It is fashionable to have an opinion on how the COVID-19 Crisis is “changing the world”. And forced lockdowns translating into remote working from home has put the spotlight on how the virus is changing the way we work. The truth is that the trend towards increased remote working has been in place for many years, and the COVID-19 Crisis is merely speeding up the process. In the process, Office Property has been under pressure for some time, and this could mean more to come, as many companies see … [Read more...] about Office Property has been under pressure for some time, and this could mean more to come
COVID-19
Severe recession in 2020 expected to have a severe impact on tenant payment performance
During the Corona Crisis-related lockdowns, many residential rental tenants would have seen their incomes decline sharply, and in certain instances even drop to zero. The official Coronavirus-related lockdowns add an “abnormal” component to the current recession, “normal” being where economic cyclical pressures such as the global economy or rising interest rates periodically drive the domestic economy into recession. However, there is a very “normal” component to this recession too, which was … [Read more...] about Severe recession in 2020 expected to have a severe impact on tenant payment performance
Department has wrong approach to Tourism
Dear MyPE The results of a survey conducted for the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) in collaboration with the Tourism Department and the International Finance Corporation released this week shows that the tourism sector has been severely negatively affected by Covid-19 and the measures taken to reduce the spread of it. Of the respondents that participated in this survey, 99% of them have been affected by the pandemic. The survey found that due to the lockdown the supply … [Read more...] about Department has wrong approach to Tourism
Government forced to reopen anti-corruption watchdog
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the quick about-turn announced today by Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu on designating the Public Service Commission (PSC) as a “non-essential” institution. Following an announcement from the DA this morning that we were preparing to challenge the constitutionality of the government’s irrational decision to designate South Africa’s premier public service anti-corruption watchdog as “non-essential,” Mchunu a few … [Read more...] about Government forced to reopen anti-corruption watchdog
Minister Cele must take responsibility for 32% increase in police abuses
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) will table a motion of public importance for Parliament to debate the urgent need to demilitarise the police in South Africa. The White Paper on Policing and the National Development Plan (NDP) are clear on the need to demilitarise the South African Police Service (SAPS) but the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, continues to ignore this urgent need. Minister Cele must take full responsibility for the escalation in police abuses during the lockdown … [Read more...] about Minister Cele must take responsibility for 32% increase in police abuses
End the lockdown crisis now
The following speech was delivered by the DA Leader, John Steenhuisen MP, during his address to the nation on the Covid-19 lockdown crisis. My fellow citizens, I know you love this country as much as I do. There is a lot to love. We all want South Africa and her people to succeed, and it is heart-breaking to see so many suffering in these difficult times. We pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to the virus, and our deepest condolences go out to their friends and … [Read more...] about End the lockdown crisis now
Eastern Cape prisons have highest prevalence of overcrowding at 54.88%
Correctional services centres records three deaths Correctional services centres across South Africa have 172 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with three deaths and 59 recoveries. A total of 95 officials have tested positive for COVID-19, with 77 inmates also being affected by the virus. “Currently, our COVID-19 preventative measures are stretched to the brink.We have managed thus far, but the spread of the virus continues. We ought to act decisively and prevent this invisible killer from … [Read more...] about Eastern Cape prisons have highest prevalence of overcrowding at 54.88%
Advice on how to spot FAKE NEWS
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
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
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’
