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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
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
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
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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.
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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
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”.
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 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. “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
Families Given 30 Days To Vacate Houses They Occupied For Decades 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.
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.
Premiership teams looking for points as final stretch looms 31 March 2021
The DStv Premiership resumes this weekend and teams will be aiming to build momentum in order to finish the season as high in the table as possible. We have now entered the final few games of the season and a lapse in form
could prove costly to every team in the top-flight at this point. Second-placed Golden Arrows will be looking to maintain their spot in the table when they travel to the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto to face off against Moroka Swallows on Saturday.
Mandla Ncikazi’s side technically have a chance of winning the league this season, though they are four points adrift of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, having also played two games more. If Sundowns are to end up losing the title this season, it will be an even bigger shock than Chiefs’ slump last season when the Glamour Boys looked all but certain to win the league before a dramatic slump after the Covid-19 break put paid to that. A rejuvenated Maritzburg United, who escaped the relegation zone in the last leg of fixtures prior to the international break, will have another good chance to move further away from the dreaded drop zone as they host Chippa United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday at 5pm. The Chilli Boys are in poor form, having not won in the league since a 3-0 win over Black Leopards in January. If the Gqeberha-based club do not improve their form soon, they are going to be involved in the relegation scrap. They enter their contest against the Team
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of Choice just two points clear of 15thplaced Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila. Cape Town City will be looking to end their seven match winless run in all competitions in their away clash against Baroka FC at 5pm on Saturday. The Western Cape side played an impressive brand of football in the first half of the season but a lack of finesse in recent weeks as seen them drop into seventh position in the standings. Whilst Jan Olde Riekerink’s side is a formidable attacking unit, their defending is in need of attention in this final leg of the season as they appear to be vulnerable in counter-attack situations. Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu side, which has definitely been the most improved domestic outfit this season, will be looking to win again when they clash against strugglers Black Leopards at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday at 3pm. McCarthy’s troops have won their last four league games with their last league defeat being a 1-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs in early January.