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Social Development Deputy Minister, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, will today continue her drive to get children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) back to school by distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to ECD centres across the Western Cape.

This follows a successful delivery of PPE to ECD centres in the Northern Cape.

Over 5 000 children in seven provinces have benefitted from the initiative, which aimed to assist ECD centres in rural areas to comply with COVID-19 regulations, and enable the centres to open their doors for children.

To date, over 4 200 children attending ECDs have benefitted.

In February this year, the Department of Social Development launched the ECD Employment Stimulus Relief Fund (ECD-ESRF) to help ECD services to recover from the loss of income caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The department received R496 million to assist the sector, which was amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic.

By the end of the closing date for applications of the funding on 26 February 2021, a total of 3 164 programmes in Western Cape had applied for the fund.

“The department commenced with the payment of the fund and thus far, payments to 8 807 ECD services and 33 533 employees – to the value of R140 369 138 – were made. Unfortunately, the department was unable to process further payments, where applications had bank and staff verification inaccuracies.

“The department is encouraging all ECD services, which received notification via SMS, to update their details by no later than 7 May 2021.

“The department would also like to advise the sector that it has removed the cap that was placed, where up to four employees were going to be paid. This means that ECD services that have passed all the verifications will receive funding for all employees they applied for,” the department said.

The Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) unit of the Department of Employment and Labour has issued 14 businesses with 33 non-compliance notices during a blitz inspection conducted at Tower Mall, Jouberton, in the North West.

In a statement, the department said the focus of such inspections is on compliance with labour legislation, such as the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Act, Compensation Fund (CF) Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

Provincial Chief Inspector, Boikie Mampuru, said the number of notices issued on Tuesday is a serious cause for concern, as it means that workers are not protected.

“Only one out of 14 outlets that we inspected was compliant with the four pieces of legislation [upon which] our blitz was based. The rest were either non-compliant in one or more, with most notices recorded under non-compliance with different regulations within the Compensation for Occupational and Diseases Act (COIDA) and Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act),” said Mampuru.

In dealing with non-complying employers, Mampuru said the standard operating procedures will be followed to ensure that all workers’ rights are not infringed.

He reiterated the commitment the IES unit made earlier this year during a workshop to equip and capacitate OHS inspectors. In that workshop, the department committed to a new level of protection for employees in the province.

The inspections are part of the service delivery campaign by the department.

 The South African National Parks (SANParks) has praised the bravery and dedication of firefighters in their efforts to contain the fire that caused massive destruction after it started in the Table Mountain National Park on Sunday.

Those involved in containing the fire included the volunteers, City of Cape Town (CoCT) Fire, Rescue Services and Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) rangers, amongst others.

“The devastating fires across the TMNP have brought home the value of partnerships and working together as a community to manage this National Park we all love.

“Without the collective efforts of the 125 TMNP rangers, the 170 fire and rescue workers, the South African National Defence Force, CoCT personnel, law enforcement and the many volunteers, the damage, as devastating as it was, could have been much worse,” said SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mketeni said the immediacy of the reactions of fire-fighting teams from all areas of the Western Cape, their skill, courage and commitment ensured that the fire was mostly contained by Monday afternoon.

The Rhodes Memorial Fire was reported at 9am on Sunday morning.

The TMNP/ contract wildfire crews (NCC Wildfire) from the Newlands Firebase were dispatched immediately.

TMNP Fire Manager, Philip Prins, co-ordinated the firefighters on the line from TMNP, NCC Wildfires, Working on Fire, CoCT Fire and Rescue Services and Volunteer Wildfire Services.

TMNP and the CoCT had four helicopters operating in the area. The SA Air Force also made available two helicopters to assist with the fire.

“We also thank our 120 rangers who manage and protect this vast area of more than 28,000 hectares, recognising the many challenges they face.

“To manage an urban park stretching from Signal Hill to Cape Point, we rely heavily on our communities to assist, alert and raise the alarm on disasters like this, which is exactly what happened on Sunday morning,” Mketeni said.

SANParks also commended the generosity shown by the community of Cape Town to those firefighters and also to those most affected by the fire, most notably the 4 000 University of Cape Town students who had to be evacuated from their residences.

“The outpouring of support on an emotional level was matched if not surpassed by the generosity of donations of food, water and other necessities from businesses and communities,” Mketeni said.

SANParks estimates that the fire has destroyed 600 hectares of land in the TMNP thus far.

An independent investigation is being carried out on the causes and the origin of the fire.

SANParks will facilitate a platform for a series of discussions on the complex topic of managing fire in the park.

The National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) have dismissed as a scam, reports of trillions of Rands donor funds going missing – after being deposited at the central bank.

The allegations were made by businessman and politician Tokyo Sexwale during an interview he had with eNCA on Sunday evening.

During the interview with host JJ Tabane, Sexwale alleged that billions that have been deposited at the SARB, have gone missing.

In a joint statement National Treasury and the SARB said the allegations point to a common scam.

“Over the years, National Treasury and the SARB have received many such requests for, or promises, of billions (and now trillions) of rands or dollars, and from experience regard these as simply scams. Any claim that such funds are meant for deserving causes such as COVID-19 relief, social grants or grants for free education are simply empty promises, to secure the interest of the potential victim,” said the parties.

The Treasury and the Reserve Bank had previously received correspondence from Sexwale and many others alleging that billions of rands have been stolen from a fund that has been referred to as the ‘White Spiritual Boy Trust’ and which was set up by a foreign donor.

“It is further alleged that there are trillions of dollars in the said fund and that, inter alia, a certain Mr Goodwin Erin Webb was its mandated representative in South Africa,” reads the statement.

Subsequent investigations by the SARB confirmed that it had no record of the existence of the said fund and it had advised Sexwale in writing that, given the SARB’s experience and knowledge of this and other similar matters, it could only conclude that the alleged fund was a scam.

“It should be noted that Mr Sexwale is not the first prominent person acting on behalf of a Mr Webb or an unknown donor, for such funds, and such requests can be traced to many years before 2016.

“The SARB can confirm that all cross-border transactions are reported to the SARB by commercial banks who are appointed as Authorised Dealers in foreign exchange transactions. The SARB has concluded that there is no evidence to support the existence of such funds.”

The Treasury and SARB said if Sexwale believes otherwise, the onus was on him and his unknown sponsor to provide independent written proof of the existence and/or transfer of such funds.

The two would also have to provide certified copies of actual identification and citizenship of such ‘donors’, in line with the normal FICA-type anti-money laundering requirements.

“Allegations of theft of non-existent funds have no validity,” the Treasury and SARB said.

The Mahlabathini Magistrates Court in KwaZulu-Natal has slapped a pupil with a community-based sentence of 12 months, after she was convicted of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

According to the provincial National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the matter relates to the assault of a fellow learner from Mathole High School in Mahlabathini in September last year.

“The incident was captured on video and widely circulated on social media,” the NPA said in a statement on Monday.

According to the judgment, the 26-year-old learner will also be placed under the supervision of a probation officer for the 12-month period and referred for intensive therapy to manage issues that may have led to the offence.

In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Fatima Khawula set out some conditions, which include the accused not leaving the magisterial district without prior written consent from the probation officer and submit a written apology to the victim.

“In addition, the probation officer must facilitate a mediation between the accused and the victim.”

The NPA said District Court Prosecutor Khethiwe Buthelezi successfully prosecuted the matter.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, Advocate Elaine Zungu welcomed the finalisation of this matter.

“We acknowledge the prevalence of bullying in the school environment. We will give these matters the necessary attention and ensure prosecutions accordingly,” she said.

Bullying is back in the spotlight after a Grade 10 learner from Limpopo, Lufuno Mavhungu, was laid to rest over the weekend after she took her own life after being bullied by a fellow pupil.

This comes after the viral video of her being attacked on 12 April 2021, in full view of her peers at Mbilwi Secondary School, made rounds on social media.

The suspect, who is a minor, has since been arrested and is facing a charge of assault.

The teenager made her first court appearance last week.

National Police Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole, has commended the Public Order Police (POP) unit attached to the Qonce policing precinct for the manner in which they handled a violent protest.

A police nyala was burnt by protesters and South African Police Service (SAPS) members were attacked. The incident happened near the Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape.

Members of the POP unit were monitoring a protest when they came under fire from university students.

Four POP members sustained injuries when a group of violent protestors threw stones at members conducting foot and vehicle patrols. One member has since been hospitalised.

Two members monitoring the violent protest in a police nyala escaped unharmed when the Nyala was set alight. The pair managed to jump out moments before the armoured vehicle burst into flames.

The National Commissioner has called on the Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape to mobilise the 72-hour activation plan, a plan designed to mobilise critical resources and expertise to gather intelligence and evidence to help successfully identify the culprits responsible for undermining the authority of the State.

“Members from the POP unit must be commended for practising restraint and enforcing the law within the parameters as set out by the Constitution when they came under attack.

“We wish the injured members a speedy recovery and have also dispatched our Employee Health and Wellness unit to provide psychological support to all affected members,” Sitole said.

Criminal cases, including malicious damage to property and assault, have been registered for investigation. No suspects have been arrested as yet.

SAPS has called on anyone who saw what transpired or know of anyone who is responsible for these acts to contact their nearest police station or share the information through the MySAPS App. Members of the public are reminded that they may remain anonymous.

The Department of Social Development says a total of R140 369 138 has been processed for the Early Childhood Development Employment Stimulus Relief Fund (ECD-ESRF) payments.

Applications for the ECD-ESRF closed on 26 February 2021.

The department said despite the challenges, it was able to process a number of batches to provinces for payment, which relates to 8 087 ECD services and 33 533 employees, respectively, for a total payment value of R140 369 138.

The department said 28 283 applications were received from ECD services for 126 125 employees, and after validation of employees, the number was reduced to 116 578.

The department said multiple support mechanisms were put in place, in collaboration with its partners, for provision of assistance to ECD services to correct their information in order for the department to move forward with processing of the applications for payment.

“To assist with the process of making payments to ECD services that captured incorrect staff identity (ID) numbers, the department had to review its initial plan of making only one payment to an ECD service for all employees to making partial payments to the ECD service for employees that have passed the ID verification process so that the ECD service receives some funding.

“This means that some ECD services will receive funding for some of their employees, while the ECD service is still updating information for the rest of their employees,” the department explained.

May deadline

In addition, there are a number of ECD services that failed banking verification and captured information incorrectly. This has prevented the department from processing the applications for payment as speedily as planned.

The department said the responsibility lies with the ECD service to correct and update their applications accordingly.

In order to enable the processing of the remainder of payments, the department emphasised that it completely dependent on ECD services that have received notifications through SMS to update their details by not later than 7 May 2021.

ECD services can go to www.ecd.gov.za, which will allow applicants to update and correct their applications, as well as check their application status using their reference number.

For failed banking verification, ECD services can go to https://secure.csd.gov.za to update or correct their banking information.

The department’s partner, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, will be hosting information sessions which can be accessed on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87228536319?pwd=cnE5S3dCOGIxcXBvdEkzR2ZhOFUrQT09 from Monday, 19 April to Friday, 23 April 2021, from 09h00 – 11h00 daily.

Enquiries can be directed to ecd@dsd.gov.za or ecdstimulus@dgmt.co.za.

All ECD employees to receive funding

The department said it has removed the cap that was placed, where up to only four employees were going to be paid for ECD centres and only one employee was going to be paid for non-centre-based services.

“This means that ECD services that have passed all the necessary verifications will receive funding for all the employees that they applied for. The value of the payment for each employee is R4 186… This payment is directed to the employees of ECD services that have been applied for by the ECD service,” the department said.

The department also acknowledged that the 2020/21 financial year has ended and this makes it difficult to process any further payments.

To address this challenge, the department has been engaging with National Treasury for guidance on all supporting documents that are required to secure the finalisation of outstanding payments as soon as possible.

However, the department warned that this process will result in some delays in making payments to ECD services.

Monitoring visits to approved organisations

Meanwhile, the department will be conducting monitoring visits to organisations that have been approved for payment by provincial Departments of Social Development, and have received funding.

The visits are part of the ongoing due diligence processes.

“ECD services are reminded to keep expenditure reports and payroll records (employment contracts etc. and signed acknowledgement by employees that they have received their funds) so that these can be presented when site monitoring takes place,” the department said.

The Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) has put various measures in place to ensure patients still receive the best care, with minimal disruptions to service delivery.

This comes after a fire at the facility on Saturday, which forced some patients to be transferred to other facilities within Gauteng.

Caesarean surgeries

According to the Gauteng Health Department, all planned caesarean surgeries and all those who need urgent operations at the CMJAH should go to Discoverers Community Healthcare Centre a day before they are scheduled for admission.

The clinic is located at number 39 Clarendon Drive, Discovery, Florida, in the west of Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, all antenatal services will be offered at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital.

Gynaecological surgery

All patients booked for gynaecological surgery will be contacted for new appointments, which will now be done at South Rand Hospital by CMJAH medics.

Gynaecological clinic services will also be provided at South Rand Hospital. All booked patients will be contacted and given new dates.

Treatment of admitted patients

Patients that were transferred from the CMJAH following the fire are being properly accommodated at other hospitals in the province.

The process to inform families where their loved ones have been transferred commenced on Saturday, 17 April 2020, and is still underway.

All enquiries should be sent to the Gauteng Citizens Relationship Management hotline on 0800 22 8827, 0800 428 8364 or email hotline@guateng.gov.za or support@gauteng.gov.za.

“We thank the people of Gauteng for their patience during this period. The department will communicate more information as and when it becomes available,” the department said.

GPG Hotline

The Gauteng provincial government has activated  a hotline to deal with public enquiries, regarding chronic medication, various surgeries, gynae clinic etc as well as families checking up on loved ones who were admitted at the hospital.

The hotline can be reached on 0800 22 8827 or 0800 428 8364 or email hotline@gauteng.gov.za or support@gauteng.gov.za. 

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, says government is hoping to inoculate 46.2 million South Africans by March 2022.

However, this is provided the country receives the millions of vaccines that the nation has secured from drug makers.

“This tally excludes the 500 000 that will be vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol. We are also hopeful that COVAX will be able to deliver 1.2 million doses this quarter,” the Minister said on Monday.

South Africa is expecting 31 200 000 Johnson & Johnson jabs and 30 002 310 batches of the Pfizer vaccine which will be delivered in phases.

Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS)

He announced that, as of Monday at 6pm, 343 420 senior citizens have already registered on the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS).

Mkhize launched the COVID-19 vaccine online registration for the public on Friday, starting with those who are aged 60 and above, as the department gears up for phase two of the country’s vaccine rollout.

“We call on all South Africans to assist their friends, family and neighbours who are 60 years and older to register on the EVDS by accessing the portal online at vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za.”

Mass vaccination

The mass vaccination campaign is due to commence on 17 May 2021 and Mkhize believes it represents hope for the nation after the social, economic and psychological carnage left by COVID-19.

“It is for this reason that I have embarked on a nationwide tour to assess the readiness of provinces to roll out the vaccines at the anticipated rate that will be required to achieve population immunity by the first quarter in 2022,” he explained.

Mkhize has completed three provincial visits and said he was satisfied that Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape understand the requirements and will rise to the occasion.

“Having being presented with the mass vaccination rollout plan for the Western Cape, I was pleased to note that the province has given full consideration to the interventions that need to be implemented such that the province can vaccinate the nearly five million citizens targeted for that region,” he said during his meeting with the Western Cape leaders on Monday.

He assured Premier Alan Winde and Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo that the National Health Department has secured enough vaccines for all the provinces for both the public and private sectors.

“The Western Cape will get as many vaccines as they need to achieve population immunity. Therefore, there is no need for any provincial government to procure its own vaccines,” he said.

“The province can therefore focus their energies on the distribution and logistics of inoculation.”

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, Nomalungelo Gina, has kicked off her week-long visit to KwaZulu-Natal with a visit to the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ).

Gina’s visit is part of the national Siyahlola Programme whose purpose is to assess progress made in the implementation of the Special Economic Zones Programme (SEZ), Revitalisation of Industrial Parks Programme and the sector-specific Master Plans that are part of the re-imagined national industrial development strategy.

Gina met with the City of uMhlathuze Mayor, Mduduzi Mhlongo, RBIDZ’s Chairperson Mel Clark, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Simangele Ngcobo and other senior government officials from KwaZulu-Natal.

The Deputy Minister reiterated that the SEZ programme is one of the key instruments that are used to achieve the objectives of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

“The SEZ Programme has managed to attract a significant number of investors.  This has seen the value of operational investments increasing from R17.7 billion by the end of the third quarter of the 2019-2020 financial year to R19.5 billion by the end of the third quarter of the 2020-2021 financial year.

“This is a positive increase of R1.8 billion. During the same period, the number of investments have increased from 129 to 143,” Gina said on Monday.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, as a critical stakeholder in the implementation of the RBIDZ and custodian of the SEZ programme, is happy with the progress made in relation to the investment drive and job creation efforts.

“Government has to create a platform where shareholders and investors can be able to feel the impact of our intervention when it comes to foreign and domestic direct Investments in these zones.

“We need to look at the whole value chain and identify projects that will be able to empower all surrounding areas including entrepreneurs outside these zones,” Gina said.

She said programmes like Siyahlola will result in tangible things being achieved through the sharing of ideas at all levels.

RBIDZ’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Simangele Ngcobo believes that the programme will strengthen all efforts aimed at turning around circumstances caused by COVID-19.

“The recorded progress is evidenced by the commencement of construction by the two catalyst investment projects being Wilmar Processing SA (Pty) Ltd and Nyanza Light Metals (Pty) Ltd, which are investing a combined private investment value of R5.8 billion.

“They are expected to create approximately 800 direct jobs.  These investments are expected to create an estimated 2 200 construction jobs. These projects come at a time when there has been a sharp decline in the construction sector and an increase in unemployment globally,” said Ngcobo.

Ngcobo also expressed appreciation for the support by all spheres of government – nationally, provincially and locally.

She added that RBIDZ is pleased that the Deputy Minister commended the positive progress by the entity and further committed to intervene in resolving bottlenecks with speed.

“RBIDZ remains a strategic asset that will help change the face of the province moving forward.

“We are determined to contribute towards the creation of employment leveraging on the direct investments with different sectors of the economy being targeted to drive growth, spiralling skills transfer as well as value chain benefits to the people at large,” said Ngcobo.