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The Department of Water and Sanitation in KwaZulu-Natal has ramped up its water and hygiene products supply to communities, as a means of curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the province.

According to the provincial department, to date, 4 200 water storage tanks and 532 water tankers have been distributed to various district and local municipalities in the province.

“Distribution of water tanks in KwaZulu-Natal is done jointly with the provincial Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, as well as Umgeni and Mhlathuze Water Boards.

“The tanks have already been installed in different areas to ensure that communities have direct access to water and are able to practice a healthy routine of washing hands with water and soap,” the department said.

Umzinyathi District Municipality has the highest number of water tanks delivered at 450, followed by Harry Gwala and eThekwini District Municipalities with 350 and 300, respectively.

Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, has appealed to community members in the province to protect the water tanks provided to them, and not to vandalise them.

She also reiterated the call for citizens to wash their hands regularly with soap to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

“We have worked around the clock to ensure everyone has water. Strides have been made in providing water to a number of distressed areas.

“We, however, call on the communities to take care of the tanks, and report criminal activities done against these water tanks, whether it is theft or destruction of the tanks,” Sisulu said.

The Minister has further reminded the communities to continue to practice restraint when using water.

“While you are washing your hands, keep in mind that South Africa is a water scarce country and therefore, you should avoid water wastage. Let us save this precious water resource we have currently.

“We do encourage people to practice the habit of washing their hands regularly, especially during this critical time of the COVID-19 pandemic, but let us also use this water prudently,” Sisulu said.

Over 7 000 sanitisers distributed

Meanwhile, the department has distributed hygiene goods, including 7 500 hand sanitisers, 100 face masks, 40 disposable cover suits, and 2 300 bars of soap to various community members in the country.

The distribution of these hygiene goods will enable community members to protect themselves by practicing good hygienic practices.

Schools across the country are in the process of finalising preparations to receive Grade 7 and 12 learners when schools reopen on 1 June.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said that this week will be dedicated to finalising all outstanding matters before learners return to school.

This week, schools need to ensure that health and safety requirements are prioritised. These include learner transport, water provision, basic hygiene and sanitation, psycho-social support and the recruitment and appointment of screeners and cleaners.

The Minister’s remarks follow Monday’s Council of Education Ministers (CEM) meeting, which considered the progress on the reopening of schools.

Last week, the CEM decided that the School Management Team (SMT) and teachers would return to school on Monday.

“CEM noted that even though some schools had not yet received their safety material, progress in the cleaning of schools and deliveries of personal protective equipment (PPEs) was taking place. Provinces were continuing to send evidence of the work being done.

“CEM agreed that by Thursday morning, the final report would be received and would indicate further progress made and identify other challenges that needed attention,” the Department of Basic Education said.

Motshekga will this week sign directives that address various matters, which include the issuing of travel permits for education purposes, Grade 12 examinations, safety measures, and mass events at schools.

School vandalism

While work is being done, CEM was also disturbed by the vandalism continuing to happen at schools.

“In KwaZulu-Natal, two schools were broken into and the entire consignment was stolen. In Soweto, two people were allegedly killed by members of the community after attempting to break into a school where deliveries of COVID-19 essentials had just been made,” the department said.

The Minister has appealed to members of the community to not to take the law into their own hands.

“Communities must protect schools against vandalism but must ensure at all times that violence does not occur. We request that the community should rather work with the police to bring suspected perpetrators to justice,” the Minister said.

The CEM welcomed the appointment of the National Education Collaboration Trust-led consortium to monitor and confirm that all the schools complied with the preconditions for the reopening of schools in the context of the Coronavirus environment.

The consortium will conduct an independent audit of the work provinces are doing, as part of the preparation towards the reopening of schools.

“CEM noted the methodology presented and progress made in engaging with the provinces and schools last week. CEM is looking forward to the reports once data is collected,” the department said.

The consortium comprises the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Plus 94 Research, Entsika Consulting and New Leaders Foundation.

The public may now report any police brutality during lockdown at their nearest police station.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), this is in response to the judgement handed down on 15 May in the North Gauteng High Court in the matter of Collins Khosa.

Khosa is the 41-year-old man who died after he was allegedly beaten by soldiers and metro police outside his home in Alexandra on 10 April.

The High Court declared that all people in SA are entitled to a number of rights, which cannot be suspended, even during the COVID-19 state of disaster.

These include the right to life, the right not to be tortured in any way and the right not to be treated or punished in an inhumane and cruel way.

SAPS has since capacitated the SAPS’ National Service Complaints Centre to enable the public to also report allegations of police brutality or cruel, inhumane and/or degrading treatment and/or punishment, committed by members of the SAPS.

“Complaints can vary from torture and/or cruel, inhumane and/or degrading treatment and/or punishment, committed by law enforcement members including poor service delivery regarding police response, investigations, police negligence and police misconduct,” the police’s national spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said.

When members of the public report a complaint; the respective complaint will be required to contain detailed information such as full names and surname, identity number, residential/business address, telephone and cell phone numbers and an email address.

Naidoo said the national state of disaster has created an unprecedented situation that requires the co-operation of everyone to prevent, limit, contain, combat and manage the spreading of COVID-19.

“Law enforcement agencies are expected to ensure that the disaster management regulations are adhered to by all inhabitants of the country.”

Members of the public suspected to be in contravention of the disaster management regulations may expect the following to happen:

• Be arrested or requested to accompany a law enforcement officer to a police station.
• If the offence is of a serious nature, the person may be detained, subject hereto that he or she must be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than 48 hours after the arrest.
• The person may apply for bail at his or her appearance in court.
• If the offence is less serious, the community service centre commander or the senior member of the SAPS in charge must consider the release of a person in consultation with the investigating officer.

The public is urged to take note that the guidelines regarding enforcement of the State of Disaster Regulations allow that a law enforcement officer may forcibly confine the body of the arrested person if the person does not submit to custody (in accordance with section 39 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977).

“Furthermore, if the suspect resists the arrest or attempts to flee, section 49(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, authorises an enforcement officer to use force that is reasonably necessary and proportional to overcome such resistance or attempt. However, under no circumstances may a person be tortured, assaulted or mistreated in any manner by a law enforcement officer.”

The public may, for the duration of the state of disaster, report complaints regarding the SAPS at the nearest police station, the National Service Complaints Centre on the toll-free number 0800 333 177 or on the following email addresses complaintsnodalpoint@saps.gov.za or service@saps.gov.za.

Temperatures have dropped significantly at the start of the week, with the South African Weather Service predicting snow in parts of the country.

In addition to the two recent snow events over the Eastern Cape and Lesotho, which included QwaQwa in the Free State, Weather SA said the mountains of the Western Cape and the extreme south-western areas of the Northern Cape are about to experience the first snow of 2020.

“The weather system responsible for the expected winter weather is an intense cold front, which will be supported by a steep upper trough from Sunday night, bringing rain showers to the south-western areas of the Western Cape.

“Ahead of this cold front, windy conditions are expected over most areas, with strong gale force north-westerly winds (50-70m/h) over the interior of the Western Cape. Gale force winds can also be expected but are likely to be confined to the south-western and southern coasts of the Western and Eastern Cape, respectively,” Weather SA said in a statement.

Furthermore, very rough to high seas, with wave heights varying between 4.5 to 6.5 m can also be expected along the afore-mentioned coastline.

According to weather forecaster, Matshidiso Mogale, the frontal system will introduce wintry conditions on Monday, 25 May 2020 and bitterly cold daytime temperatures are expected to spread eastwards over the Cape provinces.

Mogale advised communities living in the extreme south-western areas of the Western Cape to brace themselves for a combination of cold, strong gusty winds, as well as moderate rainfall.

“Numeric modelling currently suggests rainfall of the order of 5 to 15 mm over parts of the Western Cape, while mountainous areas are likely to experience more significant falls, possibly 20 to 30 mm. There is also a potential for localised flooding in places.

“Further afield, cold conditions are expected to set in over Lesotho, the Free State as well as the southern and south-western parts of the North West province during the course of Monday.  On Tuesday, 26 May 2020, snowfall is expected to spread to the central and northern interior of the Eastern Cape,” Mogale said.

During Tuesday, Mogale added, widespread bitterly cold daytime temperatures are expected over the entire interior, including the Cape provinces, Free State and southern KwaZulu-Natal.

The southern parts of Gauteng are also likely to be cold and windy on Tuesday and snowfall is also likely to spread to Lesotho, QwaQwa and the Drakensberg mountains in KwaZulu-Natal.

Refrain from travelling to snow sites

While many will be excited to see snow, the South African Weather Service has strongly encouraged the public to refrain from travelling to snow sites amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the current lockdown regulations.

Although widespread morning frost could also be expected over the interior areas, temperatures are expected to recover gradually over the Cape provinces from Wednesday onwards.

“The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to this weather system and will issue subsequent updates as required. Furthermore, the public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio,” Mogale said.

The City of Ekurhuleni’s Harambee bus service is back on the road with reduced passenger seating capacity in, line with the level 4 regulations of the lockdown.

The services were suspended when level 5 of the nationwide lockdown was declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 March.

“The number of buses on the road have been increased to make up for reduced 45-passenger seating capacity per trip to allow for social distancing. Inside the buses, passengers are only allowed to sit on the demarcated seats. They only stand on the marked floor areas,” the City said.

Smart cards and tickets are sold at all stations on the route.

“In line with level 4 COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, it is compulsory for everyone using any of the municipality’s buses to wear a face mask or any form of material covering mouth and nose,” the City said.

The compulsory wearing of face masks or any appropriate item to cover mouth and nose in all public spaces and public transport is prescribed by Section 5.1 of the National Disaster Management Act Regulations, gazetted on 29 April.

“Passengers are screened and sanitised before boarding, and if a passenger has a fever or flu-like symptoms, they are advised to get medical help,” the City said.

The route to the OR Tambo Airport will remain suspended until further notice.

Students receiving aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have been urged to use their learning material allowances to purchase learning devices so they can learn remotely during lockdown.

“Many students, who still have not bought laptops must do so, especially those who have been paid the annual teaching assistance allowance of R5 200, to buy gadgets that will facilitate their learning during this challenging time,” said the chairperson of the Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture, Elleck Nchabeleng.

NSFAS qualifying students receive learning material allowance for the year, which includes R5 200 issued once a year to beneficiaries to purchase things like laptops, tablets and books.

Nchabeleng said the committee is satisfied with the proficiency and efficiency with which the NSFAS Administrator, Dr Randall Carolissen has run the entity, even during the COVID-19 distraction.

The committee also welcomed the task team announced by Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, over the weekend.

The task team will investigate challenges associated with the move to the student-centred model at NSFAS in 2017.

“The intervention will enhance the work of the Administrator and improve the service to poor students. Commendable work to stabilise the student financial aid scheme is being realised, and that has been demonstrated by how allowances are being distributed to students,” Nchabeleng said.

Nchabeleng said the work that NSFAS is doing in support of the departmental objectives to increase the number of poor students in higher education at no cost, is noted.

He said more work needs to be done around a policy that will ensure access to the category of students who belong to the ‘missing middle’.

“NSFAS is now an entity where consequence management is prioritised. Certain employees and criminal syndicates that were operating within the student financial aid scheme have been reported to law enforcement agencies.

“The committee will support NSFAS so that the entity does not regress from the progress that was realised during the administration period. NSFAS is a changed and a well-functioning student financial aid scheme,” Nchabeleng said.

As of Monday, 25 May, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 23 615.

The novel Coronavirus claimed 52 more lives, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 481.

“We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and thank the healthcare workers who treated these patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zwelini Mkhize.

The provincial breakdown of the COVID-19 cases is as follows: Western Cape 15 396, Gauteng 2 993, Eastern Cape 2 748, KwaZulu-Natal 1 882, Free State 208, Limpopo 132, North West 109, Mpumalanga 102 and Northern Cape 45.

Meanwhile, the total number of recoveries stands at 11 917.

To date, 596 777 tests have been conducted, with 12 992 tests done in last past 24 hour testing cycle.

The Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Roads and Transport says the opening of rail during level 3 lockdown could spell a public transport catastrophe.

The committee said it is was not pleased with the measures presented by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s administrator, Bongisizwe Mpondo, on their readiness to receive passengers under level 3 lockdown regulations.

“As the bulk of working class citizens go back to work, trains are expected to be operational effective 1 June 2020. However, plans presented by PRASA are short of a Gauteng province integrated system and could lead to a public transport disaster during level 3,” the Committee said.

According to the statement released, it has emerged that Metrorail will only have one line in operation in the Gauteng province.

“This move only addresses the north Gauteng commuters, leaving out all other regions in the province.”

Moreover, issues of safety, security and screening measures presented by Mpondo were not reassuring to the committee.

“Some of the doubts were prompted by the fact that PRASA has no indication on average figures of their daily commuters, therefore, making PRASA’s mitigation plans feeble, as they are not informed on any context including that of daily commuters.”

According to the Chairperson of the Roads and Transport Committee, Dumisani Dakile, while they understand PRASA is under administration and faces immense challenges, it has to put the passengers’ lives first.

“Our responsibility as the committee is to ensure that all public transport in the province is ready to provide service by ensuring there are effective measures in place for the safe travel of commuters.

“Unfortunately, PRASA has not been convincing in their plans that they are ready to rise to the occasion. The committee is expecting a revised presentation that is tangible, informed and reassuring that PRASA is ready to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in trains,” Dakile said.

The Committee requested the MEC of Roads and Transport, Jacob Mamabolo, to convene an urgent meeting with all modes of transport institutions, including PRASA, to consolidate all public transport plans into an integrated plan, ensuring effective transport in the province during level 3 of lockdown.

“The meeting is scheduled to take place this week and the Committee is expecting feedback by the end of the week on the outcome of the meeting.”

As the continent marks the 57th Africa Day, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa – as African Union Chair – will lead the continent’s celebrations, which include a special virtual broadcast and the Africa Day Solidarity Concert for the COVID-19 Response Fund.

Africa Day is celebrated on 25 May 2020 and marks the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

This year’s celebrations will include a special virtual broadcast featuring speeches by President Ramaphosa; the AU Commission Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat; the President of the Pan African Women Association, Eunice Ipinge, and the AU Youth Envoy, Aya Chebbi.

The broadcast also brings one of the champions of Africa’s Liberation, the only remaining founding fathers of the OAU, Dr Kenneth Kaunda of the Republic of Zambia. KK, as he is known, walked and worked side by side with other gallant giants of Africa’s liberation in establishing the organisation that strived to free the whole continent from the shackles of colonialism. He served as Zambia’s first president and as the chairman of the OAU from 1970 to 1973.

This event will be broadcast at 13h00 (Central African Time) today on all major broadcasters and digital media platforms.

The OAU was established on 25 May 1963 with the aim of promoting political, economic and social integration among the family of African States, and to eradicate colonialism, apartheid and neo-colonialism from the African continent.

The organisation was transformed into the African Union on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, to achieve greater unity, cohesion and solidarity between African countries and nations.

Africa united in COVID-19 fight

This year’s celebration coincides with South Africa’s one-year tenure as Chair of the African Union. It also takes place amid the continent’s advancing efforts to combat the spread of Coronavirus.

South Africa is celebrating Africa Month under the theme: ‘Silencing the Guns, Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development and Intensifying the Fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic’.

The celebration of Africa Month and Africa Day provides an opportunity to promote African unity, deeper regional integration and a recommitting of Africa to a common destiny. It is also an opportunity to educate the people of the continent on the African Union’s initiatives to fight the pandemic.

The African Union has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 strategy, established an African Union COVID-19 Response Fund and strengthened the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Celebrations of Africa Day will continue throughout the day on a number of platforms anchored by various entities from the continent and across the world.

President Ramaphosa will be featured delivering a message of support on the Africa Day Solidarity Concert for the COVID-19 Response Fund. The concert, which will stream on all Trace stations from 17:00 (CAT) will raise funds for the AU COVID-19 fund.

The President will also feature on the MTV base Africa Day benefit concert, which is working with UNFPA and UNICEF Africa to ensure that the proceeds of the concert go towards food security for vulnerable children and families, which are hardest hit by COVID-19.

This virtual concert starts at 18:00 (CAT) on youtube.com/mtvbaseafrica322 and again at 21:00 (CAT) on MTV base DSTV channel 322.

The Department of Small Business Development has unveiled the second-wave of financial relief schemes that are expected to come to the rescue of township and village cooperates adversely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.

Small Business Development Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the interventions in a statement on Saturday. The schemes will benefit informal, micro and small enterprises including cooperatives based in townships and villages. The intervention is in addition to the Spaza Support Scheme unveiled in March.

“The dedicated support programmes for township and village-based enterprises are in line with the Department’s Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) that was approved by Cabinet in February 2020.

“With the re-opening of the economy, the township and village economies require special focus if government is to achieve the aspirations of the new economy post-COVID-19 which were clearly articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa,” Ntshavheni said.

Qualifying entrepreneurs can apply to the Small-scale bakeries and confectioneries support scheme; informal and small-scale clothing and textile support scheme; and the Automotive Aftermarkets Support.

Small Scale Bakeries and Confectionaries Business Support Scheme

The scheme is aimed at supporting small scale bakeries and confectioneries operating as micro or informal businesses, support assistance to purchase business equipment and provision of working capital.

The financial package, through SEFA, is structured to cover cost of equipment and working capital.

The department said the Minister is committed to a programme of ensuring that spaza shops become critical markets for products made by other small businesses.

Small Scale and Micro Clothing and Textile Business Support Scheme for enterprises located in townships and villages

The Scheme is aimed at supporting small scale, micro and informal businesses in the clothing and textile industry to:

• seize opportunities in the sector availed by the COVID-19 pandemic such as production of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the COVID-19 response value chains and beyond;
• participate in the rebuilding and restructuring of the clothing and textile sector as necessitated by the emergence of the new world order; and
• improve the quality and competitiveness of small scale clothing and textile enterprises for both domestic supply and export market.

The department, said Ntshavheni, is of the view that the economic climate will witness either a consolidation of big clothing retailers and manufacturers into fewer players or demise of the same post COVID-19.

“Any of these unfortunate consequences will invariably create an opportunity for small players, including co-operatives, that at times will be formed by former workers of these giants to participate as owners of their businesses in the sector,” said the department.

Automotive Aftermarkets Support Scheme

This scheme offers targeted support and development of the small/ independent automotive aftermarket enterprises, including informal businesses that are located in townships and villages.

It covers supporting qualified motor body repairers to operate accredited small /independent panel beaters (motor body repairers) centres. It will also support qualified motor mechanics to operate authorized service centres. Small/ independent auto-spares shops to serve as distributors of automotive aftermarket spare parts centres.

“The support covers working capital, facilitating the accreditation of the small/ micro and participation in a SEFA-backed revolving credit facility, through participating banks, between participating motor mechanics/ motor body repairers with participating auto spares shops and fitment centres,” said the department.

Additional business development support through SEDA includes:

• Facilitate trade test certification (for those not certified but must hold N3 college qualification), where it is required
• Assistance to enroll with insurance industry and/ or car service centres through facilitating accreditation with relevant industry standards and bodies
• Automotive workshop service management training and support
• Discount package with non-original spare parts manufacturers;
• Business management support and mentorship through Unemployed Graduate Scheme, or SEDA Business Advisors and/ or services business professionals.

 Who can apply?

• An entity registered with CIPC as a legal entity including cooperatives;
• The business must 100% be owned by South African nationals;
• Employees must be 70% South Africans, and in the case of non-South African employees – they must hold valid work permits as determined by the Department of Home Affairs;
• The business must be operating in a township or village;
• The business must be registered or must apply for registration with SARS and UIF; and
• The business must have a valid business bank account or willing to open a business account.

SEDA offices will also be available to assist entrepreneurs to register with CIPC and SARS at the cost of the applicant and also assist with municipal business licensing, in the event municipalities are not responsive.

Application forms for these three schemes will be available online on https://smmesa.gov.za/ from Wednesday, 27 May 2020.