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
COVID-19
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
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
From Port Elizabeth 0004
https://youtu.be/HSt3a155PkQ A roundup of TWITTER videos that caught our eye and were uploaded today. Day 50 of the SA Lockdown continues with a bit of fun and laughter PLUS some cracks are showing... MyPE on Twitter - https://twitter.com/MyPE Doctors & nurses are running into death just like soldiers run into bullets... - https://twitter.com/MrsNoma/status/1261158743158468608 The President has announced that most of the country will ease to level 3 soon - … [Read more...] about From Port Elizabeth 0004
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
Apartheid vs Coronavirus
Some food for thought as we compare the denial of rights and freedoms introduced by the National Party during the dark years of Apartheid with our current Coronavirus Lockdown situation. Judging by the number of restrictions for Coronavirus could this really mean that our current situation is worse? For clarity - a CROSS indicates that the activity WAS/IS restricted and a TICK means that the activity WAS NOT/IS NOT restricted. Compare the number of Apartheid Deaths with the present … [Read more...] about Apartheid vs Coronavirus
Court Action to End Lockdown
Help us end this lockdown crisis Dear MyPE Today, the DA announced the court action we are taking to end the national hard lockdown that is tearing our society and economy to pieces. This afternoon, our lawyers will file papers in the High Court challenging the rationality of three separate lockdown-related decisions: the night curfew, the restrictions on e-commerce and the limited 3-hour window for exercise. These cannot be justified and should be immediately reversed. Tomorrow, our … [Read more...] about Court Action to End Lockdown
