2020-05-09 06:00
Stay up to date with the latest news, views and analysis as the number of coronavirus cases in SA increases.
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CORONAVIRUS FAQs | All your questions answered (Updated for level 4 restrictions)
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Britain to introduce two-week quarantine for arrivals: reports
Britain plans to introduce a 14-day mandatory quarantine for most international arrivals, reports said Saturday, despite growing pressure on the government to relax virus lockdown measures.
It comes as the UK, which has the world’s second highest coronavirus death toll after the US, cautiously charts a way forward after imposing strict stay-at-home orders in late March.
Apart from those entering the country from neighbouring Ireland, all people coming into Britain by air, sea and rail will be required to self-isolate for a fortnight, The Times reported.
– AFP
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SATURDAY EDITION | Covid-19 closes the curtain on some of SA’s magazine titans
The media has not been able to escape the devastating destruction of the virus that has ravaged nearly every industry.
Within a matter of weeks titans have fallen.
In this Saturday Edition, W24 editor Nthabi Nhlapo speaks to six editors about the swift, severe, and soul-destroying demise of some of SA’s most iconic magazines.
ALSO:
– ‘I’m good, love, better than good’ – Nakhane talks to Simphiwe Dana about her latest release, Bamako
– What South Africans want now is vetkoek – according to Google
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Here are some stories from today you may have missed
About 19 000 “low risk” inmates are to be released to curb the spread of Covid-19 at prisons. This would apply to inmates who have already served their minimum sentence, or who would approach this period in the next five years. This move will alleviate overcrowding at prisons.
A Cape Town taxi driver who allegedly knew he contracted Covid-19 yet continued to ferry passengers has been charged with attempted murder. The 35-year-old taxi driver is accused in terms of new Disaster Management Act Regulation 14(3).
More than 100 South African doctors who studied overseas are in limbo because the HPCSA is allegedly preventing them from writing an exam that would allow them to practise in their home country. A group has now turned to the courts to get the HPCSA to allow them to take the exam.
Is it a wise idea to open schools? When will I be able to board a plane again? When will I stop having to work from home? Scientists at the forefront of SA’s Covid-19 fight answer some burning questions.
are to be released to curb the spread of Covid-19 at prisons. This would apply to inmates who have already served their minimum sentence, or who would approach this period in the next five years. This move will alleviate overcrowding at prisons.
A Cape Town taxi driver who allegedly knew he contracted Covid-19 yet continued to ferry passengers has been charged with attempted murder. The 35-year-old taxi driver is accused in terms of new Disaster Management Act Regulation 14(3).
More than 100 South African doctors who studied overseas are in limbo because the HPCSA is allegedly preventing them from writing an exam that would allow them to practise in their home country. A group has now turned to the courts to get the HPCSA to allow them to take the exam.
Is it a wise idea to open schools? When will I be able to board a plane again? When will I stop having to work from home? Scientists at the forefront of SA’s Covid-19 fight answer some burning questions.
“>
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US job losses ‘worst in history’
The US is home to the world’s largest and deadliest coronavirus outbreak, with more than 75 000 deaths and 1.2 million cases reported as of Thursday, according to Johns Hopkins University.Russia’s cases increase by the thousands
Russia on Friday registered more than 10 000 new coronavirus cases for the sixth day in a row, after emerging as a new hotspot of the pandemic, AFP reports.
‘Critical shortage’ of test materials – UN
Shortages of materials needed in tests for the novel coronavirus remain “critical”, according to the head of a UN lab, which is supplying countries with Covid-19 detection kits.
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The minister, together with National Commissioner for Correctional Services Arthur Fraser were pressed on what types of crimes were committed by prisoners who would be eligible for parole, to which Fraser said: “They were all petty crime … we have carefully scrutinized the category’s as well as the individuals to ensure there are no violent criminals as part of this group of offenders”.
Petty crimes include shoplifting, theft and trespassing, explained Fraser.
Approximately 19 000 inmates across the country will benefit from this decision provided they meet requirements of the parole board.
“Once completed, this process is expected to reduce overcrowding by 12.15% should those considered for parole by the boards be granted parole.
“This reduction will be important from a clinical perspective as overcrowding affects the quality of oxygen circulation within cells and this contributes to the speedy spread of the virus thereof,” added Lamola.
News24.com | Covid-19: These are the inmates who will not be eligible for special parole
While at least 19 000 inmates inside South Africa’s prisons will be eligible for special parole to curb the spread of coronavirus, those sentenced for a range of serious crimes will not make the cut.
This as President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the release on parole of low-risk inmates to ease overcrowding and curb the spread of Covid-19 in prisons.
On Friday, Ramaphosa announced and gazetted the decision in terms of Section 84(2)(1) of the Constitution together with SectionB2(1)(a) of the Correctional Services Act 1998.
In Proclamation 19 of 2020 gazetted on 8 May, Ramaphosa outlined only select inmates would be eligible and only released after processes have been followed.
The criteria for those eligible is that they were or would have been incarcerated on 27 April and subject to conditions recommended by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board under whose jurisdiction the sentenced offenders may fall in.
In the proclamation, Ramaphosa outlined low-risk offenders who would be considered and those who had or would have reached their minimum detention periods within a period of 60 months from 8 May.
READ | Ramaphosa authorises release of low-risk inmates to combat spread of Covid-19 in prisons
They would also have been convicted for “petty crimes”, which were elaborated on by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola.
On Friday, correctional services department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said there were three new cases of the virus in SA’s prison network, bringing the number in the department to 177.
Nxumalo added three officials have tested negative, with recoveries now standing at 87.
Who is not eligible for special parole?
– Inmates serving life imprisonment for crimes related to gender-based violence and sexual offences; child abuse; murder, attempted sabotage and terrorism.
– Those declared dangerous in line with the Criminal Procedure Act, and those certified mentally ill and detained in line with the Mental Health Care Act.
– Offenders with further charges that have not received bail or could not pay it.
– Inmates who escaped prison or absconded and were still at large as of the date of pronouncement.
– Inmates who are out on bail pending appeals.
– Those who committed violations under the Domestic Violence Act.
– Those detained for armed robbery or robbery with aggravating circumstances.
– Any other crime linked the above mentioned crimes, for example, house breaking with intent to steal or rape.
– Any attempt, soliciting, inciting, or conspiracy to commit the above crimes.
ALSO READ | Covid-19 in prisons: Only inmates convicted of petty crimes will go free, says Lamola
In the proclamation, Ramaphosa said those qualifying for the special parole would, however, be subjected to their fingerprints and DNA samples being drawn and checked in line with police prerequisites permitting a release.
The placement process of those meeting the standards will start once the parole board processes have been concluded and release programmes attended by them.
‘Petty crimes, crimes of need’
Speaking at a briefing on Friday after Ramaphosa’s announcement, Lamola and Correctional Services Commissioner Arthur Fraser said only those sentenced for petty crimes would be eligible for the special parole and would form part of the 19 000 being released across the country, News24 reported.
Fraser described these as “crimes of need”, such as shoplifting, theft or trespassing.
Lamola said overcrowding in the country’s prisons posed a risk as the virus could spread rapidly in enclosed spaces like cells.
He added prisons were already 32.58% overcrowded as of 4 May.
ALSO READ | These are the ‘priority matters’ SA courts will hear during lockdown – Ronald Lamola
“Another exacerbating factor is that some of the inmates already have compromised immune systems as a result of chronic conditions.
“This makes them more vulnerable to Covid-19 and it can have a catastrophic affect on inmates, officials, communities around correctional centres, as well as the broader public,” Lamola said.
The DA has criticised the move, with MP Glynnis Breytenbach saying the decision might lead to a “greater humanitarian crisis” than the one the government was trying to avoid.
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Amendments to the list of eligible collateral pledged at the South African Reserve Bank for refinancing operations
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Information notice on the official gold and foreign exchange reserves of the South African Reserve Bank as at 30 April 2020
April 2020
News24.com | WRAP | Tobacco saga rages on, travel ‘grace period’ ends, govt allows a period for moving house
2020-05-07 22:00
Stay up to date with the latest news, views and analysis as the number of coronavirus cases in SA increases.
RESOURCES
CORONAVIRUS FAQs | All your questions answered (Updated for level 4 restrictions)
SPECIAL HUB | Bored? Hungry? Fed up with the kids? We have got you covered during the lockdown
Last Updated at
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Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said today that the Western Cape – which is the epicentre – is suffering a “cluster outbreak”, where portions of the province has high levels of positive cases. The province has just under half of all positive cases in the country.
Here are the top stories of the day
The tobacco saga continues to rage on, with the Presidency today telling News24 that minutes to a government meeting which ended in a decision to keep the selling of tobacco outlawed during lockdown is classified. The government indicated that it will oppose court challenges which look to allow for the sale of tobacco.
By the time you read this, the “grace period” for travelling between provinces has likely passed. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula ended the grace period at midnight on Thursday. The government had allowed a once-off journey for people who needed to cross provinces to return to work.
As of tonight, South Africans can move house again, as long as the country does not go back up to Alert Level 5. This is according to new regulations which say people and their household effects may move around South Africa on a once-off basis – even across provincial lines. But there are terms and conditions – including that any move must happen by 7 June.
#Covid_19 Statistics in South Africa as at 07 May 2020 pic.twitter.com/ERefqer2ZR
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) May 7, 2020
And a virtual National Assembly meeting held this morning was interrupted by pornographic images and a man’s voice insulting Speaker Thandi Modise.
International news at a glance
African think tanks and economists have warned that countries need to find the correct balance between saving lives and preserving economies. This comes as citizens in some African countries grow impatient under the economic strain of lockdown.
Thousands of migrants have been left stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, unable to move due to lockdowns and border closures around the globe, the United Nations says. Some are stuck in countries, while others are stranded on migratory routes.
DR Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso on Thursday said his country was requesting emergency aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of up to half a billion dollars.
Senegal’s Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a ban on repatriating the bodies of citizens living abroad who have died of coronavirus, rejecting a submission from their distraught relatives.
Japan on Thursday authorised the antiviral drug remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients, the government said, with an eye to approving another medication Avigan this month.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes between 83 000 to 190 000 people could die from Covid-19 in Africa, with as many as 44 million people likely to contract the virus.
Stay informed with News24
List | You can be fined R5 000 for breaking these regulations
Can I move house? | Yes – but only until 7 June
Get involved | Here’s how you can help those in need
The workplace | Here’s how the new office set up should be
Hungry? | Here’s the latest on fast food restaurants’ reopeningsr
Transport | Level 4 lockdown rules for cars and taxis
The numbers | Covid-19 in South Africa statistics
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
Pictured: A mural dedicated to medical staff by Belgian graffiti artist Bram De Ceurt in Antwerp, Belgium. (Getty Images)
telling News24 that minutes to a government meeting which ended in a decision to keep the selling of tobacco outlawed during lockdown is classified. The government indicated that it will oppose court challenges which look to allow for the sale of tobacco.
By the time you read this, the “grace period” for travelling between provinces has likely passed. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula ended the grace period at midnight on Thursday. The government had allowed a once-off journey for people who needed to cross provinces to return to work.
As of tonight, South Africans can move house again, as long as the country does not go back up to Alert Level 5. This is according to new regulations which say people and their household effects may move around South Africa on a once-off basis – even across provincial lines. But there are terms and conditions – including that any move must happen by 7 June.
#Covid_19 Statistics in South Africa as at 07 May 2020 pic.twitter.com/ERefqer2ZR
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) May 7, 2020
And a virtual National Assembly meeting held this morning was interrupted by pornographic images and a man’s voice insulting Speaker Thandi Modise.
International news at a glance
African think tanks and economists have warned that countries need to find the correct balance between saving lives and preserving economies. This comes as citizens in some African countries grow impatient under the economic strain of lockdown.
Thousands of migrants have been left stranded by the coronavirus pandemic, unable to move due to lockdowns and border closures around the globe, the United Nations says. Some are stuck in countries, while others are stranded on migratory routes.
DR Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso on Thursday said his country was requesting emergency aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of up to half a billion dollars.
Senegal’s Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a ban on repatriating the bodies of citizens living abroad who have died of coronavirus, rejecting a submission from their distraught relatives.
Japan on Thursday authorised the antiviral drug remdesivir to treat coronavirus patients, the government said, with an eye to approving another medication Avigan this month.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes between 83 000 to 190 000 people could die from Covid-19 in Africa, with as many as 44 million people likely to contract the virus.
Stay informed with News24
List | You can be fined R5 000 for breaking these regulations
Can I move house? | Yes – but only until 7 June
Get involved | Here’s how you can help those in need
The workplace | Here’s how the new office set up should be
Hungry? | Here’s the latest on fast food restaurants’ reopeningsr
Transport | Level 4 lockdown rules for cars and taxis
The numbers | Covid-19 in South Africa statistics
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
Pictured: A mural dedicated to medical staff by Belgian graffiti artist Bram De Ceurt in Antwerp, Belgium. (Getty Images)
“>
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The death toll for Covid-19 has risen to 161, while the number of cases has jumped to 8 232 – an increase of 424, Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize has said.
Eight new deaths have been recorded – six in the Western Cape and two in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Minister was speaking at the Ithuba offices in Sandton, where he had accepted a donation of protective gear for medical staff.
Police Minister Bheki Cele joined Mkhize at the ceremony.
The Minister said the Western Cape – which is the epicentre – is suffering a “cluster outbreak”, where portions of the province has high levels of positive cases. The province has just under half of all positive cases in the country.
Mkhize said the government will visit the province to try to “reign in” the spread.
Mkhize reiterated the importance of people wearing protective masks.
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes between 83 000 to 190 000 people could die from Covid-19 in Africa, with as many as 44 million people likely to contract the virus.
These estimates are based on the risk of transmission specific to each African country.
The model predicts the observed slower rate of transmission, lower age of people with severe disease and lower mortality rates compared to what is seen in the most affected countries in the rest of the world.
This is largely driven by social and environmental factors slowing the transmission, and a younger population that has benefitted from the control of communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis to reduce possible vulnerabilities.
The lower rate of transmission, however, suggests a more prolonged outbreak over a few years, according to the study which also revealed that smaller African countries alongside Algeria, South Africa and Cameroon were at a high risk if containment measures are not prioritized.
The predicted number of cases that would require hospitalization would overwhelm the available medical capacity in much of Africa. There would be an estimated 3.6 million–5.5 million Covid-19 hospitalizations, of which 82 000–167 000 would be severe cases requiring oxygen, and 52 000–107 000 would be critical cases requiring breathing support. Such a huge number of patients in hospitals would severely strain the health capacities of countries.
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The tobacco saga continues to rage on, with the Presidency today telling News24 that minutes to a government meeting which ended in a decision to keep the selling of tobacco outlawed during lockdown is classified. The government indicated that it will oppose court challenges which look to allow for the sale of tobacco.
The Department of Basic Education has warned schools looking to open early, saying that would not be permitted. The department said it was aware of some independent, private and public schools that were already preparing to reopen much earlier than required.
Meanwhile, the inter-province “grace period” for travelling ends at midnight tonight, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said. The government allowed a once-off journey for people who needed to cross provinces to return to work.
Be warned: you could face a fine of up to R5 000 for breaking a host of lockdown rules, including executing an eviction order, joining illegal gatherings in public places, and intentionally exposing another person to Covid-19. We have prepared a full list.
And a virtual National Assembly meeting held this morning was interrupted by pornographic images and a man’s voice insulting Speaker Thandi Modise.
telling News24 that minutes to a government meeting which ended in a decision to keep the selling of tobacco outlawed during lockdown is classified. The government indicated that it will oppose court challenges which look to allow for the sale of tobacco.
The Department of Basic Education has warned schools looking to open early, saying that would not be permitted. The department said it was aware of some independent, private and public schools that were already preparing to reopen much earlier than required.
Meanwhile, the inter-province “grace period” for travelling ends at midnight tonight, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said. The government allowed a once-off journey for people who needed to cross provinces to return to work.
Be warned: you could face a fine of up to R5 000 for breaking a host of lockdown rules, including executing an eviction order, joining illegal gatherings in public places, and intentionally exposing another person to Covid-19. We have prepared a full list.
And a virtual National Assembly meeting held this morning was interrupted by pornographic images and a man’s voice insulting Speaker Thandi Modise.
“>
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Meanwhile, new claims for unemployment benefits filed by US workers declined slightly last week, but were still a staggering 3.2 million, government data says.
And Pakistan will begin easing its nationwide lockdown over the weekend, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday, citing the economic havoc the measures have wreaked. This is despite increased testing showing a rise in new coronavirus cases.
Pictured is a woman walking her dog near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, as France begins to ease its lockdowns. (Getty Images)
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Here are the top stories of the day
The government has gazetted new regulations regarding transport which stipulate that public transport can only operate between 05:00 and 19:00. Previously, public transport could run from 05:00 until 20:00, with a “grace period” until 21:00 to complete a journey.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has said that two health workers have died from Covid-19, while 26 have been hospitalised for the virus. A total of 511 health workers have contracted Covid-19. Addressing media in Gauteng today, Mkhize added that the country may battle with the virus for as long as two years.
A staff member at the Presidency has tested positive for Covid-19, and access to the union buildings has been limited. The Presidency said President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, David Mabuza, have been working remotely during the lockdown, suggesting they have not come into contact with the employee.
There has been yet more repatriation chaos, and this time more than 200 South Africans who were set to return from an airport in Doha, Qatar, were left stranded. The plane had begun heading to SA, but made a U-turn while still on the runway because of delays in securing the quarantine facilities for the expats to be housed in once they reach the country.
In another incident, 37 immigrants escaped from a repatriation centre in Gauteng. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi believed the escape was an inside job involving the centre’s security guards.
Pupils, teachers voice fears, concerns about proposed phased re-opening of schools | @Sesona_Ngqaks https://t.co/9SSiNzTyYX pic.twitter.com/zT4K2WcOi1
— News24 (@News24) May 6, 2020
South African Breweries – owner of Castle Lager, Hansa, and Black Label – may be forced to destroy more than 130 million litres of beer if it is not allowed to transport the brew to its depots. The transport of alcohol – apart from alcohol for export – is currently illegal under South Africa’s lockdown regulations. All consumption of alcohol is also prohibited.
International news at a glance
Relatives of Senegalese nationals who have died from Covid-19 abroad may turn to the country’s courts because its government is refusing to allow for the bodies to return for burials and religious ceremonies.
Swedish officials on Wednesday said the country, which has taken a softer approach to curbing the spread of the new coronavirus, was nearing 3 000 deaths from Covid-19. The country has not imposed the kind of extraordinary lockdowns seen elsewhere in Europe, instead opting for an approach based on the “principle of responsibility”.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday he could begin to ease a nationwide coronavirus lockdown next week, but warned he would do nothing that would risk a new surge of cases.
Germany is planning an almost complete return to normality in May, with schools and shops reopening and the return of top-flight Bundesliga football matches, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday.
And finally, France will discard 10 million litres of beer – four Olympic-sized swimming pools full – due to expire, which could not be consumed because people are in lockdown, a brewers’ association said.
Stay informed with News24
Talking point | Can a person contract Covid-19 more than once?
Fake news | No, Covid-19 traces haven’t been found on fruit
Get involved | Here’s how you can help those in need
The workplace | Here’s how the new office set up should be
Hungry? | Here’s the latest on fast food restaurants’ reopeningsr
Transport | Level 4 lockdown rules for cars and taxis
The numbers | Covid-19 in South Africa statistics
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
gazetted new regulations regarding transport which stipulate that public transport can only operate between 05:00 and 19:00. Previously, public transport could run from 05:00 until 20:00, with a “grace period” until 21:00 to complete a journey.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has said that two health workers have died from Covid-19, while 26 have been hospitalised for the virus. A total of 511 health workers have contracted Covid-19. Addressing media in Gauteng today, Mkhize added that the country may battle with the virus for as long as two years.
A staff member at the Presidency has tested positive for Covid-19, and access to the union buildings has been limited. The Presidency said President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, David Mabuza, have been working remotely during the lockdown, suggesting they have not come into contact with the employee.
There has been yet more repatriation chaos, and this time more than 200 South Africans who were set to return from an airport in Doha, Qatar, were left stranded. The plane had begun heading to SA, but made a U-turn while still on the runway because of delays in securing the quarantine facilities for the expats to be housed in once they reach the country.
In another incident, 37 immigrants escaped from a repatriation centre in Gauteng. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi believed the escape was an inside job involving the centre’s security guards.
Pupils, teachers voice fears, concerns about proposed phased re-opening of schools | @Sesona_Ngqaks https://t.co/9SSiNzTyYX pic.twitter.com/zT4K2WcOi1
— News24 (@News24) May 6, 2020
South African Breweries – owner of Castle Lager, Hansa, and Black Label – may be forced to destroy more than 130 million litres of beer if it is not allowed to transport the brew to its depots. The transport of alcohol – apart from alcohol for export – is currently illegal under South Africa’s lockdown regulations. All consumption of alcohol is also prohibited.
International news at a glance
Relatives of Senegalese nationals who have died from Covid-19 abroad may turn to the country’s courts because its government is refusing to allow for the bodies to return for burials and religious ceremonies.
Swedish officials on Wednesday said the country, which has taken a softer approach to curbing the spread of the new coronavirus, was nearing 3 000 deaths from Covid-19. The country has not imposed the kind of extraordinary lockdowns seen elsewhere in Europe, instead opting for an approach based on the "principle of responsibility".
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday he could begin to ease a nationwide coronavirus lockdown next week, but warned he would do nothing that would risk a new surge of cases.
Germany is planning an almost complete return to normality in May, with schools and shops reopening and the return of top-flight Bundesliga football matches, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday.
And finally, France will discard 10 million litres of beer – four Olympic-sized swimming pools full – due to expire, which could not be consumed because people are in lockdown, a brewers’ association said.
Stay informed with News24
Talking point | Can a person contract Covid-19 more than once?
Fake news | No, Covid-19 traces haven’t been found on fruit
Get involved | Here’s how you can help those in need
The workplace | Here’s how the new office set up should be
Hungry? | Here’s the latest on fast food restaurants’ reopeningsr
Transport | Level 4 lockdown rules for cars and taxis
The numbers | Covid-19 in South Africa statistics
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
“>
News24.com | Motsoaledi threatens labour department with court action over closure of Home Affairs offices
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi will take the Department of Labour to court if it does not allow two offices in Gauteng to operate.
On Thursday, Motsoaledi told the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs that offices in the Western Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo were shut down by the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA).
The PSA, in a statement released on Wednesday, said some Home Affairs offices did not comply with safety measures and in some cases, the full staff complement was instructed to come to work.
“The PSA cannot allow employees to return to workplaces that do not meet the requirements announced by various ministers to curb the spread of the virus,” read the statement.
The Department of Labour shut down two offices because they did not have a protective glass partition between staff and clients.
“I don’t accept their reason,” Motsoaledi said, adding no Home Affairs office had such a partition and it would take months to install.
He added 5 000 face screens had arrived on Wednesday for staff, saying if they wore masks and gloves, as they were, the partitions were not necessary.
Motsoaledi said Home Affairs had appealed the Department of Labour’s decision.
“If we don’t get it right, we’ll certainly go to court.”
As committee chairperson Bongani Bongo closed the meeting, Motsoaledi asked if he could clarify further.
“Chairperson, we are not taking any union to court. We are talking about the Department of Labour, because the demand they have made on us is outrageous. But, already, twice we have contacted them, they say we must appeal.
“Now, I’m talking of a court of law because this has already happened to me.”
He said when he was minister of health the Department of Labour had closed the health department’s head offices and said they must appeal, but opened the offices when he threatened them with court action.
“I’m just doing a déjà vu here that our offices are not working, on a demand that we believe is outrageous and when we spoke to them collegially, as we are advising, they said: ‘No, appeal’.”
News24.com | LIVE | Covid-19: Gauteng prepares for ‘worst-case scenario’ by adding more hospital beds, wards
The coronavirus death toll in SA continues to rise as 10 more lives have been claimed, taking the death toll to 148. Meanwhile, the number of cases now sits at 7 572, an increase of 352 from Monday.
Here are the top stories of the day
The Department of Public Works, which is responsible with housing repatriated expats for mandatory quarantine, believes it was the victim of a scam after a group which returned from the US were wrongly put up in a dilapidated and dirty facility. They have been moved, and the department is now investigating how the group ended up there.
The Electoral Court has postponed by-elections scheduled for June in a bid to reduce the possible spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The court feared a possible widespread of Covid-19 if the by-elections had been allowed to go ahead as planned. By-elections were set to be held in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West.
The Presidency has responded to a letter in which two advocates questioned the validity of a government body set up to respond to the coronavirus, saying the advocates’ questions are putting South Africans’ lives in jeopardy.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu says grant recipients who received double payments this month because of an administrative “glitch” will have to pay back the money. It is estimated that about 435 000 people in the Western Cape received double payments, while more than 450 000 in KwaZulu-Natal received nothing at all.
Surfers in Cape Town were arrested at the Muizenberg beach for violating lockdown regulations by standing still during the 06:00 to 09:00 exercise window, in protest of not being allowed to hit the waves. Protesters waved placards as members of the public looked on.
The coronavirus pandemic is starting to take its toll on the SA economy. SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter says the lockdown plus the stalled economy could lead to a shortfall of up to R285 billion in tax. Economies globally have been left bloodied and bruised by the virus, which threw a spanner in the works of most industries.
Kulula owner Comair has gone into business rescue, a decision brought on by the current strict flight restrictions. Meanwhile, The Passenger Rail Authority of SA has proposed job cuts due to its deteriorating financial position brought on by the coronavirus.
Yet another magazine publisher has announced its closure – this time Caxton says it is withdrawing from magazine publishing, due to declines in readership and other difficulties which have been compounded by the coronavirus outbreak. Magazines affected include Food & Home, Garden & Home, and People. Last Week, Associated Media Publishing, the publisher of the SA version of Cosmopolitan closed down.
A Nigerian court sentenced a man to death in the country’s first ever virtual ruling during its five-week coronavirus lockdown. Olalekan Hameed was sentenced to death by hanging for murdering a 76-year-old woman.
BREAKING: The Lagos State Judiciary today held its first ever virtual court proceedings delivering a judgment in a murder and stealing trial involving Olalekan Hameed. The court session, for the charge marked ID/9006C/2019, held online via a video app & was joined by all parties. pic.twitter.com/YWweaOh0Re
— TransparencIT Nigeria (@TransparencITng) May 4, 2020
Stay informed with News24
Beware | A fine during the lockdown means a criminal record
Get involved | Here’s how you can help those in need
The workplace | Here’s how the new office set up should be
Eat | Here are the fast food outlets that will be open during Level four
Transport | Level 4 lockdown rules for cars and taxis
The numbers | Covid-19 in South Africa statistics
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
News24.com | Dept of Public Works ready to welcome repatriates landing from Doha
The Department of Public Works says it is ready to receive repatriates flying in from Doha’s Hamad International Airport on Wednesday evening.
More than 200 South African citizens had been left stranded in Qatar on Tuesday after the aircraft had to turn around on the runway, which resulted in them sleeping at the airport before departing on Wednesday morning.
But to avoid Monday night’s situation, where hundreds were stuck on the tarmac at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg after landing from Washington DC, Minister of Public Works Patricia de Lille’s spokesperson Zara Nicholson said it would not be the case for the group expected to land on Wednesday evening.
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“We were notified about that flight on Monday, and were initially told it was coming on Tuesday, which it didn’t. In any event, we carried on procuring the site, it was ready as of yesterday. And will be ready for the repatriates tonight (Wednesday),” the spokesperson said.
Nicholson said the department experienced difficulties because it was informed late about arrivals of flights, and this slows down its procurement processes. She said an agreement was in place that the department would be given a 72-hour notice about the arrival of repatriation flights.
“That’s the reason why that situation happened on Monday because we were not given the agreed notice in time. But the department then had those sites ready, and late on Monday people were taken.
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“Again now, with the Qatar flight, we were notified on Monday, which is not 72 hours in advance, but we did the procurement. Just the fact that it’s not within 72 hours puts the department in a difficult position, but it was done, so we are ready for that Qatar flight tonight (Wednesday).”
Nicholson said the department was now getting ready because many flights, regardless of changes, were coming from all parts of the world.
Sites
The department said it would continue procuring and getting sites ready, in the event that flights start landing unannounced.
While some have blamed the problems on the government not having enough quarantine sites procured for repatriates, Nicholson said it was not the case. She said the department was procuring as many sites as possible, to accommodate people who needed to be quarantined when they arrive in the country.
Outlining the national number of quarantine sites to date, Nicholson said there were 1 418 sites which had been identified as proposed sites, representing more than 109 000 beds across the country.
She said once sites were proposed, they were assessed by the Department of Health, which then decides whether it meets the criteria for a quarantine site.
Nicholson added that, to date, 328 sites had been assessed and deemed compliant, representing 24 884 beds. Of these, 114 facilities had been activated, representing 11 685 beds available for quarantine requirements.
Of the sites, 636 are state-owned and 782 are privately-owned.
“To date, a total of 5 443 infected individuals have been quarantined. Some of the 5 443 quarantined in recent weeks have been discharged as they were cleared after the 14-day incubation period.”
Joint Communication 2A of 2020 Covid-19: Supervisory response
1. Objective of this communication
The authors of this communication recognise that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on the manner in which accountable institutions (AIs) operate, particularly in regard to their compliance with certain provisions of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act 38 of 2001). The authors are also cognisant that the pandemic may present criminals with further opportunities to engage in illicit or unlawful activity.