Category: COVID-19 Corona Virus

Employers have been urged to ensure that money paid over by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) for the COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) is disbursed to the workers.

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi made the call to employers following numerous complaints received from workers who allege that their employers have not paid them the money the UIF has disbursed as part of COVID-19 TERS.

The money is meant to provide temporary relief for workers who are at home or to at least meet some of their salary demands.

“To date we have paid close to R9 billion in COVID-19 relief. This is the amount that we are paying for relief for workers and we appeal to the employers to ensure that it is paid to the workers without any further delay,” said the Minister.

To ensure that there was no delay in payments to workers, the UIF provided employers with the breakdown of how much each worker deserves. This was after there were complaints that the lump sums were confusing employers.

“We took a decision to break down the payments, a decision that saw our systems almost overwhelmed with information as we did not want workers’ funds to be delayed even further. We once again appeal to employers with outstanding information regarding claims to ensure that they forward these as soon as possible.

“A total of 576 639 workers have been disadvantaged to the tune of close to R2.4 billion. There are also 17 473 workers who are also disadvantaged because of failed bank verification and an amount of R80 124 837.42 will be paid over as soon as this is resolved,” said Nxesi.

To date the fund has paid R8 836 010 295.56 to 114 661 employers for 1 525 308 workers and R152 031 601.04 has been paid through 845 bargaining councils affecting 56 456 workers. A total of R1 295 078 468.38 has been paid in ordinary benefits.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, has warned that government will shut down any mining operation found not complying with Level 4 regulations.

“At the heart of our programmes is the protection of people’s lives and livelihoods. When we agreed that mines should operate at reduced capacity, we highlighted the importance of protecting and saving the economic infrastructure beyond the lockdown period.

“It is in the interest of mining operations to comply with the lockdown regulations. We are not going to put people at risk for production,” Mantashe said on Wednesday.

He was speaking at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Bathopele Platinum Mine in Rustenburg, where he monitored compliance with the lockdown Level 4 regulations.

The visit to Rustenburg follows a number of unannounced visits to mining operations to monitor compliance with lockdown regulations.

Sibanye-Stillwater and Old Mutual donated an amount of R1 million for personal protective equipment (PPE).

The donation from Sibanye-Stillwater is part of the mining sector’s support in containing the spread of COVID-19.

Mantashe emphasised that mineworkers must be tested for COVID-19, warning that failure to do this will put the lives of miners at risk.

“The economy will never be the same again. Mining in South Africa will never be the same again. The current lockdown regulations will be applicable far beyond the lockdown period,” the Minister said.

He also called for the implementation of a rigorous screening and testing programme as employees return to work.

A total of 511 healthcare workers in the country have tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19), says Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Addressing the media in Rustenburg on Wednesday at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital, the Minister said of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, 149 have recovered, 26 were hospitalised and two have lost their lives.

Mkhize, together with the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, received personal protective equipment (PPE) from Sibanye-Stillwater and Old Mutual.

The donation from Sibanye-Stillwater is part of the mining sector’s support in containing the spread of COVID-19.

“All mine workers must be screened. It is more helpful to be proactive. We can save staff and the whole mine if we screen miners. We encourage all mining companies to work with the provincial government on this,” Mkhize said.

The Minister noted the increase in the number of people testing positive for the virus.

“We have seen the numbers increasing. We said that many of us will get the infection. Our role has been to slow down the rate at which the infection gets to us.

“In terms of our scientific focus, we were able to push the peak. If we were to prolong the lockdown, it would not have delayed the peak substantially. We can now spot where the problems are coming from. We have learned lessons from other countries and we have an advantage,” the Minister said.

As of Tuesday, 5 May, South Africa had a total of 7 572 COVID-19 cases and 148 deaths.

Public and staff access to the Union Buildings has been limited following the confirmation of a positive case of COVID-19 on one of the staff members.

The Presidency said that in line with government’s guidelines on the management of COVID-19 cases, steps have been taken to secure treatment for the relevant staff member and to provide support to the member’s family.

“Steps have also been taken to ensure that officials, who have contact with the staff member, are screened,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The Presidency’s Pandemic Task Team, established to assist in managing all COVID-19 related matters, proactively initiated a process of disinfection and deep cleaning of all Presidency facilities.

This process commenced on Tuesday, 28 April 2020.

“Access to the Union Buildings is therefore limited to exceptional interactions. The President and Deputy President have been working remotely and not from the Union Buildings since the start of lockdown,” the Presidency said.

The Presidency has wished the affected colleague a speedy recovery.

Seven out of 10 COVID-19 related deaths reported on Tuesday are from the Western Cape, the epicentre of the Coronavirus in South Africa with 3 609 cases.

Meanwhile, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have one reported death each.

According to the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, this brings the total deaths nationally to 148 while the number of cases has climbed to 7 572.

“We wish to express our condolences to the families of the deceased and thank the health care workers who treated these patients,” Mkhize said.

The provincial breakdown of positive COVID-19 cases are as follows: Eastern Cape 838, Free State 128, Gauteng 1 697, KwaZulu-Natal 1 142, Limpopo 40, Mpumalanga 57, North West 35, Northern Cape 26, Western Cape 3 609, Unknown 0.

Mkhize said a total of 268 064 tests have been conducted to date with 10 523 tests done between Monday and Tuesday.

While the whole globe is battling the spike of Coronavirus, nations were observing the World Hand Hygiene Day in a year that has particularly shone the spotlight on hand hygiene, the Minister said.

“As we know, one of the ways Coronavirus is transferred is by hands which have come into contact with contaminated surfaces, objects or areas of the body,” he explained.

He echoed the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s sentiments who believes that the COVID-19 outbreak is giving everyone an opportunity, as humanity, to review our way of life and take forward all the important lessons we are learning into a new future.

“Washing hands saves lives. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water or hand sanitizer,” he added.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, has warned that government will shut down any mining operation found not complying with Level 4 regulations.

“At the heart of our programmes is the protection of people’s lives and livelihoods. When we agreed that mines should operate at reduced capacity, we highlighted the importance of protecting and saving the economic infrastructure beyond the lockdown period.

“It is in the interest of mining operations to comply with the lockdown regulations. We are not going to put people at risk for production,” Mantashe said on Wednesday.

He was speaking at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Bathopele Platinum Mine in Rustenburg, where he monitored compliance with the lockdown Level 4 regulations.

The visit to Rustenburg follows a number of unannounced visits to mining operations to monitor compliance with lockdown regulations.

Sibanye-Stillwater and Old Mutual donated an amount of R1 million for personal protective equipment (PPE).

The donation from Sibanye-Stillwater is part of the mining sector’s support in containing the spread of COVID-19.

Mantashe emphasised that mineworkers must be tested for COVID-19, warning that failure to do this will put the lives of miners at risk.

“The economy will never be the same again. Mining in South Africa will never be the same again. The current lockdown regulations will be applicable far beyond the lockdown period,” the Minister said.

He also called for the implementation of a rigorous screening and testing programme as employees return to work.

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister, Hlengiwe Mkhize, has today handed over food parcels, sanitary pads and masks to disability organisations.

This is to help mitigate the compounded risks that people with disabilities continue to experience during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The donations were made to the Blind SA Association and the Deaf Federation of South Africa.

The Ministry said people with disabilities should be supported though extraordinary measures to ensure their safety.

“No one should be left behind. With the President having declared a state of disaster, we have ensured that we elevate the voices of people with disabilities, and have developed directions for regulations protecting their human rights during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mkhize.

The Ministry said social partners have come on board to support the department’s drive to assist families of people with disabilities. The drive has been ongoing since the beginning of the lockdown, with several shelters and residential care facilities already having received food parcels and sanitary towels.

On 21 April, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced an increase in a number of grants, which included that of people with disabilities, as a new way to distribute food aid, and as part of government’s plan to boost the economy and relieve social distress caused by the lockdown. The grant increment — applicable for six months — was rolled out in May.

Mkhize has reiterated that the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will continue with its advocacy work to ensure people with disabilities are aware of government’s programmes, and that they access the available resources.

A total of 511 healthcare workers in the country have tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19), says Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Addressing the media in Rustenburg on Wednesday at Job Shimakana Tabane Hospital, the Minister said of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, 149 have recovered, 26 were hospitalised and two have lost their lives.

Mkhize, together with the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, received personal protective equipment (PPE) from Sibanye-Stillwater and Old Mutual.

The donation from Sibanye-Stillwater is part of the mining sector’s support in containing the spread of COVID-19.

“All mine workers must be screened. It is more helpful to be proactive. We can save staff and the whole mine if we screen miners. We encourage all mining companies to work with the provincial government on this,” Mkhize said.

The Minister noted the increase in the number of people testing positive for the virus.

“We have seen the numbers increasing. We said that many of us will get the infection. Our role has been to slow down the rate at which the infection gets to us.

“In terms of our scientific focus, we were able to push the peak. If we were to prolong the lockdown, it would not have delayed the peak substantially. We can now spot where the problems are coming from. We have learned lessons from other countries and we have an advantage,” the Minister said.

As of Tuesday, 5 May, South Africa had a total of 7 572 COVID-19 cases and 148 deaths.

The Department of Basic Education has welcomed a judgment by the Limpopo High Court dismissing an application seeking to halt the department’s proposed re-opening of schools on 1 June.

The application by the Tebeila Institute of Leadership, Governance and Training, said the Department in a statement, sought to stop the department from implementing the recovery plan for schools in the context of COVID-19.

Judge Gerrit Muller dismissed the case on Tuesday, saying the Limpopo High Court had no jurisdiction over the matter. Instead, Muller said the matter should be heard in the Gauteng Division of the Court in Pretoria, where the offices of the Minister and the department are located.

In its statement, the department said Judge Muller ordered parties to cover their own costs.

On the substance of the matter, the department had argued that the contemplated re-opening of schools had been developed together with provinces, other government departments, all stakeholders and civil society through a consultative process over a number of weeks.

“The announcement of the Minister proposed tentative dates only. A final date for schools to re-open will be informed by the readiness of schools to re-open,” read the statement.

In his answering affidavit, DBE Director-General, Mathanzima Mweli, said Minister Angie Motshekga did not come up with the draft Recovery Plan overnight, but it was being developed with rational, considered and responsible input from stakeholders, as well as interested and affected parties.

“The decision to re-open schools will only be finally determined after the National Coronavirus Command Centre has approved the school recovery plans and is satisfied with the risk assessment completed.

“Furthermore, the Department of Health’s approval to re-open schools will also be required,” said department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.

He said the department will now proceed with its plans, as outlined by the Minister last week https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/government-proposes-gradually-reo…

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 Monday, Mkhize said to date, the country has conducted 257 541 tests, with 11 794 of these done in the past 24 hours.

Said the Minister: “As the winter season sets in, society will be confronted with the additional burden of influenza and other pneumonias, bronchiolitis in children, exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease and winter related trauma, like burn injuries.

“I therefore urge every South African to continue to play their part in easing the load on the health care system. Stay home if you do not have to venture out, wear a mask at all times in public places, wash your hands regularly and disinfect surfaces you normally come into contact with,” Mkhize said.

As at 2 May, said the Minister, 411 COVID-19 patients were hospitalised.

“This translates to approximately 5% of all COVID-19 confirmed patients and this is consistent with the hospitalisation rates that were seen in China. Our mortality rate has remained stable at around 1.9%, since the first death was reported,” he said.

He said this is below the world average, which is 3.4%, as estimated by the World Health Organisation.

“As a reminder to all South Africans, the principle of flattening the curve is to limit the spread of infection such that the numbers do not rise to the extent that they overwhelm the health care system,” he said.

He also urged employers, whose businesses have opened, to take all the necessary measures to protect their employees. I salute our health professionals – our doctors, nurses, care workers, community workers, allied health professionals, medical technicians, pharmacists, porters, cleaners, laboratory technicians and all our foot soldiers in the front line of health care, who continue to serve under these trying times.

Cases per province

Eastern Cape – 814

Free State – 125

Gauteng – 1661

KwaZulu-Natal – 1 106

Limpopo – 39

Mpumalanga – 53

North West – 35

Northern Cape – 25

Western Cape – 3 362