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Law enforcement agencies, accompanied by Police Minister Bheki Cele, on Sunday morning shutdown a Johannesburg club violating various COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

In videos posted on Twitter by Police Ministry spokesperson, Lirandzu Themba, and Gauteng Provincial Government accounts, dozens of patrons were ordered to leave the venue, just after midnight.

Despite being on curfew from midnight until 4am, it is alleged that the club, identified as “Backdoor”, was still trading in the early hours of Sunday.

Beyond this, the club was allegedly packed to capacity, patrons were not wearing face masks and social distancing was not observed.

Addressing reporters, Cele said: “By law, clubs are not open, that is what the regulations say at the present moment. [We received information] and our information was correct.

“We came to this place [it’s called Backdoor], and there were over 300 people not wearing masks or social distancing. [They’re] breaking the law… Besides breaking the COVID-19 laws, people are breaking the real law by being here after curfew…”

Themba said 58 965 millilitres of liquor, valued at R800 000, were seized from the club.

“The manager was arrested and detained at Sandton SAPS for operating a business without a liquor licence and running the club during level one lockdown,” she said.

In a series of tweets, Gauteng Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Faith Mazibuko, who was also at the raid, on Monday thanked the public for alerting authorities.

“To all those who tirelessly send us information on places that need law enforcement attention, we have heard your cries in areas such as Sunnyside, Hillbrow, Kempton Park, Rosettenville and Windsor etc,” she said.

Mazibuko said law enforcement agencies are working hard to deal with crime throughout the province of Gauteng.

“We acknowledge that more needs to be done to deal with crime, including in those areas. We are acting and results should show soon.

“We are not oblivious to the fact that greater focus is needed in finding solutions to end GBVF [gender-based violence and femicide] and crimes against vulnerable persons in our communities.

“GBV Brigades are part of our response and more initiatives are being implemented, working with law enforcement.”

Mazibuko said working with the Department of Home Affairs, law enforcement is dealing with illegal immigrants.

“SAPS and IPID [Independent Police Investigative Directorate] are dealing with corrupt officers. We can only win the fight against crime when we work together.

“Creating a safer Gauteng requires communities to play their part,” she said.

African Union Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, says while the African Union COVID-19 Response Fund has to date raised USD 44 million – more still needs to be done.

“I want to thank all the countries on the continent who have contributed, as well as our donor community partners and the continental and international business fraternity.

“However, we need to raise at least a further USD 300 million to ensure assistance is provided to societies and countries in need, and to enable us to weather the health and economic storm in the weeks, months and years ahead,” said the President.

The call for more funds was made by the President during the virtual fund-raising webinar for the AU COVID-19 Response Fund on Saturday.

Established in April this year, the Fund was set up to mitigate the social, economic and humanitarian impact of the pandemic across the continent. It is a financial instrument to mobilise and manage funds from the private sector and other stakeholders.

The Fund also supports the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – Africa CDC – which plays a key role in the continental response.

With eight months since the first reported case of Coronavirus on the African continent, over one million people have been infected with the virus in Africa, and close to 28 000 people have lost their lives.

“This pandemic will continue to be with us for a long time to come. Its effects on human health, on our societies and on our economies have been dire, and we are only now starting to fully comprehend the scale of the devastation.

“For us to continue to with prevention efforts, health care and case management for our people, the Fund has to mobilise additional resources as quickly as possible,” said the President.

With the search for the COVID-19 vaccine still ongoing, President Ramaphosa said the need for funds is critical as the continent will need substantial resources to ensure equitable access for all African countries.

“I call on both our first time donors and those who have pledged their support previously to give generously to the Fund.

“In doing so, you are not just making a contribution to overcoming this current emergency – you are also making a solid investment in Africa’s recovery and in her future,” said President Ramaphosa.

South Africa’s COVID-19 death toll now stands at 18 968 after 24 people succumbed to the virus on Sunday.

Of the latest fatalities, five occurred in the past 48 hours, said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, yesterday.

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

Meanwhile, the number of detected COVID-19 cases is now 715 868 after 1 622 new infections were recorded.

The recovery rate sits at 90.3%.

The number of tests conducted to date is 4 697 939, with 19 997 being performed since the last report.

Globally, there have been 42 512 186 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1 147 301 deaths, reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

During the United Nations (UN) Crisis Management Team (CMT) meeting on Friday, WHO briefed on the epidemiological situation, noting the increasing trends in parts of Europe and Asia.

WHO warned that the previous success in controlling COVID-19 transmission is no guarantee of future success, and that continued vigilance is required.

The organisation stressed that it is still learning about the long-term impact of the disease, and the importance of research and follow-up.

On mass gatherings, WHO said work is shifting from the assessment of risk associated with large international events, to providing tools and guidance for mitigating the risk associated with smaller events and sporting competitions.

The trilateral negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will resume on Tuesday, 27 October 2020, following a seven-week break.

Resumption of the talks follows extensive consultations with the Heads of State of the GERD negotiation parties, which include the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi; Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, and Sudan Prime Minister, Abdalla Hamdok.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the commitment by the parties to pursue negotiations guided by the spirit of cooperation, goodwill and compromise, with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

“The resumption of the Trilateral Negotiations on the GERD, under the auspices of the African Union, is indicative of the strong political will and commitment by the leadership of the three parties involved in the negotiations to the peaceful and amicable resolution of the GERD matter.

“It is a reaffirmation of the confidence that the parties have in an African-led negotiations process, in line with the Pan-African maxim of African solutions to African problems — one of the cornerstones of the African Union,” said President Ramaphosa.

In this regard, he reassured the three negotiating parties of the African Union’s unremitting support and cooperation, and expressed his utmost confidence that the parties will reach agreement on the remaining issues, including those related to the technical and legal aspects of the negotiations.

“Without any doubt, the successful conclusion of the GERD negotiations will enhance and accelerate regional integration, while boosting cooperation and sustainable development in the region, for the benefit of Africa as a whole,” said President Ramaphosa.

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has raised his concerns about the climbing figures of positive COVID-19 cases in South Africa.

“Over the past week, there has been an increase of 9.1% in new cases,” he said, adding that there has been an increase of 10.7% over the last 14 days.

The country now has 710 515 detected COVID-19 cases after 2 156 people were confirmed to have contracted the virus on Thursday.

Meanwhile, 102 more people succumbed to the respiratory disease pushing the death toll to 18 843.

“Of the 102 deaths reported today [Thursday], 20 occurred in the past 48 hours,” Mkhize said, adding that 25 788 tests were performed since the last report.

The Minister has once again urged citizens to continue to wear masks in public, wash hands frequently, and practice social distancing.

“Fellow South Africans, when we emphasise that the high risk of resurgence remains high, we do not do so to instil fear in you… The only weapon we have against COVID-19 is our social behaviour and constant adherence to health protocols,” Mkhize said.

According to Mkhize, the Western Cape Health Department has identified specific COVID-19 clusters that are responsible for the upsurge in that province which has sparked a 42% increase in the new infections.

“We must remain vigilant,” the Minister pleaded.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has appealed to all residents to continue to take the necessary precautions.

“We also call on businesses and places where people are allowed to gather, including churches and government buildings, to ensure that the necessary safety protocols are in place.”

According to the World Health Organisation, there are 41 104 946 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1 128 325 deaths reported, globally.

Deputy President David Mabuza says the gazetting of the Expropriation Bill, which, once passed into law, will determine when government can expropriate land without compensation.

This comes after government gazetted the Expropriation Bill of 2020 earlier this month which, once passed into law, will ensure that comprehensive land redistribution through expropriation for public purpose or in the public interest is effected.

“Expropriation of property with nil compensation is not a silver bullet.

“It is only but one acquisition mechanism that in appropriate cases will enable land reform and redress, as recommended by the Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture.

“However, the Bill does bring certainty to South Africans and investors as it outlines how expropriation can be done and on what basis. This legislative certainty is critical as we rebuild the economy and invest in our communities,” he said.

The introduction of the Expropriation Bill is anchored on the findings of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture, chaired by the late Dr Vuyo Mahlati, which recommended that the Expropriation Act No. 63 of 1975 preceded the 1996 Constitution, and therefore does not align with the transformative mandate of the Constitution.

The panel made a recommendation that this Act must be urgently replaced by the Expropriation Act that is in line with the values and spirit of the Constitution.

Addressing the plenary session on Thursday, the Deputy President said in addition to the Expropriation Bill, government took practical steps to ensure that all claimed land in the hands of government is released to the claimants as part of its contribution to accelerated land restitution.

“Through the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, government has announced the process for the release of state land for allocation to beneficiaries across all Provinces.

“This will make more land available for use to those yearning for access to land.

“We have adopted the National Policy on Beneficiary Selection and Land Allocation, which provides for a more systematic approach to redressing and correcting past injustices of access to land through ensuring that those who are eligible for land reform are provided with actual access to land.

“In this regard, this land allocation policy provides guidance on who should be selected as beneficiaries and what they are eligible to get.

“We are clear that the primary beneficiaries will be women and youth who constitute the majority of our population as well as people with disabilities who have long been economically marginalised.”

Deputy President David Mabuza says government has no reason to doubt the findings of the Trengove report in a forensic investigation that cleared the Eskom CEO of allegations of misleading the board.

Instead, the Deputy President says the Eskom board has the full backing of government for its decision in July to adopt the findings of the forensic investigation, which cleared the power utility’s CEO, Andre de Ruyter.

This is in relation to allegations made by a board member that De Ruyter misled the board in a March 2020 meeting, which led to the cancellation of a R5.2 billion fuel oil contract with black-owned company, Econ Oil & Energy Ltd.

“For the record, Advocate Trengove’s report has been made available for our perusal, and we have no basis to doubt its fairness or the integrity of the investigation process as conducted against the CEO, with respect to the allegations made.

“As government, we remain committed to clean governance and we have confidence in the capabilities of the current board at Eskom. We believe we have appointed a board that is competent, experienced and capable of implementing clear mechanisms to hold executives accountable,” Mabuza said on Thursday when responding to questions in the National Assembly.

The Deputy President was responding to a question by the EFF whether, in his capacity as the chairperson of the Eskom Task Team, he has been informed of the allegations against the CEO.

Mabuza said the matter has been in the public domain for some time.

“In the wake of these allegations, the Eskom board instituted an independent investigation, and appointed Advocate Wim Trengove SC to investigate the matter.

“Subsequently, the Eskom board at its July 2020 meeting, adopted the report of this Senior Counsel and expressed its support for the CEO.

“In line with corporate governance principles, which set out the separation of roles between the shareholder and the board, there is no basis to doubt the decisions within the purview of the board in respect of this and any other operational issues of the power utility.

“We would like to treat this matter as adequately addressed and concluded,” the Deputy President said.

Government, Mabuza said, believes the Board should be allowed space to independently carry out its fiduciary responsibilities and exercise duty of care on all strategic and operational matters of Eskom without any undue influence.

“As a matter of course, government exercises its oversight role through the Department of Public Enterprises, guided by the shareholder compact.

“That is why our position is that the board is empowered to run the affairs of Eskom diligently, while ensuring a financially sustainable energy utility that is oriented to meet its developmental imperative.

“The Eskom Political Task Team, which was established by President Ramaphosa, will continue to provide the necessary support to Eskom to ensure that it enhances institutional capabilities to sustainably supply electricity to support economic growth and development.

“We are committed to supporting the leadership of the board and the CEO in ensuring that Eskom is transformed and put on a sustainable operational path. There is still a long road ahead but for now, we are satisfied that this energy utility is heading in the right direction.”

The African Union chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has urged African countries to avoid a surge of infections, which could lead to a second wave and necessitate a more stringent lockdown.

“The pandemic has shown a great deal of resilience and countries that have experienced a decline in infections have also encountered surges in infections, which has made them revisit the lockdown measures.

“We must try to avoid that scenario in Africa. We remain optimistic that the momentum will not be lost and we will ensure that all outstanding work is completed,” he said.

The President made the call on Thursday during the second mid-year coordination meeting of the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs).

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) set to come into effect next year, President Ramaphosa called on countries to ensure that all outstanding issues are addressed, paving the way for its implementation.

“With the finish line now in sight, we must make this final push and ensure all outstanding issues on Phases 1 and 2 are finalised in order for us to start trading by 1 January 2021,” said the President.

Division of Labour

The meeting welcomed progress made in the development of the detailed proposal on the Division of Labour by the AU Commission; the AU Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development; AfCFTA Secretariat; the African Peer Review Mechanism; the RECs; RMs and Member States in the areas of trade, political affairs and peace and security.

“We look forward to the finalisation of the remaining areas concerning the Division of Labour for consideration at the latest by the 35th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in February 2022,” said President Ramaphosa.

This, he said, will give the relevant stakeholders enough time to consult and to come back with a comprehensive document, which has the buy-in of everyone. In this context, the AU would have fulfilled the aspirations set out in the institutional reform process.

The meeting also considered and noted the report of Ghanaian President and the Champion of the AU Financial Institution, Nana Akufo Addo.

The establishment of the AU Financial Institution is set to go a long way in fulfilling the objectives of the Abuja Treaty and further deepen the continental economic integration project.

“It is imperative that we strengthen the RECs as building blocks for Africa’s continental integration. Intensified coordination and harmonisation will bring us closer to the realisation of the African Economic Community, in line with the principles of the Abuja Treaty,” said President Ramaphosa.

Fastening children on seat belts remains the most effective method of reducing the risk of injury and fatality in road crashes, a gathering on the subject has heard.

During a webinar hosted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on Thursday, experts revealed that 1 017 children died on South African roads in the last year. The webinar, titled “Buckle Them Up”, was part of October Transport Month activities.

In attendance were motor industry, short term insurance, non-governmental and public sector representatives.

RTMC data analysis and reporting manager Magadi Gainewe said child deaths constituted 8% of the total number of road traffic fatalities in the country in 2019. She said the majority of children died when they collided with vehicles while walking in the streets and others were ejected when vehicles overturned.

KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape were responsible for 52% of child deaths on the roads.

Yolande Baker from Child Safe said for every child that died as a result of road crashes, 45 were injured.

“When South Africa losses 1 000 children a year; over 45 000 are hospitalized,” said Baker.

She said the severity of injuries varied, depending on age and whether a protective device was used. Child survivors of road crashes were often treated for head, neck, chest and abdominal injuries.

Children developed disabilities as a result of road crashes. These disabilities can retard children’s progress in early years depriving them of education and social development.

They can also develop post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, anxiety and flashbacks.

Experts agreed that child restraints and child seats were the most important method to prevent child injuries and fatalities in transport crashes.

Peggy Mars, from Wheels Well, pointed out that car seats were designed to keep children safe. She said car seats and restraints can reduce child deaths by 71% and injuries by 67% if properly used.

“The reason of fatality for children in frontal impacts is that they are not correctly restrained,” she said.

Mars said 32% of cases studied were unrestrained and 23% used an inappropriate and/or a misused restraint system.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Bheki Ntuli, has called on motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads.

Another fatal accident took place between Melmoth and Ulundi on Wednesday.

According to the department, the accident took place at approximately 8am. A minibus taxi collided head-on with a truck. Upon impact, the taxi caught alight, claiming the lives of 15 people from the taxi and the truck driver.

Three victims from the minibus taxi were burnt beyond recognition and DNA testing will have to be conducted to authenticate the remains of the deceased.

Ntuli visited the accident scene on Wednesday to inspect the impact of the accident and intervene in order to fast-track the process of investigation.

“This accident is one of the most gruesome accidents I have ever seen because 16 people perished, including a pregnant woman who delivered a stillborn infant on the scene.

“It pains me that families had to lose their loved ones, especially during October [which is] Transport Month…

“Road safety across all modes of transport is our top priority. Working with all spheres of government, we will implement interventions to improve legislation, intensify law enforcement operations across the province and promote driver behavioural change through road safety awareness campaigns.

“These interventions are intended to end the carnage on our roads,” Ntuli said.

He expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the five survivors in hospital a speedy recovery.

Investigations into the cause of the accident will focus on the roadworthiness of both vehicles, the weather conditions at the time of the accident, and other causal factors that could have led to the accident.

Ntuli said it is crucial for road users to be aware of the factors that contribute to road carnage, including speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“We are committed to ending road carnage and will continue to ensure road safety in the province through strategic traffic enforcement, education and robust community engagement,” Ntuli said.

The MEC further reassured the bereaved families that government will work tirelessly to process the DNA testing of the three victims, so that all families can find closure and bury their loved ones.

“The provincial government, working with local municipalities, will assist the families of the victims with funeral arrangements and psychosocial services.”