VWSA will also assist National Health Laboratory Services to improve its Covid-19 testing capacity Seven weeks after the initial announcement of VWSA’s plans to provide a temporary medical facility for Covid-19 patients, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) today handed over the first phase of this project to the Eastern Cape Department of Health. VWSA announced on 5 May that they would make their former Port Elizabeth plant, situated in Neave, available as an overflow facility to … [Read more...] about First phase of Field Hospital could accommodate 1 485 patients
COVID-19
SASSA clarifies rejected R350 grant applications
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it has been receiving many grievances about the declined R350 grant applications, which did not meet the approval requirements. However, according to the agency, the majority of rejected applications are from people already on the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) database or qualifying to receive it. They are now advising claimants to contact the Department of Employment and Labour to either apply for UIF or follow up with their … [Read more...] about SASSA clarifies rejected R350 grant applications
President’s first time answering questions in Parliament since declaration of the national state of disaster
President to respond to questions on virtual platform President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday respond to questions for oral reply in the National Assembly. “To comply with social distancing measures, the sitting will be conducted in a hybrid form, with a small number of members present in the National Assembly and the rest on a virtual platform,” the Presidency said. The President will update Parliament on the national effort to contain the Coronavirus outbreak, including public … [Read more...] about President’s first time answering questions in Parliament since declaration of the national state of disaster
12 months free roadside assistance for out of Warranty and Service plan vehicles
Access to Isuzu finance to cover maintenance costs Owners of older vehicles can now benefit from the technical know-how of Isuzu technicians like Allastair Godwin Kleinhans of Reeds N1 City in Cape Town when they service their dealers at an approved Isuzu Dealership. PORT ELIZABETH - Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) is offering assistance to Isuzu Bakkie and SUV owners of out of warranty and service plan vehicles. The Isuzu Take Care Campaign will assist with maintenance of vehicles … [Read more...] about 12 months free roadside assistance for out of Warranty and Service plan vehicles
SASSA’s R350 grant fiasco
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) will submit urgent parliamentary questions to the Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, to ascertain how her department and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have spent the billions of rands in funding that have been redirected towards social relief. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 21 April 2020, that the government “will direct R50 billion towards relieving the plight of those who are most desperately affected by the … [Read more...] about SASSA’s R350 grant fiasco
The world’s longest hard lockdown
Dear MyPE President Ramaphosa's announcement of a further lifting of lockdown restrictions is an admission that the lockdown serves no purpose and has failed. He seems to have finally realised just how devastating this lockdown has been – and will continue to be – for ordinary South Africans, but it’s happened far too late. Everything he announced last night could have – and should have – been announced almost two months ago. It is unclear at which level of the lockdown we now find … [Read more...] about The world’s longest hard lockdown
More Industries Opened
President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa announced this evening that the following industries will be opened: Restaurants for sit down Licensed Accommodation but not AIR BNB Conferences and meetings for business Cinemas and Theatres Casinos Personal Services such as Hairdressers etc Non Contact Sports Contact Sports Training Only All subject to Lockdown regulations and social distancing. These businesses need to adhere to strict safety requirements, which need … [Read more...] about More Industries Opened
Is the NCCC as much in the dark as the rest of SA?
Dear MyPE I urge President Ramaphosa to provide clarity on lockdown levels 3, 2 and 1 and to give South Africans a better idea of when we can expect to move down to level 2 and then 1. There is a growing sense that the lockdown levels exist to give the illusion of control and of something being done, rather than to actually enhance public safety and wellbeing in a time of heightened risk and uncertainty. There is currently a great deal of uncertainty around what is and is not permitted … [Read more...] about Is the NCCC as much in the dark as the rest of SA?
COVID-19 drug breakthrough
As the number of COVID-19 cases increase to 76 334, the Health Department says it is pleased about the results of the affordable life-saving drug used to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients. The Recovery Trial, based at Oxford University, published results on the therapeutic merits of low dose dexamethasone, which are extremely promising, the Health Department said. According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the drugs are also “easily implementable” in South … [Read more...] about COVID-19 drug breakthrough
Submissions process for resumption of sports outlined
Sports bodies have until 26 June 2020 to make submissions to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on the staggered opening of professional non-contact sport and professional athletes training. Last month, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa announced details of the Directions for Sport, Arts and Culture under the Disaster Management Act No. 57 of 2002. “The Minister announced the staggered opening of professional non-contact sport and professional athletes training as … [Read more...] about Submissions process for resumption of sports outlined
Communities #MaskUp
12 June 2020, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), an entity of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality teamed up with the Nelson Mandela University’s Visual Arts Department to deliver the first batch of a uniquely designed mask to Cape Racife School in Summerstrand. This initiative follows another delivery on Thursday 11th of June, at the Khulile Primary school in Motherwell, where the MBDA operated Science and Technology Centre provided over 300 items of World Health Organisation (WHO) … [Read more...] about Communities #MaskUp
Science and Technology Centre supports Covid-19 hot spot school with PPE
On Thursday, 11 June 2020, the Mandela Bay Development Agency, an entity of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and operators of the Uitenhage based Science and Technology Centre, presented Khulile Primary School with nearly 200 bottled sanitizers and 150 cloth face masks. The timely delivery of the much-needed PEE was handed over by Nelson Mandela Bay Mayoral Spokesperson, Siyanda Mxotwa, representing Mayor Thsonono Buyeye. The intervention was made possible when a parent at the school … [Read more...] about Science and Technology Centre supports Covid-19 hot spot school with PPE
Trade Department amends COVID-19 regulations
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has effected changes to regulations and directions issued during the COVID-19 National State of Disaster. The department said the changes come after consultations with the Department of Health and other key stakeholders in relevant fields. “The amendments withdraw and effect changes to some earlier provisions issued since the start of the National State of Disaster to combat the destructive and other effects of the national disaster,” … [Read more...] about Trade Department amends COVID-19 regulations
Eastern Cape 3rd on COVID-19 List with 7 868
COVID-19 cases jump to 58 568, as the country ramps up testing There are over 58 000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, with more than 1 million tests having been conducted as of Thursday. Meanwhile, the death toll from the outbreak rose to 1 284, as the country recorded 74 new fatalities over the last 24 hours. Out of the recent deaths reported, 39 are from the Western Cape, 31 from the Eastern Cape and four from the North West. “As of today, the cumulative number … [Read more...] about Eastern Cape 3rd on COVID-19 List with 7 868
Personal Care Services: Minister Dlamini-Zuma fails to comply with timeline
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the order issued by Western Cape High Court Judge, Justice Mark Sher, postponing the matter of the ban on hairdressers and personal care services under the level 3 lockdown to Monday, 22 June 2020, for it to be heard before a Full Bench of the Court. This, after Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma failed to file opposing papers. The government will also be given an opportunity to consider reopening … [Read more...] about Personal Care Services: Minister Dlamini-Zuma fails to comply with timeline
