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Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has expressed sadness at the sudden passing of Welfare Services Deputy Director-General Conny Nxumalo.

“The DSD family learnt with great sadness the sudden passing of ‘South Africa’s Chief Social Worker’ who lived the life of service to the best of her abilities until her last breath. A mentor who was always ready to provide advice on the work of the department, and very knowledgeable on any issue related to welfare matters in particular,” said Minister Zulu on Sunday.

The Deputy Director-General (DDG) passed away on Saturday morning.

“She made particularly valuable contribution in championing innovative programmes to protect children and was one of the architects of the department’s national action plan to combat violence against women and children as well as the anti-substance abuse interventions.

“With the outbreak of COVID-19 in South Africa, Nxumalo was in the forefront of our national response, representing the department and the sector as a whole at the NATJOINT,” said Minister Zulu.

Minister Zulu said Nxumalo’s passing has robbed South Africa of a leader who served with distinction.

“I offer my deepest condolences to her family and friends as we mourn her untimely passing and celebrate a remarkable life dedicated to bettering the lives of the most vulnerable in our country,” she said.

Nxumalo was admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 related complications.

“We had hoped that she will recover and be with her family and with time return to work as she was in the frontline of our national efforts so that many in our country can benefit from her work. So much of our work in protecting children, older persons and persons with disabilities are the result of her extraordinary vision and leadership.”

The DDG was a qualified social worker with a Master’s degree in Public and Development Management with the University of the Witwatersrand.

She first worked in different settings as a social worker in the provincial spheres and later joined the National Department of Social Development in 2003, as a Director for Substance Abuse focusing on policy development, legislation, program monitoring and implementation in the area of substance abuse.

“As we mourn and celebrate the life of this remarkable woman, we urge all members of the DSD family to remain vigilant in the face of the persistent threat that COVID-19 poses.

“Even as the lockdown regulations have been eased, we also urge all South Africans to continue exercise caution by practicing social distancing, washing their hands, wearing a mask and avoiding crowded places,” Minister Zulu said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly reprimanded Finance Minister Tito Mboweni following comments made by the Minister on social media regarding the removal of Zambia’s Central Bank Governor by President Edgar Lungu.

In one of his tweets, Mboweni “promises to mobilise”, if not given the reasons the Zambian Central Bank Governor was fired by President Lungu.

In a statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa assured the government and people of the Republic of Zambia that the unfortunate remarks do not reflect the views of the South African Government and its people.

Acting spokesperson to the President, Tyrone Seale, said the issue is being addressed to ensure that such an incident does not occur again.

“South Africa and Zambia enjoy strong historical relations dating back to the days of the struggle against apartheid. South Africa remains committed to maintaining the deep and solid bonds of friendship between the peoples of South Africa and Zambia,” Seale said.

Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, has expressed shock at the death of three Tshwane Metro Police officers, who were killed in a head-on collision at the hands of a suspected drunk driver.

According to reports, in the early hours of Sunday morning, a TMPD vehicle collided head-on with a suspected drunk driver, who was evading police in Pretoria West.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Ministry said the three officers in the vehicle and the suspected drunk driver all died on the scene. A female passenger, who was travelling with the alleged drunk driver, is recovering in hospital.

Inside the vehicle, empty and full bottles of alcohol were found.

Cele conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased members and at same time, denounced the reckless behaviour that led to the senseless loss of life.

“The lives of these young officers were cut short by a man who chose to drink and act irresponsibly. While the alcohol ban has been lifted under lockdown level 2, it still remains the responsibility of those who consume alcohol to do so without putting themselves and those around them in danger,” said the Minister.

Cele reminded South Africans that the 10pm curfew is still in place.

Meanwhile, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has also expressed its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the three officers who died in the collision.

The corporation has called on traffic officers to remain committed and not be discouraged.

“This unfortunate event should strengthen their resolve to fight lawlessness and violation of traffic rules with all the power and might at their disposal.

“There should be a closer focus paid to drunk driving and law enforcement operations should be conducted every night and every evening to ensure that no one dares to drink and drive on public roads,” the RTMC said.

This incident follows another alcohol related accident, which occurred in Benoni on Tuesday night. Five people were killed when two vehicles collided.

“These crashes provide further evidence of the devastating impact of alcohol on road accidents in the country. It is estimated that 27% of collisions in the country are alcohol related. Alcohol plays a key contributory role in most crashes occurring at night and over weekends,” the RTMC said.

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has invited members of the public to comment on the intention to amend the Environment Conservation Act Plastic Carrier Bags and Plastic Flat Bags Regulations.

“Plastic waste has not only become a challenge in diverting it form going to landfill sites, but has grown to be one of the most problematic waste streams, which continues to harm the environment.

“Plastic waste is mostly common in illegal dumps, landfill sites and rivers, and ultimately ends up in oceans, causing harm to marine life,” said Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy.

The intention to amend the regulations was published in the Government Gazette 43601 (Notice no. 869) on 7 August 2020.

The amendment emanates from the review of all policies affecting plastic bags in the country. This included inputs from stakeholders directly and indirectly affected by policies relating to plastic bags and their management at post-consumer stage.

The review included determining the improvements required for a possible amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between government, business and labour.

It assessed whether the intended objectives of addressing the plastic bag litter problem and the promotion of the re-use and recycling of plastic carrier bags have been achieved, and if any improvements are needed.

Among the areas aimed at raising awareness and strengthening the compact between government, business and labour is the hosting of the Plastic Colloquium by the Minister in November 2019.

As a result, the department is developing a Plastics Master Plan with targets, timeframes, actions and specific goals to ensure that actions discussed at the Colloquium are implemented and that everyone responsible for the work is held accountable.

Among the most important amendments to the Regulations is the prohibition of the manufacture, trade and distribution of domestically produced and imported plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags that do not meet outlined specifications for use within South Africa.

The proposed amendments focus on ‘post-consumer recyclate’ material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product.

The amendments also state that plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags must be made from a minimum of 50% post-consumer recyclate from 1 January 2023, 75% of recycled materials from 2025 and must comprise 100% post-consumer recyclate from 2027.

In terms of the amendment, any person who contravenes the regulations could face a fine not exceeding R5 million or five years imprisonment.

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the person could be imprisoned for up to 10 years or face a R10 million fine.

Members of the public are invited to submit their comments by 7 September 2020.

Written representations or objections to the proposed amendments can be sent to the following addresses:

By post to: The Director-General:

Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries

Attention: Ms Pamela Nxumalo

Private Bag X447

Pretoria

By hand can be delivered at: (Attention: Ms Pamela Nxumalo)

Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road,

Arcadia,

0083

Please note that anyone entering the department’s building will be subjected to COVID-19 procedures.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering comments by hand at the department is being discouraged.

Comments can be emailed to: pnxumalo@environment.gov.za

To access the gazette, members of the public can click on: https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/gazetted_notices/nema_plasticbagregulationsamendment_43601gon869.pdf.

South Africa’s COVID-19 death toll has increased to 12 618 after 195 people succumbed to the respiratory disease on Thursday.

Of the additional fatalities, 83 are from Gauteng, 36 from KwaZulu-Natal, 26 from the Eastern Cape, 25 from Free State, 13 from the Western Cape and 12 from Limpopo.

Also, there are now 599 940 cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country after 3 880 infections were identified.

The provinces with the highest burden of Coronavirus include Gauteng with 202 955 cases, followed by KwaZulu-Natal 108 080, Western Cape 103 616 and Eastern Cape 84 586.

Free State has 33 665 cases, North West 23 868, Mpumalanga 22 459, Limpopo 12 086 and Northern Cape 8 575.

Fifty cases are still unknown.

“The recoveries now stand at 497 169 which translates to a recovery rate of 82%,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

The data is based on the tests 3 480 283 tests conducted to date of which 24 612 were done since the last report.

Worldwide, there are 22 256 220 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 782 456 deaths reported to the World Health Organisation.

The Competition Commission has welcomed the withdrawal of the appeal lodged by Dis-Chem Pharmacies after being found guilty by the Competition Tribunal on 7 July 2020.

On Thursday, Dis-Chem filed a notice of withdrawal to appeal at the Competition Appeals Court.

“I am pleased that Dis-Chem has made this decision. The price increases that occurred during the state of national disaster were regrettable. We believe that the Tribunal made the right call by condemning the conduct.

“We have been consistent in arguing that price gouging in a pandemic deprives consumers, particularly poor consumers, of access to essential goods that are necessary to prevent a further escalation of the pandemic,” said Competition Commissioner Tembinkosi Bonakele.

In its investigation, the Commission found that Dis-Chem has charged excessive prices on essential hygienic goods to the detriment of customers and consumers, in contravention of Section 8(1)(a) of the Competition Act read together with Regulation 4 of the Consumer Protection Regulations.

These essential items are surgical face masks blue 50PC, surgical face masks 5PC and surgical face masks folio dress blue.

From at least 28 March 2020, the Commission received several complaints from the public against several retail stores owned by Dis-Chem for engaging in excessive pricing of face masks.

The Commission’s investigation established that prior to the declaration of a national state of disaster, Dis-Chem was selling the three types of masks, namely, surgical face masks blue 50PC, surgical face masks 5PC and surgical face masks folio dress blue at far lower prices.

For surgical face mask blue 50PC, the average price was inflated from R43.47 (excl. VAT) per unit (50 masks) in February 2020 to R156.95 (excl. VAT) per unit (50 masks) in March 2020, a price increase of 261%.

The surgical face masks 5PC, the average price increased from R13.27 (excl. VAT) per unit (5 masks) in February 2020 to R19.03 (excl. VAT) per mask (1 mask) in March 2020, a price increase of 43%.

Dis-Chem’s surgical face masks folio dress blue prices increased by 25% while costs declined by 0.1%.

In times of crisis and uncertainty, it is human nature to bury one’s head in the sand with the hope that one will not cross hairs with an impending storm.

While there are those who will wish the storm away, others make a conscious decision to dive into the eye of the storm.

Monique Schoombie chose the latter.

The 34-year-old is among the many dedicated South Africans who have rolled up their sleeves to fight the COVID-19 storm.

She and her team have worked around the clock to ensure that a medical device, which is critical in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, rolls off the production line and into the wards of hospitals that need it most.

As a Senior Engineer, Schoombie is responsible for product lifecycle management, optimisation and automation at the Council for Scientific Innovation and Research (CSIR).

Thanks to her and her team’s efforts at the CSIR, thousands of South Africans infected with COVID-19 will breathe a little easier with the help of a local ventilator.

The ventilator is meant to assist patients showing respiratory distress in the early phase of COVID-19 infection.

Women like Schoombie have played an integral part in ensuring that ventilators, known as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device become a reality.

Coincidentally, as South Africa commemorates the achievements and sacrifices made by women this Women’s Month, the first batch of ventilators are set to make their arrival at state hospitals.

A solution of the CSIR, the CPAP is a device that uses an innovative design to provide a mild level of oxygenated air pressure to keep the airways open and assist with breathing.

With the COVID-19 storm having steadily gained pace since its arrival on South African shores in March, the team worked flat out to bring the device to life at a time when the pandemic has already claimed over 12000 lives.

“Seeing some of the components come off the line after so many months of insane hard work is invigorating,” she tells SAnews.

The units are non-invasive and fill the need for readily available breathing apparatus, deployed and applied easily – even outside of hospitals – for intervention in cases where patients are at an early, non-intensive stage of respiratory distress, caused by the Coronavirus.

Due to its ease of use, the device can be used in both high-tech clinical environments, as well as temporary settings, such as field hospitals and quarantine facilities that have been established across the country to handle COVID-19 cases.

The mother of two has been critical to the entire industrialisation and production effort that will save many lives.

Having previously supported the University of Pretoria with the development of the CPAP device, when the virus arrived on South African shores, the CSIR team investigated the use of such devices for COVID-19 patients.

Putting their shoulders to the wheel in March, the team kick-started the process to develop a fast, reliable, easy to manufacture and easy to use CPAP device.

The team produced the first prototype in April 2020 and an application was submitted to the National Ventilator Project (NVP).

The development of the device forms part of government’s NVP under the auspices of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and is supported by the Solidarity Fund.

Jointly conceived by DTIC Minister Ebrahim Patel and Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, the project was born out of the need to ensure the country meets the rising health treatment demands while ensuring local manufacturing.

At least 20 000 of these ventilators came off the assembly line on 31 July 2020, as announced by DTIC Minister Ebrahim Patel, during a virtual national science and innovation conference on COVID-19.

“The device was qualified and in June, we also obtained our license to manufacture from the South African Health Products Regulators Authority (SAHPRA). We have now done industrialisation of the system and the production as well,” says Schoombie.

Like driving in a downpour, getting the device to the production line has not been an easy journey.

“Yes, it has been challenging but also it has been very rewarding. I firmly believe that when we go through something that is difficult, we learn from it and grow stronger from it,” she says.

After witnessing first-hand the difficulty and delays in sourcing materials abroad as countries, the world over, shut their borders to keep the Coronavirus at bay, Schoombie can attest to the importance of boosting local manufacturing.

“Initially during the design [phase] we were sourcing these components [abroad]. We have since localised some of them so that we do not need to source them internationally. [Sourcing them internationally] definitely affected design at the beginning. We are now sourcing these components locally as far as possible,” she explains.

Procurement and production meetings aimed at getting the CPAP device to the market, have consumed Schoombie’s life in these last few months.

While the diverse team at the CSIR has worked day and night to ensure that the device gets into the hands of health workers, it has done so with the backing of global technology powerhouse – Siemens AG.

A long-standing partner of the CSIR, Siemens backed the project as a technology partner providing the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software support to the CSIR.

The public-private partnership breathed life into the government’s call to strengthen relations between the public and private sector for a common cause.

Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa Media Relations Manager, Boitumelo Masike says the company is keen on assisting the African continent to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Siemens sees an opportunity to play an effective role in helping Africa overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and embrace new exponential technologies combined with human talent to accelerate industrialisation and drive economic growth.”

“Our role as a company is to use our solutions, technology and expertise to make a difference where we operate, says Masike.

Masike said in an ever-evolving world, change remains the only constant.

“Moving forward it will remain imperative for Siemens to stay abreast of changes and industry trends that will enable us to continue disrupting various industries with our innovative technologies and solutions, while continuing to empower and ensure a positive and lasting impact on the societies we operate in.”

For Schoombie, the gruelling months of hard, remote work compounded by the restriction put in place to curb the spread of the Coronavirus has come at a personal cost.

“The isolation from friends and family, from support have been a challenge, especially with the current pressures with not only the pandemic but with regards to the project and so on.

“What I have learned is that it really does take a village, not only to raise kids but also to create anything and I must say that even though we have been working virtually, I find that I have a renewed faith in our team. I feel we are a stronger and more integrated team.”

The aspirant pianist would have liked to spend more time with family – but managing a project of this magnitude while juggling her six year-old son and eight year-old daughter has left little time for life’s simple pleasures.

While the country still has a long way to go in ensuring the total emancipation of women, it is clear that gains have been made in making women’s voices heard.

At a time when the world is experiencing bleak times as a result of the pandemic, Schoombie is urging women to find their passion which will help them through the dark days.

“I really believe in finding your passion. If you find your passion and persevere through even those days that feel overwhelming once you take those overwhelming days and handle them one by one I think you can achieve almost anything” she says.

No doubt as we commemorate the 64th anniversary of the historic 1956 women’s march to the Union Buildings, future generations will look back on the strength of the current generation of women who are leaving their mark in the fight against pandemic.

While the country continues to battle the pandemic with 599940 COVID-19 cases recorded, Schoombie and her team can breathe a sigh of relief having afforded COVID-19 patients a chance to breathe a little easier.

No storm can ever erase that.

The Office of the Military Ombud has found that the official conduct of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members was improper, irregular and in contravention of the Code of Conduct, Operational Orders and Rules of Engagement in their interaction with the Khosa family and other members of the public in Alexandra during the lockdown.

Collins Khosa was killed at his home in April.

“We also found that the Platoon Commander failed to command the platoon, in line with Command Orders,” said Military Ombud Lt Gen (Ret) Vusumuzi Masondo.

The Military Ombud was assigned by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans to conduct the investigation, in terms of section 6 (11) of the Military Ombud Act 4 of 2012.

Earlier this month, the Office of the Military Ombud submitted its report, with findings and recommendations, to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans.

The investigation was an administrative inquiry into the conduct of members of the SANDF, which is separate from the criminal investigation conducted by the South African Police Service.

The investigation conducted by the Military Ombud is an independent investigation, in terms of the Military Ombud Act.

Masondo, meanwhile, said investigations into other complaints are ongoing. So far, the office has received 32 complaints from members of the public against members of the SANDF since the beginning of lockdown.

These complaints are at different stages of investigation. In cases where there was a joint operation, the law enforcement agencies concerned conduct their own investigation into the conduct of their members.

The Military Ombud has appealed to members of the public, who lodge complaints with his office, to do so in writing, using the prescribed Complaint Form, which can be obtained from www.milombud.org.

The Military Ombud is mandated to conduct investigations without fear, favour or prejudice. It is generally accepted that allegations of misconduct against members of the SANDF while conducting official duties, including official duties performed during the lockdown, fall under the ambit of “official conduct of a member” for the purposes of section 4(1) (c) of the Act.

The Office of the Military Ombud can be reached via intake@milombud.org, WhatsApp 012 676 3800.

The Health Department has recruited close to 2 400 medical interns, as the country grapples with mounting COVID-19 cases and a struggling health system.

This move is the biggest intern allocation programme in history, according to the department.

The department said the 2 369 locally recruited interns will be joined by 41 peers, who studied abroad and have passed their exams.

The team will be placed in the public healthcare system across the country this year.

Meanwhile, the country will also soon welcome over 650 graduates from the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro Cuba Medical Programme, who will begin their reintegration projects in preparation for their qualifications to practice in South Africa.

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said human resources for health is the first pillar of the Presidential Health Compact.

“Its premier position amongst the nine pillars highlights the significance government places on strengthening and sustaining human resources for the health care sector. Without doctors, there is no health care system,” he said.

Gauteng will be allocated 698 medical interns, KwaZulu-Natal 550, Western Cape 322, Eastern Cape 216, North West 148, Limpopo 144, Free State 105, Mpumalanga 91 and Northern Cape 42.

The South African Military Health Service will welcome 19 trainees.

Mkhize said he was extremely proud of the department’s achievement to ensure that the South African medical fraternity continues to grow.

“Having met some of these bright young colleagues, I am always left inspired by their passion, enthusiasm and willingness to contribute not only to the fight against COVID-19 but also to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.”

As of Thursday, the country’s COVID-19 death toll had increased to 12 618, while 599 940 people had been infected with the virus since the outbreak.

While the number of claims for compensation as a result of sickness acquired in the workplace because of the COVID-19 pandemic are still going up, very few people have lodged death claims as a result of the virus.

According to the Department of Employment and Labour, only one funeral has been paid R18 251 in the period since the onset of the pandemic.

“While it is early to make conclusions, it does seem that we got off more lightly than we feared. This is good news but off course, one death is one too many,” said Compensation Fund Commissioner Vuyo Mafata.

Over 4 000 COVID-19 claims lodged

According to the figures released on Thursday, a total of 4 916 COVID-19 claims have been received so far, and this include 3 240 directly to the Compensation Fund (CF) and a further 1 539 to Rand Mutual, while Federated Employees have received 137 claims.

“Rand Mutual, which operates under licence as granted by Minister of Employment and Labour, and covers mostly workers in the mining and iron and steel industries, has paid out R3.2 million in dependent benefits, while the CF (Compensation Fund) has paid R419 182.85 in medical aid claims for workers who have contracted COVID-19 while on duty,” Mafata said.

Of the 3 240 claims received by the CF, 1 847 come from the Western Cape followed by Eastern Cape with 666, Gauteng with 398, KwaZulu-Natal with 225, Mpumalanga 65, North West 29, Northern Cape 7 and Limpopo 3.

The CF has accepted liability to 2 097, repudiated 443 while 700 cases await adjudication. Almost 80 percent of the cases at CF have affected women.

The claims received by Rand Mutual shows that Gauteng has received 1 122 claims, 147 in the Eastern Cape, 60 in the Western Cape, 71 in KwaZulu-Natal, 35 in North West, 25 in the Free State, 21 in Limpopo, and 58 are unknown.

“Of the 1 539 claims received so far, 1 319 are pending adjudication while 216 have been repudiated,” Mafata said.

Federated employers who represent workers mostly in the construction sector has received 137 claims – mostly from the Gauteng.

R40bn paid to ease burden of COVIS-19 lockdown

Meanwhile, Mafata said a picture is emerging on the assistance the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) gave different industries as part of the R40 billion that it has paid so far since 26 March to ease the burden of the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The personal services industry has been the biggest beneficiary of the Temporary Employees Relief Scheme (TERS) with over R10 billion having been disbursed to workers in this industry benefitting 2 620 115 employees.

“This industry includes boarding houses, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, laundries and dry cleaning depots, barbers, beauty shops, funeral undertakings, crematoria, cemetery boards, advertising agents, and collection agencies,” Mafata said.

The disbursements by UIF, which is an agency of Employment and Labour, has also saw R9 billion pumped into the trade industry.

This include market agents, fish, poultry or game dealers, installers and assemblers of computers, household electrical appliances, televisions, radios, armature winding, taxidermist, pedal cycle or sewing machine dealers including repair and assembly thereof, photographers, hide, skin and wool merchants or brokers, and makers of feather dusters.

In this industry, Mafata said, 2 218 571 employees have benefitted.

The building industry was third with just over R2 billion disbursed to 496 981 employees.

“The rest of the industries are, iron with R2 billion, professional services with R1.9 billion, air services with R1.3 billion and mining with R1.2 billion. The rest of the industries like educational services, food and agriculture were just below the billion rand mark.

“The UIF is also continuing to ensure that all the valid outstanding claims are processed and have availed employers a number of tools to ensure that they can correct and update missing information,” Mafata said.