COVID-19 knocks tax revenue performance The South African Revenue Service says the country’s tax and revenue performance has taken a knock as a result of an ailing economy compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Whilst it is early days, our initial view is that revenue performance will be lower than the February Budget announcement by between 15%-20%. This means that revenue under-recovery could move up to R285 billion,” said SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter. The Commissioner was … [Read more...] about Tax Revenue Takes a Beating
COVID-19
President on cigarette sales ban
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commented on the court case over the ban of cigarette sales during level 4 lockdown involving tobacco manufacturing companies. Speaking in KwaZulu-Natal, where he was inspecting the province’s state of readiness to deal with the projected spike of COVID-19 infections, President Ramaphosa said he has confidence in the court that they will examine the matters and disputes properly. “We live in a free country. The content of our democracy is such that … [Read more...] about President on cigarette sales ban
President warns of more COVID-19 infections
As the country has lifted the lid on some of the economic activity and people are starting to move around, South Africa must brace itself for the increase of COVID-19 infections. This was the key message delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa during a visit to KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday to assess the province’s COVID-19 response. The President was engaging with the provincial government and stakeholders on the province's response strategies and progress being made to flatten the … [Read more...] about President warns of more COVID-19 infections
Calls for temporary reduction of property rates due to COVID-19 disaster
Municipalities shouldn’t make residents choose between food on the table and paying rates The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is calling on municipalities countrywide to reduce property rates under the current state of disaster that was declared as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant financial impact on businesses and individuals and will continue to do so for several months to come. Municipalities around the country have the ability to … [Read more...] about Calls for temporary reduction of property rates due to COVID-19 disaster
What is our right to health?
The public health crisis of Covid-19, requiring citizens to be vigilant about hygiene measures like hand sanitizing, has not only turned the spotlight on the basic human right of access to healthcare, but also on the need for people to take personal responsibility for their health. “If nothing else, the vulnerability to Covid-19 infection of people with serious underlying medical conditions that are not well-managed, such as respiratory conditions, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, heart … [Read more...] about What is our right to health?
Report on Buffalo City’s food voucher system requested
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the City Manager of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) to request a full report on the Metro's R30 million food voucher system. We have requested that the City Manager, Andile Sihlahla, provide such a report on the processes followed with regards to the food voucher system at the next ordinary council meeting. Over the past few days, disturbing stories have emerged about food relief vouchers allegedly being plundered … [Read more...] about Report on Buffalo City’s food voucher system requested
Minister Mboweni’s rejection of race-based criteria for relief aid welcomed
Dear MyPE Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, today shared an anecdote with Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance illustrating the strangling hold of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) on the economy during the Covid-19 lockdown period. He told of a conversation with the owner of the Magoebaskloof Hotel where 95% of the staff are black South Africans. The hotel's white owner told the him that he is excluded from the Government’s relief aid, thereby excluding his staff from … [Read more...] about Minister Mboweni’s rejection of race-based criteria for relief aid welcomed
PE’s Temporary Covid-19 medical facility could accommodate up to 4 000 patients
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development supports setup of the facility and further activities of a strategic alliance in Nelson Mandela Bay with funding of 5.2 million Euros (R107 million) To assist local and provincial government in providing much-needed care to Covid-19 patients in Nelson Mandela Bay, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has made its Port Elizabeth plant available as a temporary medical facility. The plant in Neave (Korsten, Port Elizabeth), … [Read more...] about PE’s Temporary Covid-19 medical facility could accommodate up to 4 000 patients
Vehicle Warranty and maintenance periods extended due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic
Concession given to Volkswagen customers who were not able to claim warranty due to closed workshops In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, Volkswagen South Africa has made the decision to extend new vehicle warranties. "As the passenger-car market leader in South Africa, we want to release some of the burden that COVID-19 has placed on Volkswagen customers. As a result of this pandemic, Volkswagen dealerships were closed during the 5-week lockdown meaning that for many of our customers, it was … [Read more...] about Vehicle Warranty and maintenance periods extended due to impact of COVID-19 pandemic
Government must assist NGOs, not prosecute them
Dear MyPE According to reports NGOs across the country are frustrated by red tape in applying for permits to distribute food while Government is attempting to centralise this function under an incapable state. There have been reports of individuals being arrested and NGOs being harassed by law enforcement officials for handing out food in communities - all because they did not have proper documentation. We are calling on Government to make it as easy as possible for NGOs who are … [Read more...] about Government must assist NGOs, not prosecute them
Calls for urgent directives on essential services permits for self-employed and informal traders
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) will write to Minister of Small Business Development, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, to request that she immediately publish a directive in the Government Gazette on how businesses which are not registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) can apply for an official essential services permit during stage 4 of the Covid-19 lockdown. Since the start of the lockdown, self-employed individuals (sole proprietors) and informal traders, … [Read more...] about Calls for urgent directives on essential services permits for self-employed and informal traders
It is not only food that is required during these times
Source plasma is essential for treatment of multiple clinical conditions. Currently, South Africa does not produce sufficient amounts of plasma to meet patient needs. As a result, SANBS in collaboration with National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) have embarked on a program to increase collection of plasma in order to meet patient requirements for this life saving blood product. Although anyone who meets normal donation criteria can donate plasma, the SANBS specifically need blood group A … [Read more...] about It is not only food that is required during these times
Cigarettes ban decision not taken lightly
Editor: Typical - Take a Decision, Take Flak for it, Explain Later An earlier decision by government to allow the sale of cigarettes during the COVID-19 lockdown was rescinded after the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) consulted medical experts and various role-players. President Cyril Ramaphosa said this on Monday after sections of society implied that Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma had arbitrarily gazetted the ban. Previously … [Read more...] about Cigarettes ban decision not taken lightly
Five nabbed for robbery during lockdown
Five suspects appeared in the Uitenhage Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape yesterday on charges of business robbery and contravening the Disaster Management Act, said police. The five were arrested on Sunday after three of the men robbed a supermarket in Mandela Ville in Kamesh. Two shop assistants were held at gunpoint, while others ransacked the store. The men made off with an undisclosed amount of cash, an airtime machine and a cellphone before fleeing the scene in a beige … [Read more...] about Five nabbed for robbery during lockdown
Eastern Cape Fourth
With winter fast approaching and confirmed COVID-19 cases now at 7 220, Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has urged South Africans to continue to stay home to ease the burden on the country’s healthcare system. “Stay home if you do not have to venture out,” said the Minister on Monday. Seven more fatalities have been recorded, bringing the total number to 138. Of the seven deaths, six were recorded in the Western Cape, while the other was in KwaZulu-Natal. In a statement issued on … [Read more...] about Eastern Cape Fourth
