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“It has been a very rough journey, one might say and in that process, we learnt a lot and made many mistakes, but we also achieved a lot,” says Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

“On this day one year ago, we received the shocking news and we look back at the year and thank South Africans for the fearless manner in which they approached the fight against the virus,” Mkhize said as he addressed staff at the KwaZulu-Natal hospital.

He recalled how he made a phone call to President Cyril Rampahosa confirming the news of the country’s first case, saying the day was filled with trepidation and anxiety.

“… This is the call I wish to have never had to make,” he said.

Mkhize, who visited “patient zero”, said that in hindsight, the man “was doing so well”.

The Minister paid tribute to the role played by healthcare workers across the country, while also thanking South Africans for adhering to lockdown regulations.

“[The lockdown] had to be done and we thank South Africans for cooperating,” he said in his address.

Prior to delivering his remarks, a moment of silence was observed in remembrance of all those who have lost their lives to the virus.

Also going down memory lane was Dr Bradley Naidoo, who recalled a phone call in which he learnt of the admission of the first COVID-19 patient not only in the province, but in the country.

Naidoo had been on his last night shift before he was due to go on leave.

“I received a call around midnight and a million thoughts ran through my mind,” said the doctor.

He said the patient’s needs were placed first and that there was great relief when he was discharged.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala, who accompanied the Minister at the commemoration, thanked healthcare workers for their dedication.

“As a province, we were the first to experience the first case,” he said, recalling the shock and anxiety.

While new COVID-19 cases are falling, the Premier warned against complacency.

“We are not out of the woods yet; we must be responsible. We are not out of this pandemic. We must ensure we fight fake news and disinformation,” said the Premier.

Reflecting on the path travelled, Mkhize urged South Africans to be patient as the country obtains vaccines. This as healthcare workers are currently being inoculated.

“We were always clear that we needed a vaccine, vaccination doses for everyone will come,” he said.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said once the vaccination of healthcare workers has been completed, phase two of the vaccination rollout will begin in late April or early May.

Phase two will include the elderly, essential workers, persons living or working in institutional settings and those with comorbidities.

For the second phase, more sites for vaccination in the public and private healthcare sector will be activated.

“We have recently signed an agreement with Johnson & Johnson to secure 11 million doses.  Of these doses, 2.8 million doses will be delivered in the second quarter and the rest spread throughout the year,” said the President.

Government has also secured 20 million doses from Pfizer, which will be delivered from the second quarter. In addition, 12 million vaccine doses from the COVAX facility have been secured, and South Africa is in the process of finalising dose allocation from the African Union.

Mkhize assured the public that the country is on course.

“We want to say to South Africans, the country is on course. We don’t have the same fear we had a year ago. Our health workers are currently receiving vaccines,” said the Minister.

To date, over 90 000 healthcare workers have been vaccinated. South Africa is targeting to vaccinate 40 million citizens in order to achieve heard immunity.

Government is hoping that the rate of inoculation will increase from April as more vaccination doses are expected to arrive in the country this month.

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said South Africa is expecting an extra 500 000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines between now and the end of March.

Also, about three million doses will arrive between April and June, while the remaining jabs will follow in the next two quarters of the year.

According to the Minister, the country is also anticipating about 600 000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to land in South Africa before the end of March.

“Between five and seven million are expected to arrive in April to June and after that, we should get more,” he told the National Press Club (NPC) on Thursday.

“Again, with Pfizer, we still need to sign the first agreement and confirm the second agreement,” he said, adding that the country has 20 million from the pharmaceutical company.

In addition, he announced that the COVAX facility will also be shipping about 600 000 jabs to the country.

Meanwhile, government is still finalising discussions with Russia’s Sputnik V, which is currently undergoing the process of registration locally and China’s Sinopharm.

In the meantime, he said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has demonstrated to have the most effective action against the 501Y.V2 variant, first discovered in South Africa.

“The others such as Pfizer and Moderna have also demonstrated some degree of activity. However, that was demonstrated in a lab setting and not a clinical trial, so in the process are some of the considerations that we take into account as we go through the selection of vaccines.”

He has assured South Africans that the two vaccines, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer are the best to deal with 501Y.V2.

Oxford-AstraZeneca

Meanwhile, he said the Oxford-AstraZeneca that was ordered from the Serum Institute of India (SII) is almost ready to be transported to the African Union (AU) countries.

South Africa suspended the rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine after new studies released showing that it is less effective against the mutated 501Y.V2.

“Discussions have happened and the AU will buy it at the same cost South Africa bought the doses from SII.”

He said the legal team is finalising an agreement to be released to various countries in the continent.

“We haven’t used any of it and will not use any immediately until we get clear guidance from our scientists about what is the best way of utilising AstraZeneca. The number of these countries don’t have this variant and are free to utilise the AstraZeneca and it is still effective in a number of countries.”

Vaccination is not compulsory

The Minister reiterated that no one will be forced to take the vaccine.

“It’s not compulsory. But you’re advised that it’s in your best interest to take the vaccine.”

He said the scepticism from people often stems from safety concerns.

“That’s why the President felt he needed to be at the forefront. That’s why I and a number of other leaders have participated to make sure that the issues of safety get taken out of the way.”

He acknowledged that because COVID-19 is new, some citizens may battle to distinguish between facts and fake news.

“Companies should not force anyone to take the vaccine but explain to them that in fact, it’s in their best interest to be able to do so. However, if someone decides not to take the vaccine I think all you can do is to continue to persuade them.”

For instance, he said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine protects the individual that even if they are exposed to infection, they will not get very sick.

“Like in the Johnson & Johnson, it has shown to reduce mild, moderate and severe diseases and reduces hospitalisation and death.”

However, once again, he said no one should be coerced.

The National Development Agency (NDA) has disputed comments that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who had applied for the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) funding for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) have not been paid.

The NDA said remarks by Rise Up Against GBV Director Mandisa Khanyile during an interview with Newzroom Afrika, that CSOs who had applied for the CARA funding have not been paid, and that the NDA’s report to the Social Development Portfolio Committee in Parliament about payment to the CSOs are not true.

“The commentary made by Khanyile is not only misleading but malicious, as it suggests that the NDA and the Department of Social Development have not been implementing crucial government intervention towards the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in the country through the Criminal Assets Recovery Account Programme,” said NDA CEO Thamo Mzobe.

Mzobe explained that the Social Development, as the lead and coordinating department for the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), requested funds from CARA fund for strengthening prevention of victimisation and support services for victims of crime and violence.

VEP is one of the key priorities of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster as reflected in the Integrated Criminal Justice System Strategy, and it contributes to Outcome 3: People in South Africa are and feel safe.

In partnership with Social Development and the Interim Steering Committee on GBVF, Mzobe said the NDA issued a request for proposals from CSOs that implement VEP in response to GBVF, targeting all nine provinces in 2020.

R85 million approved for CSOs funding

She said that through the call for proposals, a total of 592 applications were received from CSOs in all nine provinces.

“The NDA Board approved funding to 312 CSOs to the value of R85.6 million, as recommended by the Grant Evaluation Committee. Of the board approved funding, R36.75 million has been disbursed to approved CSOs. This amount comprises of R33.75 million in first tranche payments to 249 CSOs, and R3 million in second tranche payments to 22 CSOs,” Mzobe explained.

Mzobe noted that the outstanding payments which have been committed and amounting to R48.85 million, are made up of both first tranche payments to the 63 remaining CSOs that were approved for funding, and second tranche payments committed to 290 approved CSOs.

Payment delays are normally due to late reporting by implementing CSOs, she said.

“As the NDA, we are committed to the empowerment of CSOs to ensure they are able to partner with government and have sustainable programmes to respond to the scourge of GBVF in South Africa.

“We will ensure that the funds from the CARA Programme are given to the remaining approved CSOs to enable them to implement their Victim Empowerment Programmes. Our objective through this programme is not only to fund these CSOs but to capacitate them and enable them to have sustainable programmes that will deal with GBVF,” Mzobe said.

She added that the NDA will continue to give regular feedback to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee and the public, through NDA social media platforms and the media regarding the CARA Programme, and the continued disbursement of the funds to the remaining CSOs.

The National Press Club (NPC) has named COVID-19 as the Newsmaker of the Year for 2020.

This comes a year since the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, confirmed the first case of Coronavirus in South Africa on 5 March 2020.

The annual award, made possible by the NPC since 1980, honours a newsmaker in a calendar year based on the amount of media coverage received as well as the impact thereof.

The NPC Chairperson, Val Boje, said no story dominated the news in the past 365 days as COVID-19 did.

“From that first case through the five levels of lockdown, the ‘family meetings’ and vigorous debates around the regulations; the need for personal protective equipment and the demands made on the healthcare services; working from home and job losses; the socio-economic impact, and the need for vaccines,” Boje said on Thursday night.

Boje also dedicated the award to all those in this country and beyond who have spent the past year fighting the virus, especially doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

She also made a special mention of scientists and others who have provided advice and worked on treatments and vaccines.

Mkhize has described the past year as “tumultuous”.

“I believe this award is for all the South Africans out there, fighting COVID-19, the health workers and all those who have had to endure the difficulties of the pandemic. We accept it on the basis that we all understand that those are the people that this award is honouring,” said the Minister.

The press club also took a moment to remember the 50 000 people who have lost their lives to the infectious disease.

“We urge everyone to continue taking the required precautions such as wearing a mask in public and regular hand and surface sanitising,” it said.

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Thursday gazetted an updated COVID-19 TERS Direction, paving the way for the Unemployment Insurance Fund to process claims after the relief scheme’s extension last month.

In a statement, the UIF said the new direction is a sequel to the announcement of the extension pronounced by President Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address in February. The relief extends as further support to sectors that are unable to operate due to lockdown measures.

The decision came after much deliberation between the UIF and Nedlac social partners. During these engagements, it was agreed that the extension should cover businesses or establishments in sectors hardest hit by lockdown such as tourism, liquor, hospitality, conferencing events and other business activities still affected in related value chains.

The fund in the statement said Nedlac social partners considered the list that the UIF proposed and ensured that it covers all business activities that cannot fully operate due to lockdown regulations.

Acting UIF Commissioner Marsha Bronkhorst said: “The social partners impressed on us that we need to carefully consider other business activities that get indirectly impacted if the main business they render a service to is not operational.

“For example, a bottling supplier in the liquor industry gets affected if production is stopped or reduced by the alcohol manufacturer, and so does the wine or grain farmer who supplies raw material to the manufacturer. So, the invaluable input from social partners has assisted in drawing up the comprehensive list that is attached as an annexure to the Direction,” she said.

She said it should be noted that, according to this Direction, COVID-19 TERS payments will only be applicable to employees who are contributors to UIF, in terms of UIF Act, 2001.

“This means if you are registered with the Fund as a contributor and fall within the identified sectors or business establishments, and have not been able to work normally, you qualify to receive the benefit,” said the fund.

The benefit will also cover vulnerable employees who have comorbidities, or who are 60-years or older and cannot be safely accommodated at work, and those who must isolate or quarantine to prevent infections, regardless of the sector they work in.

Added the Fund: “Employees who continue to be affected by short time, shift rotations, temporary layoff, and other operational requirements related to current economic conditions, but who do not work in the specified sectors, will be entitled to claim relief under section 12 (1B) of the UIF Act.”

To assist employees to maximise the benefits associated with credits used in claiming under 12 (1B), the Direction allows for the benefit calculated to be paid out in full (and not as usual to the benefit level), providing that when added to what the employee earned for work performed in the period, it does not exceed their normal earnings.

The Fund will follow two payment iterations for the extension period, with the first being from 16 October to 31 December 2020, and the second from 1 January to 15 March 2021.

UIF has already opened the online application system to start processing claims for the first payment iteration. Guidelines on the application process are available on the Department of Employment and Labour website (https://uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19/) and COVID-19 TERS portal (uifecc.labour.gov.za).

Acting Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has paid tribute to veteran journalist and political analyst Karima Brown for her contribution to the South African media industry.

“Brown had an unwavering commitment to journalism and was never afraid to ask difficult questions and speak her mind. Her patriotism saw her pushing the boundaries of complacency and exposing wrong doing wherever she came across it,” the Minister said.

Brown, who was also an anchor of eNCA’s weekly show ‘The Fix’, passed away on Thursday from COVID-19 related complications.

She has held various editorial positions in both print and broadcast media over the years.

“Her journalistic instinct contributed significantly to the vibrant and diversified media in South Africa. Indeed, South Africa and the media industry is poorer without her,” Ntshavheni said.

Brown was also an activist who in her early years contributed to the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.

She played a critical role in the Cape Youth Congress (CAYCO) and the building of the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO).

“Her fiery approach to the pursuit of truth and justice has left an indelible mark in South African journalism. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” said the Minister.

Government has conveyed its deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and the media fraternity.

Meanwhile, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) also conveyed its condolences.

“Brown was a controversial media figure. Before taking up her job at eNCA as the anchor of the much talked about The Fix, Brown lodged a complaint accusing her former employers at Talk Radio 702 of censorship and editorial interference. This followed the station not renewing her contract,“ said SANEF.

The forum described Brown as a mentor to many young journalists.

“However, to many young upcoming journalists, Brown was a mentor. Many of them have taken to social media platforms thanking her for her role in the development of their careers. SANEF extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues,” it said in a statement.

South Africa now has 1 517 666 confirmed COVID-19 cases after the first case was reported in the country, one year ago.

At least 1 406 were confirmed to have contracted the virus on Thursday.

“Regrettably, 96 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

According to the Minister, Gauteng recorded the highest number of fatalities in the last 24 hours after 27 patients succumbed to the infectious disease.

The province is followed by 25 deaths in Free State, 18 in the Western Cape, 17 in KwaZulu-Natal, five in the Eastern Cape, two in Mpumalanga and one each in Limpopo and the Northern Cape.

The latest figures push the death toll to 50 462 since the outbreak.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased patients,” Mkhize added.

In addition, the number of healthcare workers vaccinated is 92 029 as of 6:30pm on Thursday.

The Minister also announced that 1 436 010 people beat COVID-19, representing a recovery rate of 94.6%, while the country has 30 799 active cases.

“The cumulative total of tests conducted to date is 9 178 323 with 30 799 new tests recorded since the last report.”

According to the World Health Organisation, there have been 114 853 685 confirmed global COVID-19 cases, including 2 554 694 deaths, to date.

Meanwhile, 248 987 115 vaccine doses have been administered worldwide as of today.

South Africa has exhausted its first batch of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in two weeks, with 83 570 healthcare workers vaccinated as of Wednesday.

“We are very encouraged that our first target of exhausting the first batch of 80 000 vaccines from Johnson & Johnson in two weeks has been achieved and exceeded.

“We have taken every opportunity to learn from this process and continue to refine the programme in preparation for the rollout to the larger community in the subsequent phases,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

The first consignment of the single-dose vaccine arrived in South Africa in February, while the second batch arrived this past weekend.

The Minister announced that 95 more people succumbed to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.

Of these, 30 were reported in Gauteng, 25 in the Western Cape, 19 in the Free State, eight in KwaZulu-Natal, seven in Mpumalanga and five in the Eastern Cape, which pushes the death toll to 50 366.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased patients,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, South Africa has recorded 1 516 262 cases after 1 447 new infections were identified since the last report.

According to the Minister, there are 1 434 772 people who beat COVID-19, while 33 498 patients are currently infected.

The information is based on the 9 147 524 tests performed, 33 498 of which were done in the last reporting cycle.

The World Health Organisation has reported 114 428 211 confirmed global cases of COVID-19, including 2 543 755 deaths to date.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has urged the country not to allow COVID-19 to keep it from reaching the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality.

Nkoana- Mashabane said COVID-19 has already impacted the lives of women and girls, and exposed the fault lines of inequalities and patriarchy that continue to persist.

“Gender equality remains critical towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. We have only nine years to reach this goal.

“COVID-19 has exacerbated these inequalities and negative social norms for women and girls, not least of which is growing poverty and joblessness among women, and the continuing scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF),” Nkoana-Mashabane said.

The Minister made these remarks at the national stakeholder consultation this week ahead of the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), which will take place from 15-26 March 2021.

The meeting brought to the fore the voices and experiences of women on the ground to ensure that lived experiences are always at the forefront of gender equality efforts on a global scale.

This year’s theme aligns closely with the outcomes of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence, which highlights economic empowerment as a key area of concern that must be addressed.

Lack of women representation

The Minister emphasised the need for 50-50 representation at local government level.

“We want women leaders at this level to make a difference for the ordinary women on the ground through policy and intervention measures. In this way women’s access to basic services, water, electricity, and sanitation can be prioritised.

“We want women leaders to promote women’s employment as well as opportunities to entrepreneurship and access 40% of the procurement spend,” Nkoana-Mashabane said.

Among the issues raised by participants were the lack of women representation in leadership and decision-making bodies; the lack of young women representation in various labour sectors, and the need for increased funding for programmes that address national concerns like patriarchal attitudes and toxic masculinity.

Participants were also vocal about the need for increased funding to NGOs working to localise the District Development Model and drive change on the ground, through community work and stakeholder participation.

About the Commission on the Status of Women

The CSW is a global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

The commission is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

This year’s CSW65 will held under the theme,” Women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.”

The Gauteng province has activated four new COVID-19 vaccination sites as of Wednesday, says Health MEC, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi.

The four new sites are based at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Netcare Milpark Private Hospital and Lenmed Ahmed Kathrada Private Hospital, and are now operational.

“The more sites are added to the system, the more health workers will be reached. I am pleased to see that at all sites, there is a growing appetite among healthcare workers to participate in this early access study programme being implemented by the South African Medical Research Council as part of the Sisonke Vaccination Programme,” said the MEC.

The sites will supplement the first two sites, which are the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

This brings to six the number of vaccination sites in the province. Mokgethi expressed her satisfaction at how well the activation of additional vaccination sites in the province has proceeded.

In this second round of inoculations, Gauteng has been allocated 18 040 doses of vaccines for both public (13 840) and private sector (4200) healthcare workers.

Half of the doses (8 520) will be used this week, while the other half (9 520) will be rolled out in the following week once delivered.

Previously, the province received 16 800 doses which were used ahead of schedule.

Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, was among those who were vaccinated at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of protecting the healthcare system first, so that healthcare workers can lead form the front in ensuring that as many people as possible are eventually vaccinated.

The MEC, together with Gauteng Premier David Makhura, visited the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

The hospital is the place where the first patient to present with COVID-19 in the public health sector in the country in 2020, Glynne Mitchell, expressed gratitude for the treatment she received at the facility.

She said the launch of early access vaccination at the facility was a great day for healthcare workers.

“Thank goodness I was in the best care. Dr [Jarrod] Zamperini was the doctor who treated me. He made the best choices for me, for the condition I was in.

“I’m eternally grateful for him. He put me at ease. He said I could not be in a better hospital. I’m so glad he is vaccinated today.  It gives such faith and hope for all our frontline healthcare workers.”

On whether she will take the vaccine when the mass vaccination rollout starts, Mitchell said: “I will be vaccinated.”

Operational hours

The six Gauteng vaccination sites operate mainly during the week during working hours.

The provincial Health Department pointed out that operational hours might vary from site to site, and it is important that healthcare workers familiarise themselves with how their chosen site operates to avoid disappointments and delays.

Where a site is open during the weekend, communication will be made with the healthcare workers targeted for that site.

The department urged healthcare workers to comply with the registration process for vaccination, and to use government’s EVDS system to register on https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that all provinces in the country have established vaccination sites, and more sites will be added.

He said the number of sites that will be available for vaccination will be expanded from 17 to 49.

Of the 49 sites, 32 will be at public hospitals and 17 sites in private hospitals.  This includes sites in rural areas to improve access to rural healthcare workers.