Inspired by the latest sharing of Fake News masquerading as satire I was recently sent an image via WhatsApp which showed an image of South African Minister of Education, Angie Motshekga with the title; "Our foods doesn't come from farms. It mostly comes from Shoprite, Spar, Checkers" and comment; "And this is from the Minister of Education who wants to re-open school [sic]". Read the original article and my message to the Darwin Award Candidates here: Our foods doesn't come from farms. It … [Read more...] about Advice on how to spot FAKE NEWS
Coronavirus
Our foods doesn’t come from farms. It mostly comes from Shoprite, Spar, Checkers
This comment illustrates the dangers of Satire when it is published online and a foreign speaking audience is exposed thereto The above 'statement' is loosely attributed (by publication of her image and the comment; "And this is from the Minister of Education who wants to re-open school) to the South African Minister of Education, Angie Motshekga, in a 'satiristic' article on the SA Vine which SAYS; "The SA Vine is a satirical newspaper and website published by The News Vine South … [Read more...] about Our foods doesn’t come from farms. It mostly comes from Shoprite, Spar, Checkers
Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 1 251 to 168 551: RKI – Lockdown News
Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 1 251 to 168 551: RKI: The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 1 251 to 168 551, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday. Source: "Coronavirus Lockdown" - BingNews. Epidemiologists lay out 3 future scenarios for pandemic, warning COVID-19 crisis not over: Authorities around the world are beginning to ease their coronavirus lockdown restrictions despite warnings from medical … [Read more...] about Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 1 251 to 168 551: RKI – Lockdown News
Pakistan holds ‘first’ online-only art exhibition amid coronavirus lockdown – Lockdown News
Pakistan holds 'first' online-only art exhibition amid coronavirus lockdown: Dozens of emerging painters' work is now being curated at an online exhibition gallery, MYART, sponsored by Art TV. The online gallery has received praise from Pakistan's artist community. Despite the ... Source: "Coronavirus Lockdown" - BingNews. Portugal turns to cranes to end care home isolation: Desperate times call for desperate measures and at one care home in Portugal, under severe coronavirus lockdown, that … [Read more...] about Pakistan holds ‘first’ online-only art exhibition amid coronavirus lockdown – Lockdown News
World Trade Organisation report on e-commerce should jolt Patel into action
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) takes note of a report issued by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) into e-commerce and the huge advantages that it holds for trade and retail during the Covid-19 pandemic. This report should be the electric shock to Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel to finally jolt him into action to gazette the unfettered trade of e-commerce in South Africa. The report makes some interesting findings and comments including: "The … [Read more...] about World Trade Organisation report on e-commerce should jolt Patel into action
Deeds office reopen their doors to the public
The Department Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has announced the reopening of deeds offices across the country as per the revised lockdown regulations. Deeds registration, has been identified as an essential service, according to COVID-19 level 4 lockdown regulations, as of 01 May 2020. “Level 4 regulations require that [we] put in place necessary health measures before the services can resume. These measures will ensure that clients and departmental officials are … [Read more...] about Deeds office reopen their doors to the public
UIF pays R9.5 billion to workers
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has disbursed almost R9.5 billion through the COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS). "This is a critical infusion and further creates a safety net for workers who may ordinarily not be paid because of the lockdown as a result of the Coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic,” said Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi said on Thursday. The payments have benefitted 1 937 558 workers. “We serve the people of this … [Read more...] about UIF pays R9.5 billion to workers
Businesses, individuals may now relocate premises
Citizens and businesses wishing to move premises during the COVID-19 lockdown can now do so. This comes after Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, issued and gazetted a set of amendments of the directions to address, prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa. The directives are known as the “Directions on the once-off movement of persons and the transportation of goods for purposes of relocation”. The … [Read more...] about Businesses, individuals may now relocate premises
DSRAC must assist athletes and artists secure relief funding during lockdown
Dear MyPE The Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture must urgently intervene and assist the many sportsmen and women, as well as artists and entertainers in the province, who qualify for relief funding. This follows the announcement by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has set up a relief fund, with R150 million allocated, to assist those affected by the lockdown. The sporting and cultural sector has been severely affected by this pandemic, … [Read more...] about DSRAC must assist athletes and artists secure relief funding during lockdown
On government designation of anti-corruption oversight as ‘non-essential’
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) is outraged to learn that President Cyril Ramaphosa does not regard anti-corruption work and constitutionally-mandated oversight over the public service as an essential service. During a meeting of the portfolio committee on public service and administration yesterday afternoon, the Director-General of the Public Service Commission (PSC) revealed that Ramaphosa’s National Command Council (NCC) has classified all aspects of the PSC’s work, including … [Read more...] about On government designation of anti-corruption oversight as ‘non-essential’
Sports, Arts and Culture relief applications not re-opened
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly opposes the decision by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, to not re-open the application process for artists and athletes to access relief funding to alleviate the calamitous impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on their livelihood. Instead of re-opening the application period to allow for a fair and equal opportunity for all artists to apply for relief, a decision was made to rather reassess applications which were … [Read more...] about Sports, Arts and Culture relief applications not re-opened
Madrid’s chief health expert quits amid decision to ease coronavirus restrictions – Lockdown News
Madrid's chief health expert quits amid decision to ease coronavirus restrictions: The public health director of Madrid, Yolanda Fuentes, quit Thursday, reportedly in protest to the region’s cabinet decision to start rolling back coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Source: "Coronavirus Lockdown" - BingNews. COVID-19 Parties Not Helping Contain Coronavirus Outbreak: As of this writing, health experts and government agencies are trying to figure out the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic spread. … [Read more...] about Madrid’s chief health expert quits amid decision to ease coronavirus restrictions – Lockdown News
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
Government department urged to pay small businesses
As COVID-19 continues to put business under immense pressure, putting jobs on the line, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has encouraged departments to engage suppliers to resolve outstanding payments and speedily process Small Medium Micro Enterprises’ (SMME) invoices. This in a bid to minimise the negative impact of the lockdown on business and jobs. “Business is under enormous duress now, with most facing a bleak future due to the nationwide lockdown. Departments are urged … [Read more...] about Government department urged to pay small businesses
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
