parliament he demonstrated compassion, kindness and a deep understanding of South … [Read more...] about Condolences to the family and friends of Dr Clarence Mini
Mkhize assesses COVID-19 response in the Eastern Cape
As the numbers of Eastern Cape COVID-19 infections continue to spread like wildfire, the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, says they are working around the clock to contain transmissions. Speaking in the province where he was monitoring COVID-19 responses on Monday, Mkhize said he was pleased about the additional beds put in place to deal with the high number of COVID-19 patients. The Eastern Cape now has the fourth-highest number of infections in the country, while the Western Cape … [Read more...] about Mkhize assesses COVID-19 response in the Eastern Cape
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
Reopen professional non-contact sports codes under strict hygiene and health measures
Dear MyPE The financial insecurity resultant from the Covid-19 lockdown has had a major impact on athletes across South Africa and the Democratic Alliance (DA), therefore, calls on the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, to reopen professional non-contact sports codes under strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Our calls come in light of the Minister’s refusal to reopen the application period for athletes and artists to access the Department’s Arts and Sports … [Read more...] about Reopen professional non-contact sports codes under strict hygiene and health measures
Address the nation, President Ramaphosa. It’s been 19 days.
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on President Ramaphosa to come out of hiding and address the nation on the escalating Lockdown Crisis. It has now been 19 days since the President last spoke to South Africans about the government’s nationwide lockdown in response to Covid-19. Since his announcement of a move to Level 4 of the lockdown, he has been missing in action and has left it to a handful of ministers to communicate the questionable decisions of the National Command … [Read more...] about Address the nation, President Ramaphosa. It’s been 19 days.
Shareholders Meeting Placed On Hold
The Isuzu Southern Kings shareholders’ meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 12 May 2020, failed to take place as anticipated. Due to the South African government-enforced lockdown regulations, the meeting between Isuzu Southern Kings shareholders, the GRC and the Eastern Province Rugby Union, did not take place following failure by EPRU to secure permits, as required by law, for the sitting to commence. Isuzu Southern Kings Chairman, Mr Loyiso Dotwana, explained: “Given the current climate … [Read more...] about Shareholders Meeting Placed On Hold
R11 billion disbursed in UIF COVID-19 benefits
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has in the past month disbursed R11 billion in benefits to over two million employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. A total of 161 567 companies launched claims on behalf of their workers over the course of the last month. The funds were disbursed through the COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS). This method of paying out, was borne out of an agreement reached at the National Economic Development … [Read more...] about R11 billion disbursed in UIF COVID-19 benefits
Deeds offices to reopen on Wednesday
Deeds offices across the country will as of Wednesday 13 May, reopen their doors under strict guidelines. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development announced the reopening in a statement on Monday. “All services will be available and all lodgements will be accepted. The members of the public and clerks will however, not be allowed in the buildings. Only conveyancers will be allowed to enter the buildings and in big offices, however, their consultations will … [Read more...] about Deeds offices to reopen on Wednesday
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
More than 17 000 employees of small businesses to receive financial support
FNB has received an overwhelming number of applications for SAFT funding support from business clients that were impacted by COVID-19. The South African Future Trust (SAFT) fund was established by the Oppenheimer family to provide financial support to the employees of qualifying SMEs, FNB has been assisting SAFT as an agent to help deploy these funds. To date, approximately 2 300 businesses have been signed up for the funding scheme via FNB. These funds will enable 17 367 employees to … [Read more...] about More than 17 000 employees of small businesses to receive financial support
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
