Health • Rural Development • Employment • Safety & Security • Education

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Your Support labour for school rights learners during lockdown Page 12 Page 11 Stay at home, save South Africa!

More Matshediso

he novel coronavi- rus (COVID-19) out- Tbreak has claimed thousands of lives and turned the world upside down. South Africa has not been spared, with its infection rate growing. Government initially imposed restrictions to enforce social distancing but as the infections spread, a national lockdown was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa and came into effect on 26 March. He highlighted that never before in the history of South Africa’s democracy has the country been confronted with such a severe situation. The President said the na- tionwide lockdown was a necessary move to contain the spread of COVID-19 and ‘flat- ten the curve’ in South Africa. In the coming days and weeks, 10 000 Community Health Care Workers will be deployed across the country to conduct door-to-door screening in our most vulnerable communities • Cont page 2

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sell essential goods – such spread of the virus. The South African National Defence Force is on a mission to help save South Africa from Coronavirus. as clothing stores, casinos, The military is assisting in markets and food stalls. roadblocks and foot patrols Game reserves, lodges and to enforce lockdown cur- guesthouses also have to fews. They are also involved keep their doors closed, ex- in border control activities cept those who already had and are supporting health international tourists booked authorities. in when the shutdown was Temporary shelters that announced. In these cases, meet the necessary hygiene the guests are to be kept at standards have been created their lodgings under the for homeless people. v conditions of the national lockdown. Minister Cele warned that on-consumption premises • From page 1 ers will be visiting homes in medical care, buying food, at which alcohol is sold – • Community Health Care villages, towns and cities to medicine and other supplies including shebeens, shisan- Workers will be going to As a result, people are ex- screen residents for COV- or collecting social grants. yamas and taverns – may different communities pected to stay home and only ID-19 symptoms. People with The regulations were not operate. In fact, in the across the country to venture out if they absolutely symptoms will be referred to released by Co-operative hours after the lockdown conduct door-to-door have to, which means jogging local clinics or mobile clinics Governance and Traditional was implemented, people screening. and dog walking are not for testing. Affairs Minister Nkosaza- who ignored the restrictions • The deployment will allowed during the 21-day “People who are infected na Dlamini-Zuma, who and were out drinking were follow a phased and lockdown. People must also with coronavirus, but who explained that the Disaster arrested. targeted approach and buy their essentials from their have no or moderate symp- Management Act prohibits Should the lockdown laws high-density areas such closest retailer or spaza shop toms will remain in isolation people from moving alcohol be broken, perpetrators face as Alexandra, Diepsloot and should plan their trips at home or at a facility pro- from one place to another. six months in jail or fines, and Khayelitsha will be to ensure they get home as vided by government and “What you have at home, or both. To ensure that the visited in the first wave. • Community Health Care quickly as possible and don’t those with severe symptoms you consume there at home, lockdown is effectively im- Workers will be provided have to go out again too soon. will be transferred to hospi- not next door,” the minister plemented, the South Afri- with uniforms and “This is a decisive measure tals,” he added. explained. can National Defence Force identifiable tags which to save millions of South Using a mobile technology, Areas closed to the public (SANDF) was deployed to will make it easier for Africans from infection and an extensive tracing system include religious, cultural, support the South African you to identify them. save the lives of hundreds of will be rapidly deployed to sporting, entertainment, Police Service. • Screening in other thousands of people. While trace those who have been in educational, organisational Defence Minister Nosiviwe areas will be rolled this measure will have a con- contact with confirmed coro- and similar premises. This Mapisa-Nqakula said the out following the same siderable impact on people’s navirus cases and to monitor includes cinemas, parks, lockdown is not meant to phased and targeted livelihoods, on the life of our the geographical location of beaches, swimming pools, punish citizens but rather approach. society and on our economy, new cases in real time. nightclubs, shops that don’t to contain and minimise the the human cost of delaying this action would be far, far It’s simple – Screening is essential in this fight greater,” said the President. stay at home! The nationwide lockdown Police Minister Bheki Cele take your temperature. or underlying condition such as high is being accompanied by a firmly told South Africans to • The health worker will ask if you: blood pressure or diabetes. public health management stay at home and avoid being 1. Have travelled to a high-risk coun- • Community Health Care Workers will programme which will sig- on the streets unnecessarily. try in the last 14 days. refer persons suspected of having nificantly increase screening, He said they should only 2. Have had contact with anyone Coronavirus to the nearest commu- testing, contact tracing and leave their homes to provide with confirmed COVID-19 in the nity health centre, clinic or hospital. medical management. or seek essential services, last 14 days. • Tests will only be conducted at which are listed in the COV- President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed 3. Have symptoms such as fever, cough health care facilities and mobile Screening, testing ID-19 Disaster Management South Africans that government will be and difficulty in breathing. testing sites. and tracing Regulations. rolling out a screening, testing and trac- • If you have travelled to a high-risk • Not everyone will be tested, health programme People who don’t obey the ing and medical management programme country or have had contact with workers will use a formula by look- President Ramaphosa recent- conditions of the lockdown which will see field workers visiting your someone with COVID-19 you must ing at how serious your symptoms ly made another announce- could find themselves on communities to screen people for Corona- self-quarantine. are and what high risk factors you ment that government will be the wrong side of the law, he virus symptoms. This is why screening is • This means that you should stay at have. rolling out a screening, test- warned. important; home for 14 days and monitor yourself • Testing includes collecting a biolog- ing and tracing and medical The exempted conditions • Screening is a way for health workers for symptoms such as a dry cough, ical sample from a patient such as a management programme on in which non-essential to find out if you may have COVID-19 fever and difficulty breathing. Stay nasal swab or a blood sample, which a huge scale. workers are allowed to leave or not. The health worker will ask you away from older people and people is then tested by a laboratory for the “Around 10 000 field work- their homes include seeking questions and scan your forehead to with a compromised immune system virus or its antibodies.

Head of Editorial and Production News Editor Language Practitioners Tasneem Carrim | [email protected] Noluthando Motswai Nomgcibelo Motha Boitumelo Phalatse Editor-in-Chief Writers Tyrone Seale | [email protected] More Matshediso, Jauhara Khan Vuk’uzenzele All rights reserved. Reproduction of the newspaper in Silusapho Nyanda whole or in part without written permission is strictly Tel: 012 473 0089 is published by Government prohibited. Managing Editor Communications (GCIS) Email: [email protected] Ongezwa Mogotsi Senior Designer | Tendai Gonese Address: Private Bag X745, Pretoria, 0001 Distributed by: [email protected] Junior Designer | Tsholofelo Sepeng Printed by: Vuk’uzenzele FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS April 2020 Edition 2 3

Together we can overcome COVID-19

uring the first 700,000 and the number of full week of the deaths exceeds 33,000, we Dnation-wide lock- can draw lessons from these down to combat the countries. coronavirus pandemic that It is now abundantly clear is devastating the world, that the most effective way we were grateful for good for a society to contain the news that brought us joy spread of the disease is for the and hope at this difficult population to remain at home and uncertain time. and physically isolated from The 114 South Africans who each other for at least several were evacuated from Wuhan weeks. And it is important in China some weeks ago end- that this lockdown and all ed their quarantine and were other emergency measures reunited with their families. are both strictly adhered to They have all tested negative and consistently enforced. for the virus and are in good As the South Africans from health and good spirits. Wuhan can testify, such re- For months, they had been strictions on daily life, on in lockdown, first in Wuhan movement and on ordinary for some 51 days and then in human contact are extremely Polokwane for 14 days. They difficult to endure. In the were unable to be with their South African context, a loved ones, unable to leave lockdown brings additional their living quarters and hardship and strain, and we uncertain about when their Their return home was made of others. They were prepared and healthy. are doing everything within ordeal would end. When we possible by a great many peo- to undertake a difficult and Wuhan, a city of 11 million our means to lessen the impact add the remaining 17 days ple who went to great lengths dangerous mission and to people in the province of on our people. that South Africa will be un- to make this repatriation oper- subject themselves to quaran- Hubei, had more than 50,000 But the lesson from the South der lockdown they will have ation a success. tine. And now, they all tell me, infections. Now, after more Africans in Wuhan is that a been under lockdown for 82 As a nation, we are extreme- they are ready for their next than two months after strin- lockdown works. It shows days. ly grateful to the Government mission. gent lockdown measures were that if we strictly observe the It was wonderful to spend and the people of China for I wish to thank the staff and put in place, the province has rules in place to stop the virus time with this diverse group taking such good care of management of the Ranch had fewer than 20 new cases spreading, we will be able to of South Africans made up of our citizens, and for their Hotel in Polokwane, who took in the past two weeks. bring infection rates down. all ages, languages and back- assistance in organising their great care of the returnees. The containment of the dis- It shows that if we cooperate grounds. I was impressed by repatriation. It is significant They were prepared to play ease in Wuhan City, in Hubei with health authorities in do- their resilience and courage that several of the South their part in our national ef- Province and in other places ing what we have to do, we and by their determination Africans in Wuhan were on fort to overcome this disease. across China required a mas- won’t be just saving our own to remain healthy. They have study scholarships from the Everyone involved in this op- sive and extraordinary effort. lives but those around us too. come from the epicentre of Chinese government; an act eration has done South Africa It involved drastic restrictions The story of our South Af- the coronavirus in Wuhan of generosity that is deeply proud. on daily life and is having a rican returnees from Wuhan in China and have seen the appreciated. The experience of the South severe impact on the Chinese should give us encouragement devastating impact this virus We are grateful too to all the Africans in Wuhan demon- economy. Other countries that and hope in the difficult weeks is wreaking on human life. It people who were involved in strates the effectiveness – and have taken similar measures that lie ahead. is not surprising to hear them the operation, from the SAA the necessity – of a state of are having greater success in Their story tells us that there say that they are on a mission flight crew to the medical team lockdown. It was due to the managing the spread of the is a light at the end of the tun- to safe-guard the health of to the police and soldiers who drastic actions that the Chi- disease than countries that nel, that if we stay the course, those around them. Now their brought them home. Each and nese government took to con- have been slower to respond. that if we remain disciplined patience and fortitude has every one of them stepped tain the disease in the city of As the total number of and respect the lockdown, that been rewarded, because they forward to take responsibility Wuhan, that all of our people confirmed COVID-19 cases if we work together, we will are returning to their families. for the safety and well-being were able to return uninfected worldwide grows to over overcome. v 4 April 2020 Edition 2 CORONAVIRUS Vuk’uzenzele UPDATE Dos and don’ts during national lockdown

WHILE IT IS UP TO EVERYONE in South Africa to help ensure that the national lockdown flattens the curve, the police and the SANDF will remain vigilant and act swiftly against those who think they are above the law.

More Matshediso Health workers are some of the people who are permitted to go to work during the lockdown as t midnight on they provide an essential Thursday, 26 service. AMarch, the Jus- tice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster intensified measures to ensure that citizens com- ply with the regulations of the nationwide lock- down to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Police Minister Bheki Cele said the police would work with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to enforce com- pliance. In accordance with An- nexure D of the COVID-19 fire and medical emergen- cluding mental health), that appear in the annexure vehicle. Disaster Management cy services,” the minister laboratory and other will be allowed. “Anyone found to be Regulations – which lists added. medical services, “Anything outside of in contravention of the prohibited places – police At these roadblocks, mo- • disaster management, these lists will not be enter- regulations shall be found and members of the SANDF torists – especially essential fire prevention, firefight- tained,” Minister Cele said. guilty and on conviction, increased visibility and services workers who cross ing and emergency ser- will be liable to a fine, or conducted integrated foot provincial borders – will be vices, What not to do imprisonment for a period patrols, roadblocks and subjected to screening by of- • food or other goods and • There shall be no gather- not exceeding six months, vehicle checkpoints. ficials from the Department services as listed in An- ings other than for a fu- or both,” the Minister said. “Metro Police depart- of Health, as outlined in the nexure B of the COV- neral and the number of Meanwhile, Minister Cele ments as well as other regulations. ID-19 Disaster Manage- mourners will be restrict- said all forms of crime must law enforcement agencies ment Regulations, ed to 50. Night vigils are be reported to 10111, which formed part of these joint What to do • financial services nec- prohibited. will remain fully functional operations that will be con- According to Minister Cele, essary to maintain the • The selling of liquor is during the lockdown peri- ducted for the duration of the simplest and best way to functioning of banking strictly prohibited. This od. The Crime Stop number the lockdown,” the Minister combat the spread of COV- and payments, including is also applicable to su- (0860 010 111) is also func- said. ID-19 is to adhere to the call the Johannesburg Stock permarkets with liquor tional and can be used to Roadblocks were con- by the President and stay at Exchange and similar licences. No liquor will give anonymous tip-offs ducted at sector policing home. exchanges, as well as in- be sold anywhere by an- on suspected criminal ac- level within communities When the President de- surance services, yone during the 21-day tivities. and residential areas on clared the lockdown, he • production and sale of period of the lockdown. “I warn, failure to respect provincial and national made exceptions for es- ‘essential goods’, • The movement of liquor and obey the laws this time roads. This was done to en- sential goods and services. • electricity, water, gas and between any two points around could drive us sure that the movement of This means the only time fuel production, supply is also strictly prohibit- straight into a state of emer- people and vehicles is kept you should be outside of and maintenance. ed as per the COVID-19 gency. The situation we find to the minimum, with the your home is to acquire or A detailed list is available Disaster Management ourselves in demands that exception of the transporta- provide essential services, on www.gov.za Regulations. This means we all be responsible and tion of essential goods and/ such as: The Minister said only you cannot have alcohol take the necessary precau- or services, which include • medical attention (in- those goods and services on your person or in your tions,” he said. v Vuk’uzenzele CORONAVIRUSApril 2020 Edition 1 April 2020 Edition 2 5 UPDATE

make sure that we step up in supporting them and mak- ing sure that they are not left All systems go isolated,” the Minister said. Post Office to remain open during lockdown for social grant The SA Post Office (Sapo) re- tail branches will stay open as normal during the 21-day nationwide lockdown to facilitate SASSA payments. payments “… We are designated to provide this important national service and we are cognisant of the importance of social grants for a sizeable part of our population con- stituting mostly vulnerable people,” Sapo Acting CEO Ivumile Nongogo said. Sapo’s social grant pay- ment function is an essential service and is among the categories exempted from the nationwide lockdown. In total, 882 Sapo branches have been designated to pro- vide these services during this period. The post office logistics services are included in the transportation of medical aid supplies. The logistics services business unit will continue to render those services. “In order to minimise transmission risks, Sapo’s ocial Develop- so that they can return home retail employees will be re- ment Minister as quickly as possible, given stricted to operating beyond SLindiwe Zulu the emergency that has been one meter of each other. says the South African declared. All other grants “Measures have also been Social Security Agency will be available from 31 put in place to control the (SASSA) is ready for March 2020,” Minister Zulu distance between queueing social grant payments. said. customers, as well as provid- Unpacking the de- She reminded recipients ing requisite queue marshal- partment’s intervention that once the money is ling services during peak measures on Coronavirus paid into their account, it times in the busy branches. (COVID-19) during a So- will remain there until they Hygiene improving pro- cial Cluster briefing held withdraw it. visions such as sanitisers, recently, Minister Zulu said gloves and masks are being retailers and the banking Hygiene protocol made available to retail em- industry are working closely to be enforced at from 26 March until 16 April grants will be done during ployees,” the Sapo said. with SASSA to ensure that retailers 2020, and no new applica- the period of lockdown. Nongogo said Sapo’s mail everyone is able to access Minister Zulu said hygiene tions will be processed until Concerns and enquiries can services, parcel deliveries their money. protocols and social distanc- after the lockdown. be directed to the call centre and other support opera- “We work with National ing will be enforced at all Minister Zulu said all appli- on 0800 601 011 or email tions will be suspended in Treasury to make sure that retailers, and cooperation cants who need immediate [email protected]. conformance with the lock- the monies are paid a bit ear- is requested to ensure that assistance will be channelled za.” down. ly, so that people can access everyone is attended to to the department's Social The call centre will be oper- Sapo's customer services the money. We are happy without any unnecessary Relief of Distress (SRD), and ational during the lockdown. contact centre will not be that National Treasury has delays. applications will be done available. Customers are stepped up and made sure “We wrote a letter to the through the call centre. Social services urged to not expect any that everything is processed Ministers of Police and De- With regard to grant continue operations outstanding deliveries to properly. fence to request that where administration services, Minister Zulu says while take place during this time. “Citizens are reminded we might need support, we Minister Zulu said SASSA’s some shelters had to close, Customers are also advised that the elderly and people [get it],” the Minister said. local offices will also be on others like elderly centres not to place any mail items in with disabilities should lockdown from 26 March and orphanages cannot be postboxes as mail collections be allowed to access their SASSA offices close until 16 April 2020. closed. will be completely suspend- grants on the 30th and 31st, SASSA offices will be closed “No new applications for “Our responsibility is to ed during the lockdown. v 6 April 2020 Edition 2 CORONAVIRUS Vuk’uzenzele UPDATE Stop and go for transport sector during lockdown

WHILE SOUTH AFRICANS have been ordered to stay at home during the lockdown, sections of the transport sector will help keep the wheels of the COVID-19 response turning.

Silusapho Nyanda

he 21-day nation- wide lockdown Tmeans that the movement of South Af- ricans has been heavily restricted. Speaking at the Justice, Crime Prevention and Secu- rity Cluster media briefing, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula unpacked the lock- down implications for the transport sector. He said minibus, e-hailing taxis, metred taxis and bus- es will only operate during sengers that can be carried by movement of essential goods. All commuter rail services expire during the lockdown specified hours for the trans- public transport vehicles. This means that a truck driver will shut down for the du- should not panic, however, portation of essential services • A vehicle licensed to car- bringing essential cargo may ration of the lockdown. This because their licences will be personnel – like nurses – and ry up to four people will pass through a border post includes all Metrorail and deemed as valid until the end members of the public who only be permitted to load and continue on his journey. Gautrain services.” of the lockdown period, ac- need to travel to meet essen- one person. Rail commuters have also During the lockdown peri- cording to Minister Mbalula. tial needs. • A vehicle licensed to car- been affected by the lock- od, vehicle testing centres and The transport of essential This means if you need to ry up to eight passengers down. All long-distance drivers’ licence testing centres goods, as gazetted by govern- buy food or cleaning products will only be permitted to passenger rail services have will remain closed. ment, will not be restricted. for your household; go to the carry a maximum of three been stopped. People who were booked to This will ensure that shelves chemist, clinic or doctor; the passengers. “The services of Shosholoza take their driver’s licence tests remain stocked during the vet; or go to the post office for The coronavirus is a respira- Meyl, Premier Classe and the during the lockdown period lockdown and that essential your social grant – or make tory virus, which means it’s Blue Train, operated by PRA- will have their tests resched- items needed in the fight other essential trips – you may transmitted through respira- SA and Transnet respectively, uled for after the lockdown. against COVID-19 remain catch a taxi or bus. However, tory droplets, like when we have already been suspended. Motorists whose licences available. v no trains will run during the sneeze or cough. These drop- lockdown. lets land on surfaces and can However, these vehicles live there for hours. Minister Regulations will be enforced may only operate between Mbalula therefore has also or- The enforcement of the regulations will be carried out by a combination of law 5am and 9am and then again dered that all buses and taxis enforcement agencies. South African Police Service operations will include foot from 4pm to 8pm. must be sanitised after every patrols, roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints. The minister called on taxi trip. “All taxi ranks must also operators to put measures be sanitised at regular inter- The police will be assisted by the Metro Police, traffic officials and the South in place to promote social vals.” African National Defence Force. distancing in order to curb He explained that for sani- the spread of the novel coro- tisers to be effective in killing Roadblocks will be conducted in residential areas and on provincial and navirus (COVID-19). Social the virus, they must have a national roads. This will ensure that people don’t break the lockdown distancing is about keeping a minimum alcohol content of safe distance from others so 60 percent. restrictions and that the movement of people and vehicles is kept to a that you reduce the transmis- The restrictions during minimum. sion of Covid-19. the lockdown mean that all Minister Mbalula said that cross-border road passenger At roadblocks on major roads, motorists, especially essential services workers in an effort to enforce social movement is prohibited. who cross provincial borders, will be subjected to screening by officials from distancing protocols, there is However, the prohibition does the Department of Health. a limit on the number of pas- not apply to the cross-border Vuk’uzenzele CORONAVIRUS April 2020 Edition 2 7 UPDATE SA LOCKDOWN REGULATIONS CATEGORISATION OF ESSENTIAL GOODS AND SERVICES DURING LOCKDOWN

Categories of essential services shall be confined to the following services:

• Medical and • Financial and Insurance Ser- • Financial services necessary to main- Laboratory vices, Disaster Management, tain functioning of the banking and Services Fire Fighting and Emergency payments environment, including the Services JSE and similar exchanges

• Electricity, water, gas • Food and • Grocery stores, and fuel production, beverage including spaza supply and mainte- production shops nance

• Essential government services determined by • Services related to the essential functioning • Production, manufacturing, supply logistics, Head of National or Provincial Departments in of correctional services, courts, the Master of transport delivery, critical maintenance and accordance with the guidance by the DPSA, the High Court, Sheriffs and legal practitioners repair in relation to the rendering of essential including Social Grant payments required for those services (but only as is strictly services • Essential municipal services necessary of the period lockdown) • Transport services for persons rendering essen- • Care services provided to older persons, mentally • Essential SARS services defined by the Commis- tial services and transportation of patients ill, the sick, and children in need of care sioner of SARS • Services rendered by the Executive, members of • Funeral services, including mortuaries • Police, peace officers, traffic officers, military Parliament, Members of the Provincial Legisla- • Wildlife Management, Animal Care and Veteri- medical personnel and soldiers, and traffic ture, and Members of Local Councils nary Services management services • Commissioners of the South African Human • Newspaper, broadcasting and telecommunica- • Postal services Rights Commission, Gender Commission and the tion infrastructure and services • Private Security services Commission for the Promotion and Protection of • Production of any chemicals, hygiene products, • Shipping and dockyard services the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic pharmaceuticals to the medical or retail sector • Gold, gold refinery and essential mining Communities • Cleaning, sanitation, sewerage and refuse • Accommodation used for persons rendering removal services essential services andWHICH quarantine BUSINESSES WILL STAY OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN?

Pharmacies Companies involved in making or distributing food, basic goods, and Laboratories medical supplies

Banks Healthcare WHICH providers BUSINESSES WILL STAY OPEN DURING Essential finance Petrol stations systems, such as LOCKDOWN? the JSE Supermarkets

WHATSAPP SUPPORT: 0600 123 456 EMERGENCY NUMBER: 0800 029 999

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA SACORONAVIRUS.CO.ZA Lockdown

Every person will be confined to their place of residence unless required to perform an essential service, shop for essential goods and medicines, collect a social grant or seek emergency, lifesaving or chronic medical attention.

All gatherings are prohibited, except for funerals, which may not have more than 50 people. Movement between provinces, metro cities and districts is prohibited.

All businesses and other entities will cease operations unless involved in manufacturing, supplying or providing an essential good or service.

Apart from grocery stores, spaza shops, pharmacies and other outlets selling only essential goods, all retail shops and shopping malls must be closed. Customers must keep at least one square metre away from each other an observe all other infection control measures.

The national lockdown is for 21 days, from 23:59 on 26 March to 23:59 on 16 April. Lockdown

All places of worship, public parks, beaches, swimming pools, night clubs, theatres, cinemas and casinos are closed to the public.

All hotels, lodges and guest houses are closed, except where they need to accommodate tourists who have no other place of residence in the country, or if used for quarantine and isolation.

Any places where religious, cultural, sporting, entertainment, recreational or similar activities normally take place are closed to the public.

TheThe national national lockdown lockdown is foris for 21 21days, days, from from 23:59 23:59 on on 26 26 MarchMarch to to23:59 23:59 on on 16 16April. April. 10 April 2020 Edition 2 CORONAVIRUS Vuk’uzenzele UPDATE Custody: Put children first

arents with joint cisions should be the best custody are interests of their children. Purged to pri- “We urge all parents/car- oritise the needs of a egivers to remain vigilant child during the 21-day and ensure that the pro- COVID-19 national tection of children is given lockdown. utmost consideration at As the coronavirus out- this time. The COVID-19 break spreads across the outbreak in South Africa country, the Department of presents a huge risk to Social Development said it children as it disrupts the has been inundated with normal childcare arrange- calls from parents who ments for parents with joint have joint custody of their custody,” said the Minister. children on where their She encouraged parents children should stay dur- to make use of technology activities to prevent online build positive relationships to the GBV Command ing the lockdown. such as WhatsApp video abuse. She urged them to with their children. Centre: 0800 428 428 / Social Development Min- call, Skype and FaceTime keep their children safe The Gender-Based Vio- *120*7867# from any cell ister Lindiwe Zulu urged to make sure that children online while they are not lence Command Centre phone. Persons with dis- parents and caregivers, are in touch with both at school and spend most will remain operational abilities, SMS “HELP” to including those with joint parents. of their time indoors. during the lockdown. 31531. The Women Abuse custody, to ensure the pro- Minister Zulu also ad- The Minister encouraged Members of the public can Helpline is: 0800 150 150. v tection of children and said vised parents and caregiv- parents and caregivers to report cases of child abuse, – SAnews.gov.za that their actions and de- ers to monitor their online use the lockdown period to neglect and exploitation Repatriated citizens reunited with families

heartfelt “thank territory in Wuhan City, you” was the which at the time was the A central message epicentre of pandemic. delivered by President “You were going into an Cyril Ramaphosa to unknown territory, the real stakeholders involved heart of Coronavirus, but in the repatriation of you said you were willing to 112 citizens from Wu- go. Not many people would han City, China. voluntarily say they are The President recently saw willing to go into a danger off 112 South African citizens, zone.” who will now be reunited He saluted the SAA flight with their families after test- pilot and cabin crew, officials ing negative for Coronavirus from the SA embassy in Chi- at the end of their quarantine na and the Departments of period at The Ranch Resort Health and Home Affairs for in Limpopo. the roles they played. It was all smiles when twins, Mvuzo Nkcosolwana-Vili and Mvuyisi Nkcosolwana-Vili were sent “If there ever was a true rep- off by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The brothers were part of a group of 112 South Africans who The team, together with the resentation of Thuma Mina, were repatriated from Wuhan City in China, which at the time was the epicentre of the Coronavirus evacuees, was quarantined you are all a representation. pandemic. at The Ranch for 14 days. For the longest time, we They were initially meant to have been talking of Thuma citizens were in quarantine 14-day quarantine period ‘Send Me, Mr President’. be at the venue for 21 days Mina, repeating the song of since returning from China. having twice tested negative You volunteered, you were as a precaution, but this was Bra Hugh Masekela. I can- The President thanked for the virus. not commandeered, and later revised to 14 days. not think of a single moment members of the South The Ranch staff, who have you were not drawn and Addressing the evacuees, when it is really, truly rep- African National Defence also been in quarantine, also dragged form wherever you President Ramaphosa said resented in practical terms Force (SANDF), as well tested negative. were. You just stepped for- government was delighted than this moment and what as South African Airways The President saluted all ward and said you want to to have them back on home you have done,” he said. (SAA) pilots and crew, who role players for their patri- be sent,” said the President. soil and Coronavirus-free. The President made these were part of the repatriation otism. The President took his hat “I am happy to see you remarks at the Ranch Resort mission. “Once the mission was off to the group for agreeing healthy and alive,” he said. in Polokwane, where the The 112, who underwent a conceptualised, you all said to be sent into dangerous v – SAnews.gov.za Vuk’uzenzele CORONAVIRUS April 2020 Edition 2 11 UPDATE Support for school learners during lockdown

WHILE IT IS NOT yet known when schools will re-open for the have been uploaded to the DBE’s online platforms. second term, a number of measures have been put in place to support Minister Motshekga said at-home learning and to assist the beneficiaries of school nutrition the effect of the lockdown on those children who rely programmes. on school nutrition pro- grammes remains a concern More Matshediso but said they were working with the Department of So- he Department cial Development (DSD) to of Basic Educa- find solutions. Ttion (DBE) has put measures in place to Food parcels support learners during Meanwhile, nutrition sup- the national coronavirus port will be provided to (COVID-19) lockdown. families in poverty nodes Minister Angie Motshek- in which the DSD has a ga met with the Council of presence. A family will Education Ministers (CEM) be allowed to collect one to evaluate plans that will weekly food parcel for the ensure learners are better duration of the lockdown. informed about the virus and Minister Motshekga said that they continue their ed- several partners have in- ucation in their homes. The dicated their willingness DBE also met with provincial to assist, including Tiger departments of education. Brands, Nestlé, Pioneer The Minister said the Unit- cated channel for three carefully curated to be www.education.gov.za, Foods, Old Mutual, First ed Nations Children’s Fund months on the Openview available online and for which parents, teachers and Rand and Add Hope Foun- and the National Education platform. broadcast, and will be learners are encouraged to dation. Collaboration Trust have • Broadcast of lessons on made available on various visit. The exact date for re-open come on board to support the community radio sta- “We urge those who are is yet to be confirmed but department in ensuring that tions around the country. raising learners with spe- the department is finalising the 2020 academic year is not • Electronic readers avail- cial education needs to get an operating procedure too badly impacted. able via all platforms in “We urge in touch with the depart- to provide guidance to partnership with Voda- ment should they require schools and education of- Learner support com, MTN, Telkom and households assistance,” the Minister fices on how to prepare for programmes Cell-C. to support said. the re-opening. With support from the prov- • 2Enable App, a freely The department is in dis- inces, the department has downloadable education reading Reading campaign cussion with the National prepared online and broad- platform with over 2 000 improvement The Minister said the Read Treasury and all provinces cast support resources, com- electronic readers in the to Lead campaign and the on the provision of a min- prising subject content, with indigenous languages. initiatives by National Reading Coalition imum health package to a focus on Grade 12 learners • Promoting the African ensuring that will continue to drive their schools. and the promotion of reading Storybook series through messages aimed at height- Meanwhile, families and for all the grades. the 2Enable App. children are ening awareness of the community services are The department is working • The National Reading given time to importance of reading for encouraged to be extra vigi- closely with key partners Coalition has identified enjoyment. lant in the care and support to co-ordinate and make extensive lists of ad- read.” “We urge households of learners. “Do not leave available content tailored to ditional resources and to support reading im- them unattended, watch support learners’ education organisations that are platforms. The DBE web- provement initiatives by for signs of depression and and health needs during this willing to make their site has been updated with ensuring that children are provide ongoing support to time. materials available. current and relevant con- given time to read, and address any anxiety at this Among resources available, • Free access to Siyavula tent, inclusive of reading that parents and caregivers time. It is important that Minister Motshekga men- Maths and Science sup- resources and websites,” participate by reading with we continue to speak to tioned: port in partnership with The Minister explained. their children and sharing the learners about the pro- • Broadcast lessons (SABC MTN. Other content on the vari- stories,” she said. motion of health and safety TV and radio). • Free access to the Voda- ous websites has also been In terms of the availability in the home by adhering to • DSTV channel 180. com Virtual Classroom. made available through of books, a number of read- basic hygiene practices,” the • e.tv has allocated a dedi- “The content has been links on the DBE website ers in various languages Minister said. v 12 April 2020 Edition 2 GENERAL Vuk’uzenzele Your labour rights

GOVERNMENT HAS IMPLEMENTED a number of measures to lessen the financial impact of the national lockdown on both employees and employers.

Dale Hes Employment and Labour director of labour relations, must shut down during the How do you claim from TERS or report Thembinkosi Mkalipi, says he 21-day national lockdown. If you work for any unfair work practices? that he strongly encourages lockdown has had one of these employers, then employers to not force their Ta huge impact on you may wonder how you are The Department of Employment and Labour has set up a staff to take either paid or businesses and employees. going to earn an income to get hotline number that can be used to get advice on how to unpaid leave. In response, government has through the coming weeks. access the TERS benefit. UIF staff will be available to assist “We encourage employers announced a number of meas- employers and employees with queries between 8am and not to request employees to Help for affected ures to protect all workers 8pm, from Mondays to Fridays, at 012 337 1997. use their annual leave cred- from the impacts of the lock- workers its for the lockdown, but to Employers of those working in essential services must down. These include employ- The Department of Employ- rather utilise the financial as- have all the measures in place to protect their workers. The ees who work in non-essential ment and Labour has put in sistance that the department services and who are required place a number of measures department has already received a number of complaints has placed at their disposal to stay at home for the full 21 to protect affected employees. about companies forcing employees to work without the through the COVID-19 TERS, days. These include the establish- necessary protective equipment. in cases where companies can- ment of a new COVID-19 Labour inspectors are following up on the complaints. not afford to pay employees.” What are essential Employee/Employer Relief “At this stage, we are urging these employers to do the Employers of domestic services? Scheme (TERS) set up through workers have also been right thing. [After that] we will start to name and shame A large number of workers the Unemployment Insurance strongly encouraged to give individual companies and branches,” Minister Thulas Nxesi will stay at work during the Fund (UIF). their workers paid leave. If 21-day lockdown. These Employment and Labour says. they are unable to do so, then include those working in es- Minister Thulas Nxesi ex- the domestic worker will be sential services such as health- plains that if employers have able to claim the national care, disaster management, been forced to close during the and their application is ap- the UIF for assistance, then minimum wage from TERS. v emergency services, security, lockdown, they can apply to proved, the UIF will provide employees who are working essential transport, food and the relief scheme to pay their at least R3 500 per employee. reduced hours or are not If you believe you are essential goods production employees. If they earn well above the being paid can individually (including farm workers and “This benefit will be de- national minimum wage, apply to TERS or for existing being unfairly treated grocery store workers), elec- linked from the UIF’s normal then employees are entitled UIF benefits. in any way by your tricity and water provision, benefit structure. This benefit to receive between 38 percent employer during the funeral services, media, clean- will be at a flat rate equal and 60 percent of their normal What about taking lockdown, or that you ing and refuse removal and to the minimum wage (R3 salaries. leave? aren’t being protected essential mining, amongst 500) per employee for the The Minister has strongly Importantly, workers must from health risks in the others. duration of the shutdown, to encouraged businesses to be aware that employers are workplace, contact the Businesses and other em- a maximum period of three approach the UIF so that not allowed to force their em- ployers who do not provide months,” he says. applications can be pro- ployees to take unpaid leave department at the essential services out- In other words, once busi- cessed quickly. However, if during the lockdown. 0800 843 843. lined by the Department of nesses apply for the benefit businesses do not approach The department’s chief Vuk’uzenzele JOBS/ADVERTS April 2020 Edition 2 13

IS YOUR EMPLOYER PAYING YOU THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE? THE NATIONAL If you are not paid the national minimum wage of R20.76 per hour MINIMUM WAGE • R18.68 per hour for farm and forestry workers A TOOL TO CLOSE THE WAGE GAP AND TO OVERCOME POVERTY • R15.57 per hour for domestic workers • R11.42 per hour for workers under the Expanded Public Works Programme then dial the FREE IMPIMPA HOTLINE.

FREE IMPIMPA HOTLINE: *134*305# DIAL THE FREE IMPIMPA HOTLINE AND FOLLOW THE PROMPTS

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR, WORKING FOR YOU

VUK’UZENZELE NEWSPAPER IS FREE

Did you know that Vuk’uzenzele Newspaper is FREE. Anyone found to be selling Government information is committing a crime. Call the Crime Stop number 08600 10 111 to report fraudulent activities. You can also call government’s National Anti-Corruption Hotline to report corrupt activities you are aware of without giving your name. The number is 0800 701 701. 14 April 2020 Edition 2 GENERAL Vuk’uzenzele

A snapshot of the NHTS The National Household conducted in 2013

The last NHTS conducted in 2013 indicated that Travel Survey: individuals who attended educational institutions and used public transport were most likely to use taxis (69,5%), followed by those who used buses What you need to know (24,7%), while 5,8% used trains.

hether you live in the heart of bustling of the year to conduct in-person interviews with 69,5% 24,7% 5,8% Johannesburg or among the lush green hills South Africans about their transport challenges and Wof Zululand, transport is what connects you behaviours. to many important things in life – from family and The survey results will be critical for the planning friends to jobs and learning opportunities. And with of new and improved transport services and more and more South Africans moving around, access infrastructure. to affordable, safe and reliable transport is more vital “The information collected will aid the government in than ever. identifying public transport programmes that require To deliver an integrated, safe, reliable and effective immediate intervention and where more resources transport system Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) should be deployed in improving services and in collaboration with the Department of Transport is efficiency,” explains Statistician-General Mr Risenga conducting a research survey to collect data on the Maluleke. The fieldworkers who will be conducting travel patterns of individuals and households across the survey in person, will record the responses on a the country. The outcomes of the survey will be used handheld device. as a planning platform for new transport services and The NHTS 2020 is South Africa’s third household infrastructure required in the future. travel survey, with the first one conducted in 2003 Officially known as the National Household Travel and the second in 2013. The latest data will help the Survey (NHTS) 2020, the research survey will provide Department of Transport, which commissioned the important insights into citizens’ travel needs and research, to understand how the transport landscape experiences. Hundreds of Stats SA fieldworkers has changed in the past seven years to enable better have been crisscrossing the country since the start infrastructure planning and resource reallocation for public transport. The 2013 survey shed important light on the preferred modes of public transport in the country, revealing that the vast majority of South Africans relied on taxis over buses and trains. The data collected as part of NHTS NHTS 2020 at a glance 2020 will help to inform interventions designed to give passengers better-quality services. “It will help decipher needs and issues in services such as the scholar transport system, the taxi industry and the passenger rail network to enable the Department of Transport to plan interventions that will ensure continuity and quality of services,” adds survey duration 52 Mr Maluleke. January–March districts 2020

65,000 500 sampled fieldworkers/ dwellings enumerators

HOW TO IDENTIFY A STATS SA FIELDWORKER

• Stats SA issued identity card • Black bib and a cap with Stats SA logo

To verify a fieldworker, contact the NHTS call centre: 0800 110 248 (toll-free number) or visit www.statssa.gov.za (for online verification). Vuk’uzenzele GENERAL April 2020 Edition 2 15 Polokwane’s tech- savvy school DESPITE ITS RURAL location, a Limpopo primary school is unlocking the power of technology.

Silusapho Nyanda says the school believes the pupils arrive at the school technological advancements and when they leave and this upils of a rural pri- will equip the pupils for the information is sent to parents mary school have future academic and working or guardians. Pimproved their environment. “If a parent does not get a text academic results and are Ngoako says: “The pupils saying that their child has ar- ahead of their peers in are able to see the things they rived at school, they can call us information and commu- are being taught. They Google and we will investigate,” says nication technology (ICT) things; if a teacher is talking Ngoako knowledge. about a lion, then they can He says the scanner also tell The Ntji Mothapo Primary search for that lion and see them if pupils leave before School in Ga-Mothapo vil- it on YouTube. They now see the end of the school day. lage outside of Polokwane, what a lion does in the wild. The school plans to buy more Pupils of the Ntji Mothapo Primary School in Polokwane, Limpopo, is equipped with This gives them a visual of biometric scanners, which Limpopo, scan their fingerprints when they clock in at school. ICT learning tools such as what they are learning about. teachers will use to clock in projectors and white boards Pupils also work on the inter- and out of all school periods. for projecting videos and active boards during lessons.” The school has also installed tions to ensure that the biome- ones next to the biometric sys- images; interactive learning The school, which has an ICT cameras in every class, accord- tric system does not negatively tem. The pupils will spray on boards and has internet access. committee, recently added a ing to Ngoako. impact on learners. their finger and on the system The grades R to seven school, biometric scanner for grade With the Coronavirus that When schools reopen there before they scan. We will also which has 1 200 pupils, also four to grade seven pupils and has swept through the world will be sanitisers available at have sanitisers in all classes so has a high-tech computer lab all the teachers as part of its and infecting South Africans, the gate for pupils. that when pupils enter or exit that is used by all grades. ICT advancements. The biom- Ngoako said his school has “In addition to the hand san- a class they can sanitise their Principal Rapaledi Ngoako etric scanner registers when made the necessary precau- itisers at the gate we will have hands. v Care centre helps keep village healthy

COMMUNITY-BASED care African Social Security Agency and the National Development centres are bringing essential social Agency, among others. and health services to rural villages. The care centres will also help support already existing child protection services, such as oor families in a from healthier food. home community-based care KwaZulu-Natal Ngwenya says one of their and drop-in centres. Pvillage will bene- main concerns is ensuring Deputy Minister of the DSD fit from better nutrition, that young children who have Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu thanks to a donation by to take medication, such as says: “The goal of building German state-owned antiretroviral drugs, are prop- community care centres in rural KfW Development Bank, erly fed. “In addition, we cook communities is to enhance the which was facilitated by lunch for the elderly, who col- quality of services to orphans the Department of Social lect their meal from the centre.” and vulnerable children within Deputy Minister of the Department of Social Development Development (DSD). Sinothandolwethu will re- Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu says community care centres in rural their own communities of ori- The beneficiary is the Sin- ceive an additional R400 000 communities enhance the quality of services to orphans and gin and to complement existing vulnerable children. othandolwethu Care Centre, from the DSD, which will in child protection interventions which is in the village of Beth- part be used to pay the cen- and services. any near Bergville. The centre tre’s full-time social worker eat and take their medication struction of 17 care centres in “This approach seeks to looks after orphans, children and nurse, as well as the care as prescribed. A portion of the KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and strengthen families and com- from poor households and frail workers who visit elderly money will be spent on food North West. The rural-based munities as the first line of elderly people in the village. people who live alone and and other necessities. care centres will offer services response as guided by South According to the chairperson have chronic illnesses. The KfW is impacting lives across from the departments of social Africa’s National Strategic Plan of the care centre, Dombi Ng- care workers’ daily visits to South Africa. It donated 9.9 development, home affairs and for HIV, TB and sexually trans- wenya, they will all benefit the elderly ensure that people million euros for the con- health, as well as the South mitted infections 2017-2022.” v 16 April 2020 Edition 2 SPORTS ART AND CULTURE Vuk’uzenzele Support for tourism sector GOVERNMENT has offered a lifeline to the South African tourism sector in the face of the crippling coronavirus crisis.

Silusapho Nyanda that have international guests who were checked in before outh Africa’s tour- the lockdown may remain ism sector has been open and must ensure their Sgrounded by the guests stay where they are. coronavirus, which has For the duration of the sist small, micro and medium the impact of the coronavi- ures, a Tourism Services Call resulted in trips being lockdown, South African Na- enterprises. The fund will rus. Centre, which gives informa- cancelled or postponed. tional Parks (SANParks) has assist tourism businesses that • The employment of a mini- tion on relief measures, post- All tourism attractions, plac- closed all of its tourist sites to make less than R2.5 million mum number of employees ponements of events and will es that offer holiday accom- visitors, confirms SANParks a year. Tourism businesses for a period of three months act as a helpline for tourists, modation and restaurants CEO Fundisile Mketeni. that are based in rural areas must be guaranteed. has been established. v have closed as part of the He says guests from high- and townships and are run by • Proof of compliance with the nationwide 21-day lockdown, risk countries who had ar- women or young people and minimum wage must be pro- which exempts only essential rived in the country before people with disabilities will vided. For more services businesses. 9 March and were checked get preference, according to • They should be an existing information, visit: The measures taken to con- into a SANParks facility have Kubayi-Ngubane. tourism-specific establish- tain the spread of the virus been instructed to stay put. Other requirements for ment. www.tourism.gov.za are enforceable, says Minis- Tourists who have had to businesses to qualify for as- • Applicants must submit fi- or call the Tourism ter of Tourism Mmamoloko change dates of bookings will sistance: nancial statements of the Services Call Centre Kubayi-Ngubane. not be penalised or charged • They must be formally reg- business over a one-year pe- at 0860 868 747. The national lockdown has extra fees, according to Mket- istered with the Companies riod. Alternatively email seen the closure of the coun- eni. and Intellectual Property • They must indicate the in- callcentre@ try’s borders and the revoking Kubayi-Ngubane says her Commission. tended use of the resources tourism.gov.za of visas for tourists. Only ho- department has made a R200 • They must prove that the re- received from the fund. tels, lodges and guesthouses million fund available to as- lief is required as a result of In addition to these meas-

The South African State Help for artists Theatre’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager Erick Ndala says Songs & Rhythm affected by COVID-19 has been postponed. “The theatre will be re-engi- neering its artistic programme “… Sporting and creative sec- live steam performances at to ensure that projects are tors are going to be the hardest which there are no audiences re-scheduled in the 2020/2021 hit by these critically important • engaging the private sector, financial year,” he says. measures,” the minister said. especially the financial ser- “We are fully cognisant of the As a result of people being vices sector, for relief meas- sad but unavoidable reality that confined to their homes – except ures regarding house and car some of the cancellations and for essential reasons – events repayments, rent and other suspensions will most proba- have either been postponed or instalments bly deal a catastrophic blow to cancelled. • asking government to some of the entities and practi- Shortly after the lockdown give direction on what to tioners in the arts, culture and was announced, Minister do about athletes who are heritage sector,” he adds. Mthethwa convened a sectoral trapped abroad, Minister Mthethwa says the meeting to discuss ways to • engaging the Department department has reprioritised its address the challenges brought of Communications to avail budget allocation from quarter about by COVID-19. Following platforms for key individuals one to avail over R150 million the meeting, he said the two sec- in the sector to send messag- to provide much-needed relief tors face a desperate situation es of hope and awareness, to practitioners in the sector. as a result of the declaration. • ensuring that the public He added that priority will be More Matshediso impact of the novel coro- A number of suggestions were broadcaster favours local given to artists and practition- navirus (COVID-19) 21-day made during the meeting, content during this period. ers who were meant to be part he arts and sports lockdown, says Sports, Arts including: “This will go a long way to of government-funded shows sectors will not be and Culture Minister Nathi • using Fourth Industrial alleviating the plight of artists or events that have been can- Tspared from the Mthethwa. Revolution technology to and athletes,” the minister says. celled or postponed. v