SAA suspends regional flights
Subsequent to suspending all international flights, South African Airways (SAA) has also announced the suspension of regional flights.
The suspension of both international and regional flights is in response to government’s travel ban aimed at stopping the transmission of COVID-19.
In a statement on Friday, the airline said due to the suspension of international flights, there has been an “immediate drastic” reduction of demand for African regional flights.
“SAA is a network carrier, which means that a significant part of the regional bookings demand is fed by the passengers that travel to or from the international destinations. Therefore, the suspension of the international flights has resulted in the airline not being able to operate its normal network.”
“This resulted in operation of regional flights not being commercially viable anymore,” said the national carrier.
As of 20 March 2020, the following flights to the following destinations have been suspended:
- Accra (Ghana),
- Lusaka (Zambia)
- Harare (Zimbabwe)
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
- Windhoek (Namibia)
- Lagos (Nigeria)
- Entebbe (Uganda).
Meanwhile, flights to Mauritius operated until Saturday, 21 March 2020.
The suspensions are in place until 31 May 2020.
“This decision means that SAA will only continue to render services on its domestic route between Johannesburg and Cape Town.”
Customers can also visit our website, www.flysaa.com, for further updates.
Suspect arrested for trafficking illicit cigarettes
A 31-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Lehurutshe Magistrates’ Court today on charges of smuggling counterfeit cigarettes.
The suspect was arrested on Friday, 20 March, by police at the Kopfontein border in the North West.
Police were conducting inspection at the port of entry when they stopped an Isuzu bakkie of a courier company for a search.
Police discovered 75 master boxes of cigarettes, with an estimated value of R1.25 million.
The driver was arrested and charged for contravening Section (180) and Section 15(1) (a) of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrest and commended the police for their vigilance.
He said the arrest and seizure will send a clear message that transnational crimes will not be tolerated and perpetrators will not be spared.
B-BBEE Commission welcomes court decision on fronting
The Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Commission has welcomed a court decision to dismiss an application that would see it not performing its functions.
“The Commission welcomes the decision of the Gauteng Division of the High Court to dismiss with costs the urgent application by Risc Technology Integration (Pty) Ltd to interdict the B-BBEE Commission from implementing its decision and recommendations,” said the Commission in a statement on Sunday.
This is after the company was issued with final findings in a case alleging fronting and misrepresentation of B-BBEE status on 5 February 2020.
The Commission received a complaint from Winniefred Ntletleng Mashigo, who alleged that she was employed by Risc Technology Integration (Pty) Ltd from the 11 February 2009 to 7 January 2015 as a receptionist.
Mashigo left the company after discovering in August 2014 that she had been listed as a 33% shareholder in Risc Technology Integration (Pty) Ltd without her knowledge or consent.
In addition, Mashigo did not receive any dividends in respect of her 33% shareholding in the company. The former receptionist was told that she was made shareholder to enhance the B-BBEE status of the company. This would also make it easier for the company to access tenders in government entities.
After assessing this complaint, the Commission believed there was merit to investigate it, as the allegations were pointing to fronting and misrepresentation of B-BBEE status.
Response to allegations
Risc Technology Integration was formally notified of the complaint and given enough opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The company was also given another opportunity to respond to findings on 12 December 2019, before the Commission made final findings on 5 February 2020.
In the findings issued, the Commission made specific recommendations.
The company asked the Commission to make a written undertaking that it will not implement its decision/findings and the recommendations made, to which the Commission did not provide such an undertaking.
Seeking court relief
Risc Technology Integration decided to approach the High Court on an urgent basis to interdict the Commission from implementing its decision/findings and recommendations made in its report.
Executive Manager for Investigations and Enforcement at the Commission, Moipone Kgaboesele, said the commission defended this matter primarily because there was no basis for the relief the company was seeking.
In the view of the Commission, it was absurd for Risc Technology Integration to attempt to interfere with the mandate and the powers of the Commission, as provided for in the B-BBEE Act.
“The approach of Risc Technology Integration, in this case is regrettable, especially as the Commission was open and afforded them so much time. The Commission is grateful that the High Court agreed with its views on this matter.
“The Commission will proceed with the necessary actions to bring this case to a logical conclusion,” said Kgaboesele.
She said the Commission takes allegations of fronting in a serious light.
“The Commission takes every fronting allegation seriously and will not stop pursuing such matters because if true, they undermine the policies and the efforts of government to properly empower black people in this country.
“Further, it defrauds the tax payers and government because companies that engage in fronting and misrepresent their B-BBEE status get benefits that they do not deserve under false pretences,” she said.
The National Status on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Report (issued by the Commission) has shown that black ownership has regressed from about 32% in 2016 to about 25% in 2018.
The Commission is an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. Its mandate, among others, is to supervise and encourage adherence to the B-BBEE Act.
Low probability of load shedding this week
Monday, March 23, 2020
By:Onalenna Mhlongo
While the power system remains constrained and vulnerable, Eskom is not expecting to implement any load shedding this week.
“Eskom does not expect to implement load shedding during the week, but the possibility that load shedding may be implemented remains,” said the power utility in a statement on Sunday.
Eskom is using minimal emergency generation reserves to supplement supply.
“We remind the public, however, that Eskom may have to implement load shedding at short notice, should the system performance deteriorate,” the company said.
The power utility urged stakeholders to partner with it in order to ensure the responsible management of electricity consumption.
Customers are urged to use electricity sparingly and to assist in reducing demand by:
• Keeping your morning shower short to lessen the load during morning peak.
• Taking food out of the freezer for dinner and put it in the fridge to thaw. It’ll save you using the microwave to defrost it later.
• Setting air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC.
• Switch off your geysers over peak periods.
• Unplugging the cell phone charger before leaving the house.
• Setting the swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time.
• At the end of the day, turning off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch.
President Cyril Ramaphosa urges deeper reflection on national Human Rights Day
President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished all South Africans a reflective national Human Rights Day, and called on all citizens to unite behind the national effort to minimize the rapid spread and ultimately, combat the coronavirus pandemic.
“We observe Human Rights Day at an extraordinary time for our country and the world, as we battle to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19,” President Ramaphosa said.
“The threat posed by this formidable adversary has compelled us to take unprecedented steps to protect the most fundamental human right of all, and that is the right to life,” the President added.
South Africa annually observes Human Rights Day in remembrance of the tragic events of 21 March 1960 in Sharpeville and Langa. In Sharpeville police opened fired on a peaceful crowd protesting the racist pass laws, killing sixty nine and injuring more than 180 people.
Today marks 60 years since the Sharpeville Massacre.
“Regrettably this year we are not observing this day as we usually do by gathering in our numbers as we do with our national days. The prohibition of gatherings over 100 people is for the health and safety of all,” the President said.
“This disruption is one of many necessary interventions we need to embrace as our nation sets out to meet a challenge that calls for unity, social solidarity and personal discipline among all South Africans.
“The right to life, to health and to economic activity is under threat from a virus that has necessitated that we dramatically alter our behavior as a nation. It further demands us to look at ourselves and the world around us in ways we have not imagined”.
The President said that South Africans can draw great strength from the way in which they have pulled together as a nation; working together closely with all sectors of society.
“If this coronavirus is to leave any positive legacy, let it be that it brought all of us closer together not just for survival in this moment but for our future together as a nation that is destined to overcome this challenge,” President Ramaphosa said.
“As we work together in the best interests of our country, South Africa, today, the events of Sharpeville and Langa on this day sixty years ago remind us of a time when the majority of citizens enjoyed no protection or recognition by the state and were deprived of their fundamental right to dignity.
The theme for Human Rights Day 2020 – “The year of unity, socio-economic renewal and nation-building” – is a profound call to action for all of us to play our part in ensuring the recovery of every compatriot by the coronavirus as well as the recovery of our economy from the deep effects of this global pandemic.
“Let us be inspired today by the certainty that inspired the people of Sharpeville and Langa: that they would overcome. They did overcome. And so will we,” the President said.
Media enquiries:
Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President
Cell: 072 854 5707
SASSA on paying social grants
In response to the State of National Disaster as announced by President Ramaphosa on 15 March 2020, SASSA has engaged with the relevant stakeholders – including the retail and banking sector and the consumer goods council, to determine a feasible approach to pay social grants earlier in order to avoid congestion at retail stores and other pay points.
SASSA will pay social grants to older persons and persons with disabilities from 30 and 31 March 2020. The other beneficiaries will be able to access their grants from 01 April 2020.
The Minister of the Department of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu said: “We are aware that the impact of COVID19 will be felt much harder by the most vulnerable in society – especially the elderly, hence we have decided for earlier payments for older persons and persons with disabilities to ease congestion and overcrowding. I also wish to thank sectors – most importantly, the banking and retail sectors, for working with us in this regard.”
“We will monitor all pay points especially those in the rural areas and work with all MECs of Social Development and Provincial and Regional SASSA offices to ensure that payments are distributed in line with the Disaster Management Act provisions and make sure that all the necessary precautions are in place.”
Minister also said that for other grant recipients additional measures will be implemented to manage numbers at all pay points. “This is to ensure that hygiene protocols for everyone are strictly followed and social distancing is maintained”, said Minister Zulu.
Social grant beneficiaries are encouraged not to withdraw their money on the first day of payments and to avoid areas where large numbers of people are gathered for their own personal safety.
Once the money is in the account of the beneficiary, it will remain available for the beneficiary to access anytime and anywhere as and when required. There is no need to withdraw all the money at once or before a specific date in the month. Every beneficiary is also encouraged to use the facilities available on the SASSA/SAPO debit card and swipe the card to pay for purchases, rather than withdraw cash.
SASSA, together with its stakeholders, is also in the process of looking at the feasibility of changing payment dates from 01 to 05 of each month, or the nearest working day if the 5th falls on a weekend or public holiday.
Minister Zulu reiterated that: “A change of behaviour amongst all South Africans is necessary and that everyone should practice the following hygiene protocols:
- Washing of hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds;
- Covering of the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow; and
- To avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold and flu-like symptoms.
Beneficiaries can contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 and through the SASSA social media (@OfficialSASSA) for further information and enquiries.
Enquiries:
Paseka Letsatsi
Cell: 082 883 9969
Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane
Tel: 012 312 7475
Cell: 066 480 6845
President meets with business on Coronavirus impact
President Cyril Ramaphosa will meet with business leaders to discuss the impact of the national state of disaster and engage on possible measures to mitigate the impact on the economy at large.
Sunday’s engagement with business forms part of a series of meetings the President has held with various stakeholder constituencies – including communities of faith and the nation’s political leadership – in the week since his declaration on 15 March 2020 of the national state of disaster.
The President declared a national state of disaster over the Coronavirus outbreak in the country.
Following the meeting with business at the Union Buildings, the President will receive a delegation of leaders of political parties who were part of the President’s engagement on Tuesday, 17 March 2020, with the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament.
“The leaders who will see the President today did not have an opportunity at the meeting at Parliament to deliver statements of support and will therefore do so today with media present,” said the Presidency on Sunday.
Later in the day the President will chair a meeting of the National Command Council which will receive an update on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak; progress and challenges related to implementation of the recently promulgated regulations on the state of disaster and other measures to protect the country, as well as the economic impact.
On the outlook for the period ahead, the Council will consider whether the measures that are currently in place to contain the spread of the virus are sufficient and what further measures are required.
“Following the Council’s deliberations, President Ramaphosa will address the nation in a message that will be broadcast on radio and television, and livestreamed online,” said the Presidency.
SASSA pays April 2020 grants earlier amid Covid19
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay social grants to older persons and persons with disabilities from 30 and 31 March 2020.
Other beneficiaries will be able to access their grants from 01 April 2020.
The social security agency’s decision to pay grants earlier is in response to the State of National Disaster as announced by President Ramaphosa on 15 March 2020.
SASSA engaged with the relevant stakeholders – including the retail and banking sector and the consumer goods council, to determine a feasible approach to pay social grants earlier in order to avoid congestion at retail stores and other pay points.
“We are aware that the impact of COVID19 will be felt much harder by the most vulnerable in society – especially the elderly, hence we have decided for earlier payments for older persons and persons with disabilities to ease congestion and overcrowding. I also wish to thank sectors – most importantly, the banking and retail sectors, for working with us in this regard,” said Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu.
The department roped in all Social Development MECS and provincial and regional SASSA offices to monitor all pay points especially those in the rural areas and ensure that payments are distributed in line with the Disaster Management Act provisions.
Zulu said that for other grant recipients additional measures will be implemented to manage numbers at all pay points.
“This is to ensure that hygiene protocols for everyone are strictly followed and social distancing is maintained,” said the Minister.
The department encouraged social grant beneficiaries not to withdraw their money on the first day of payments and to avoid areas where large numbers of people are gathered for their own personal safety.
Once the money is in the account of the beneficiary, it will remain available for the beneficiary to access anytime and anywhere as and when required.
“There is no need to withdraw all the money at once or before a specific date in the month,” said the Minister.
Beneficiaries are also encouraged to use the facilities available on the SASSA/SAPO debit card and swipe the card to pay for purchases, rather than withdraw cash.
SASSA, together with its stakeholders, is also in the process of looking at the feasibility of changing payment dates from 01 to 05 of each month, or the nearest working day if the 5th falls on a weekend or public holidays.
In a bid to combat the spread of the Coronavirus, Minister Zulu reiterated that a change of behaviour amongst all South Africans is necessary and that everyone should practice the following hygiene protocols:
– Washing of hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds;
– Covering of the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow; and
– To avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold and flu-like symptoms.
COVID-19 cases rise to 240
As of Saturday 21 March 2020, South Africa now has 240 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
This means there has been an increase of 38 from Friday’s announcement of 202 cases.
Among the new cases, is the Eastern Cape’s first confirmed case.
“This patient is a 28 year-old female who had travelled to Germany,” said the Health Department on Saturday.
Under the age category, the “age unknown’ case is a patient who did not put his age on the lab form. The information is being obtained from the treating doctor.
The details of the cases are as follows:
Gauteng: 16
- A 55 year-old male with pending travel history
- A 26 year-old male with pending travel history
- A 34 year-old female with pending travel history
- A 43 year-old female with pending travel history
- A 61 year-old male with pending travel history
- A 6 year-old female with pending travel history
- A 29 year-old female with pending travel history
- A 45 year-old female with pending travel history
- A 64 year-old female with pending travel history
- A 67 year-old male who travelled to France and Ethiopia
- A 39 year-old male who travelled to the UK
- A 72 year-old female who travelled to Belgium and Netherlands
- A 41 year-old male who travelled to France and Italy
- A 37 year-old female with pending travel history
- A 30 year-old female who travelled to the UK and Netherlands
- A male who travelled to France
KwaZulu-Natal: 3
- A 59 year-old male with pending travel history
- A 68 year-old male with pending travel history
- A 26 year-old female who travelled to the UK and USA
Eastern Cape: 1
- A 28 year-old female who travelled to Germany
Western Cape: 18
- A 30 year-old female who travelled to Ireland
- A 57 year-old female who travelled to Germany and Switzerland
- A 55 year-old male who travelled to France and Switzerland
- A 74 year-old female who travelled to the UK
- A 52 year-old male with pending travel history
- A 44 year-old male who travelled to USA
- A 26 year-old female who travelled to the UK
- A 57 year-old male who travelled to Spain
- A 36 year-old male who travelled to the UK and France
- A 40 year-old female with pending travel history
- A 52 year-old female who travelled to the UK
- A 48 year-old female who travelled to the UK
- A 39 year-old male who travelled to Ireland
- A 36 year-old male with pending travel history
- A 55 year-old female with pending travel history
- A 35 year-old male who travelled to Austria and Germany
- A 65 year-old female who travelled to the UK
- A 34 year-old male with pending travel history
Access all COVID-19 facts via WhatsApp
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a messaging service – WHO Health Alert – with partners, WhatsApp and Facebook to keep people safe from Coronavirus.
This easy-to-use messaging service has the potential to reach two billion people and enables WHO to get information directly into the hands of the people that need it.
The service can be accessed through a link () that opens a conversation on WhatsApp.
Users can simply type “hi” to activate the conversation, prompting a menu of options that can help answer their questions about COVID-19.
From government leaders to health workers and family and friends, this messaging service will provide the latest news and information on coronavirus including details on symptoms and how people can protect themselves and others.
It also provides the latest situation reports and numbers in real time to help government decision-makers protect the health of their populations.
The WHO Health Alert was developed in collaboration with Praekelt.Org, using Turn (www.Turn.io) machine learning technology.
SA COVID-19 resource portal
Closer to home, South Africans can access all the information on COVID-19 in the country, on the South African resource portal on https://sacoronavirus.co.za/.
Similarly, South Africans can text “hi” to the WhatsApp Support Line: 0600-123456 to activate the conversation.
For emergencies, the public can call the Emergency Hotline: 0800 029 999.