Dean Macpherson

Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) is appalled at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent remarks that there would be “opportunities for BEE” in the distribution and rollout of life saving Covid-19 vaccines. What the President has shown, is that he would rather pander to the hardliners, rent-seekers and the politically connected in his party than put the wellbeing of South Africans, at the centre of life and death decisions regarding vaccine rollouts. That someone like Ramaphosa could … [Read more...] about BBBEE Has no place in vaccine rollout

Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government to end the economically crippling alcohol ban with immediate effect. After today’s announcement by South African Breweries (SAB) that they have cancelled another investment of R2.5 billion along with their earlier cancelled investment of R2.5 billion, all being a direct result of the ban on alcohol sales, it is abundantly clear that this ill-thought ban is having devastating economic consequences … [Read more...] about Mr. President, it’s time to end the alcohol ban with immediate effect

Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) has found out that once again, Minister Dlamini-Zuma has decided to overrule President Ramaphosa through the latest amended regulations published on the 17th of December 2020. This time, Minster Dlamini-Zuma has unilaterally decided to change the closing time for restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, theatres and museums from 10pm to 9pm. On the 14th of December 2020 in his “Address to the Nation”, President Ramaphosa said, “The hours of the curfew … [Read more...] about NDZ overrules Ramaphosa on closing times for restaurants and bars

Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken note that the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) is considering curbing the sale of alcohol from Monday to Thursday in so-called “hotspots” as well as recommending that hospitality establishments such as restaurants and bars should stop serving food and alcohol by 9pm. These two recommendations will be devastating to our economy as well as thousands of restaurants across South Africa that have only begun to get back on their feet … [Read more...] about Hotspots: Liquor and restaurant restrictions will only inflict further harm on South Africa’s economy

Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been reliably informed that there is a strong lobby within the ANC by certain Ministers to reintroduce another ban on alcohol as soon as possible. This group of Ministers include Police Minister Bheki Cele, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula and Cooperative Governance Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Over the last few days, Minister Mbalula has led the public charge in claiming that the laws need to be "reviewed" … [Read more...] about Is the ANC pushing for a third alcohol ban?

Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes and agrees with comments by SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) President, Dr Glenda Gray and Professor Charles Parry, Director of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs Research Unit at the SAMRC , that South Africa should be more "nimble" in its approach to the banning of alcohol. In a polite way, Dr Gray is saying that there is no longer any use for the ban and that we must "look at livelihoods" as she put it. Dr Gray has further stated that there … [Read more...] about Tobacco and alcohol ban must be lifted yesterday

Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) rejects with contempt Governments disgraceful tweet which has advised South Africa that the ban on alcohol and tobacco will remain in place "throughout the lockdown". This indefinite ban could last weeks or even into 2021. What the government has done today is pull the middle finger to every person who works in the tobacco and alcohol industry, more so to all those restaurant owners, chefs and waiters who have been protesting today against the … [Read more...] about We reject Government’s indefinite ban on tobacco and alcohol

DA blows the lid on populist plan by Minister Patel to destroy credit lending market Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) has received a document drafted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, marked "Confidential" which will have devastating consequences for the credit industry as well as consumers, which seeks to use the State of Disaster to expunge credit records. While the idea behind this move may seem altruistic and noble, the truth is, Minister Ebrahim Patel is … [Read more...] about “Confidential” Document Leaked

Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Small Business Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane demanding that the regulations for restaurants and cinemas to operate under "advanced level 3" are published by the close of business on Friday, 26 June 2020. It has now been eight days since President Ramaphosa announced that these sectors, as well as the personal … [Read more...] about Government’s failure to provide regulations for restaurants and cinemas will lead to further action

Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that President Ramaphosa’s decision to refer the Copyright Amendment Bill back to Parliament is the right decision. This follows the DA’s petition to President Ramaphosa in 2019 to have the Bill sent back due to constitutional concerns. When the Bill was before the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry in the 5th Parliament, The DA argued at the time that it was fatally flawed for a number of reasons including: The introduction of … [Read more...] about President Ramaphosa’s action on Copyright Amendment Bill welcomed

Dear MyPE Tomorrow, Friday 12 June, at 10am, the Democratic Alliance (DA) will present it’s case to the Western Cape High Court to have the irrational and unconstitutional ban on personal care services overturned. This is an important case for the DA but also for the hundreds of thousands of South Africans that have had their livelihoods shattered by the inaction of government to set in place health regulations that will allow hairdressers, beauticians and tattoo artists to operate in a … [Read more...] about Dlamini-Zuma in court tomorrow over hairdresser and personal care ban