Archives

South Africa registered 24 785 new COVID-19 cases, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said on Thursday.

According to the NICD, Gauteng continues to record the highest number of infections after 6 744 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. It is followed by 5 821 cases in KwaZulu-Natal, 4 599 in the Western Cape and 2 248 in the Eastern Cape.

This means the country now has a tally of 3 255 816 confirmed cases since the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the death toll linked to COVID-19 has now risen to 90 262 after 36 more people lost their lives to the virus.

In addition, the public health institute said there are 7 614 people who are currently receiving hospital treatment, with 347 being admitted in the past 24 hours.

The Department of Health announced that it has administered 12 558 jabs in the last 24 hours, 3 543 of which were given to children.

This pushes the total number of distributed doses to 27 422 495, while 15 290 432 or 38.1% adults are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, a total of 814 501 vaccine doses have been given to children between the ages of 12 and 17.

The department reported that it has already administered 6 845 booster shots to immunocompromised people.

Globally, as of 16 December 2021, there have been 271 376 643 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 5 324 969 deaths, reported to the World Health Organisation.

The South African government, through the African Renaissance Fund (ARF), has signed an agreement with the African Vaccination Acquisition Trust (AVAT) to donate 2 030 400 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, valued at R288.6 million, to African countries.

AVAT was formed following the establishment of the African Union’s COVID-19 African Vaccination Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) in November 2020 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, as the then Chairperson of the AU.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, the South African government and AVAT said the main purpose of the task team is to secure the necessary vaccines and financing resources for achieving Africa’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy, which targets vaccinating a minimum of 60% of the continent’s population.

The donation by the South African government will be produced at the Aspen manufacturing plant in Gqeberha, operated by Aspen Pharma.

The vaccine will be made available to African countries through the African Medical Suppliers Platform (AMSP) over the next year.

“The donation embodies South Africa’s solidarity with our brothers and sisters on the continent, with whom we are united in fighting an unprecedented threat to public health and economic prosperity.

“The only way in which we can prevent COVID-19 transmission and protect economies and societies on our continent, is to successfully immunise a critical mass of the African population with safe and effective vaccines,” President Ramaphosa said.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, said while serving as Chair of the African Union, South Africa had initiated a coordinated African response that focused on addressing immediate challenges to public health systems, and mitigating the economic and humanitarian crisis arising from the pandemic.

This includes the establishment of a COVID-19 Response Fund and the launch of the African Medical Supplies Platform to ensure all countries have access to the necessary equipment and supplies.

African Union Special Envoy, Strive Masiyiwa, said this generous donation from the people of South Africa would be distributed directly to the lowest income member States as quickly as possible.

“As AVAT, we have already received and distributed over 100 million doses of donated vaccines, most of which came as a result of President Ramaphosa’s tireless efforts with the richest nations like the United States, EU and France.

“In addition, AVAT has entered into direct purchase of over 500 million doses, mostly produced in South Africa,” Masiyiwa said.

The National Development Agency (NDA) granted an amount of R300 000 funding to Umtata Women’s Support Centre (UWSC) to implement a Victim Empowerment Programme at King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality in O.R Tambo District municipality.

The programme, led by UWSC, uses an approach called Masiphunge (Let’s Have a Cup of Tea) Women Empowerment Programme (MWEP), which provides a safe space for women to heal and encourage holistic wellness physically, spiritually and psychologically.

As a result, the women who complete the programme are now whistle-blowers of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in their own communities.

The programme specifically targets women living in rural areas, including Baziya, Mpheko, Tabase, Ntshabeni, Msana and Bumbane, and bring them together to share a cup of tea whilst discussing matters that affect their daily lives.

Through conversations, the women share their dreams, pains and achievements.

The UWSC is an Eastern Cape-based organisation founded in 1999 that deals with gender-based violence, women’s human rights, HIV/AIDS, sexual reproduction health and rights, and human trafficking in the area of O.R. Tambo District municipality.

The support centre is the brainchild of Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) that set up the Centre because of approaches from desperate women, police and media reports on crime especially on women, which also affects children.

NDA Provincial Manager, Nokulunga Skeyi said it is through NDA strategic partnerships and an effective capacity building programme that the agency is able to reach disadvantaged communities and contribute to critical causes such as GBFV.

“O.R Tambo district was identified as a hot spot for GBFV, I believe serious work has been achieved through the Masiphunge Programme. It is a pleasure to come and observe the outcome of the programme and we hope to do more in future,” Skeyi said.

Social Worker and Programme Director at Umtata Women Support Centre, Kholiwe Nongauza said the launch of the MWEP brought together, beneficiaries of the programme, and officials from various government departments and stakeholders, including community leaders and traditional leaders led by Chief Thanduxolo Mtirara, as well as the South African Police Services, National Prosecuting Authority and Women Rights International, amongst others.

“Masiphunge Women Empowerment Programme is a powerful instrument that is intended to heal women holistically – mentally, physically and economically by implementing National Development Plan pillars 2, 3, 4 and 5 that focus on various interventions starting with prevention, through the justice system, care and healing and finally the economic emancipation of the participating women.

“We have seen significant changes and growth in all the women, particularly the women of Ntshabeni Village who have even mastered our last module that deals with forgiveness,” Nongauza said.

The Department of Social Development, has also pledged continue support the programmes, and expand it to other villages in the district and beyond.

Self-defence classes are lauded to be one of the additional services that will be included within the programme.

Eskom says its ability to supply electricity will be significantly impacted if a Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) decision to enforce air quality compliance standards is implemented immediately.

The standards – called the Minimum Emission Standard (MES) – legally bind the power utility to immediately scale down the carbon emissions polluted by its coal-fired power stations.

Eskom had applied for its power stations to be temporarily exempted from the MES.

“Eskom’s request for postponements at Matla, Duvha, Matimba, Medupi and Lethabo [power stations] were declined completely. Postponement applications for Majuba, Tutuka, Kendal, and Kriel were partially granted. Eskom has reviewed the decisions and believes they will have a very significant impact on Eskom’s ability to provide electricity.

“If implemented, the decision will result in an immediate shutting down of 16 000MW of installed coal fired capacity. This would have a significant negative impact on the economy and employment, particularly in Mpumalanga and Lephalale, and delay the country’s plans for a just energy transition toward a cleaner electricity supply,” Eskom said on Wednesday.

The power utility said it is engaging the DFFE, the Public Enterprises Department and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on the matter.

“Eskom is committed to its mandate to supply stable electricity in an efficient and sustainable manner and enable economic growth.  We aim to do this in an environmentally responsible manner that takes into consideration the need to reduce local air pollution and is in line with the country’s climate change commitments”.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks have requested the public assist in their pursuit of a woman who is alleged to have scammed unsuspecting investors of about R10 million.

In a joint statement, SAPS and the Hawks said from June 2019 to date, Swereen Govender allegedly lured family and friends to invest in her personal protective equipment (PPE) business by promising lucrative dividends in return.

“Further investigation revealed that Govender initially payed minimum dividends to investors and then completely stopped at a later stage, and she has allegedly been lying to her investors that she cannot be contacted, as she has been placed in a witness protection programme,” reads the statement.

Multiple cases have been registered at various police stations in Gauteng, and have since been referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Germiston for further investigation.

The SAPS and Hawks said the investigation team had further revealed that Govender created fraudulent suppliers’ certificates from different government departments for PPE.

They said Govender has since been positively linked and is wanted in relation to fraud cases in Gauteng. In some of the cases, she is alleged to have taken people’s life savings, retirement and disability pensions, etc., leaving these people absolutely destitute.

“People are reminded to be extremely cautious when investing money with individuals. If an offer appears too good to be true, know that it probably is and one should rather consider investing one’s capital with long standing reputable investment companies,” reads the statement.

A warrant has been issued for Govender’s arrest, and the investigation team circulated her on the local and international movement control system.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Govender or anyone who has fallen prey to her scam is urged to come forward with information to the investigating officer, Captain John Marepa, on 082 822 6351.

“Anyone caught harbouring Ms Swereen Govender must know that this is a criminal offence,” the authorities said.

The South African government has welcomed the announcement by the United Kingdom (UK) government to remove South Africa from its red list.

The UK has lifted the travel ban it imposed on South Africa following the emergence of the Omicron variant.

Addressing the department’s end-of-year media briefing on Tuesday, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, said the unscientific travel ban had a devastating impact on two-way business, travel and tourism, and families.

“We are pleased that diplomacy is bearing fruits. Some [countries] have already begun lifting these restrictions that are inflicting so much harm on our economy and families,” Pandor said.

Pandor said it is disheartening to note that even after revelations that the Omicron variant had long been in the backyard of many countries who rushed to close their borders, some have “remained silent [with] no further acknowledgement”.

Step in the right direction for SA’s tourism sector

Also commending the UK’s decision to remove South Africa from the red list, Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said the latest decision to remove 11 African countries from the list means that hotel quarantine is no longer required for those returning to the UK from South Africa, as of 4am on 15 December.

“Today’s announcement by the UK government is a step in the right direction for South Africa’s tourism sector. When South Africa was added to the red list last month, the implementation of hotel quarantine instead of at home quarantine was a huge deterrent for Brits who were considering travelling to South Africa at a time when our tourism industry was just beginning to recover,” Sisulu said.

Sisulu said the Omicron variant is being closely monitored to contain the virus and ensure the appropriate safety measures are in place.

“South African borders remain open, and our government and tourism industry have been working extremely hard to implement safety regulations to ensure that we are ready for all inbound visitors.”

The Minister thanked all tourism stakeholders for their hard work and dedication.

She said the war room is yielding results with the country being removed for the red list.

“The UK announcement has come just in time to allow families and friends to unite over the festive season. We hope to welcome British travellers again very soon,” Sisulu said.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), together with the Hawks, has seized more than R11 million in assets belonging to fraud convicted Eskom financial controller, Mosia Moraka and Megra Transport owner, Victor Tshabalala.

According to regional National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, Moraka and Tshabalala were convicted of fraud in September for colluding to defraud Eskom through the creation of fictitious invoices for Tshabala’s company – costing the State-owned power utility losses of at least R35 million.

Mjonondwane said assets belonging to the two were seized on Tuesday.

“The assets that were identified in the restraint order included immovable properties linked to the two accused, as well as 32 vehicles registered to Megra Transport… which were used in the business.

“A further three agricultural holdings in Springs, linked to Tshabalala, were found and are restrained. The AFU will proceed with an application to institute a confiscation enquiry aimed ultimately at the recovery of the stolen funds,” Mjonondwana said.

She said the two had pleaded guilty to defrauding Eskom and are expected to appear in court in February for sentencing.

“The fraud was uncovered by Eskom’s forensic investigators following a whistleblower’s report about alleged corruption between Eskom employees and the service provider, Megra Transport.

“The investigations revealed that Moraka, whilst employed at Eskom… colluded with Tshabalala to create fictitious invoices for the payment of a [transport] route not covered by Eskom in terms of the [coal delivery] agreement between Eskom and Megra Transport,” Mjonondwane said.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has advised driving licence holders, who need to renew their driving licence cards, that its services will be open for business over the festive season.

The RTMC operates two driving licensing centres at Waterfall Office Park in Midrand and Eco-Origins Park in Centurion.

“The centres operate from 7am to 9pm daily, including Saturday and Sunday. Drivers whose driving licence cards expired between March 2020 and August 2021 are called upon to make urgent arrangements to renew before the expiry of the grace period in March 2022.

“The two RTMC licensing centres have bought relief to thousands of drivers who were seeking to renew their driving licence cards or to obtain temporary driving licences,” RTMC said on Wednesday.

A total of 26 816 licences have been issued by the two centres since October 2021 when they started operating to date.

The centres have now expanded the services offered to include applications for professional driving permits.

Motorists are reminded to pre-book their appointment at online.natis.gov.za beforehand.

The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported at least 23 884 new laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infections for Tuesday, with a positivity rate over about 34.9%.

This brings the total number of reported cases to 3 204 642, with fatalities reaching 90 172.

The NICD said at least 24 people lost their lives due to complications related to the virus, with a further 599 new hospitalisations.

“The majority of new cases today are from Gauteng with 8 685, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 5 205. The Western Cape accounted for 3 180 cases, Eastern Cape  1 744, Free State 1 409, North West 1 453, Mpumalanga 1 108, Limpopo 767 and the Northern Cape 333,” the institute said on Tuesday.

The number of vaccines administered on Tuesday reached 102 398, bringing the total to at least 27.3 million jabs.

Three suspects between the ages of 55 to 65 are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates court soon on multiple charges of fraud surpassing R299 million.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant, Colonel Philani Nkwalase, said the trio were served with court summons (J175) by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on Friday and Monday for their alleged involvement on a series of tax and VAT evasion.

“The suspects worked under the same company over the period between 2010 and 2016. In the process of performing their duties they have on diferent occasions, reportedly submitted false tax and VAT document to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).”

He said it was further alleged that in the same period fraudulent tax clearance certificate documents were submitted to gain security tenders from local government procurement processes.

“They will appear in court on the 27 January 2022 facing an assortment of fraud charges, more arrests are imminent,” he said.