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As part of measures to slow down the spread of COVID-19, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) offices will temporarily close with effect from Christmas Eve.

South Africa is currently experiencing a second wave of infections.

“Taking into account the transmission risk that COVID-19 poses, SARS has decided to put preventative restrictions in place.

“We therefore wish to inform members of the public that all SARS offices will be closed from Thursday, 24 December 2020 until Monday, 4 January 2021.

“This two-week period of the physical lockdown of offices is SARS’ contribution to curb [the] spread of COVID-19 infections among taxpayers and our staff,” said the revenue service.

In a statement on Tuesday, the revenue service said all offices will operate remotely via digital channels.

Branches will also engage with taxpayers via virtual meetings using Microsoft Teams.

Taxpayers should take note of the following:

• All existing branch appointments will be honoured.
• Branch appointments can only be made via the SARS website, using following the link – https://www.sars.gov.za/Contact/Pages/Make-an-Appointment.aspx.
• All new bookings via the SARS site will be honoured via virtual engagement (Microsoft Teams or a telephonic engagement).
• The SARS contact centre will continue to service any queries from members of the public.
• All South African borders manned by SARS customs officials will continue to operate during this lockdown period. Please note that strict social distancing measures will apply and it will be compulsory for members of the public to wear masks when entering any SARS building or engaging with any customs officials. The sanitising of hands is also compulsory. No access will be allowed without complying with these protocols.

“These measures are being undertaken with the wellbeing of SARS employees and all South African citizens in mind, and we appeal to each taxpayer to take this call to adherence very seriously. With the co-operation of each citizen, we will be able to overcome this pandemic,” said SARS.

SARS will review this decision and communicate in advance should it decide to extend this arrangement.

“We thank taxpayers for their cooperation and understanding as we navigate this challenging period. We wish all citizens a joyful and safe festive period, and call on them to act responsibly during this difficult time,” SARS said.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has appealed to the public to act responsibly over the festive season and beyond.

“Wherever we are during the holidays, please let’s be sensible. [Coronavirus] doesn’t know it’s the festive season, so wear your mask, sanitise, keep your social distance and always be mindful of others who may be more vulnerable than you are when it comes to health issues,” said the commission’s chairperson, Tamara Mathebula, in a statement on Tuesday.

While the commission’s offices will remain closed throughout the country until 4 January 2021, Mathebula urged the public to continue to use its toll-free number 0800 007 709, the GBV Command Centre Number 0800 428 428 and the SAPS Stop Gender Violence number 0800 150 150 to report cases.

Mathebula said the year 2020 placed great emphasis on the Coronavirus pandemic, and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which President Ramaphosa described as the second pandemic.

“The pandemic-induced economic crisis also laid bare the deep gender inequalities in the workplace and society, and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women and young.

“The year 2020 brought with it adjustment to a digital world of Zoom/Microsoft Teams meetings and working remotely. We made friends with this “new normal”, basically fast tracking the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR),” Mathebula said.

Mathebula took the opportunity to wish the nation a merry Christmas and peaceful New Year.

The Gauteng Provincial Government has expressed concern at reports of people breaking COVID-19 health protocols as the country battles a second wave of infections.

In a statement on Tuesday, the provincial government said it has taken note of videos circulating on social media platforms showing young people partying in large numbers with little or no adherence to non-pharmaceutical protocols for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

Gauteng Acting Premier Panyaza Lesufi strongly condemned such irresponsible behavior, which undoubtedly increases the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

“Large gatherings and parties are known to be super spreaders of COVID-19 and must be avoided. As the country is now in the second wave, with a sharp increase in new cases, driven by a recently discovered new variant of COVID-19, it is absolutely necessary for all of us to play our part to stop the spread of the virus,” said Lesufi.

To ensure adherence to COVID-19 restrictions, the Gauteng province said its law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions will be out in full force to enforce compliance with national disaster regulations.

“Tough action will be taken against anyone breaking the law,” said the Acting Premier.

Joint operations including roadblocks, inspection of retail stores, restaurants and bars will continue throughout the province during the festive season.

With many set to take a break during the festive season, Lesufi reminded South Africans that this year’s festive season is different due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have to adapt to new ways of celebrating and bonding with families and friends.

“Adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as maintaining physical distancing, wearing of masks and regular hand hygiene, remain the most effective tool in protecting ourselves and others against the virus

“Let us protect ourselves and others by avoiding the ‘three Cs’ [namely] Closed spaces, Crowded places and Close-contact settings,” said the Acting Premier.

The Gauteng Traffic Police has warned motorists against irresponsible and reckless behaviour on the roads, following the arrest of a 39-year-old man who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

The truck driver was arrested on Tuesday at about 1pm on the R21 next to the Pomona off ramp.

The driver lost control of the vehicle and plunged into several other vehicles.

He was immediately tested for alcohol consumption and the results were found to be 12 times over the limit since it showed 1.25 milligram per 100 millilitres.

The truck driver was charged and detained at the Kempton Park police station and is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on Wednesday.

“We condemn this kind of irresponsible and reckless behaviour by road users especially during the festive season where motorists are expected to save lives. The law enforcement authorities will not rest until ruthless and lawless behaviour is eradicated on our roads,” Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson Sello Maremane said.

He said anyone found driving a vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor will be charged, arrested and convicted for up to seven years’ imprisonment.

“Drinking and driving is one of the major contributors of fatal crashes resulting in the loss of lives,” Maremane said.

South Africa has recorded 339 more COVID-19 related deaths bringing the death toll to 25 246.

The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of deaths at 107 followed by the Western Cape at 142 and KwaZulu-Natal with 45. At least 30 deaths were recorded in Gauteng, 8 in the Free State and 7 in Limpopo.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, on Tuesday.

A total of 9 501 new cases were reported  pushing the country’s cumulative COVID-19 figures to 940 212.

To date, Eastern Cape has 161 186 COVID-19 cases, Free State 60 805, Gauteng 259 962, KwaZulu-Natal 162 680, Limpopo 20 518, Mpumalanga 33 493, North West 37 090, Northern Cape 24 300 and 180 177 cases in the Western Cape.

Since the last report on Monday, 39 045 tests were conducted with 6 215 728 cumulative tests done to date.

The country’s recoveries now stand at 808 241.

The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, says 690 people lost their lives on South African roads from 1 December to 20 December 2020, compared to 732 people who passed away over the same period last year.

“While this represents a 5.7% decline year-on-year, it is no reason to celebrate.  One life lost on our roads is one life too many. The total number of crashes has declined by 8% compared to the same period last year,” Mbalula said.

Releasing the preliminary festive season fatalities statistics on Tuesday at an event in Petroport, Panorama East, the Minister said six provinces have recorded a decline in fatalities.

“We are encouraged that these reductions make a positive contribution towards the realisation of our 20% target of reducing fatalities on our roads in 2020,” Mbalula said.

The festive season fatalities statistics for provinces that recorded a decline are as follows:

• Northern Cape recorded a decline of 23.5%, with 13 fatalities compared to 17 in 2019.
• Western Cape recorded a decline of 26.6%, with 69 fatalities compared to 94 in 2019.
• Free State recorded a decline of 28.8%, with 47 fatalities compared to 66 in 2019.
• Gauteng recorded an 18.7% decline, with 122 fatalities compared to 150 in 2019.
• North West recorded a 5.8% decline, with 49 fatalities compared to 52 in 2019.
• KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 3% decline, with 131 fatalities compared to 135 in 2019.

Three provinces recorded an increase in the number of fatalities compared to the same period last year. The statistics are as follows:

• Eastern Cape recorded a 21.5% increase, with 96 fatalities compared to 79 in 2019.
• Limpopo recorded an 18.4% increase, with 90 fatalities compared to 76 in 2019.
• Mpumalanga recorded a 15.9% increase, with 73 fatalities compared to 63 in 2019.

Since the start of the festive season, traffic law enforcement authorities have kept a close eye on vehicle movements and transgressions of the rules.

“A total of 416 roadblocks were conducted from 1 to 20 December, with 634 166 vehicles having been stopped and checked.

“A total of 109 529 motorists were issued with traffic fines for various offences. On the other hand, a total of 2 415 vehicles were discontinued, while another 1 801 vehicles were impounded,” Mbalula said.

A total of 2 111 motorists were arrested for various offenses. The arrests include 896 people that were arrested for drunken driving, 336 for speeding and 588 warrants of arrests for outstanding traffic fines were served.

The highest speed was recorded on the N1 near Ventersburg in the Free State, where a motorist was caught traveling at 242 kilometres per hour.

“The peak travel period is upon us, and we expect traffic volumes to spike between today and Thursday, followed by another spike on 31 December.  The final peak is expected on the 3rd and 10th of January 2021, as many people will be making their way back to major cities, ahead of the re-opening of industries and schools,” the Minister said.

South African roads were busy during the first peak, which was between 18 December and 19 December, despite the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over this period, an average of 2 439 vehicles per hour were recorded on the N1 from Gauteng to Limpopo.  The N3 from Johannesburg to Durban recorded an average of 1 547 vehicles per hour. This was marginally lower than the same period in 2019,” Mbalula said.

Law enforcement to intensify road safety activations

In the coming days, law enforcement officials will intensify road safety activations focusing on areas that have been declared as hotspots.

“We will equally intensify the enforcement of Alert Level 1 regulations and directions without fear or favour.  This includes enforcing the curfew for all road users,” the Minister said.

Mbalula has called on all road users to exercise extreme caution as the country enters the second phase of the peak travel period.

“All our traffic law enforcement officers must remain vigilant and intensify efforts to stop the carnage on our roads.

“Our tactics will include visibility in residential areas and in the proximity of places where festivities occur in order to deter those who would otherwise be emboldened to drive under the influence of alcohol,” he said.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has successfully interdicted the Municipal Employees Union Retirement Fund from paying pension benefits due to former Lepelle Northern Water chief executive (CEO) Phineas Kgahliso Legodi.

This comes after the Special Tribunal granted an application to interdict the pension after Legodi resigned from his position while under investigation for a multi-billion rand water project in Giyani, in Limpopo.

The project was meant to benefit about 50 villages in the district. Lepelle Northern Water had been appointed by the Department of Water and Sanitation appointed to oversee the project.

“The Special Tribunal granted the SIU a temporary order on 17 December 2020 after the initial order was declared to have lapsed on 24 November and called on the Respondents to show cause, before the Tribunal on 21 January 2021 on why the interim order should not be confirmed,” said the SIU.

In the statement, the SIU said its probe had uncovered information which suggests that Lepelle Northern Water had illegally awarded a contract to a third party to work on the project.

“The SIU felt it prudent to secure the pension of the former CEO in order to finalize the investigation,” reads the statement.

“Once the investigation is completed, the SIU intends to bring a formal application to the Special Tribunal to recover any losses suffered by the State as a result of the alleged irregular award of the contract.”

Welcoming the order, SIU head advocate Andy Mothibi emphasised that the resignation from employment only terminates the employer and employee relationship.

“The SIU will pursue civil litigation against any official if there is an indication that they have caused damage to the public purse,” he said.

The Gauteng Department of Education on Tuesday announced the opening of online late registration admissions for grade 1 and 8 learners.

“We would like to call upon all parents who could not apply in June/July to visit gdeadmissions.gov.za and grab this opportunity to apply accordingly.

“Please interact with officials on 0800 000 789 for further assistance,” said Gauteng MEC Panyaza Lesufi.

However, walk-in centres will only open on 18 January 202,, for applicants who require assistance to apply.

The systems will close on 22 January 2021.

Parents who applied during the June and July period may not reapply because the system will not allow them to do so.

Meanwhile, parents of unplaced learners may continue to choose available schools on the system and those who could not upload documents may also upload accordingly.

As of 21 December 2020, a total of 211 643, composed of 101 059 Grade 1 and 110 584 Grade 8 applicants, had been placed in schools across Gauteng.

This translates to 95.22% learners placed to date. About 10 632 learners are unplaced.

“Our officials are working tirelessly to place all learners in our schools. We wish to reiterate that placement is prioritised based on the home address closest to the school within the school feeder zone, pending availability of space.

“Unfortunately, schools that have reached capacity cannot accommodate more learners, however alternative space will be offered,” said the MEC.

Following a recent fire that destroyed homes in Masiphumelele, Western Cape Human Settlements MEC Tertuis Simmers, has called on the public to assist where they can.

“While there is a particular need for baby formula, nappies and educational material at present, any and all donations are welcomed. Donations can be dropped off at local Non-Profit Organisation, Living Hope, directly opposite Masiphumelele on Kommetjie Road. Its website also has a Masi fire link (link is external) for cash donations,” Simmers said on Monday.

The MEC thanked the National Department of Human Settlements Water and Sanitation, the City of Cape Town (CoCT), all organisations, entities, individuals and groups who continue to assist the community.

“The CoCT’s immediate disaster declaration must be commended, as it has allowed local authorities to set a process in motion where emergency funding can be requested from the National Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation. As the CoCT is in the process of clearing the site of all the debris, it is critical that we all pull the necessary resources together to further assist this community,” Simmers said.

The provincial government is working hand-in hand with the CoCT, and the Head of Department, Jacqueline Samson, has already embarked on a process of engaging her counterparts at both national and local government level about finding more lasting improvements for this community, whilst addressing the immediate need.

“This will ensure and activate a re-planning process so provision is made for open spaces and roads to improve access, as well as move people out of the flood plain which is prone to flooding during the rainy season,” Simmers said.

Twelve taxi drivers were arrested following a law enforcement operation led by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Bheki Ntuli.

Ntuli led a multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation to monitor compliance by the public transport sector in KwaDukuza on Monday. This formed part of a series of road safety awareness operations aimed at the road carnage during the festive season and beyond.

Ntuli was accompanied by Road Traffic Management Corporation Chief Executive Officer Advocate Makhosini Msibi.

The operation was carried out by the National Traffic Police, National Anti-Corruption Unit, Road Traffic Inspectorate and South African Police Service.

The 12 were arrested for displaying fraudulent licence discs and attempting to bribe traffic officers, while seven minibus taxis were discontinued, and two minibus taxis were impounded.

A total of 54 traffic fines were also issued to motorists for various offences during the operations along the R102 in KwaDukuza, uMvoti Toll Plaza and KwaDukuza Taxi Rank.

MEC Ntuli said the operation was aimed at ensuring compliance and encouraging responsible road user behaviour among citizens.

“We conducted a joint law enforcement operation with the National Traffic Police and National Anti-Corruption Unit where we found that several minibus taxis were displaying fraudulent licence discs as some were registered to tractors and another one was registered to a Corsa.

“Disturbingly, some minibus taxi drivers did not have proper documentation thus endangering the lives of passengers and other road users. We want to send out a strong message to errant motorists because we want to reduce the number of road fatalities which currently stands at 130 fatalities since 1 December 2020,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli said the intensified law enforcement operations will focus on clamping down on various traffic violations and lawlessness on provincial roads.

Arrive Alive

Meanwhile, Arrive Alive has advised drivers to plan their trips in advance and prepare for the unexpected.

“Be aware of road and weather conditions ahead, remain patient and courteous, stay alert and take regular rest stops,” Arrive Alive said in a statement.

Real-time traffic information is available from N3TC’s 24-hour helpline on: 0800 634 357.

“This number can also be called to get help during emergencies or to report any problems on the N3 between Heidelberg and Cedara.”