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A comprehensive announcement regarding the programme of both Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, will be made after a meeting on Tuesday.

Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said that a special meeting between the Presiding Officers of Parliament and the whippery will take place on Tuesday to consider the way forward in light of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Mothapo said after consultations with the whips and representatives of political parties, a decision has been taken to cancel the plenary sitting of the National Assembly scheduled for Tuesday.

“The National Assembly will now sit on Wednesday, 18 March to conduct urgent business that would have been dealt with on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, this will include the consideration of the Division of Revenue Bill. Subject to availability of members of the Executive, the time for the sitting on Wednesday is 10am,” Mothapo said in a statement.

Committee meetings will meet as scheduled until further notice.

NCOP cancels public meetings

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has also cancelled public meetings scheduled for Thursday in three Gauteng municipalities.

The public meetings were part of the three-day report back session of the NCOP’s flagship programme, Taking Parliament to the People (TPTTP).

“The NCOP will only meet on Thursday to consider an urgent business: the intervention in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in terms of section 139 (1)(c),” Mothapo said.

On Sunday, President Ramaphosa announced a number of interventions to curb the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa. These include, amongst others, closing of schools from Wednesday, 18 March closing of 35 ports of entry and imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from countries hardest hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The measures were the outcome of an emergency Cabinet meeting held on Sunday in Pretoria.

President Ramaphosa said the interventions were aimed at protecting South African citizens and the economy and reducing the impact of what he said was a medical emergency far graver than what has been experienced in over a century.

Tariff schedules related to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) must be finalised ahead of the implementation of the agreement in July, says Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Fikile Majola.

Speaking at an economic policy dialogue on Friday, the Deputy Minister said the tariff schedule listing all products covered by the agreement for tariff liberalisation and the indispensable rules of origin must be finalised to ensure that the implementation date of 1 July 2020 is met.

Majola told those attending the dialogue in Cape Town that the current administration has a responsibility to work with other African Union Member States to finalise the detailed modalities.

This must be done in order to establish a platform on which the benefits of the AfCFTA can be derived for both South Africa and its African counterparts.

Majola emphasised that there was a need to be ready to take full advantage of the opportunities that will become available in the ongoing implementation of AfCFTA agreement.

“While this policy dialogue aims to discuss the AfCFTA with the intention of determining its bearing on South Africa, it is prudent to give a glimpse into the possible trade and economic spin-offs for our country.

“Though some opinion-makers indicate that the AfCFTA is very ambitious because of the many disparities between the countries’ development stages, especially relating to trade capabilities, infrastructure and administrative frameworks such as competition and intellectual property policies.

“Notwithstanding such deficiencies, we are confident that the potential benefits of the AfCFTA will be significant in increasing intra-Africa trade and foreign direct investment,” said Majola.

The Deputy Minister also spoke about challenges facing trade on the African continent.

“Africa’s vulnerabilities and limited participation in global trade is a function of its traditional over-dependence on the export of low-value raw materials and commodities, and the import of high-value manufactured goods and services.

“The continent’s full potential will remain unfulfilled, unless we address the challenges of poor infrastructure, small and fragmented markets, underdeveloped production structures and inadequate economic diversification.”

Friday’s session brought together stakeholders from organised business, chief executive officers, academia, organised labour, government departments and civil society.

Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC David Maynier said the dialogue provides the province with an opportunity to build on its ambition to become a key trading region for Africa.

“That is why we seek your and the business sector’s inputs so that we can better understand how to make it easier for you do business across Africa. That is why this dialogue between provincial and national governments and the business sector on the subject of the AfCFTA is going to be so important,” said the MEC.

The AfCFTA which is expected to come into effect on 1 July 2020, was first conceptualised in January 2012 in Ethiopia.

South African Airways (SAA) is offering customers one free change in reservations on selected international routes to be used for travel on or before 30 September 2020.

SAA will allow one free change of booking for tickets issued between 13 March to 30 April 2020 for travel on these selected routes and without penalty or change fees.

The routes applicable include those between Johannesburg and New York, Washington DC, Frankfurt, Munich and London.

Itineraries must be rebooked by 30 April and travel completed by 30 September 2020.

“Our first commitment at SAA during the Coronavirus pandemic is to look after our customers and staff alike. That is why we are assisting customers with this special rebooking policy. We will be regularly reviewing our policies during this challenging time to ensure that our customers can continue to travel with confidence and added reassurance,” said SAA Chief Commercial Officer, Philip Saunders, on Friday.

The following terms and conditions related to SAA’s rebooking policy on selected international routes apply:

• The travel itinerary must include travel between the following: Johannesburg-New York JFK, Johannesburg-Washington IAD, Johannesburg-Frankfurt, Johannesburg-Munich and Johannesburg-London LHR.
• Must rebook & reissue ticket by 30 April 2020.
• Complete travel by 30 September 2020.
• Rebook with the same booking class with no additional collection and change fees will be waived.
• If same booking class is unavailable, upgrade to lowest applicable booking class. Additional fare collection and taxes will apply, but change fees will be waived.
• One free change and ticket reissue only permitted.
• Applicable to all fare types.
• Change of cabin is not permitted.
• Change of routing will not be permitted.
• No refunds are permitted as part of this offer.
• Previous ‘no-show’ passengers are not eligible for this waiver.
• Change of classes and routes are not permitted, without the normal penalties and associated change fees.
• The changes are applicable to South African Airways flights only issued on SA (083) ticket stock only.
• The offer is applicable to South African Airways flights only issued on SA (083) ticket stock. The offer does not apply to Mango, SA Express and Airlink.
• SAA reserves the right to withdraw or revise the conditions without prior notice.

The national carrier advised customers to contact either their travel agents or for direct bookings, South African Airways Call Centre on +27 (0) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606.

“SAA regrets any inconvenience to our customers as a result of the coronavirus and encourages customers to visit the website www.flysaa.com for further updates and information,” SAA sad.

Safety measures

On Thursday, SAA assured customers that its operational health and safety procedures adhere to the World Health Organisation’s protocols. This is so as to protect its customers and crew from contracting the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) while flying with SAA.

SAA follows procedures, advice and guidelines from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organisation, International Air Transport Association (IATA), Civil Aviation Authorities, as well as the airports and customs authorities’ directives to ensure the safety of its customers.

SAA said that although it is following customs limits and guidelines, passengers are welcome to travel with antibacterial wipes and hand sanitisers.

SAA crew use officially approved and industry recognised disinfectants on all flights.

The national carrier’s offer came ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a raft of unprecedented interventions to curb the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa.

The measures announced during a national broadcast on Sunday night include the closure of schools from Wednesday, 18 March; the closing 35 ports of entry, as well as imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from countries hardest hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Health Department has confirmed eight new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases to 24.

“At this point, I wish to also bring it to your attention that there are more positive results that have come out.

“The NICD [National Institute for Communicable Diseases] and NHLS [National Health Laboratory Service] are now verifying the information and these results. Thereafter, we will make a formal announcement,” said the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, on Friday in a statement.

Of the confirmed cases, four are from Gauteng and include two males and two females.

In Gauteng, the patients include a 39-year-old female, who had travelled to Switzerland and Austria; a 50-year-old male, who had travelled to Austria; a 21-year-old female, who had travelled to Italy, and a 57-year-old male, who had travelled to Switzerland.

In KwaZulu-Natal, two cases were confirmed. They include a 79-year-old male, who had travelled to Greece and Italy, and a 52-year-old male, who had travelled to Switzerland.

Two cases were also confirmed in the Western Cape. These include a 50-year-old male, who had travelled to Switzerland and Austria, and a 46-year-old male, who had travelled to Italy.

The patients have now been informed and tracing of their contacts is underway.

“To ensure accuracy and avoid unnecessary panic, I wish to emphasise to the media and the public to await and rely on our formal announcements, and thereafter publish.

“We also continue to stress the importance of observing and respecting the privacy of the patients and their families,” said Mkhize.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has confirmed that the Ranch Resort in Polokwane will host the 122 repatriated South Africans from Wuhan, Hubei Province, in China.

“Three sites were identified. Of the three sites that were shortlisted, The Ranch Resort was selected. An agreement has been signed with the owner of the resort. We went through 84 sites for possible quarantine,” said the Minister.

Mkhize made the announcement on Thursday evening during a briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Coronavirus in Polokwane.

Mkhize reiterated that those returning are not sick but healthy citizens. All military and health department personnel including the crew that undertook the repatriation will be housed at the resort.

To allay the fears of workers at the Ranch Resort, insurance company Momentum has partnered with government to offer a limited life cover to the workers.

Staff will also receive medical screening ahead of the arrival of the South Africans.

With the SANDF as the head of operations, Mkhize reiterated that military rules will apply with police playing a supportive role.

Minister Mkhize said those who test positive for the virus during the quarantine in Polokwane will be removed and taken for treatment.

Coronavirus cases revised to 16

Mkhize also revised the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases from 17 to 16 after a Free State man who had initially tested positive was subsequently found to be negative.

Coronavirus tests decentralised

Government also took a decision to decentralize testing for the virus to the provinces with the ultimate verification done by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).

With private sector laboratories partnering with government to scale up testing, the Minister said he will meet with private laboratories on Saturday to strengthen protocols.

Limpopo students cleared of Coronavirus

On the matter of 14 Limpopo TVET students who recently returned from China, the Minister says amid mounting speculation, tests were taken as a necessary precaution and to allay the fears of the community.

“They were tested two days ago and today the results have come out. They all tested negative for the Coronavirus. The fact that they came from China should not cause public concern. They do not have an infection,” he said.

Mkhize also took the time to dispel myths that the Coronavirus targets specific races.

“Coronavirus doesn’t look at your passport, doesn’t look at your nationality, doesn’t look at your circumstances whether you’re rich or poor, doesn’t care whether you’re within one metre of somebody sneezing, a droplet of infection will hit you,” he said.

Police have arrested seven suspects for public violence in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal.

Several vehicles have been torched after violent protests broke out in Ladysmith and surrounding areas.

Police officers were patrolling the R103 road shortly after midnight. They were clearing rubble from the protests when they received information about a group of men, who were barricading the N11.

Upon arrival, police spotted a suspicious minibus next to the barricades. All the suspects were caught red-handed, setting up barricades on the road.

A search was then conducted. A total of six old tyres, petrol and an axe were found inside the minibus.

A total of seven suspects – aged between 24 and 47 – were placed under arrest for public violence at Elandslaagte SAPS (South African Police Service).

They are expected to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrate Court today.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula, welcomed the arrest of the suspects.

“I am glad that the suspects were arrested. They will also be profiled to check if they are linked to the torching of vehicles in Ladysmith,” he said.

A 43-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl at Mandela Park in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

It is alleged that the girl was taken to a ‘pastor’ by her mother, seeking spiritual help and was left at the church on Wednesday.

The suspect, who was arrested on Thursday at about 18:45, will appear before Mthatha Magistrate Court soon.

“We are so shocked and disappointed that people our communities trust can be accused of such atrocious acts.

“Let us all work together in fighting the scourge of crimes against women and children,” said the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga.

Fifty-one-year old, Wynand Harmse, was arrested in Johannesburg by members of Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) Gauteng for possession of drugs with an estimated street value of R300 000.

The SANEB members followed up information about a drug courier at OR Tambo International Airport, who was about to fly out to Hong Kong.

Harmse was allegedly stopped after one of the members searched his luggage as well as conducted a body search.

The luggage did not contain any illegal substances but upon conducting the body search, a black plastic containing cocaine was discovered, concealed beneath a black waist corset around his waist.

The 1kg of cocaine is worth an estimated street value of R300 000 and was confiscated.

He has since appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates court for dealing in drugs, and his case was postponed to 13 May 2020, for formal bail application as well as further investigation.

The suspect remains in custody.

Football teams are advised to ensure that their medical staff — including physiotherapists and masseurs, who are in constant contact with players — do not simultaneously work in environments or carry out external activities that could make them vulnerable to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has issued some guidelines for teams to follow as Coronavirus has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

With infections and thousands of deaths reported in many countries, South Africa currently has 16 confirmed cases, with no deaths.

Health officials have emphasised the need for heightened hygiene practices. 

SAFA tips for football teams:

–          Do not drink from the same water bottle during the game or training. Always use a personalised water bottle and do not exchange other items (towels, bathrobes, etc.) with other players.

–          Avoid eating food in the changing room.

–          Keep your personal items and clothes in your bag and avoid leaving them exposed in the changing rooms or in the communal baskets.

–          Throw paper handkerchiefs or other materials like plasters, bandages etc. immediately into the appropriate lockable containers.

–          Wash your hands thoroughly, as often as possible. Hand washing and disinfection are essential to prevent infections. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then dry them with a disposable towel after rinsing them thoroughly. If soap and water are not available, you can also use a hand disinfectant based on 60% alcohol.

–          When using ordinary toilets, you should not touch the tap before and after washing your hands, but use disposable towels to open and close the tap.

–          Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

–          Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief – preferably a disposable handkerchief – or with your arm, but not with your hand if you have a cough or sneeze.

–          Players who show obvious symptoms of respiratory infection and/or fever before, during or after training must immediately leave the rest of the team, and isolate themselves if possible, and inform the club’s doctor, who will then – if there is any indication – take further steps.

–          Inform the team players and the club officials if there has been any contact, either personally or within the family, with persons who have returned from risk areas or quarantine, or have been quarantined or tested or if you have been in a risk area yourself.

–          Clubs should have automatic dispensers with disinfectant and cleaning solutions in the locker rooms and toilets of the club.

–          The club shall ensure that tables, benches, chairs, hangers, floors, taps, handles, showers and toilets are regularly disinfected with disinfectant solutions based on bleach or chlorine, solvents, 75% ethanol, acetic acid and chloroform.

–          The club shall take care to limit the presence of people in the changing room to a few specific authorised persons in order to limit the number of accesses as much as possible.

–          The league and clubs should limit access to the field of play as far as possible to those personnel who are strictly necessary to carry out the training or match.

–          The club doctors of professional teams must pay particular attention to the medical history, objective examination and, above all, the taking of temperature before each training session and the dressing before each match for all team personnel, coaches and players. The team doctors must ensure and document before each match and training session that no sick persons take part in the match or training or are in the team’s vicinity.

–          Clubs must check in advance the hygienic conditions of all changing rooms, including the changing rooms of the host team, referees and ball boys, as well as room prepared for doping tests.

–          The health officers of the clubs must actively participate in the organisation of the trips checking the best possible protective devices for preventative purposes, and they must ensure their presence throughout the trip.

As the number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients in South Africa climbed to 16 on Thursday, the Department of Education said schools will only be closed in exceptional cases.

In a circular to provincial education authorities, the department details steps to be followed in an effort to avert the Coronavirus adversely affecting teaching and learning.

The interim guidance, said the department, is intended to help administrators of childcare facilities and primary high schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among learners and staff.

“Information provided should help schools understand how to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. It also aims to help schools react quickly should a case be identified. The guidance includes considerations to help administrators plan for the continuity of teaching and learning if there is a need to quarantine learners or staff with schools or close schools as a result of the spread,” the circular reads.

Planning and preparing for possible community transmission was vital, the department said.

“Schools should prepare for the possibility of community-level outbreaks as well as possible recommendation from health officials of learners, staff or whole classes or grades to be quarantined at home,” the circular adds.

“School dismissal could be recommended in certain circumstances. Decisions about appropriate public health interventions should always be made in discussion with public health officials with access to all the relevant information.”

This includes information on if learners or educators should remain home from school for a period of time and whether learners in sections of a school or a whole school be dismissed.

Closing schools, however, would likely have dire consequences with knock-on effects, the department said.

“All decisions for learners to stay at home from school based on possible exposure to or infection with COVID-19 should be justified by available scientific evidence.”

The department has urged that teachers and learners who will be travelling internationally in the next months should consider postponing or cancelling trips that could expose learners and staff to potential community spread.

“Learners returning from travel to areas with community spread of COVID-19 must follow guidance on the NICD website,” the department said.

The department’s Director-General Mathanzima Mweli in the circular adds that there was no need to close down schools if a learner or staff members have been exposed to a suspected case of the virus while test results were outstanding.

However, reads the circular, the DG notes that all close contacts of a confirmed case needed to self-quarantine at home for 14 days while they were being monitored.

“They may not attend school. Learners who are not contacts of a confirmed case should not be prevented from attending school. Family and friends who have not had any close contact with the original confirmed case do not need to take any precautions or make any changes to their own activities such as attending childcare or educational settings or work, unless they feel unwell,” said the department.

In the case of a learner or staff members being confirmed to have contracted the virus, the department and health workers will identify people who have been in contact with the individual and advise on precautions to be taken.

The department said schools will only be temporarily closed should a public health official recommend so.

“During school dismissals, childcare programmes and schools may stay open for staff members (unless ill) while learners stay at home. Keeping facilities open will allow educators to develop and deliver lessons and materials remotely, thus maintaining continuity of teaching and learning. Furthermore, it would allow other staff members to continue to provide services to help with additional response efforts,” the circular adds.