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In light of the national lock-down and economic downturn in South Africa, we have been speaking with South Africa’s top businessmen and billionaire’s over the past few weeks in order to unlock their perspective on the COVID-19 crisis. Joining CNBC Africa for today’s discussion is retail tycoon and billionaire, Christo Wiese.

African billionaire Christo Wiese on COVID-19 crisis and its impact on SA’s economy

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and 21-day lockdown faced by South Africans, First National Bank has announced <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/videos/2020/04/03/sas-banks-reveal-how-small-businesses-can-apply-for-the-r1bn-oppenheimer-fund/">additional measures to assist small and medium-sized enterprises</a> battling with funding in the country.



In addition to the implementation of financial relief systems for individual and business customers, FNB has expressed commitment towards assisting SMEs through, “alternative funding support, critical business support resources, links to various government resources and private funding initiatives.”



The following is a statement on behalf of First National Bank:



FNB extends additional help to assist SMEs with alternative funding and resource support



6 April 2020 – In addition to the various COVID-19 measures implemented to provide relief to individual and business customers, FNB has further committed to helping small businesses with alternative funding support, critical business support resources, links to various government resources and private funding initiatives.



Given the various relief interventions needed by small businesses across different sectors, FNB has launched a portal under the “COVID-19 – For My Business” menu on the FNB App or Online Banking, where SME customers in need of help can register their requests for assistance.This will enable the bank to obtain information and present potentially relevant relief solutions.



“The first phase of alternative funding that we are excited to make available to SME customers via the portal is from the South African Future Trust (SAFT), a Public Benefit Organisation established by Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer to extend financial assistance to employees of South African SMMEs who are at risk of losing their jobs or will suffer a loss of income because of COVID-19,” says Jesse Weinberg, Head of the SME Customer Segment at FNB.



FNB has received a range of queries from SME customers on various topics from SMEs, from assisting them with cashflow relief on their existing credit and merchant services facilities with the bank, to general requests such as resources and guidance on obtaining alternative funding support for their businesses.&nbsp;



“Requests registered by SMEs through our portal will enable us to rapidly assess the situation and requests of these businesses to determine possible financial and non-financial assistance that could help them,” adds Weinberg.



A challenge for many small and medium-sized businesses is that they often have limited access to funding, whether in the form of bank credit or alternative sources. In times of an economic down-turn or crisis, these businesses are some of the most vulnerable as they generally have less access to liquidity to weather the storm than larger businesses.



FNB SMEs can register their interest to apply for the South African Future Trust (SAFT) funding by completing the SME assessment found under the “COVID-19 – For My Business” menu on the FNB App or FNB Online Banking.



SMEs who meet the following criteria could be eligible for the funding as determined by SAFT:



<ul><li>The business has an annual turnover below R25m</li><li>The business can clearly demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 on their operations; the business must have been in good financial health prior to 1 March 2020.</li><li>The business must have been trading for at least 24 months</li><li>Confirmation of permanent employment status of employee</li><li>The business must have its main bank account with FNB and be in good standing with the bank; demonstrated sound banking behaviour maintained a good credit history</li></ul>



For more information on SAFT visit <a href="https://secure-web.cisco.com/1s3rkD1cj8AGmG18fuJ2x_AyOubeXbdWvhiXPo8wZ_fmWLNsrU01mXeBoxjCwGmtfWv0_7G5MnIEPL_jXEIIIUVQ93d3CyIARz5pRNgDbia73tmakzFlkFJDMQmUIp81qp2Ws3DkUNZlwngU0dQCKCk85ggzzNgh1omemqUvK287zcye7g3WZf8AX8ROyIEsVmeJPFiiq58tRsXlTsTvwIzxaC5SYIJB9WSr4dJcgOMy0hJ-vC35u4l02Q7YJ5XHxP25MtZ9Fq-SW1y9D2B3bt0b9czIZr6VkYTK5dqRoViPNPfbPXoJMCSr7WDOAdJxxWL66c87g7X50OzKbZGyKog/https%3A%2F%2Fopp-gen.com%2Fsaft%2F">https://opp-gen.com/saft/</a>



“As announced in President Cyril Ramaphosa&#8217;s address to the nation, we have pledged R1bn to extend a financial lifeline to employees of South African Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (“SMMEs”). Our aim is to mitigate the immediate economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis by keeping companies in business and protecting jobs, in order to fast-track South Africa’s economic recovery after this pandemic. Our response, in collaboration with the South African Government and private sector, is to create a structure that will extend direct financial support to SMME employees who are at risk of losing their jobs or will suffer a loss of income because of COVID-19,” said Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer.



“In much the same way as our SME clients are dealing with unprecedented uncertainty, we too realised we also needed a different approach to respond to the crisis and try extend help our SMEs in a more holistic way,” concludes Weinberg.



For more coverage on COVID-19 visit: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/">https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/</a>

Administrators propose sales plan for SA retailer Edcon, see potential job cuts

FNB extends aid for battling SMEs in South Africa amid COVID-19, lockdown

South African Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has rescinded his earlier decision of allowing taxis to carry a full load of passengers.



This follows a public outcry regarding the impact such an
arrangement may have on the health and safety of public transport users amid
the COVID-19 outbreak.



The following is an official statement on behalf of South
Africa’s Department of Transport:



MEDIA STATEMENT



MINISTER MBALULA RESCINDS 100% LOADING
DIRECTION



The Ministry and Department of
Transport have been engaged with the process of consultations with the view of
finding a solution to a challenge raised by the taxi industry resulting from
reduction to permitted loading capacity, intended to promote social distancing
within public transport, which includes taxis.&nbsp; The unintended consequence
of this reduction was an industry operating at a loss as a result of these
regulations. The regulations on COVID-19 Lockdown prescribed a 50% loading
capacity.&nbsp;



Proposals for a 70% loading capacity
for minibus taxis were duly considered as well as a proposal for a 100% loading
capacity, with the compulsory mitigation measure of the prescribed N95
Respiratory Mask as a pre-condition for all passengers.&nbsp;



Ministerial directions were issued to
this effect. We have since received a number of enquiries and queries from
members of the public on the mitigation measures. The concerns were primarily
around the 100% loading capacity and the utilisation of masks as a mitigation
measure. The public was without comfort with these measures and urged that we
reconsider.&nbsp; After our announcement of catering for 100%, there was a
public outcry about the impact of such an arrangement to the health safety of
public transport users.&nbsp; We took these issues serious and engaged with key
stakeholders, resulting in a consensus of maximizing the loading capacity to
70%.



The Ministry and the Department have
since reviewed this measure and will only apply a 70% loading capacity for
Minibus taxis.&nbsp; We urge the Taxi industry to accept these declared
measures. New Ministerial Directions to this effect will be published in due
course for immediate implementation.



The Minister has therefore rescinded
the Direction allowing 100% loading capacity for taxis with immediate effect.



We further urge members of the public
and taxi operators to take preventative measures to mitigate against the spread
of the virus. Government will undertake a programme to assist with the
distribution of the masks. We also urge operators to continue to sanitize the
taxi surfaces and to provide hand sanitizers to the public.



Enquiries:
Ayanda
Allie Paine on 072 566 0827



Issued by​ the GCIS on behalf of the
Department of Transport



02 April 2020



For more coverage on COVID-19 visit: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/">https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/</a>

South African Transport Minister rescinds 100% taxi capacity

Rwanda has ordered a two week extension
of the current lockdown.



The decision to extend the current two week lockdown initially declared on March 21 to contain the spread of the coronavirus was reached during an extraordinary cabinet meeting held via video conference on Wednesday.



The following is an official statement on behalf of the Rwandan government:



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="724" height="1024" src="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Rwanda-2-724x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-366578" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Rwanda-2-724x1024.jpg 724w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Rwanda-2-212x300.jpg 212w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Rwanda-2-696x984.jpg 696w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Rwanda-2.jpg 764w" sizes="(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px" /></figure>



For more coverage on COVID-19 visit: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/">https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/</a>

Rwanda extends COVID-19 lockdown by two weeks

MEDIA STATEMENT



REVISIONS TO DIRECTIONS REGULATING
PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATIONS DURING LOCKDOWN PERIOD



The advent of the Covid 19 virus has
plunged us into unchartered waters.&nbsp; A situation that requires agility and
decisiveness in our interventions and efforts to arrest the spread of the
virus.&nbsp; Public transport remains one of our biggest risk areas in the
spread of the virus.&nbsp; We must therefore do everything in our power to
protect both the citizens who rely on public transport and those who operate
the system from exposure and possible infection.



We indicated from the onset that we
are on a steep learning curve and we will regularly review the measures we
introduce from time to time in order to achieve the desired outcomes.



Since the lockdown came into effect at midnight of 26 March 2020, we have conducted an assessment of our measures and consulted with the taxi industry.



The consultation process also included
relevant structures within government and individual Ministers.&nbsp; As a
consequence of this assessment and consultation, we have revised a number of
our measures insofar as they relate to public transport.



In consulting with the taxi industry,
I have engaged the leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO)
and the National Taxi Alliance (NTA).&nbsp; I must commend the taxi industry
for their efforts and commitment to playing their part in enabling mobility of
the poor and vulnerable in these trying times.&nbsp; Despite the economic
challenges facing the industry, we were able to reach an agreement that
guarantees continuous availability of public transport during the lockdown
period. &nbsp;



We must all appreciate that the
measures we introduce to curb the spread of this virus are about preserving
human life, and not about our individual narrow self-serving interests.&nbsp;
Every one of us must appreciate this and play their part in eradicating this
pandemic.



In our engagements, the taxi industry
placed on the table critical issues, some of which we have processed while
others remain work in progress.&nbsp; At the time the lockdown was declared, we
were in the process of finalizing our plans for the hosting of the National
Taxi Indaba, which will be held later in the year, to address a number of
critical economic issues confronting the industry. &nbsp;



Among the key issues to be considered
by the Indaba is a sustainable economic empowerment model for the taxi
industry.&nbsp; This will include a public transport funding model, which must
include a possible subsidy regime, in which the taxi industry is a full
participant.



Subsequent to these engagements and
consultations, we have taken steps to amend Directions relating to Public
Transport.&nbsp; Our engagements with our counterparts in government are
ongoing to ensure alignment of our Directions with the Regulations published by
the Minister of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).



We have therefore amended our
Directives to give effect to the following measures:



During the lockdown period, the
following public transport vehicles must reduce the number of maximum
passengers to 70% of the licensed capacity, with no masks as follows:



• A minibus licensed to carry 10
passengers, is limited to carry a maximum of 7 passengers.



• A minibus licensed to carry 15
passengers, is limited to carry the maximum of 10 passengers.



• A midi-bus permitted to carry a
maximum of 22 passengers, is limited to carry a maximum of 15 passengers



• A vehicle licensed to carry a
maximum of 4 passengers is limited to carrying 50% of its permissible passenger
carrying capacity.



ALTERNATELY



During the lockdown period, all
Minibus and Midi-bus taxi vehicles are permitted to load their maximum 100%
passenger loading capacity as provided for in their operating licenses,
provided that all passengers are wearing masks.&nbsp; The masks must be of the
following categories:



(a) Surgical masks



(b) N95 respiratory masks



We require public transport operators
to adhere to the Directions on sanitizing vehicles and put measures in place to
give effect to social distancing at all material times. &nbsp;



Post the lockdown period, we will give
priority to the National Taxi Indaba, which will tackle pressing and strategic
issues facing the taxi industry.&nbsp; This industry continues to operate on
the fringes of the formal economy despite the fact that they have the largest
market share of all public transport modes, in excess of 60%.&nbsp; We are
under no illusion that the conflict and violence that continues to define this
industry are a consequence of an economic challenge that we need to
collectively address as a matter of urgency.



The Taxi Indaba will seek to find
consensus on a sustainable economic empowerment model.&nbsp; In addition, we
will review the effectiveness of current interventions, which include the Taxi
Recapitalisation Programme and the rollout of the Integrated Public Transport
Networks.&nbsp; We will similarly pay particular attention to leadership issues
and achieving sustainable unity which must ensure that taxi violence becomes a
relic of the past.&nbsp; The Indaba will also focus on regulation and ensuring
that government ensures effective regulation, while the industry must commit to
the rule of law.



We have no doubt, that the Taxi Indaba
will emerge with a blueprint of an industry that is at peace with itself, able
to sustain itself beyond government incentives and subject to the rule of law.



Issued by​ the GCIS on behalf of the
Department of Transport



01 April 2020

SA’s auto industry ambitions threatened by COVID-19

South Africa’s lockdown taxi regulations revised

By Piet Nel, SAICA
Project Director, Tax. 



Johannesburg, 30 March 2020 – The President of South Africa, Mr
Cyril Ramaphosa, recently announced a 21-day lockdown period from midnight on
Thursday, 26 March until midnight on Thursday, 16 April 2020 due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. 



The COVID-19
lockdown currently in place will have an impact on tax-related matters.&nbsp;
This includes contact with the South African Revenue Services (SARS), returns
and payments due to SARS, as well as disputes.&nbsp; It also has an impact on
employers and their employees.&nbsp; Whilst a lot of information was available
at the time of writing of this article, it is expected that more information
will be made available over the next couple of days.&nbsp; The following is
based on information that was available on 29 March 2020: 



Contact
with SARS during the period 



SARS advised
taxpayers and tax practitioners to use the online channels such as eFiling, the
SARS MobiApp and e@syFile to interact with SARS.&nbsp; SARS has provided
dedicated email addresses for this purpose on their website.&nbsp; 



It is
envisaged that visits to SARS offices are possible, but an appointment must be
made on the SARS website.&nbsp; Please remember the lockdown restrictions that
are in place when you are travelling to a SARS branch.&nbsp; Remember that
accountants and tax practitioners are not seen as the providers of essential
services.&nbsp; Special rules relating to Customs and border posts were made
available by SARS.&nbsp; 



Submission
of returns&nbsp; 



There is no
relief for the submission of tax returns.&nbsp; Taxpayers must therefore ensure
that returns are submitted on or before the due dates.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 



Disputes 



According to a
notice from the Chairperson: Customs and Excise National Appeals, the days
during the period 27 March 2020 to 16 April 2020 will not be taken into account
in determining days or period for purposes of an appeal under the Customs
Act.&nbsp; 



SARS has not
given a similar notice for objections and appeals under the other tax
Acts.&nbsp; Where a taxpayer is unable to comply with a prescribed period
during which steps in the dispute process must be instituted due to the
lockdown, it would constitute exceptional circumstances.&nbsp; 



Payments 



Tax debt:



There is no
relief for the payment of assessed taxes and payment must be made on the due
date.&nbsp; In fact, SARS said that this is a critical period for SARS in terms
of revenue collections and now, more than ever, the country requires everyone
to pay their fair share.&nbsp; SARS requested that payments are made on time
and that COVID-19 uncertainty is not used as a reason for non-payment.&nbsp;
SARS may well continue with their collection procedures of tax debt.&nbsp; 



Where a
taxpayer is unable to make the payment, or can only do so partially, a request
for a deferred arrangement during the lockdown period must be sent to the
dedicated email addresses made available by SARS.&nbsp; 



Other
taxes:



In line with
the announcement by the President, SARS and National Treasury confirmed that
effective 1 April 2020, tax compliant businesses with a turnover of less than
R50 million will be allowed to delay paying a portion of their amounts due to
SARS.&nbsp; The details are as follows: 



Employees’
tax



With respect
to pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) liabilities, tax compliant business with a turnover
of less than R50 million can delay 20% thereof for a limited period of four
months, beginning 1 April 2020 and ending on 31 July 2020.&nbsp; The deferred
PAYE liability must be paid to SARS in equal instalments over the six-month
period commencing on 1 August 2020, i.e. the first payment must be made on 7
September 2020.&nbsp; There is no relief for the March payment due on 7 April
2020.&nbsp; 



Provisional
tax: 



Tax compliant
small- to medium-sized businesses will also be allowed to defer of a portion of
the payment of the first and second provisional tax liability to SARS, for a
period of twelve months, beginning 1 April 2020 and ending on 31 March 2021,
without SARS imposing administrative penalties and interest for the late
payment of the deferred amount.&nbsp; This means that the payment due 31 March
2020 must be made in full.&nbsp; 



The first
provisional tax payment due from 1 April 2020 to 30 September 2020 will be
based on 15% of the estimated total tax liability, while the second provisional
tax payment from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 will be based on 65% of the
estimated total tax liability.&nbsp; Provisional taxpayers with deferred
payments will be required to pay the full tax liability when making the third
provisional tax payment in order to avoid interest charges.&nbsp; 



The proposed
amendments are deemed to have come into operation on 1 April 2020 and apply to
first provisional tax periods ending on or after 1 April 2020 but before 1
October 2020 and to second provisional tax periods ending on or after 1 April
2020 but before 1 April 2021.&nbsp; 



Employment
Tax Incentive (ETI): 



For the period
of four months, beginning 1 April 2020 and ending on 31 July 2020:



<ul><li>The maximum amount of ETI claimable during this four-month period for employees eligible will be increased from R1 000 to R1 500 in the first qualifying twelve months and from R500 to R1 000 in the second twelve qualifying months.  </li><li>Allowing a monthly ETI claim in the amount of R500 during this four-month period for employees from the ages of: <ul><li>18 to 29 who are no longer eligible for the ETI as the employer has claimed ETI in respect of those employees for 24 months; and </li><li>30 to 65 who are not eligible for the ETI due to their age.  </li></ul></li><li>Accelerating the payment of employment tax incentive reimbursements from twice a year to monthly as a means of getting cash into the hands of tax compliant employers as soon as possible.</li></ul>



This will,
however, only apply to employers that were registered with SARS as at 1 March
2020. Further to the above, the current compliance requirements for employers
under sections 8 and 10(4) of the ETI Act will continue to
apply.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 



Unemployment
Insurance 



The President
also said that government is exploring the temporary reduction of employer and
employee contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund and employer
contributions to the Skill Development Fund.&nbsp; The Unemployment Insurance
Commissioner has developed a Corona Virus Tem­porary
Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (COVID19TERS) to contribute to the containment
of the Coronavirus and its impact.



In terms of
the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) process, the UIF may fund
the distressed companies directly in relation to the TERS Allowance. The
benefits paid will be capped at a 38% to 60% of the maximum of R17 712 per
month and the employee will be paid in terms of the income replacement rate
sliding scale as provided in the Unemployment Insurance Act.&nbsp; The minimum
that will be paid will be a replacement income equal to minimum wage of the
sector concerned.&nbsp; 



Where an
employer, as a direct result from the current COVID-19 pandemic, decided to
close their business for a period and send employees home, this would
constitute a temporary lay-off. If the employer cannot pay his employees for
this period, the employer can apply for the “National Disaster Benefit” from
the UIF.&nbsp; 



Where an
employee has been quarantined for 14 days or longer, the Illness Benefit will
apply.&nbsp; Existing benefits for illness and unemployment will kick in if no
leave is granted.&nbsp; 



Should a UIF
contributor pass on from COVID-19, death benefits will be paid to the
beneficiaries of the deceased.&nbsp; 



Employers
should apply by reporting their closure to the email address: <a href="mailto:Covid19ters@labour.gov.za">Covid19ters@labour.gov.za</a>.&nbsp; 



Value-Added
Tax



SARS announced
that, due to the measures put in place under the Disaster Management Act 57 of
2002, “essential goods” as defined in Regulation R.398 in Government
Gazette No 43148 of 25 March 2020 will be subject to a VAT exemption and a full
rebate of customs duties during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp; 



The
VAT-rulings department at SARS announced that work on rulings in progress will
be delayed. Any correspondence, including new ruling applications submitted to
SARS from 27 March 2020, will be acknowledged or responded to once the
aforementioned measures have been relaxed or ended.



Conclusion 



Employers,
employees, taxpayers and tax practitioners are advised to regularly check the
SARS website for updates on the issues.&nbsp; SARS indicated that it would make
information available to recognised professional bodies to be communicated to
tax practitioners.&nbsp; 



[End]



About SAICA



The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), South
Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is widely recognised as one of the
world’s leading accounting institutes. The Institute provides a wide range of
support services to more than 50 000 members and associates who are chartered
accountants [CAs(SA)], as well as AGAs(SA) and ATs(SA), who hold positions as
CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers, auditors
and leaders in every sphere of commerce and industry, and who play a
significant role in the nation’s highly dynamic business sector and economic
development.



SAICA Media Contact



Kulani
Chauke



Communication
Coordinator: Corporate



SAICA Brand
Division 



011 479 0698



<a href="mailto:kulanic@saica.co.za">kulanic@saica.co.za</a>



For more coverage on COVID-19 visit: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/">https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/</a>

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on tax and unemployment related matters

(Reuters) &#8211; Harmony Gold Mining Company said on Tuesday that it expects limited gold production during the 21-day lockdown in South Africa in the wake of the fast-spreading coronavirus. 



The South Africa-based miner said that it expects to only produce between 650kg to 700kg of gold in South Africa during the lockdown. 



(Reporting by Aakash Jagadeesh Babu in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernard Orr)



This article was first published on Reuters Africa <a href="https://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKBN21I0TF-OZABS">https://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKBN21I0TF-OZABS</a> and is republished with its permission.



For more coverage on COVID-19 visit: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/">https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/</a>

Harmony Gold sees lower gold production during 21-day lockdown

By Dr Victor Oladokun, outgoing Director of Communication &amp; External Relations at the African Development Bank Group



Why
Africa Urgently Needs an Ubuntu Plan



Africa urgently needs a globally
coordinated Ubuntu Plan in response to COVID-19, a fiscal stimulus that
recognises our shared and connected humanity, as we find ourselves in the midst
of an unprecedented crisis.



The
world&#8217;s largest cities are eerily silent. One virus has disrupted the whole
world in a manner never seen before in history.



COVID-19,
a term that did not exist in our vocabulary a couple of months ago, has brought
virtually everything to a grinding halt. It&#8217;s a surreal almost cinematic scene.
Except that we are all living through it.&nbsp;




With governments balancing economies and
the welfare of their citizens, entire industries and institutional systems find
themselves fighting for survival in the midst of mandatory lockdowns. Food
supply chains, transportation networks, educational systems, governance and
judicial systems are either strained or barely functioning with medical
services being the worst hit.



Unlike
any other pandemic, COVID-19 will alter the way we live, work, and
socialise.&nbsp; The financial costs and the
economic devastation are already of epic proportions. This is why Africa in
particular urgently needs an Ubuntu Plan. A globally coordinated fiscal
stimulus plan that recognises our shared and connected humanity. 



The
case for an Ubuntu Plan



This
past week, America passed a 2 trillion Dollar stimulus package that will keep
markets operational, support Americans out of work, and help reduce Federal
Reserve lending rates. It is the largest bailout in the history of the United
States. European economies likewise have announced stimulus measures in excess
of 1 trillion Euros. Chinese factories are ramping up again, backed by a $344
billion stimulus package.



In
contrast, Africa&#8217;s economies are already buckling. Global demand for oil and
gas and commodity products &#8211; the mainstays of Africa&#8217;s leading economies &#8211; has
stalled. Revenues which were already overextended have dried up and small,
medium, and large enterprises are at risk of total collapse.



Last
Thursday, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
estimated that the pandemic could reduce the growth of the region&#8217;s gross
domestic product (GDP) from 3.2% to 1.8% in 2020. On 27th March, The Secretary
General of the UN Antonio Guterres said: “Africa is a continent with very
little capacity to respond and I am extremely worried that in those situations,
we might have millions of cases with millions of people dying”.



Lockdowns
are not equal



Even
though the United States, Europe and many parts of Asia are better suited
economically and infrastructurally to a lockdown, they are struggling to cope
with the burden of this sudden pandemic. A situation that will likely will be
worsened by the duration and unpredictability of the pandemic.



If
these societies are struggling, the impact on Africa is best imagined.



Prior
to the crisis, 41% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population lived on less than $1.90
a day which is very little to survive on. Seven out of ten persons (70%) in
Africa are in vulnerable and precarious forms of informal employment eking
their living on a daily basis. Lockdown, homeworking and teleconferencing is
therefore not an option. Family support systems from blue and white-collar
workers and the diaspora, are themselves under threat. Job losses will&nbsp; strain these critical informal support
systems to breaking points.



 In Africa, formal social safety nets rarely exist. Therefore, stockpiling food items for extended periods of isolation is out of consideration. Linked with this, Africa requires vast food supplies to meet the needs of the continent&#8217;s poorest who can barely afford a decent mmeal. 



Recent
cyclones, Kenneth and Idai, and a&nbsp;
plague of locusts, have already put considerable pressure on&nbsp; immediate food supplies for the continent.



Which
is why an Ubuntu Plan is now critical in order to cushion the harsh
social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. Such a plan
would include a fiscal stimulus package, the development of critical
infrastructure and support for the continent&#8217;s most vulnerable populations. 



The
fact is that in the 21st century, clean water supplies and access to
electricity are the stuff of dreams for millions of Africans. Globally, almost
800 million people are without access to clean water. Of these, 40% live in
sub-Saharan Africa.&nbsp; The simple act of
hand washing which the pandemic requires for prevention is still not possible
for millions. Linked with this, less than 58% of Africa&#8217;s population has access
to modern healthcare facilities. 



A
race against time



Africa
and its partners have already been striving hard to tackle the challenge of
eradicating poverty with measures such as the UN’s Sustainable Development
Goals, and the African Development Bank&#8217;s High5 strategy. 



The
COVID-19 pandemic however shines the spotlight on Africa’s&nbsp; poor healthcare delivery systems and
facilities and its vast challenges. Africa has one of the highest population
densities in the world. For people living in tens of thousands of informal
settlements, the idea of social distancing is inconceivable. Millions of
vulnerable low-income people live in cramped communal houses and rooms and
in&nbsp; areas that lack basic amenities,
especially water and sanitation. 



In
the short term, to effectively combat COVID-19, we urgently need self-testing
kits, personal protective equipment (PPEs), makeshift living spaces and
hospitals, recovery units and inexpensive easy-to-operate ventilators. 



The
World Health Organisation (WHO) has already issued a ten-point strategy that
calls for the creation of corridors on the continent to facilitate emergency
deployments and material shipments.&nbsp; The
plan also calls on governments and the private sector to help increase
supplies, medical equipment and care, and to strengthen surveillance and public
awareness, in order to prevent&nbsp;
continent-wide community transmission.



In
the short window available, global cooperation is imperative.



&nbsp;The African Union&#8217;s Vision Agenda 2063 and
action plan states among other things, that “We are part of the global drive
through the United Nations and other multilateral organisations to find
multi-lateral approaches to humanity’s most pressing concerns including human
security and peace, the eradication of poverty, hunger and disease &#8230;”&nbsp; 



Rethinking
the future



In
the mid to long term, we must urgently rethink social life, urban and rural
planning and our budgetary priorities, if life is to be preserved. We must&nbsp; decongest informal settlements rapidly and in
their place&nbsp; develop&nbsp; affordable housing that is suitable for
isolation&nbsp; and quarantine, in the event
of future pandemics.



There
is no better time for a globally coordinated Ubuntu Plan. To stop the
global spread of COVID-19 and its global devastation, it must be stopped in
Africa. The world must pay attention and lend a helping hand by strengthening
global cooperation, now more than ever before.&nbsp;




Ubuntu
&#8211; The preservation of human dignity, health, lives and wellbeing, demands
nothing less.

Victor

Op-Ed: Victor Oladokun on why Africa urgently needs an Ubuntu Plan

HARARE (Reuters) &#8211; Zimbabwe began a 21-day nationwide lockdown on Monday, following neighbour South Africa in implementing some of the world’s toughest anti-coronavirus measures likely to hurt an economy already suffering hyperinflation and food shortages.



But unlike in South Africa, where many citizens defied calls to stay indoors with some clashing with security forces at the weekend, Zimbabweans mostly stayed home. The country has recorded just seven cases and one death. 



Central Harare’s streets were deserted. Banks, government offices and businesses were shut. Zimbabwean police, who have a reputation for brutality, manned checkpoints on highways into Harare and questioned the few motorists, a Reuters reporter saw. 



In the poor township of Mbare in Harare, vegetable markets and the inter-city bus rank were closed and rows of wooden stalls used by vegetable vendors abandoned. 



At Nenyere Flats in Mbare, six men sat outside their flat drinking gin. Fox Dhalu, a 36-year-old father of three, complained that some shops had hiked prices over the weekend. 



“Seriously, does this pandemic also stop people from moving around? The government gave us short notice to prepare for this coronavirus lockdown. We are very angry about this,” he said. 



Shops have been exempted from closing but most had not opened by mid morning on Monday. 



A few blocks from the police station in the middle class suburb of Mabelreign, 73-year-old grandmother Angela Nerwande sat on an improvised stool selling vegetables on her stall. 



“What will my grandchildren eat if I stay at home? I have to continue working,” she said. “At my age I am not afraid of dying. If they want to arrest me let them come.” 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">WATER CANNONS </h3>



In a statement, Police Spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The law is very clear, those who don’t comply will be arrested and prosecuted.” 



Many of South Africa’s most vulnerable have struggled to maintain the lockdown, and people in poor, overcrowded townships have continued to go out and mingle, in some cases prompting security forces to use water cannons to force them inside. 



State broadcaster SABC aired videos of soldiers humiliating people, making them do squats and pulling one along the ground with a wire. Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula told the channel they should not use excessive force. 



“We want our security services to partner with our communities to stop the spread of coronavirus,” she said. 



In a bid to ease the impact on some of its poorest, South Africa relaxed restrictions on some public taxis during rush hour and made early social security payments to the elderly. 



South Africa has 1,280 cases, and two deaths, as of Monday compared with an African total of 4,894. 



In West Africa, in Nigeria’s two main cities &#8211; Lagos and the capital, Abuja &#8211; those who could afford to stock up queued at shops ahead of a 14-day lockdown starting at 11 p.m. (2200 GMT). 



(Additional reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram in Lagos; Writing by Tim Cocks, Editing by William Maclean)



This article was first published on Reuters Africa <a href="https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN21H1W0-OZATP">https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN21H1W0-OZATP</a> and is republished with its permission.



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Zimbabweans enter coronavirus lockdown amid severe economic crisis

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) &#8211; South Africa’s rand plunged to an all-time low on Monday, falling below 18.00 to a dollar after ratings firm Moody’s cut the country’s last investment grade credit rating, adding to mounting panic about the coronavirus outbreak. 



At 0600 GMT the rand was 1.42% weaker at 17.9100 per dollar, pulling back slightly from the all-time low of 18.0800 it crashed to in Asian trading, indicating that the fallout of the coronavirus-led lockdown is likely to hurt local assets. 



Moody’s downgraded the rating one notch to ‘Ba1’ from ‘Baa3’ and maintained a negative outlook, meaning another downgrade could follow if the economy performs worse or government debt rises faster than expected. 



It was the last of the top three ratings firms to downgrade Africa’s most industrialised economy to sub-investment grade, following S&amp;P Global and Fitch’s downgrades in 2017. 



The latest ratings cut will see South Africa kicked out of the benchmark World Government Bond Index (WGBI) of local-currency debt, triggering up to $12 billion of forced selling, treasury and analysts estimate. 



Bonds were also weaker, with yield on the benchmark government bonds due in 2026 rising 72.5 basis points to 11.215%.



“We have previously argued that much of the downgrade has already been priced in and that we do not expect a capital exodus following the decision,” analysts at NKC Economics said in a note. 



“However, the global economic environment has changed considerably since the start of March.” 



South Africa’s confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 93 to 1,280 on Sunday and the death toll doubled to two. The country is its fourth day of a national lockdown and officials announced new measures to deal with the economic fallout. 



(Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi)



This article was first published on Reuters Africa <a href="https://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKBN21H0S6-OZABS">https://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKBN21H0S6-OZABS</a> and is republished with its permission.



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South Africa’s rand crashes to its lowest ever after Moody’s pulls the plug

FNB confirms measures to
help customers impacted by COVID-19



Spokesperson: Jacques Celliers, FNB
Chief Executive Officer



Monday,
30 March 2020 – In recent weeks, the South African
Government, business community, philanthropists and society at large have shown
remarkable unity in a joint effort to protect our country against the impact of
COVID-19.



Working
in unison with stakeholders, National Government made a prudent decision to
invoke a 21-day national lockdown. As part of this decision, Government assured
the country that essential banking services will remain available and this was
reiterated by the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA).



As a financial services provider
and corporate citizen with over 40&nbsp;000 staff, thousands of suppliers and
millions of customers, this is a responsibility we do not take for granted.
Consequently, we have been working tirelessly to reconfigure operations where
necessary to operate efficiently and to help customers, especially those whose
financial position has been impacted by COVID-19.



Our aim is to ensure that all
our customers can continue keeping their financial affairs in order through
this difficult time and we believe that our ability to service customers
through multiple market-leading digital channels has provided relative comfort
to customers to continue managing their day-to-day-banking, investing, credit
and insurance needs. 



As we escalate our efforts to
help customers, we are pleased to announce that from 1 April – 30 June 2020 we
will implement measures to provide relief to individual and business customers
whose financial stability has been impacted by COVID-19. Our interventions will
assist customers who demonstrate sound banking behavior, such as having honoured
their repayments to the bank on a consistent basis prior to COVID-19.&nbsp; 



For those customers that
qualify, our COVID-19 interventions will be for all products with us, and they will be available for a period of three months, covering
the following: 



<ul><li>Instalment cashflow
relief, during which part or no instalments/repayments will be due for a
specific period;</li><li>A preferential interest
rate will apply to the COVID19 relief interventions given;</li><li>No fees will be charged
for any relief granted;</li><li>Assistance with processing
credit insurance claims, where possible;</li><li>Individualised bridge
facilities for those who need it.</li></ul>



Interest
and fees will continue to accumulate on outstanding balances. Individuals and business customers can contact us via
their usual digital and assisted banking channels to enquire about these
services. During this week, customers will also be able to get more information
on our current COVID-19 relief measures through a dedicated icon on the landing
page of our banking App.



At the same time together with
the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) and the banking industry we are
assessing potential financial solutions for those customers who do not qualify
under the current criteria. We encourage all customers who can honour their
financial obligations to continue servicing their repayments.



In addition to our efforts to help with financial relief, we have prioritised early invoice settlements for suppliers across the FirstRand Group and over R1 billion has been processed in the last few days. We are committed to continue expediting payments to local suppliers to help improve their financial stability. FNB has also made a significant contribution to FirstRand’s SPIRE initiative announced today contributing, alongside the FirstRand Foundations and RMB, to the group’s total anchor funding of R100m. Through SPIRE, FNB is also providing critical operational capacity (including its payments and governance platforms) to help the healthcare system scale its response to COVID19, with a particular focus on testing equipment, protective clothing and ventilators for hospitals.



We will waiver Speedpoint device
rentals and not charge a minimum fee for some merchants who are in good
standing but operate in distressed industries. In April, individual and
business customers on FNB Connect will also receive 1GB of free data to help
them stay connected during the lockdown. We are also working with industry
partners to ensure that customers can use any bank’s ATMs without paying
additional fees over and above the fees charged by their bank. 



Furthermore, we have opened an FNB bank account to
facilitate financial contributions and call upon all our internal and external
stakeholders to donate in support of the National Solidarity Fund. Stakeholders
who would like to make donations can use the following account number FNB
Account name: Solidarity Fund, Account number: 62848117447*.



The level of agility and
efficiency that the industry has shown over this difficult period would not be
possible without the leadership of BASA, Competition Authorities, SARB and
National Treasury. We commend all partners on the joint effort to protect our
country against the impact of COVID-19. 



ENDS



NOTES TO EDITOR



FNB Solidarity
Account



<ul><li>Donations to the FNB Solidarity Fund are
via electronic funds transfer (EFT).&nbsp;&nbsp; </li><li>No cash donations are permitted. </li><li>Reference Number for deposits should
include: Id number or company registration number</li><li>Furthermore, donations will qualify for a <a>Section 18A certificate </a>for tax. Those who wish to
request a certificate can email: <a href="mailto:solidarityfund@fnb.co.za">solidarityfund@fnb.co.za</a></li></ul>



For more information, contact:



FNB Corporate Affairs



<a href="mailto:fnbmedia@fnb.co.za">fnbmedia@fnb.co.za</a>

FNB confirms measures to help customers impacted by COVID-19

STANDARD BANK EXTENDS INSTALMENT RELIEF MEASURES TO
PERSONAL ACCOUNT CUSTOMERS



29 March 2020: Standard
Bank has announced a second wave of relief to help its customer base navigate
financial commitments as Covid-19 continues to impact the livelihood of many
individuals across the country. 



The payment reprieve is aimed at
easing the financial burden of customers earning R7&nbsp;500 or less, who will
receive three-month instalment relief if they are not in arrears on any of
their accounts (as at 31 March 2020). This relief applies to qualifying
customers and their associated accounts, which include home loan, vehicle and
asset finance, credit cards as well as short term loans. Customers who opt for
the relief will see their interest and bank charges capitalised over the term
of their loan agreements. 



This second round of relief comes
after Standard Bank’s announcement last week that it would be instituting
instalment relief for both SMEs and fulltime students who have taken out loans
at the bank. The bank’s small enterprise clients with a turnover of less than
R20 million were granted a three-month instalment relief on their business loan
repayments. The latest instalment relief measure will further assist business
owners who bank with Standard Bank in their personal and business capacity. 



The three-month instalment relief
will be available on 1 April 2020 until end June 2020. Customers need not
contact the bank to initiate the offer, however, customers can continue to pay
their accounts as usual should they not want to take up on the relief offer
made by Standard Bank. 



Our customers’ financial
wellbeing remains our concern. Customers who are in financial distress and not
included in the three-month instalment relief offer, should contact the bank as
soon as possible by email on&nbsp; <a href="mailto:debtcarecentre@standardbank.co.za">debtcarecentre@standardbank.co.za</a>
or call us.



Funeka Montjane, Chief Executive,
Personal and Business Banking, Standard Bank South Africa, says: “At Standard
Bank, we are continuously looking for ways to provide the necessary assistance
to our customers who have been impacted negatively by the Covid-19 pandemic.”



Standard Bank is collaborating
with other government initiatives that have been started to support small
businesses and their employees. Qualifying employers and employees will also
get relief from initiatives like the Solidarity Fund. 



“We are committed to helping
those who are vulnerable at this time. It is critical that we try to ease their
financial burden and do what we can to prevent somebody from losing their home
or having to close their business. We continue to work with the industry and
regulators to ensure that we can solve some challenges systemically and we will
play our part responsibly to support government and the country,” says Ms
Montjane.



Furthermore, the banking sector
has collectively&nbsp;decided to waive Saswitch fees during the lockdown. This
means that a customer can use any ATM, including those offered by competing
banks and only pay the usual fees charged.



Standard Bank continues to evaluate
the current financial climate with a keen focus on how the bank can continue to
guide consumers through these difficult economic times.



“We will work tirelessly to find solutions that ease their financial burden in these times. We are here to help those who contribute to our society so that we can support economic growth in South Africa,” concluded Montjane.

Standard Bank extends instalment relief measures to personal account customers

30 March 2020



BANKS CHARGE REDUCED FOR SOCIAL GRANT BENEFICIARIES DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN 



Banks will significantly reduce their charges for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries, to increase the number of pay-points they can use to collect their grants, which will help maintain social distancing in queues at bank branches and retailers, for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. 



Members of the Banking Association South Africa (BASA) provide accounts for 11.3 million SASSA beneficiaries. Banks – excluding the South African Post Office – have close to 400 000 points of service. This means SASSA beneficiaries will have more options for collecting their grants, including using ATMs at reduced costs. For grant payments for the lockdown period ending 16 April 2020: 



• Postbank and SASSA cards can be used at any ATM to withdraw SASSA grants, with no Saswitch charges.



• Withdrawal fees at bank ATMs will be waived for SASSA beneficiaries. 



For March grant payments, some SASSA beneficiaries may still be charged fees because banks cannot implement these technical changes at such short notice. Where fees are charged, they will be refunded by the SASSA beneficiaries’ bank as soon as possible. 



BASA members are assisting SASSA in communicating payment dates to beneficiaries. BASA members are also working closely with retailers and other stakeholders as part of their ongoing efforts to assist SASSA beneficiaries during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. 



ENDS 



Issued on behalf of The Banking Association South Africa

Bank charges reduced for social grant beneficiaries during COVID-19 lockdown

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) &#8211; Moody’s will cut South Africa’s sovereign credit rating later on Friday as a recession deepened by the impact of coronavirus frustrates economic reform efforts aimed at reducing government debt, a Reuters poll of economists found.



Taken in the last three days, the survey showed 12 of 18 respondents saying Moody’s, the only major credit rating agency that still rates South Africa’s bonds as investment-grade, will cut them to “junk” status. Standard &amp; Poor’s and Fitch both cut their ratings to junk nearly three years ago. 



Eleven economists who answered an extra question said the rating was “still relevant” despite a punishing market sell-off that has overshadowed the long-awaited decision, while five said it was “important”. Only two said whether or not Moody’s downgrades the bonds to junk was “irrelevant.” 



“It may not be a market-moving event at this juncture but is important going forward as sub-investment grade from all three rating agencies will undoubtedly raise the cost of capital or funding in South Africa,” said economist Hugo Pienaar at the Bureau for Economic Research. 



The rand, stocks and bonds have been under intense pressure as the pandemic hits asset prices. But many analysts say South African assets have been trading as though they are junk-rated for at least a couple of years already. 



“In our view, the Moody’s downgrade itself has for some time been discounted by financial markets, though it remains uncertain exactly what impact the subsequent World Government Bond Index (WGBI) expulsion will have,” said Elna Moolman, economist at Standard Bank. 



“Guided by global examples in this regard, it is possible that the bulk of the repricing has already occurred.” 



With the virus still spreading, in a worst-case scenario, median forecasts showed South Africa’s economy would shrink by 4% in Q1, 8% in Q2 and 5% in 2020 as a whole, according to the median forecasts from answers to an additional question. 



The last Reuters poll prior to the announcement of the 21-day lockdown for South Africa that started on Thursday evening predicted the economy would shrink 0.4% in Q1, then grow 0.9% in Q2 and 0.3% for the year as whole. 



“As the country enters a minimum of a three-week lockdown period it means domestic fiscal metrics are likely to get significantly worse this year, with sovereign debt ratios now almost certain to rise,” said Jeffrey Schultz, economist at BNP Paribas.



South African assets recovered on Wednesday after the central bank launched a bond-buying programme, seeking to drum up demand in credit markets as the coronavirus epidemic weighs on the ailing economy. 



Christopher Shiells at Informa Global Markets said a downgrade to junk status would probably be seen as a relief by the government as it would free it up to make a significant fiscal response to the crisis. 



“Rating agencies are expected to downgrade a number of sovereigns due to the coronavirus. Outflows and asset weakness have been occurring over last month, so the worst has already happened in that sense,” he said. 



(Editing by Ross Finley and Catherine Evans)



This article was first published on Reuters Africa <a href="https://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKBN21E150-OZABS">https://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKBN21E150-OZABS</a> and is republished with its permission.



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Moody’s to cut South Africa’s sovereign credit rating to junk – economists

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) &#8211; Cases of coronavirus in South Africa passed 1,000 on Friday, the health ministry said, while also reporting its first two deaths on the first day of a three-week, nationwide lockdown. 



South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the lockdown, which saw Africa’s most industrialised economy largely shudder to a halt overnight, earlier this week. 



“This morning, we South Africans wake up with sad news that we now have our first deaths resulting from COVID-19,” the health ministry said in a statement, adding cases had risen to more than 1,000, from 927 on Thursday. 



Both deaths had occurred in the southernmost province of Western Cape, with one in a public hospital and the other in a private hospital, the statement read. 



The 21-day lockdown came into force at midnight on Thursday, and largely confines people to their homes aside from specific purposes like buying food or for health emergencies. 



However, local media on Friday morning showed pictures of bustling streets and long queues outside supermarkets in poor townships &#8211; where cramped, squalid conditions make social distancing near impossible, and mean the virus could spread quickly among people reliant on an ailing public health system. 



(Reporting by Emma Rumney; Editing by Tim Cocks)



This article was first published on Reuters Africa <a href="https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN21E0YX-OZATP">https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKBN21E0YX-OZATP</a> and is republished with its permission.



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S.Africa COVID-19 cases exceed 1,000, first two dead reported

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) &#8211; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested negative for coronavirus, the presidency said in a statement on Thursday. 



“The president submitted for testing as a precautionary measure upon the advice of physicians on Tuesday 24th March 2020 and received his results last night,” the statement said, adding he had held meetings with a variety of people in recent weeks. 



(Reporting by Emma Rumney; Editing by Alison Williams)



This article was first published on Reuters Africa <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-safrica-president-idUSKBN21D0X5">https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-safrica-president-idUSKBN21D0X5</a> and is republished with its permission.



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Ramaphosa tests negative for coronavirus as South Africa to begin lockdown

CR-lockdown

MINISTER OF POLICE UNPACKS MEASURES BY
THE POLICE TO ENFORCE THE NATIONAL LOCKDOWN, 25 MARCH 2020 AT GCIS PRETORIA



Honourable Ministers



Deputy Ministers



DG&#8217;s, Senior Officers from the JCPS
and other Government Departments



Members of the Media



Fellow South Africans



Good Day, Sanibonani, Dumelang&nbsp;



Annexure D (Regulations) &#8211; List of
prohibited places



Following the declaration of a
nationwide lockdown by the President this past Monday, we have sat as the JCPS
Cluster and the South African Police Service, to outline and intensify the
measures we would be implementing to make sure that the intentions of this
lockdown are realised.



With the subsequent deployment of the
SANDF, we will be increasing visibility and conduct integrated foot patrols,
roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints as of 23h59 on Thursday evening 26 March 2020.
Metro Police Departments as well as other Law Enforcement Agencies will form
part of these joint operations that will be conducted for the duration of the
lockdown. Operations, especially roadblocks will be conducted at sector
policing level within communities and residential areas, on provincial and
national roads. This will ensure that the movement of people and vehicles is
kept to the minimum, with the exception of the transportation of essential good
and/or services which include fire and medical emergency services.



At these roadblocks particularly on
provincial and national roads, motorists, especially essential service workers
that cross provincial borders, will be subjected to screening by officials from
the Department of Health.



In terms of the new regulations that
have just been gazetted, Police will be responsible to ensure the restriction
of movement of persons and goods. Therefore, there shall be, absolutely no
gatherings other than for a funeral, where the number of mourners will be
restricted to 50. Still on funerals, we need to emphasise that even night
vigils will be prohibited.



Last weekend with the previous
COVID-19 Disaster Management Regulations, we were inundated with requests for
clarity and a lot of other questions around the selling and consumption of
liquor. This time around with the National Lockdown, the selling of liquor is
strictly prohibited. This is applicable to also those supermarkets with liquor
licences. No liquor will be sold anywhere by anyone during the 21-day period of
the lockdown.



Equally, the movement of liquor
between any two points is also strictly prohibited as per the COVID-19 Disaster
Management Regulations.



The President in declaring the
lockdown, made exception to essential goods and services. A detailed list
clarifying what these are, is attached as one of the Annexures in the
Regulations. Only those goods and services that appear on these Annexures will
be allowed. Anything outside of these lists will not be entertained.



Therefore, anyone found to be in
contravention of the Regulations, shall be found guilty and on conviction, will
be liable to a fine, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or
both.



We have noted the fear and the
possibility of the escalation of gender based violence that could come as a
result of liquor now being consumed at home. As an extra measure, we have plans
in place to beef up our FCS Units (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual
Offences) to deal with this threat. The number 0800 150 150 can be used to
report incidents of gender based violence for urgent response.



Meanwhile, all forms of crime must be
reported. Our 10111 will remain fully functional during the lockdown period.
The Crime Stop number is also functional and can be used to give anonymous tip
offs on suspected criminal activities. Also, police and the SANDF will be
visible in the streets conducting foot patrols.



Ladies and gentlemen, the simplest and
best way to combat the spread of the Corona Virus, is to adhere to the call by
the President and STAY HOME. The only time you should be outside of your home
should be to acquire essential services such as medical attention, food, or
other goods and services as listed in the Annexure to the Regulations.



Cooperation from the public is the
best way to win this battle. I must appreciate the calls and tip-offs we got
last weekend reporting people who were ignoring the Disaster Management
Regulations. In fact, it is exactly that stubborn behaviour that has now caused
us a national lockdown.



Again I warn, failure to respect and
obey the laws this time around, could drive us straight into a state of
emergency. The situation we find ourselves in demands that we all be
responsible and take the necessary precautions.



Let us unite against the virus.
Remember, our aim is to arrest the virus not to arrest people.



Issued by the GCIS on behalf of the
Ministry of Police 



25 March 2020



 For more coverage on COVID-19 visit: <a href="https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/">https://www.cnbcafrica.com/covid-19/</a>

National Lockdown

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National Lockdown

African billionaire Christo Wiese on COVID-19 crisis and its impact on SA’s economy

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South African Transport Minister rescinds 100% taxi capacity

Rwanda extends COVID-19 lockdown by two weeks

South Africa’s lockdown taxi regulations revised

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Op-Ed: Victor Oladokun on why Africa urgently needs an Ubuntu Plan

Zimbabweans enter coronavirus lockdown amid severe economic crisis

South Africa’s rand crashes to its lowest ever after Moody’s pulls the plug

FNB confirms measures to help customers impacted by COVID-19

Standard Bank extends instalment relief measures to personal account customers

Bank charges reduced for social grant beneficiaries during COVID-19 lockdown

Moody’s to cut South Africa’s sovereign credit rating to junk – economists

S.Africa COVID-19 cases exceed 1,000, first two dead reported

Ramaphosa tests negative for coronavirus as South Africa to begin lockdown

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