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The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will start opening and processing the July/August COVID-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits applications from next week, while winding down outstanding claims.

This follows the signing of the new Direction on extended period of benefits by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on 11 August 2020.

According to the new Direction, an employer or employee, may claim COVID-19 TERS benefits for the extension period, starting from 1 July 2020 until 15 August 2020.

The new directives cover the following categories of employees whose employers are:

• Not permitted to commence operations under the Disaster Management Regulations;
• Unable to make alternative arrangements for vulnerable workers, such as working from home or taking special measures under the OHS Direction to protect them; and
• Unable to make use of their services because of operational requirements caused by compliance with the Regulations and Directions such as rostering, staggering working hours, short time and the introduction of shift systems.

The application process remains the same for the extension period and all claims must be lodged via the online portal https://uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19/ or www.labour.gov.za

“As with previous claim processes, to apply in the new period, employers are required to upload similar documentation that include signed approval or acceptance letter, bank confirmation letter, proof of payment to employees and refund to the UIF – if applicable,” said UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping.

In keeping with strict governance principles, Maruping said they will still subject payments to bank verification prior to releasing the funds into the applicant’s accounts.

“The immediate past has taught us that even under the pandemic, criminals are at large and looking to benefit through their nefarious means. We have an obligation to do everything in our power to ensure that that funds are not paid into the incorrect accounts.

“UIF will issue a letter to employers who have applied for COVID-19 TERS benefits outlining the process to be followed when making applications for the extension period, and will also update the Frequently Asked Questions document to serve as a quick reference for applicants,” Maruping said.

The updated FAQs, new Direction and explanatory memo will be available on the department’s website www.labour.gov.za

The New Direction and the extension have been subject to robust discussion with social partners at National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), and they have agreed that the cut-off date for the application window for April and May will be 15 September 2020.

“All new applications for these periods must be uploaded on or before this date to qualify for processing and payment. Existing claims will remain open for corrections and finalisation beyond this date.

“Employers who experience technical difficulty in creating or accessing their profile should immediately contact the department’s call centre 0800 030 007 for assistance. A reference number will be issued that will enable resolution follow-up and, in the event of non-resolution by application cut-off date, it will serve as evidence of efforts to comply within the time-frame,” Maruping explained.

Public Service Commission (PSC) Director-General, Dr Dovhani Mamphiswana, has been placed on precautionary suspension, the Presidency announced on Wednesday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa informed the Director-General (DG) on the decision on Thursday, 6 August 2020.

The suspension, with full pay, takes effect immediately.

In a statement, the Presidency said the DG’s suspension does not in any way constitute a judgment on the part of the President.

“This is a precautionary suspension in terms of the Disciplinary Code and Procedures for Members of the Senior Management Services (SMS) contained in Chapter 7 of the SMS Handbook for the public service,” said the Presidency.

In terms of a Presidential Minute dated 27 February 2020, the President delegated to the Minister of Public Service and Administration the power to investigate if there was any improper conduct during the filling of a vacancy within the Department.

“A report on the investigation was presented to the President in his capacity as the Executive Authority designated by law to deal with career incidents, including disciplinary matters, pertaining to Directors-General. The report submitted to the President has recommended that the President institute formal disciplinary action against Dr Mamphiswana,” said the Presidency.

The President subsequently advised the Director-General of his intention to place him on precautionary suspension.

Following written representations by Dr Mamphiswana, the President decided to proceed with the precautionary suspension.

Meanwhile, the President has, in terms of Section 42A(3)(a) and relevant provisions of the Public Service Act, delegated to the Minister for Public Service and Administration the power to:

• Initiate disciplinary processes against the Director-General in terms of the Disciplinary Code applicable to heads of department as envisaged in Chapter 7 of the SMS Handbook;
• Deal with all matters pertaining to the disciplinary hearing and its outcome, including, but not limited to – in the event of a guilty finding at the hearing – the implementation of the sanction pronounced by the chairperson at the hearing.

Due to an increase in generation unit breakdowns, Eskom is today implementing Stage 2 load shedding.

Stage 2 load shedding kicked off at 8am and is expected to continue until 10pm tonight.

“This load shedding has been caused by an increase in plant breakdowns during the night and early hours of the morning,” said the power utility on Thursday.

Eskom said the delay of the return to service of two units at Duvha and Tutuka and the breakdowns of four units at Kriel, Tutuka and Kendal have resulted in the need for load shedding today.

“These units removed more than 2 000MW of capacity from the system. Eskom is working hard to return as many of these generation units to service.”

Eskom said if generating plants continue to perform at low levels of reliability and there are unplanned breakdowns, this could result in a change in the load shedding stage at short notice.

Meanwhile, there is a high possibility that stage 2 load shedding may be escalated to stage 3 for the evening peak.

“This constrained supply situation may persist throughout the weekend. We urge the public to continue reducing electricity usage to help us minimise load shedding,” said Eskom.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has dismissed allegations that her family is involved in COVID-19 tender procurement.

False news has been making the rounds on various social media platforms, alleging the involvement of the Minister’s husband, Dr Mathole Motshekga, in the production of sanitisers for schools.

“The allegations are absolutely not true and totally malicious. Dr Mathole Motshekga, husband to Minister Angie Motshekga, does not own or plan to own a factory that produces or supplies sanitisers or personal protective equipment to schools,” said the Minister’s office in a statement on Tuesday.

The Minister’s office pointed out that Dr Motshekga is a politician in his own right and a long-standing Member of Parliament. He currently serves as chairperson of the Ad-Hoc Committee of Section 25 on the Expropriation of Land.

“Dr Motshekga is a Professor of Law and Political Science, recognised by many prestigious universities in the country. He spends his time reading, writing and giving local and international lectures on African Heritage, Laws and Political Science.”

The Minister’s office further dismissed allegations around the Kara Heritage Institute.

“Further allegations that the Kara Heritage Institute, which Dr Motshekga founded, sells books to schools, is a blatant lie. The institute is not a commercial business and has no interest whatsoever in doing business with government, let alone the Department of Basic Education.”

The Minister’s office said allegations made against Dr Motshekga, which attempt to link Minister Motshekga to corruption regarding COVID-19 tender procurement for sanitisers, are desperate and far-fetched.

Meanwhile, the Minister has condemned all forms of corruption, saying that education is the only way to reverse poverty.

“Schools do not only provide an education, but they are important institutions that provide for the holistic well-being of children. Long absence from school puts younger children at a high risk of social decadence and delinquent behaviours such as crime, drug addiction and unplanned pregnancies, hence it is important to keep children in school for as long as possible,” she said.

By Mish Molakeng

Twenty-six Critical Health Centres have received broadband connectivity in the past two weeks, thanks to public-private partnerships.

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has established public and private partnerships to provide broadband internet connectivity to approximately 480 COVID-19 Mission Critical Health Centres across the country at no cost to the department.

The broadband speed connectivity is above 10 megabit per second.

This fast connectivity will enable remote health facilities to transfer patient files and carry out statistical reporting, medical analysis, and consult quickly and effectively. It will support critical health centres in enhancing the patient experience of care, quality, access, and reliability.

This partnership, brokered by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, was in response to the directions gazetted in March and an effort to assist government in meeting the key objective of slowing the spread of Coronavirus.

In response to a direction by the Minister, the regulatory body ICASA also assigned temporary radio frequency spectrum to mobile network operators. This will ensure citizens are able to access ICT services, government programmes and have the necessary information to protect themselves against this pandemic.

“Increased access to information is at the heart of department directions, the realities of inequality are such that not everyone can simply move online.

“All successful licensees for temporary IMT spectrum assignments are required to support and create virtual teaching and classrooms as determined by the department, in alignment with the Department of Basic Education,” said Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.

As part of COVID-19 interventions, the department is working with the Departments of Basic and Higher Education, and in partnership with mobile network operators and internet service providers.

The companies have approved hundreds of local websites to be zero-rated for educational purposes while South Africa deals with the pandemic.

The zero-rated websites include, among others, TVET colleges, universities, basic education sites as well as websites that provide information which can help South Africans mitigate the risks that come with this virus.

In addition to the 990 sites, which are already zero-rated, there are additional sites which are pending approval.

Zero rating of telecommunications and data services for specified public services like health, education and public service pronouncements is a very important intervention to empower society and the youth, in particular. “We are appreciated the good gestures from the mobile network operators, but I believe together more can be done,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.

The Coronavirus pandemic has not only put a sharp focus on the ICT sector; it has also has accelerated the digitalisation of many businesses and services, introduced teleworking and video conferencing systems in and out of the workplace.

Ndabeni-Abrahams said COVID-19 provides an opportunity for affordable ICT infrastructure and digital technology solutions such as Artificial Intelligence, High Performance Computing, Robotics and the Internet of Things, to be explored.

Meanwhile, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies have entered into  a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to facilitate the temporary rapid deployment of electronic communications and facilities within municipalities across the country.

Persistent downpours during the past weekend have yielded a slight increase in the Western Cape dam systems, said the Department of Water and Sanitation.

According to the weekly hydrological report released by the department on Tuesday, there is over a 1% increase in the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS), with the system currently standing at 78.68% as compared to 77.58% at the same time last week.

Department spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said the Western Cape is once again expected to receive significant rains this week.

“These rains will be accompanied by cold conditions and members of the public are urged to keep warm as weather conditions will average below 18 degrees, as per the predictions of the South African Weather Services (SAWS),” Ratau said.

First underground water supply project unveiled

Meanwhile, the department has welcomed the recent launch of the first underground water supply project from the Table Mountain Group (TMG) aquifer by the City of Cape Town.

“The aquifer, which is believed to be the largest in the world at a depth of 710 meters below the ground, is a perfect model of how exploration of alternate water sources can go a long way to augment water supply in the face of climate change. This is also in line with the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan which advocates less reliance on surface water,” Ratau said.

With all the conditions for the implementation of the South African Airways (SAA) Business Rescue Plan met last week, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and its stakeholders have been working around the clock to bring the process closer to finalisation.

The department said to complete the process, it is overseeing four phases, which include the restructuring of the airline (including the implementation of Voluntary Severance Packages (VSP) to employees); the appointment of non-executive directors and a  new management team; the selection and appointment of Transaction Advisors, and the formation of a customer-centric airline designed to be lean, technology capable, digitally modernised and agile to service all market segments.

The department reported that the voluntary retrenchments provided in the business rescue plan will see the retrenchment of all employees, with only 1 000 employees remaining to start the new airline on different terms and conditions to those currently existing.

“About 1 000 employees will be placed on a Social Plan – a temporary training lay-off scheme, so that they can be absorbed into the new airline, as and when new positions become available,” the department said on Tuesday.

As the shareholder, on behalf of government, the department reported that it will soon appoint a smaller, effective, reinforced and empowered Board of Directors, who will then appoint the airline’s new executive management, including Chief Risk Officer, Chief Information Officer and Chief Operating Officer.

The DPE has identified Transaction Advisors, whose mandate is to assist the department in transaction planning, feasibility analysis, procurement and implementation of transactions, and raising funds and investments for the new airline.

The advisors are also expected to assess unsolicited expressions of interests from private sector funders, private equity investors and partners for a future restructured SAA.

The department has also welcomed the attraction of a mix of local and international investor groups to provide the new airline with technical, financial, and operational expertise to ensure significant South African ownership, while diversifying the investor base.

New airline

The department said it is engaging constructively towards the national interest objective of a new airline, which will be run in a professional and sustainable manner to support key economic sectors, including tourism, and solidify South Africa as an African gateway to international markets.

While maintaining a certain level of presence in the ownership of the new carrier, the department said that government, through the DPE, would like to see the following characteristics of the new airline, as envisaged in the new Business Rescue Plan:

• An efficient and modern aircraft fleet with hybrid density options, acquired at competitive rates, resulting in cost efficiency;
• An offering with the right routes, at the right times and at competitive prices;
• A network structure that allows for connectivity at hubs, while maintaining elevated aircraft utilisation;
• Connecting Africa to world economic hubs, while maintaining diplomatic connectivity;
• The right-sized and motivated workforce, and
• A customer-centric airline designed to be lean, technology savvy, digitally native and agile to service all market segments.

“The DPE believes that the restructuring contained in the Business Rescue Plan for SAA is fundamental and will create a solid base for the emergence of a competitive, viable and sustainable national airline for the Republic of South Africa,” the department said.

The Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) has recorded a slight improvement in safety compliance in the private sector, while the government sector has seen a slight decline.

Inspector General Aggy Moiloa on Tuesday said the private sector has registered an improvement of one percentage point to 58%, while the public sector recorded a decline of 2%, bringing it to 45%.

“What should be noted is that the compliance rate for the general industry sector has been relatively constant at 57%, with very little variance… while the government sector, similarly, has been at a very low compliance rate of 47% over the same period… with very little variance.

“There were more than 533 prohibition notices served over this period, with a further 3 077 notices served overall,” Moiloa said.

The figures come at the time when the department has noted increased claims to the Compensation Fund (CF), and has upped the ante in paying outstanding Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) lockdown benefits.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), the department said, has also worked hard to limit the number of retrenchments and has repurposed its operations in anticipation of a jobs bloodbath.

A total of 4 433 inspections have been carried out in the private sector since 27 March 2020 to date, including 385 prohibitions notices served, 470 notices of improvements and 1 445 contraventions.

Moiloa said most notices have been served in KwaZulu-Natal, followed by the Western Cape.

In the public sector, Moiloa said out of 1 138 inspections, only 516 were compliant, while 622 were non-compliant.

“In the period, 148 prohibitions, 122 improvement notices and 507 contraventions notices were served. Cumulatively, 5 571 inspections have been conducted, with 3 070 compliant and 2 500 non-compliant – which is a cause for concern.

“We believe that all workplaces need to take extra care to ensure healthy and safe environments, especially with the pandemic upon us. The slight improvement is a positive step and we urge accelerated improvements in compliance,” said Moiloa.

Prohibition notices

The manufacturing sector has had the biggest number of prohibitions at 43, followed by 33 in the hospitality industry, 17 in the construction industry, 15 in iron and steel, 14 in agriculture and forestry, nine in the financial industries, including call centres, as well as eight in the food and beverage industries.

In the public sector, the Post Office has been slated for leading in prohibition with 20 notices, followed by the Police with 19 notices, Education 18, municipalities 17, Justice and Constitutional Development 15, Home Affairs nine, whilst both Health and Community Services had 16 notices.

KwaZulu-Natal has overtaken the Western Cape on Tuesday, becoming the province with the second-highest Coronavirus infections in the country.

The Health Department reported 2 512 new identified cases, which bring the total to 566 109 in South Africa.

Of these new cases, 1 309 were reported in KwaZulu-Natal, bringing the tally to 100 494 cases since the outbreak. This is compared to the Western Cape which now has 100 316 infections, while the Eastern Cape has 82 715 cases.

Gauteng remains the epicentre with 194 093 infections.

According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, there are 130 additional COVID-19 related deaths.

Of the new deaths, 35 are from Gauteng, 30 from KwaZulu-Natal, 25 from the Western Cape and 20 each from the Eastern Cape and the North West, pushing the death toll to 10 751.

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

Also, 426 125 have recovered which translates to a recovery rate of 75%, the Minister said.

Meanwhile, 3 278 977 tests have been conducted, of which 11 483 were done in the last 24 hours.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are now nearly 20 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu, stressed that behind these statistics there is a great deal of pain and suffering, calling the leaders to suppress the virus.

Globally, there are now 19 936 210 cases and 732 499 deaths of which 4 268 were recorded since the last report.

As Grade 7 learners return to school today, the Department of Basic Education has urged communities to protect schools against individuals and groups threatening to close schools and disrupt learning.

The department said it has become aware of attempts made by some members of school governing bodies (SGBs) around the country to close schools and disrupt learning.

In Gauteng, the department said, SGB members disrupted 38 schools in Daveyton/Etwatwa, 37 schools in Tsakane, and eight schools in KwaThema on Thursday.

There are reports of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) also disrupting schools across the province.

“The department would like to remind all members of SGBs that the closing of schools remains a legal function reserved for the provincial Head of Department.

“When members of a SGB act outside the legal dictates of their role and function, they risk the immediate disbandment of the entire SGB.

“The Council of Education Ministers is on record as having warned that any individual or group, who disrupts learning at our schools, will be reported to the authorities, and the department reserves the right to charge them with violation of the South African Schools Act (Act no. 84 of 1996),” the department said.

The roles and functions of SGBs are clearly defined in the Schools Act and include that a SGB must ensure that the school is governed in the best interest of all the stakeholders, and all SGB members must always put the best interest of the school before any personal interests.

“SGB members are urged to use the available channels to register their dissatisfaction, as per Chapter 3, Section 21 of  the Act, which states that ‘Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Head of Department, in terms of this section, may appeal to the Member of the Executive Council. Failure to follow this directive may result in the immediate disbandment of SGB members,” the department said.