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South Africa has exceeded the 300 000 mark to reach a cumulative total of 311 049 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Wednesday.

Mkhize also confirmed a further 107 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 4 453.

Of the reported deaths, 41 were from Gauteng, 38 from Western Cape, 12 from North West and 4 from Eastern Cape, and 4 from KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkhize has conveyed his condolences to the loved ones of the departed, and also thanked the health care workers who treated the deceased.

The provincial breakdown of cases: Eastern Cape 55 584, Free State 6 561, Gauteng 112 714, KwaZulu-Natal 32 939, Limpopo 3 645, Mpumalanga 5 051, North West 11 225, Northern Cape 1 667, Western Cape 81 556 and 107 unknown cases.

“The total number of tests conducted to date is 2 278 127 with 45 389 new tests conducted since the last report. The number of recoveries is 160 693 which translates to a recovery rate of 51.7%,” Mkhize said.

Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu will on Friday visit the OR Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape to set up interventions that will drive responses to the national crisis of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBV).

Minister Mchunu has been assigned by Cabinet to lead the District as its champion in the implementation of the District Development Model to enhance the capacity of the state.

The Minister will interact with all the relevant stakeholders in the District to deliberate on the District’s developmental imperatives.

The Minister will lead the establishment of GBVF intervention programmes in the area to readily respond to the crisis as part of the national response plan of government to fight the scourge.

The plan comes at a time when government has pulled all its resources across the country in an effort to mitigate the effects of the ravaging COVID-19 cases that are growing rapidly on a daily basis.

Minister Mchunu is also expected to meet with the leadership and the relevant stakeholders of the District municipality to come up with Rapid Responses to the GBVF crisis, on the District’s developmental imperatives and on COVID-19 cases.

Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has welcomed the Western Cape High Court Judgment against the City of Cape Town on illegal evictions.

The Western Cape High Court declared on Wednesday that the City’s actions and conduct in demolishing and evicting the community of Hangberg in Hout Bay, was unlawful and unconstitutional.

Sisulu said the State will do everything to enforce this court order and ensure that the City of Cape Town officials comply.

“As the court said, such evictions are in violation of Section 36 (1) of Alert Level 3 regulations made in terms of section 27 (2) of the Disaster Management Act of 2002,” Sisulu said.

The department also welcomed the court’s instructions that the City must rebuild the same size and dimensions of the structures they demolished, within 48 hours of the court granting the order.

“The South African legislation prohibits evictions of residents, and the State is obliged to ensure that such violations of residents’ human rights has consequences and is stopped immediately,” the Minister emphasised.

Section 26(3) of the Constitution states that “no one may be evicted from their home, or have their home demolished, without an order of court made after considering all the relevant circumstances”.

The Constitution further prohibits any intimidation, cutting off of services, or any other measure that makes residents living conditions unbearable in order to evict them.

“The State will intervene to enforce the Constitution and the Disaster Management Act, which gives effect to alert level 3 regulations. The State has a duty to protect the rights of all residents,” Sisulu said.

The Basic Education Department has reiterated that any decision on whether schools will be closed or not, will be taken by Cabinet.

The department reiterated its stance following a resolution taken by South African Democratic Teachers Union on Tuesday, which called on government to close schools nationally as the country braces for the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The government is extremely concerned about teachers, principals, non-teaching staff who use any platform to attack government for going back to work; ostensibly creating an impression that they should be treated differently from the rest of the other public servants.

“CEM [Council of education Ministers] has resolved to take legal action against all individuals and groups that continue to disrupt schooling,” said the department in a statement.

The DBE explained that one of the main reasons for the phased-in reopening of schools, was to make sure the “unfettered right to basic education for all children, is equitably provided”.

During alert levels 5 and 4 of the national lockdown, most children from the most rural and remote areas of the country, especially learners from quintiles 1-3 schools, could not access any form of online teaching and learning.

“This, inadvertently negatively affected these children’s unfettered right to basic education. It is particularly the poor, who continue to be at risk, if schools do not reopen.

“Critical in the phased reopening of schools, was adherence to the health, safety and social distancing protocols as determined by the Department of Health,” said the department.

In addition, the department explained that its decision to reopen schools was guided by science, health and education experts as well as learning from international experiences.

“We have repeatedly reported that countries of the world directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, have responded differently to the pandemic.

“Some have completely reopened their schools, some have partially reopened their schools; some even reopened and closed their schools when the realities pertaining to the pandemic forced them to do so.  South Africa is definitely no different from international practices,” it said.

School nutrition

On school nutrition, the department said one of the main reasons it reopened schools was to enable poor learners to access the school nutrition programme.

“There are the learners, who were deprived of the meals due to the national lockdown.  With the reopening of schools, we are now feeding our learners; and have further expanded the feeding to learners, who are not yet back in schools,” it said.

Arrangements are also in place for learners to collect food parcels from the schools closest to their homes.

On corruption, the DBE says the Auditor-General is presently auditing the procurement of COVID-19 essentials for schools.

Learner support and home schooling

On learner support, the department said it continues to provide support to learners, using a variety of platforms, including radio, television, online, and of course physical teaching and learning in schools.

“The DBE has over 330 digital content education sites, that have been zero-rated; and have good curriculum content that can be accessed by any learner, whether they have data or not,” said the department.

The DBE and its partners have also broadcasted and streamed over 3 000 hours of lessons to support learners through television, radio and online platforms.

“These interventions are part of the department’s effort to ensure unlimited access to rich content for learning during this time.”

The Home Affairs Portfolio Committee has urged the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to move with speed to update the details of 9% of voters with incomplete or without addresses listed on the voters’ roll.

“This will ensure that the voters’ roll is in line with the 2016 Constitutional Court ruling in the Electoral Commission v Mhlope and others case,” portfolio committee chairperson, Advocate Bongani Bongo, said on Tuesday.

The committee welcomed the announcement that the IEC has plans to investigate the 1.1 million people with incomplete addresses and the 1.2 million without addresses on the voters’ roll.

The committee also welcomed the initiative to use geo-coding of addresses to confirm that locations are within wards of registration.

“The committee believes that the confirmation of addresses will play a critical role in confirming that the elections are free and fair.  The committee has emphasised that the IEC must focus more of its energies on Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape — the provinces with the highest number of voters without addresses on the voters’ roll,” Bongo said.

Readiness to hold local government elections

Meanwhile, the committee said it is impressed with the IEC’s readiness to hold the 2021 Local Government Elections.

It also welcomed the IEC’s assertion that it has made provision to procure personal protective equipment for electoral staff to protect them against any infection, and ensure that voting stations do not become vectors of COVID-19.

With regards to voter education, the committee said it is cognisant of the challenges COVID-19 presents to the IEC in rolling out outreach programmes and the impact it may have on voter registration weeks.

E-voting

As a result, the committee has urged the IEC to look at electronic registration as a means to encourage registration and the update of addresses.

“The committee remains of the view that in order to increase efficiencies in the electoral process, e-voting must be considered going forward. This is essential because the use of technology has the potential to drive down the costs of elections and increase operational efficiencies, as well as encourage greater voter participation,” Bongo said.

The committee has also called on the IEC to urgently implement its voter education to increase voter participation, especially in the 18 – 29 age group.

“As per Section 159 of the Constitution and Section 24 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act, the committee notes that the earliest possible date for Local Government Elections in 2021 is 4 August 2021, while the latest date is 1 November 2021,” Bongo said.

The committee further welcomed progress in relation to Voter Management Devices, and urged the IEC to finalise procurement processes.

The committee noted the possible impact of COVID-19 on the processes of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), especially in relation to stakeholder consultations. It called on the IEC, together with the Department of Cooperative Governance and the MDB, to work on a strategy to ensure adherence to deadlines.

The committee further called for a comprehensive voter plan within the context of COVID-19, to ensure that the commission is ready with a fool-proof plan to address the possibility of COVID-19 impacting the elections.

“The committee has, for its part, committed to further engagements with the IEC to assess further progress on planning,” Bongo said.

The signing of performance agreements between Ministers and the President are still on track, Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu clarified on Tuesday.

The signing of performance agreements as a mechanism to hold the Members of the Executive accountable was due to take place from 26 March 2020 but was eclipsed by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic to the country’s shores.

“Initially, the President had intended to sign the Performance Agreements with Ministers from 26 March 2020. In this period, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation, and on 15 March 2020, President Ramaphosa declared a National State of Disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act, to combat the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected some of the initial plans and budgets of the various departments leading to the review of the APPs. The reprioritisation of budgets also had an impact on the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) targets for financial year 2020-2021, and departments’ Strategic Plans 2020-2025 and APPs 2020/2021,” said the Minister.

The Business Day newspaper erroneously reported that President Ramaphosa reneged on his State of the Nation Address’ commitment to hold Ministers accountable through the signing of performance agreements.

The error followed the pronouncement by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), in a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting, that the target of signing of the Performance Agreements was removed from the revised Annual Performance Plan (APP).

During the presentation of the revised 2020-2021 APP of the DPME to the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, on 10 July 2020, a question arose on the implementation of the performance agreements for Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers and Directors-General, as announced by President Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address on 13 February 2020.

The question was specifically directed at the Minister in the Presidency who unfortunately could not attend the meeting due to other urgent commitments.

The Portfolio Committee resolved that the Minister will be requested to clarify the position of the department in writing to the committee.

The Minister has since written to the committee indicating that contrary to the misunderstanding that might have arisen, government is going ahead with the signing of the performance agreements of Members of the Executive, in line with the revised APPs of the different national government departments.

“From the revised APPs as submitted to Parliament last week, we are extracting the responsibilities of Ministers. We are collating these Ministerial responsibilities into draft Performance Agreements to be signed with the President. This process is almost at its tail end,” said the Minister.

After the President has received the draft revised agreements, he will make his own inputs and further consult with the individual ministers on their revised performance agreements.

“Once this process is concluded, the President will then sign the revised performance agreements with the Ministers in the next coming weeks. Government remains committed to continue to enhance accountability through a structured performance management system at the executive level,” said Mthembu.

Rhino horn worth R11.6 million has been discovered at OR Tambo International Airport, according to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

A total 41 pieces of rhino horn were valued at R115.66 million in a consignment declared as “fine art” on Tuesday by customs teams aided by detector dogs.

SARS said the consignment of six boxes, containing the horns that had been concealed in carbon paper and foil, was destined for Kuala Lampur.

The South African Police Services’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (the Hawks) have been alerted of the incident. In addition, a criminal case has been registered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.

Meanwhile, SARS customs officials also found abalone valued at close to R1 million, destined for Hong Kong, and ephedrine valued at R600 000, which had been hidden in two printer cartridges and destined for Madagascar.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter lauded officials for Tuesday’s finds.

“Criminal and illicit economic activities are rife and result in billions of Rands of losses in tax and customs revenue to the fiscus. In addition, it does seriously harm to our domestic economy. I am therefore very pleased with the success at ORTIA by our customs officials.

“I wish to express sincere appreciation to our customs officers for this diligence in fighting these unacceptable criminal activities,” he said.

Kieswetter issued a stern warning to those who are engaged in criminal syndicate work.

“We will spare no effort in confronting and dealing with any criminal acts that threatens the well-being of our country and depriving our future generation from witnessing the beauty of nature as represented by our rhinoceros. We will not rest until all are caught,” he said.

South Africa has reported 10 496 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 298 292.

Also, a further 174 COVID-19 related deaths were reported on Tuesday bringing the country’s death toll to 4 346.

Of the reported deaths, 82 were from Gauteng, 44 from Western Cape, 27 from KwaZulu- Natal, 17 from Eastern Cape and 4 from Northern Cape.

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

The number of recoveries is 146 279, which translates to a recovery rate of 49%.

The provincial breakdown of cases is as follows: Gauteng 107 070, Western Cape 80 199, Eastern Cape 53 959, KwaZulu-Natal 30 587, North West 10 784, Free State 5 973, Mpumalanga 4 576, Limpopo 3 458, Northern Cape 1 579 and 107 were unknown.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 2 232 738 with 38 114 new tests conducted since the last report.

While some generating units have returned to service, Eskom will implement Stage 1 load shedding on Wednesday.

The power utility is set to implement Stage 1 load shedding from 9am until 10pm tonight.

On Tuesday, Eskom successfully returned a generation unit each at the Medupi and Majuba power stations to service. On Monday, unit 2 at Koeberg was synchronised into the grid.

“This additional capacity has significantly reduced the strain on the generation system. The progress, however, is still not sufficient to enable us to suspend this current unfortunate period of load shedding,” said the utility in a statement.

The news comes as South Africans have experienced load shedding from Friday, 10 July.

Eskom said the generation system has improved as such that it will move from implementing Stage 2 load shedding to Stage 1 load shedding.

“Eskom wishes to assure the public that implementing load shedding is the last resort, in order to protect the national grid.”

Meanwhile the return to service of a unit each at Tutuka and Kendal power stations has been delayed as teams work around the clock to return them to service.

For the power utility, the colder weather also means demand for electricity has risen significantly.

“We therefore urge the public to continue assisting us in managing consumption in order to reduce the impact of the supply constraints.”

With many South Africans struggling to keep their heads above water given the financial challenges brought on by COVID-19, the National Credit Regulator (NCR) has reminded consumers of the measures available to ease the burden.

“The National Credit Act (NCA) offers various debt relief measures for financially embattled consumers struggling to repay debts and consumers are encouraged to consider these measures where applicable,” said the NCR’s acting manager for Education and Communication, Advocate Kedilatile Legodi.

The NCR, which is an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), said many South Africans are in financial distress and struggling to repay debts as a result of reduced and complete loss of  income.

Established in terms of the NCA, the regulator is responsible for the regulation of the South African credit industry while also monitoring the conduct of among others credit providers, and credit bureaus in their compliance with the National Credit Act as amended.

Credit Life Insurance

Consumers can consider several NCA debt relief measures, including Credit Life Insurance.

This is insurance that a consumer purchases when applying for credit or loan. It covers the outstanding debt in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as death, retrenchment, unemployment, inability to earn an income, disability and others.

In the event of the consumer becoming unemployed or unable to earn an income, the credit life insurance cover provides that credit providers must settle / pay the consumer’s debt for a period of 12 months or for the remaining repayment period or until the consumer finds employment or is able to earn an income, whichever period is shorter.

“Consumers who would like to use this relief measure but battling to get assistance from their credit providers can send a complaint to the National Credit Regulator. However, it is important for consumers to remember that in order to benefit from credit life insurance, all payments regarding the credit life insurance policy must be up to date,” said Legodi on Tuesday.

Debt counselling/review

Debt counselling is a debt relief measure intended to assist over-indebted consumers struggling with debt, through budget advice, negotiation with credit providers for reduced payments, extension of repayment term and restructuring of debt.

Debt counselling also offers consumers protection against repossession or legal action by credit providers.

“Consumers who have been negatively impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in reduced income are encouraged to consider this debt relief measure since an income is required to apply for debt counselling.”

Debt counselling is offered by NCR registered debt counsellors who operate nationwide.

A list of registered debt counsellors can be found on the NCR website www.ncr.org.za or by contacting the NCR on 0860 627 627.

Surrender of goods

The NCA allows consumers to voluntarily surrender / return goods to credit providers when they can no longer afford to maintain the repayments or can foresee that they will not be able to maintain future payments.

In terms of the act, credit agreements under which goods can be surrendered are instalment agreements, secured loans or leases.

Legodi said there is a process to be followed, which consumers are encouraged to understand before they give notice to a credit provider to return the goods.

The credit provider is required to provide the consumer with a letter setting out the estimated value of the goods, 10 business days after the consumer gave notice to surrender or return the goods, whichever is the latest.

The consumer may withdraw the notice to surrender within 10 business days after receiving the estimated value letter, if the account is not in arrears.

The credit provider will sell the returned goods in an attempt to settle the debt.

“However, there is no guarantee that the credit provider will sell the goods for what the consumer still owes. If the proceeds from the sale are insufficient to settle the outstanding debt, the consumer will be liable to pay the shortfall after the sale.”

Loans

For consumers with a need to borrow or loan money, they should do so having considered their ability to repay the debt and only use NCR registered credit providers.

“Consumers should never enter into any agreement with unregistered credit providers who usually retain bank cards, SASSA cards, identity documents etc. as security and a collection method.”

The retention of cards or identity documents is prohibited and a criminal offence in terms of the NCA.

“Consumers are urged to report credit providers who retain these instruments to the South African Police Service and the NCR,” said Legodi.

The NCR is also mandated with the registration of credit providers, credit bureaus, debt counsellors, payment distribution agents, and alternative dispute resolution agents.