Dear MyPE Ultimately, there is not enough to distinguish lockdown Level 4 from Level 5. This will be disastrous for millions of lives and livelihoods. Government has essentially smuggled through an extension of the hard lockdown under the guise of easing restrictions. If government had gone with the DA’s Smart Lockdown proposal, more of the economy could have been opened without compromising safety. Government’s approach is unnecessarily blunt and restrictive, with simply no … [Read more...] about Level 4: Disastrous for livelihoods
COVID-19
Black Poverty vs White Privilege
This narrative needs to end if we as South Africans have any hope of moving on as a nation The Facebook Post embedded at the end of this article bears reference. The sad reality of this juxtaposition is that it will only serve to drive us further apart - by us I mean everyone no matter their colour, gender, status or social standing as each one of those groupings can see offence. As a white male over 50 in South Africa I operate on very shaky ground: If I question your BLACK … [Read more...] about Black Poverty vs White Privilege
We Need Grownups To Be In Charge
OR at least politicians that have a simple grasp of MATHS - in my book 2.77% is bigger than 0.003% 80% of all chronic disease and premature death is preventable using lifestyle as a medicine. As a young child you were encouraged to play in the grass, allowed to put strange things in your mouth, played with strange children - all in the name of socialisation and as a way to build up your bodies immune system. Humans are colonized by many microorganisms; the traditional estimate is that the … [Read more...] about We Need Grownups To Be In Charge
Charges laid against NMB Speaker for contravening Disaster Management Regulations
Dear MyPE Today, 1 May 2020, I laid criminal charges against the Speaker of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya, for contravening the Disaster Management Regulations and essentially spreading fake news. The charges are in relation to contravening the Disaster Management Regulations specifically as they pertain to the publishing of statements with the intention to deceive. On 30 April 2020, the Speaker sent a directive to all councillors advising that they will now … [Read more...] about Charges laid against NMB Speaker for contravening Disaster Management Regulations
Beds to be used in NMB Stadium isolation facility for Covid-19 low-acuity patients
Uitenhage – In support of the local and provincial government’s efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Nelson Mandela Bay, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has donated 150 beds to the isolation facility at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality recently announced that the stadium would be used to isolate low-acuity patients who have been infected with Covid-19, to prevent them from spreading the virus further. This facility will be managed by the Department … [Read more...] about Beds to be used in NMB Stadium isolation facility for Covid-19 low-acuity patients
Kindred Kitchen – Open During Lockdown
Kindred Kitchen - Open During Lockdown for Vegan Take Aways: Kindred Kitchen offer a large menu with a variety of plant based dishes, sweet treats, delicious coffee and healthy smoothies and juices. We also offer vegan catering and hire our venue out for private events. As you know under COVID-19 law the Kindred Kitchen will not be able to open our door until level 1. Restaurants do not make money without customers through the door and we are not made to be a takeaway facility. But we will … [Read more...] about Kindred Kitchen – Open During Lockdown
Level 4 Lockdown – How to determine your 5km Permitted Exercise Radius Online
An online Tool to determine a circle on a map showing your exercise limits With the start of Lockdown Level 4 in South Africa citizens are overjoyed that they can exercise outside of their homes between the hours of 06h00 and 09h00. NOT in organised groups, though. The conundrum is how to determine EXACTLY how far that 5km radius stretches and how to prove to the SAPS, SANDF and various other 'meddlers' that you are within your designated area. https://youtu.be/CtYJMxahZRs This online … [Read more...] about Level 4 Lockdown – How to determine your 5km Permitted Exercise Radius Online
About the ban on cigarettes – WHO is going to benefit?
Who in our Government brought pressure on Cabinet to continue with the ban on nicotine? AND do they have ties to people who will benefit from illegal trade in tobacco? Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma apparently overturned the President's proclamation that tobacco would be available during Level 4 of the Lockdown. Alleged tobacco smugglers have a history of being connected to South African politicians. Jaques Paauw writing in his book The President's Keeper draws a line of connection … [Read more...] about About the ban on cigarettes – WHO is going to benefit?
Am I Being Too Sensitive?
When I read the following in the Government Notice No. 480 of 2020: The Cabinet member responsible for cooperative governance and traditional affairs shall. upon the recommendation of the Cabinet member responsible for health and in consultation with Cabinet, declare which of the following alert levels apply. and the extent to which they apply at a national, provincial, metropolitan or district level: (a) 'Alert Level 1' as determined by Cabinet; (b) 'Alert Level 2' as determined by … [Read more...] about Am I Being Too Sensitive?
Forget Flying
A constant thread that I am picking up on is the talk about the resumption of flying and how that form of transport is going to change. Most people are speculating that planes will be emptier because of the social distancing protocol. BUT they are forgetting ONE IMPORTANT thing: On a plane we all share the air conditioning which has no concept of social distancing. So, maybe a return to flying will be in a an open cockpit plane, with no oxygen or air conditioning and just short hops … [Read more...] about Forget Flying
The State of Tourism Monologue (Webinar)
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane - 0 | Tourism Industry - 0 The Minister of Tourism, Republic of South Africa, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane and Sisa Ntshona, CEO SA Tourism hosted a webinar today on the State of Tourism in South Africa. The webinar, scheduled for 12:30 started at 3:00 pm. Most of the participants were looking to have their Burning Questions around BEE and the Relief fund answered. Instead of the session being more of a Q&A session the Minister delivered a lecture on … [Read more...] about The State of Tourism Monologue (Webinar)
Who is footing the bill for Cuban doctor programme?
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Department of Health to clarify the true cost of the Cuban doctors’ deployment which is said to be nearly R440 million as well as who will be footing the bill? Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, attempted to explain the rationale for obtaining foreign aid during a press conference last night however many questions remain unanswered. Chief among these is where this R440 million will be coming from and whether this is a justifiable use … [Read more...] about Who is footing the bill for Cuban doctor programme?
DA to challenge government’s race-based Covid relief for SMMEs in court
Dear MyPE The DA has given the Minister for Small Business Development, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, until 17:00 today, Wednesday 29 April 2020, to clarify her statements regarding the use of B-BBEE as evaluating criteria for government’s SMME Debt Relief Fund. If she does not respond satisfactorily by this deadline, the DA will take legal steps to ensure that all South Africans are treated equally in qualifying for government’s Covid-19 relief measures. This follows the minister’s about-turn … [Read more...] about DA to challenge government’s race-based Covid relief for SMMEs in court
UIF disbursements surpass R3 billion mark
Government has dispersed R3.3 billion in Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claim benefits submitted by 1.75 million workers - as relief for the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism Minister Mamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said the UIF has, to date, received just over 103 thousand applications from employers representing about 1.75 million employees. A bulk of the applications were made by employers, through the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme, on behalf of their affected … [Read more...] about UIF disbursements surpass R3 billion mark
Post Office announces grant payment dates
The elderly and persons with disabilities, who receive their monthly social grants from the South African Post Office (SAPO), will from May receive their monies from the fourth day of the month. All other grants will be paid from the sixth of every month, SAPO said in a statement on Tuesday. “The Post Office also advises beneficiaries not to make a balance enquiry on the first day of the month, as their grant will only become available on the dates mentioned above and the balance … [Read more...] about Post Office announces grant payment dates
