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
COVID-19
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
Quarterly Labour Force data to be collected telephonically
Statistician General, Risenga Maluleke, has announced that Statistics South Africa will conduct data collection for key labour statistics using telephone interviews. Maluleke said the statistical body will use telephonic interviews instead of having fieldworkers visiting sampled dwelling units (households). Stats SA is changing its collection method for the second quarter of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) due to restrictions on face-to-face collections imposed by the … [Read more...] about Quarterly Labour Force data to be collected telephonically
De Lille must play open cards on her seeming mismanagement of quarantine sites
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Patricia De Lille, to play open cards on her Department’s seeming mismanagement of quarantine accommodation for South Africans who are returning home. The Department of Public Work and Infrastructure (DPWI) has forked out more than R28 million on private-owned establishments to accommodate citizens who have to be quarantined. When Members of the Public Works Portfolio Committee asked the Minister … [Read more...] about De Lille must play open cards on her seeming mismanagement of quarantine sites
The impact of COVID-19 on small scale farmers
It is now inevitable that COVID-19 will lead to global recession and the local economy will not be spared. The true extent of its impact is not yet measurable however we are looking at negative GDP growth for the year and potential job losses with the South African Reserve Bank estimating GDP contraction of more than 6% says Pertunia Setumo, Agricultural economist at FNB Agri-Business. The overall impact will exert further pressure on small scale farmers who were already struggling with … [Read more...] about The impact of COVID-19 on small scale farmers
IMF petitioned to stop racially discriminatory use of Corona relief funds
Dear MyPE I have today sent a written petition to the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms Kristalina Georgieva, opposing in the strongest terms the use by the South African government of Corona disaster relief funds in a racially discriminatory way. As the majority of these relief funds come from a loan obtained from the IMF, I implore this international body to censure the South African government and instruct it to stop using IMF monies in a way that … [Read more...] about IMF petitioned to stop racially discriminatory use of Corona relief funds
576 639 Workers have been disadvantaged to the tune of close to R2.4 billion
Employers urged to pay relief funds to workers Employers have been urged to ensure that money paid over by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for the COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) is disbursed to the workers. Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi made the call to employers following numerous complaints received from workers who allege that their employers have not paid them the money the UIF has disbursed as part of COVID-19 TERS. The money is meant to … [Read more...] about 576 639 Workers have been disadvantaged to the tune of close to R2.4 billion
Calls for urgent relief funding for Early Childhood Development sector
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, to urgently consider relief funding for the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector during this Covid-19 lockdown. Minister Zulu has to date not given any indication if and when the Department of Social Development will extend relief funding to the sector that has been hit hard by the Covid-19 lockdown. Due to the current lockdown regulations, ECD centres have had to close their doors. … [Read more...] about Calls for urgent relief funding for Early Childhood Development sector
PAIA application submitted for daily Eastern Cape coronavirus statistics
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance has submitted a Public Access to Information Act (PAIA) Application to the Eastern Cape Department of Health, requesting daily statistics relating to the spread of Covid-19 be provided. On Monday the DA highlighted the lack of transparency and lack of reliable screening, testing, track and trace and other data being made available. Communication of statistics is irregular and inconsistent, which hampers planning an effective response. The DA in the … [Read more...] about PAIA application submitted for daily Eastern Cape coronavirus statistics
Legislature meetings unconstitutional if not accessible to the public
Dear MyPE Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature meetings could be deemed unconstitutional and the decisions taken therein overturned if they are not opened to the public. I have written to the Speaker, Helen Sauls August, in relation to her press release of 5 May, where she highlighted the fact that the Legislature is conducting its business through virtual meetings and is accessible to the media and civil society organisations. The Democratic Alliance is not satisfied that this goes far … [Read more...] about Legislature meetings unconstitutional if not accessible to the public
Inxuba Yethemba sewage crisis could increase risk of Covid-19 infections
Dear MyPE The total collapse of water and sanitation services under the stewardship of the inept Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) could have exponentially increased the chances of Coronavirus infections in Cradock and Middleburg. On Tuesday, 5 May 2020, I conducted oversight inspections at various waste water treatment plants and pump stations in the IYLM and found many to be non-operational or dysfunctional. The waste water treatment works in Cradock and Middleburg are still … [Read more...] about Inxuba Yethemba sewage crisis could increase risk of Covid-19 infections
Calls on Road Accident Fund to open offices to assist crash victims
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, to issue a directive for Road Accident Fund (RAF) employees to return to work, in accordance to Covid-19 protocols, to allow for the uninterrupted processing of claims and the continued payment of beneficiaries. Road accident victims applying or waiting for payment have found it impossible to get in touch with the fund. This is because the RAF closed its doors at the beginning of the Covid-19 … [Read more...] about Calls on Road Accident Fund to open offices to assist crash victims
Write the Future, Right the Wrongs
LAW FOR ALL, a company dedicated to fighting for equality and justice, calls on South Africa's creative minds and wordsmiths to enter a competition to help imagine a future world where everyone has access to justice and legal recourse. The winner will walk away with a R10 000 cash prize. COVID-19 has arrived the world over, with a torchlight in hand to cast a light on the shadows that lurk in our society. It’s opening our bottom drawers, and airing the dirty laundry of decades of … [Read more...] about Write the Future, Right the Wrongs
