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A FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS 31 March 2021 - www.tametimes.co.za
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ANC Gives Magashule, Corrupt Cadres
‘30 Days To Step Down’ We knew we’d get fireworks from the conclusion of the ANC NEC’s meeting on Monday night – but Cyril Ramaphosa may have just given us a pyrotechnic display for the ages.
The president has confirmed that the party is laying down the law for its badly behaved members – giving the likes of Ace Magashule a strict deadline to adhere to. In a defiant statement, Ramaphosa responded to criticism about his ‘softly, softly’ approach to an emerging faction in the party. In fact, the head of state made it clear that the NEC meeting agreed no ANC member should associate themselves with, or be involved in, the so-called ‘RET Forces’. However, corruption-accused cadres also came in for a lashing. Cyril told the briefing that all members ‘accused or charged with corruption’ have 30 days in which to step aside – otherwise, implicated members will be forcibly
suspended. We will have more on these developments on Tuesday. President issues ’30day warning’ for corruption-accused members “All members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes must step aside within 30 days, failing which they should be suspended in terms of rule 25.70 Of the anc constitution. The meeting emphasised that the 30 day period will be to enable the implementation of the decision in line with the guidelines, not to review the decision.” “The nec welcomed the decision by ace magashule to use this time to seek the counsel of past leaders of the movement. It was also agreed that the provincial chairpersons and secretaries would meet with the national officials during that time to further refine the guidelines to ensure the resolution can be effectively and practically implemented.”
Record High Petrol Prices Coming To South Africa The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) expects another hefty hike in fuel prices to be announced next week will lead to record high prices for 95 unleaded petrol in South Africa in April. Commenting on unaudited month-end fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund, the AA stated that the prices of all types of fuel were set to rise. “According to the latest data, petrol is set for a massive increase of 73 cents a litre, diesel an increase of 39 cents, and illuminating paraffin and increase of 37 cents,” the AA said. This was not the only increases which
had to be taken into account, however, as a further 27 cents will be added for the General Fuel and Road Accident Fund levies, as announced by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni in February. “With the increase to the levies factored in, petrol could rise by as much as R1 a litre, and diesel by 66 cents a litre. The levies are not added to the cost of illuminating paraffin,” the AA said. “This means that the fuel price for April will be in the region of R17.32 a litre for ULP 95 inland, comfortably surpassing the previous high of R17.08 set in late 2018,” said the AA. ULP 95 – increase of R1
Diesel – increase of R0.66 Illuminating paraffin – increase of R0.37 35-40% IN TAXES The AA said the recent two-month streak of petroleum price increases topped out in the third week of March and retreated slightly, while the Rand had a similar trajectory. “The minor relief of the pullback in petroleum and the exchange rate will be cold comfort to South Africans reeling from the ongoing economic damage being inflicted as a result of COVID-19, and a decade of economic decline,” said the AA. The Association noted that the increases to the fuel prices would have
widespread negative consequences for everyone in the country, not just for motorists. “We can only stress again the severe additional damage these increases will do to household budgets, both directly and indirectly as the increased transport costs ripple throughout the value chain. Increased public transport fares will surely also not be far off either,” the AA said. Notably, from April South African motorists will be paying R5.96 per litre of fuel to the GFL and RAF levies, or between 35% and 40% to taxes on every litre purchased, the AA claimed.
02
31 March 2021
This SA Municipality Will Be Known As ‘Winnie Madikizela Mandela’ From Tuesday
After Gqeberha and Kariega came into existence last month, another major location in the Eastern Cape is going through an identity transformation. Mbizana will be renamed as the ‘Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipality’ on Tuesday, with the ceremony set to feature a keynote speech from COGTA Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. MBIZANA OUT, WINNIE MADIKIZELA MANDELA IN The renaming process often proves to be controversial in South Africa, but the ANC is standing its ground on this one. An official statement from the COGTA Department has explained that the new name will serve as ‘inspiration’ for municipal officials – who must now uphold the values of the late struggle icon. “The renaming of Mbizana is an important step towards ensuring that the Winnie Madikizela Mandela municipality serves communities with care and responds to their concerns timeously and Rapidly. At the heart of the renaming of this municipality is a resolve to serve communities better, bearing in mind that Winnie Mandela was a champion of the poor.” “Therefore the renaming pays homage to her ideals and values. With communities across
the country relying on their municipalities to provide them with access to basic services that will improve the quality of their lives, the newly named municipality has to live up to expectations and its name.” WHERE IS WINNIE MADIKIZELA MANDELA MUNICIPALITY? Mbizana, soon to become Winnie Madikizela Mandela, shares a border with KwaZulu-Natal. It sits between Port St Johns and Durban, with thousands of friendly locals making their community an inclusive and welcoming one. For those of you struggling to place the municipality, this map should help – but don’t get too familiar with the old name. The approved name change was detailed in the latest Government Gazette published on Thursday 4 March, with the decision to proceed with the name-change backdated to 2 December 2020. If any locals are upset with these developments, it’s not too late to change things: According to Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathan Mtethwa, the South African Geographical Names Act provides for objections within 30 days of the announcement by members of the public – in instances where they are not happy with proposed name changes.
China Ready, Willing To Provide Much-Needed Covid-19 Vaccines To SA
China is ready and willing to provide much-needed Covid-19 vaccines to South Africa, as long as local legal frameworks and requirements are met, Chinese Ambassador Chen Xiaodong has said. The Chinese top diplomat made the remarks during a virtual seminar hosted by international asset management company Ninety One on Wednesday. “China will continue to provide PPEs (personal protective equipment) to the South African side and share response experience. Vaccines are the most crucial resources in fighting against Covid-19,” said Chen. “China attaches great importance to South Africa’s demand and is willing to fulfill the commitment to make Covid-19 vaccines global public goods. We will give priority to supplying Chinese vaccines to the South African side.” “We are ready to provide vaccines to the South African side as long as there is a need and an approval by the regulatory authorities here, so as to benefit the South African people at an early date,” he added. Several African countries in Africa including Zimbabwe and Nambia have received Chinese vaccines. Pressure is mounting on the South African government to widen its vaccination campaign. So far, fewer than 200,000 people have been vaccinated against Covid-19. A follow-up batch of 66,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines arrived in the country this month to boost the government’s Sisonke vaccine trial programme. The national health department says its reserves of one million doses of the Indian AstraZeneca vaccine have been sold because of its low effectiveness against the South African variant of Covid-19 which emerged late last year. The Chinese envoy said Beijing would continue to work towards strengthening
ANC Gaffe May Allow Motorists To ‘Escape Speeding Fines’ Over Easter Traffic cops are facing a potential nightmare over the Easter break, after a government own-goal threatened to undermine their authority on the roads. It’s understood that a ‘missing piece of legislation’ could invalidate any speeding fines dished out in the immediate future, with the deadline to rectify this mistake already upon us. SPEEDING FINES NIGHTMARE FOR TRAFFIC AUTHORITIES The failure to publish regulations ‘for the calibration and verification of speed measurement equipment’ before 31 March falls at the feet of Ebrahim Patel. The Trade Minister has until the end of Wednesday to update the Legal Metrology Act, or risk giving drivers a loophole to exploit. As of 9:50, there is no sign of the bill – but we understand that there is feverish work in government to get the rules over the line by tonight. These shock developments were confirmed by an NPA source, who told Die Burger: “Valid calibration and verification certificates for equipment such as speed cameras is a legal requirement under the legal metrology act – or else a motorist cannot be prosecuted.” New laws needed by tonight – or there will be consequences for easter From 1 April onwards, each day that
the exchange of experience and eradicating poverty in South Africa. “In particular, we are ready to help formulate targeted poverty alleviation strategies and ensure that resources are effectively used for poverty alleviation individuals and areas,” he said. “China is also willing to take stronger actions to support South Africa in overcoming Covid-19 and other difficulties, so as to better deliver postCovid economic recovery and sustainable development.” China has been South Africa’s largest trading partner for 12 years in a row, and South Africa has been the Asian economic giant’s largest trading partner in Africa for 11 consecutive years. Bilateral trade between the two countries now accounts for nearly one-fifth of the total trade between China and Africa. Despite disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, statistics from the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria show that total trade between the two countries stood at US$35.84 billion in 2020. Chinese enterprises including Hisense, Huawei, FAW, BAIC, Longyuan Power, ICBC and others, have reportedly invested and financed more than US$25 billion in South Africa, creating 400,000 jobs.
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goes without the vital confirmations gives unruly motorists the chance to argue that any speeding violation has been captured by equipment that is now officially outdated – invalidating attempts to prosecute someone clocking up a dangerous velocity. Truly, this alleged oversight could not have happened at a worse time. As of Thursday, traffic volumes are set to increase ahead of the public holiday. Roads are expected to be particularly busy between 15:00 – 21:00 tomorrow,
feeding into a Friday morning of jampacked commuter routes. According to road safety group Arrive Alive, motorists should try and plan around the peak times. “High peak flows of 2 500 vehicles per hour towards KwaZulu-Natal are expected on Thursday 1 April and Friday 2 April; and up to 3 500 vehicles per hour towards Gauteng on Monday 5 April. If possible, road users are advised to plan travel times outside of high peak periods.” | Arrive Alive
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31 March 2021
03
Families Given 30 Days To Vacate Houses They Occupied For Decades In Boksburg
Chemical Factory Fire In Alberton
More than than 40 families in Boksburg are rushing against time to vacate houses they have occupied for decades or face “ejectment” from the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development. The properties in Extension 2, Boksburg North are reportedly government-owned, with the department acting as curator. It is understood that the houses were purchased by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) from private owners in 1972, and the province’s infrastructure department rented the houses to the current residents. However, indications are that things have turned sour between the department and the residents, and as a result they were issued with a termination notice letter from the state attorney representing the department. The letter states that the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development is the custodian of the properties. “It has been communicated before by the department during 2019 that the properties must be vacated by everyone in occupation of each of them. The department is also aware that some of the properties have been vacated before, only to be occupied unlawfully. “Consequently, this constitutes unlawful occupation. Therefore, as individuals and unlawful occupants you are called upon to vacate the properties listed above within the period stated below in this termination notice,” the letter reads. The letter also states that some occupants claim to have entered into lease agreements with the department. “However, the purported lease agreements (without in any way justifying occupation) were entered into on a month-to-month basis and terminable on a 30 days’ notice,” the letter states. “To that end, all those who consider themselves as lessees are hereby notified individually or collectively of the termination of the purported lease agreements. As a result of this termination,
it is demanded that each property occupied on the basis of a purported lease agreement must be vacated within 30 days of this termination notice.” Details surrounding the sudden termination of the lease agreements are still sketchy. DPWI spokesperson Thamsanqa Mchunu referred queries to the provincial department. Reports emanating from the community are that the department was planning to construct a road which will run through the area across Boksburg North. Meanwhile, allegations of illegal activities, damage caused to the properties and the non-payment of rent for some of the houses have also been circulating. One of the affected residents, Carien de Lange, said she stopped paying rent in 2014 after she was told that the account she was paying rent to was fraudulent. “We are not disputing that the houses belong to the department. However, there was an inspection in 2012 conducted by law enforcement and the department. “I showed them my lease and they told me to stop paying since the account I was paying to was fraudulent.” De Lange said her efforts to establish the correct account details with the department were unsuccessful. Another resident, Len Engelbrecht, said he has been paying his water and electricity bill.“I’ve lived on this property since 1999 and they can’t just give 30 days to find an alternative place to relocate to, especially in these trying times with the Covid-19 and job losses.” Human settlements spokesperson in the City of Ekurhuleni, Zweli Dlamini, said the municipality would only react once the matter was taken up with them.
Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) is still monitoring the fire at a chemical factory in Alberton. Fire fighting started after 21h00 last night and the flames were dosed down completely around 06h00. Polymer and hydrogen peroxide were among the chemicals stored in the factory making the fire to be intense. Fire fighters are still combing the debris to make sure that the fire is completely defeated. TYPES AND CLASSES OF FIRE AND HOW TO ATTACK THEM If a fire starts, it can spread quickly. Not every fire is the same. Different fires can have different hazards and risks. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher could do more harm than good. There are 6 different types of fire, and each should be attacked in a different way. Fire can be devastating. Burning, injuring and even killing people. Damaging buildings and equipment. Interrupting business activities. Of course, fire prevention is the best way to make sure that fire doesn’t impact you or your business. But you should always have a plan in place for dealing with fires if they do happen. If a fire does start, it can spread quickly. Knowing how to attack a fire before it grows, isn’t always straightforward. Not every fire is the same. Different fires can have different hazards and risks. Use the wrong type of fire extinguisher could do more harm than good. There are 6 different classes of fire, and each should be attacked in a different way. CLASS A (SOLIDS) Class A fires are fires involving solids. This type of fuel could be paper and cardboard, common in offices and manufacturing. It
could be furniture, or fixtures and fittings. It could even be the structure of the building. This is one of the most common types of fire because solids are the most common type of fuel and one that is hard to eliminate. Good housekeeping should help to keep materials like packaging and waste reduced, minimising risks. The only type of fire extinguisher you should use on a class A fire is the water extinguisher. This is the most popular type of extinguisher because it can handle most fires involving solids. But, as a conductor, it should never be used near electrical equipment. CLASS B (LIQUIDS) Class B fires are fires involving liquids. Many of the fluids, liquids and chemicals used in workplaces can be flammable or explosive. Like cleaning fluids, solvents, fuels, inks, adhesives and paints. According to statistics, in 2010/11 flammable liquids accounted for only 2% of fires, but a massive 21% of fatalities. These fires are rare but more deadly than other types of fire. So how can you protect yourself? Make sure you know what flammable liquids are used in your workplace, and carry out a COSHH assessment. COSHH assessments are a legal requirement, for any hazardous substances. This about safe storage and use of these substances, keep them in labelled containers and away from sources of ignition. Should a class B fire ignite, foam or powder extinguishers are the best types of extinguishers to attack this type of fire. CLASS C (GASES) Class C fires are fires involving gases. This could be natural gas, LPG or other types of gases forming a flammable or explosive atmosphere. Work with gas is dangerous, and increases fire risk. Keep stored gases in sealed containers in a safe storage area, and ensure that gas work is carried out by competent persons. While extinguishers can be used on class C gas fires, the only safe method to attack this type of fire is to shut off the gas supply. The best type of extinguisher to put out the fire only the supply of gas is cut off, is a dry powder extinguisher.
Can doctors prescribe locally-produced ivermecti? The SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) is emphatic that it has not approved ivermectin for the treatment and management of Covid-19 — though AfriForum said it won a court case which means the controversial drug is “now accessible and available on doctor’s prescription”.
the case as it was still before the court. However, he emphasised that the regulator had not approved the use of the product for the treatment or management of Covid-19. AfriForum said it had settled with the regulatory body, but pointed out that the settlement was not yet a court order as the case will continue on Thursday.
In an interview, Sahpra CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete said that, from a regulatory position, there was insufficient evidence to say the product works for the management or as a prophylactic for Covid-19. “There is also insufficient evidence to say it doesn’t work,” she said. This was also the regulator’s stance in a press statement issued on Monday. But AfriForum, which is involved in a court case pushing for the use of ivermectin, said in a statement on Monday evening that the drug had been given the go-ahead. In the statement, the organisation declared victory in the case, and said it — together with Dr George Coetzee and others — successfully obtained a settlement with Sahpra regarding the compounding of and access to ivermectin. Sahpra spokesperson Yuven Gounden said the organisation could not talk about
“This settlement determines that a medicine containing ivermectin as an active ingredient has been registered by Sahpra in terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act on March 16. The effect of the registration is that medicines containing ivermectin may be compounded and made available and accessible under the provisions of section 14(4) of the act. “Sahpra and the minister of health, jointly and severally, will contribute to the costs of the applicants in the amount of R500,000 (plus VAT),” AfriForum said in their statement. Coetzee, who is the first applicant in the case, said Covid-19 is a dangerous disease and that no single wonder drug can defeat it on its own. “The most important factor in the fight against Covid-19 is every person’s
immune system. Ivermectin makes a big contribution in this regard, and access to and the availability thereof is, especially for the more vulnerable and needy majority of the population, indispensable for us to heal people. “This settlement brings me great joy because it is a big victory for patients and doctors who take their oath to heal people seriously,” Coetzee said. Barend Uys, head of research at AfriForum, said that, practically-speaking, the settlement meant that “doctors can prescribe ivermectin to patients if, in their judgment, it is required”. “Patients can then take this prescription to any pharmacy where compounded ivermectin is available and buy ivermectin. No section 21 application or reporting is required for compounded ivermectin. We are very glad as easy access to ivermectin for doctors and patients is now possible,” he said. In its statement earlier on Monday, Sahpra said ivermectin may be prescribed and dispensed to patients without awaiting section 21 (emergency use of unregistered medicine) authorisation, but is still subject to receiving section 21 authorisation, informed consent and all reporting
requirements normally required under section 21. Sahpra said it has however registered Soolantra cream which is for topical treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory lesions of papulopustular rosacea in adult patients. It said the cream is not for the treatment or prevention of Covid-19. “In amplification of the above, unregistered ivermectin-containing finished pharmaceutical products may only be accessed under Sahpra’s ivermectin controlled compassionate use programme guideline through the authorised suppliers of such products,” it said.
31 March 2021
Lions Board, SA Rugby confirm South Africa as preferred hosts of Test series
Rugby fans were on Tuesday given the clearest indication that the Test series between the world champion Springboks and British and Irish Lions would go ahead as planned. Both SA Rugby and the British and Irish
to doubts as to whether South Africa would be able to host the series. Having turned down the offer from Rugby Australia to play the series Down Under, and the proposal to play it in the United Kingdom, the Lions Board have told SA Rugby their preference is playing the series in South Africa. “After reviewing information relating to the various contingency scenarios being considered, I can confirm that the Board’s intended position is for the Tour to go ahead as scheduled in South Africa in 2021,” said Jason Leonard, chairman of the British & Irish Lions. “We acknowledge that there is a significant amount of work still to be undertaken to deliver a robust Covid-19 countermeasure plan to ensure a successful, safe and uninterrupted Tour. SA Rugby will have our full support to help implement this plan.” The Lions Board’s decision was appreciated by SA Rugby president Mark Alexander, who last week said they were speaking to the government in
Lions confirmed that they would prefer to have the upcoming Lions Series here in South Africa, in the scheduled playing window. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot of havoc on the global sporting calendar over the last year, which led
order to allow 50% stadium attendance for the duration of the series. “We appreciate the Lions’ faith and share their desire to see a safe and successful tour,” said Alexander. “We have been in regular contact with our government to make that a reality against the backdrop of the pandemic and its predicted progression over the coming months. “There are serious financial implications for SA Rugby, should the event take place without any supporters in attendance, and we cannot ignore that in our considerations. But we are determined that the eventual outcome will deliver the best occasion and experience for players, supporters and our commercial partners.” SA Rugby added that the original tour schedule was subject to review, and any changes will be communicated as soon as possible. Fans who purchased tickets through the ballot were entitled to a full refund.
Want To Burn More Fat?
A recent study that was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that ingesting caffeine half an hour before exercise considerably increases fat-burning.
“The recommendation to exercise on an empty stomach in the morning to increase fat oxidation is commonplace. However, this recommendation may be lacking scientific basis, as it is unknown whether this increase is due to exercising in the morning or due to going without food for a longer period of time”
explained lead author, Francisco José Amaro-Gahete. Amaro-Gahete and colleagues wanted to know whether caffeine – which is commonly consumed to boost sports performance – actually assists with fat burning during exercise. The research included 15 healthy men – with an average age of 32 – who were asked to complete a graded exercise test four times, each separated by seven days. Participants had to ingest 3mg/kg of caffeine (the equivalent of a strong coffee) or a placebo at 08:00 in the morning and
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