Visiting a portion of the Forest Village Housing project in Eerste River, Cape Town, today, it was pleasing to note that the contractor is adhering to all health and safety protocols as issued by the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements. This is to ensure we stop the spread of COVID-19.
Last week, after it was confirmed that “critical public works construction,” which includes public human settlements development projects, would be allowed to recommence on Alert level 4, my Department issued a directive to all contractors, as to what needs to be in place, prior to employees returning to site.
Not only is the site adhering to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993) and all other regulations and legislation, but they’re also ensuring
A safe and healthy working environment for all staff, contractors and sub-contractors to enable
– temperature reading;
– an induction video on how employees should conduct themselves on site;
– social distancing;
– the provision of sanitizers/hand wash facilities, PPE, symptoms screening on site;
– record-keeping and
– housekeeping and cleaning of workspace.
Ensure that measures are in place to deal with employees who display symptoms.
Ensure that transportation of employees adhere to the health and safety requirements.
Ensure that measures are in place to address mental health and wellbeing of employees.
A checklist has been provided to assist the construction industry to adhere to the regulatory and legislative requirements.
I intend visiting other portions of the Forest Village development in due course, particularly since there are multiple contractors on site. I will also conduct oversight visits at other human settlement projects across the province. It is critical that all contractors adhere to the various regulations and protocols.
I’m also pleased that over 200 residents will benefit from this development before 7 June. This means that those who are so desperately in need of a housing opportunity and that’s patiently been waiting, will be afforded the opportunity to move into their brand-new homes.
As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.
Last week we called on the digital and technology industry in the Western Cape to volunteer for our Tech Volunteer programme which aims to match experts with businesses who need digital expertise, and today we’re calling on all small businesses who require those expertise to register their interest to receive support.
Our Tech Volunteer programme will match small businesses in distress with an industry expert and offer them 1-2-1 sessions of ‘free’ advisory practical tech and digital related support during Covid-19.
Our expert volunteers can advise businesses on a range of topics from setting up a web presence to understanding online inventory management, digital marketing and even advice on how to digitise operations.
It is important to emphasise that this is a voluntary initiative, and that support is being provided through the goodwill of the tech sector.
Each business owner will receive a free 2-hour session with one of the volunteer experts, following which any further support will need to be negotiated independently, and will fall outside of this initiative.
Interested businesses can apply via the JUMP for entrepreneurs’ app which is available and free to download on the App Store and Google Play (search: “jump for entrepreneurs”), or you go to www.bizjump.co.za.
Create your profile, go to the ‘Opportunities’ tool to apply to be part of this initiative, and our team will be in touch.
If any digital and technology experts would like to volunteer, please submit your details on this form, and we’ll contact you to get started: https://bit.ly/2VPCz0G
The Western Cape Government will use the process of consultation announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to make clear our position that the entire province must move down to level 3 as soon as possible, preferably before the end of May 2020.
With our health care system prepared, it is simply no longer possible to maintain Level 4 restrictions anywhere in the Western Cape or South Africa. The economic crisis caused by these restrictions has resulted in a life-threatening humanitarian disaster that will only worsen in the months ahead.
The Western Cape has adopted a data-led, evidence-based approach to our Covid-19 response, with targeted All of Government interventions in hotspots. These hotspots are not whole provinces or even districts. They are geographical areas where people live, down to street-level.
This is the plan that we presented to the National Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize on Saturday, and which had already been adopted by our cabinet.
This All of Government approach uses the combined impact of our respective governments and enforcement agencies, with the single-minded goal to slow the spread and protect vulnerable groups of people who are at high risk.
We welcome that this targeted hotspot plan has now also been adopted by National Government, as revealed by the President tonight.
This focused effort of government, in partnership with the private sector and every person, will help us slow the spread and save lives, while still allowing more economic activity and protecting the livelihoods of especially our poor and vulnerable residents.
In conjunction with the determined enforcement of this hotspot plan, Alert Level 3 should be adopted for the entire Western Cape province.
SASSA State of Readiness for COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant Applications
Systems for the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant announced by President Ramaphosa recently have passed the final stage of development. The social development portfolio comprising the Department of Social Development (DSD), the National Development Agency (NDA) and SASSA is pleased to announce its readiness for implementation. Minister Zulu will launch the opening of the application process on Monday, 11 May 2020.
The criteria for application is set to be gazetted later today in order to enable implementation and allow the millions of deserving members of the public to access the grant. Minister Zulu will present a comprehensive report on the matter to the National Co-ordinating Council tomorrow, Sunday 10 May 2020. The WhatsApp and related electronic application options will go live on Monday and this will be demonstrated during a media launch to be addressed by Minister Zulu.
SASSA has been rightfully inundated with enquiries from the public about the process of application and the public must be thanked for its patience during these difficult times. SASSA had to ensure that it puts all the required controls in place to ensure that the grant is only accessed by deserving and qualifying individuals. There was also a need to ensure that these issues are contained in a legal document in the form of a Government Gazette. In the process of developing the required technology, a new number has been secured for applications and the Minister will detail how it will work.
A WhatsApp platform of the Health department was used in the initial test and 15 000 applications were loaded onto the system. All qualifying applications received during the test phase will be processed by 15 May 2020. Applicants without smart phones will also be able to access this new platform through a Short Message Service (SMS) using the Unstructured Supplementary Data Service (USSD). Volunteers and community development workers will be deployed to assist those who have no access to technology with applications. Manual applications will not be done at SASSA offices at all and there will be no need to fill in paper application forms.
The platform that will be used is going to be an electronic one due to the need to comply with the State of Disaster requirements of social distancing among others. Another consideration was the speed at which online applications can be taken and processed as opposed to using a manual system. The huge need out there demands that government acts with speed in order to address immediate challenges facing the country and its people.
Applicants are cautioned not to provide their banking details to anyone to avoid scams. SASSA will only request information once the application has been approved. All beneficiaries and applicants should never give their PIN number or the CVV number on the back of the banking card to anyone –not even SASSA. Once applications are approved, SASSA will request confirmation of bank accounts though a secure site – this will also be done electronically. Applicants have the right to request confirmation that a request is from SASSA in order to protect themselves. Payment will be effected through deposits made directly into an approved applicant’s bank account if they have one. Applicants without bank accounts can also apply and their payment will be effected through a money transfer.
SASSA reserves the right to validate the information provided by applicants with other public and private databases to prevent misrepresentation and potential fraud. Applicants will be required to agree with this condition for their applications to be processed.
The launch date coincides with the reopening of SASSA local offices on Monday. Only a third of employees will return to work and therefore SASSA services on offer will be limited. The numbers of clients served at local offices will be very limited, to ensure social distancing and general compliance with the law. In order to do this, SASSA local offices will be attending to specific grants on specific days only:
Monday and Tuesday Grants for older persons (old age grants)
Wednesday and Thursday Child support grants and foster child grants
Friday Administration for staff to attend to matters that flow over from the previous days
Under lockdown level 4 no disability grants, care dependency grants or grant in aid applications will be done, as the accessto health facilities is restricted to emergency cases and COVID 19 cases only. This means that no medical assessments, which is a legislated requirement prior to an application for these grant types, can be undertaken.
Minister Zulu will also clarify how SASSA is going to deal with lapsed temporary disability grants. Lapsed care dependency grants will also be clarified in line with the Government Gazette which the Minister will simplify for the public.
As of 1pm on 13 May, the Western Cape has 4367 active cases of Covid-19, with a total of 6767 confirmed cases and 2283 recoveries.
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases
6767
Total recoveries
2283
Total deaths
117
Total active cases (currently infected patients)
4367
Total number of tests
73589
Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:
Sub-district
Cases
Western
805
Southern
636
Northern
471
Tygerberg
1104
Eastern
718
Klipfontein
844
Mitchells Plain
649
Khayelitsha
927
Total
6154
Sub Districts Non-Metro:
District
Sub-district
Cases
Garden Route
Bitou
5
Garden Route
Knysna
17
Garden Route
George
17
Garden Route
Hessequa
9
Garden Route
Mossel Bay
21
Garden Route
Oudtshoorn
3
Cape Winelands
Stellenbosch
43
Cape Winelands
Drakenstein
69
Cape Winelands
Breede Valley
41
Cape Winelands
Langeberg
4
Cape Winelands
Witzenberg
182
Overberg
Overstrand
17
Overberg
Cape Agulhas
3
Overberg
Swellendam
7
Overberg
Theewaterskloof
10
West Coast
Bergrivier
16
West Coast
Matzikama
1
West Coast
Saldanha Bay Municipality
10
West Coast
Swartland
24
Unallocated: 114
The Western Cape has recorded an additional 7 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 117 . We extend our condolences to the family and friends of those who have passed, at this time.
We were saddened to hear the news today of the passing of ENCA cameraman Lungile Tom. Lungile was a regular fixture at many Western Cape Government events and was well respected and liked by members of the Western Cape cabinet and the entire Western Cape communications team. We send our condolences to his family and to his colleagues today. He will be missed.
In line with COVID-19 protocols, ENCA contacted us this morning to alert us to the fact that Lungile had been the camera operator during last Thursday’s digicon event. These digicons have been held digitally with the express purpose of ensuring that physical distancing can occur. Only a few television journalists are invited to attend in order to broadcast these news announcements. We also have strict hygiene protocols in place, with touch points sanitised, and everyone who entered the room was temperature screened and wearing a mask on the day. For this reason and on advice from the specialists, most of the attendees have been deemed casual contacts and not close contacts. day.
In terms of good practice for workplaces, screenings will also be arranged for those Western Cape Government staff members who were in the room. Should any of them require testing, in terms of our established protocols, this will be arranged.
Because I had a one-on-one interview with Lungile after the press conference, being in close range for some time, I am deemed a close contact and will now self-quarantine. It has been nearly seven days since our contact, and I will therefore go into self-quarantine for another seven days. Members of the public should be reassured that I have not experienced any symptoms associated with COVID-19, but if I do, I will have a test performed straight away.
I will continue to work full steam ahead, from home. Because of our developed systems, I can continue to join all meetings, and will be overseeing our new hotspot targeted strategy.
It is imperative that we take the utmost care and lead by example in our approach to COVID-19.
Lastly I have also been in contact with the President to alert him to this situation as he was due to visit the province on Friday. The President has agreed to reschedule his visit given this development, and we thank him for his understanding.
I really want to thank ENCA for taking a proactive approach in handling this matter, even at a time when they were grieving the loss of their colleague. This is what every person and company should do in such an instance. This is how we slow the spread and “flatten the curve”.
In the coming weeks and months, we will see many more people becoming infected across the country and it is important that businesses respond appropriately when a staff member tests positive. The Western Cape Government has devised detailed protocols that indicate how to reduce the risk of infection in the workplace, as well as what steps to follow should an employee test positive. These can all be found
Anyone experiencing symptoms which include a fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat is advised to contact the Western Cape provincial hotline on 021 928 4102 for advice on what steps to follow.
Yesterday (12 May 2020), together with the Deputy Mayor of Witzenberg, Karriem Adams. I visited retail stores in Ceres, Witzenberg, one of the current Covid-19 hotspots in the Western Cape. I was very impressed with what I saw. Businesses have implemented a number of measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the safety of customers and staff.
I saw the regular use of hand sanitiser throughout the store, the use of perspex screens and the limiting of people in-store to ensure social distancing, amongst many other initiatives. One of the challenges is to better manage peak periods, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. A potential solution would be to stagger the pay-day for those living in the area, which we will discuss with organised business in the area.
Alert Level 4 means that many more businesses are allowed to open, and many more people can go back to work, but it is critical that they do so safely and responsibly.
We have also produced a range of information material for employers and their staff to utilise in the workplace such as posters, checklists and decals, that remind people of health guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19. I took the opportunity to share some of these with the businesses I visited today, but they can also be downloaded on the Covid-19 website: coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/resources
Finally, this week, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism launched an online form where members of the public can submit any complaints against businesses not complying with Covid-19 health and safety guidelines. If you believe that a business is not following the health guidelines in place to stop the spread of Covid-19, you can report it using this online form: coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-business-safety-complaint-form
To avoid a return to a hard lockdown, it is imperative that every business that is operating now, or which opens under the Alert Level restrictions, plays by the rules, and implements the necessary health and safety measures as instructed by national government to avoid further negative impacts on their respective sector.
Now, more than ever, we need to work together to ensure businesses trade safely and responsibly so that we can save jobs, livelihoods and the economy during the Covid-19 crisis.
Notes for media:
Please find soundbyte from Minister Maynier attached together with photos of Minister’s visit to retailers.
Media Alert: MEC Simmers to conduct oversight visit at Forest Village Development
For Immediate Release
13 May 2020
Tomorrow, 14 May 2020, Western Cape Human Settlements Minister Tertuis Simmers will visit the construction site of the Forest Village Housing project in Eerste River, Cape Town.
Minister Simmers said: “Since the alert levels of the disaster declaration as instituted by President Cyril Ramaphosa have been relaxed from level 5 to 4 and “critical public works construction,” which includes public human settlements development projects, have been allowed to recommence, we have to ensure that contractors comply with all the health and safety protocols.
The Department of Human Settlements has issued a directive to contractors and part of my visit is to ensure these are being adhered to.”
The Forest Village Project is a mixed-use development and consisting of various types of units to cater for beneficiaries of different income levels and specific needs such as Military Veterans, Breaking New Ground (BNG) and Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) units. It is one of my Department’s Catalytic Projects, which commenced in January 2016 and has a budget allocation of R1,1 billion.
Western Cape residents benefiting from this project are from the Airport Precinct, the N2 Gateway excess, Wards 16, 17, and 108.
ALL MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
Details:
Date: Thursday, 14 May 2020
Time: 10h30 – 11h30
Venue/Meeting Point: ASLA site office, Venezuela Street, Forest Village, Eersteriver, Cape Town
As of 1pm on 12 May, the Western Cape has 4134 active cases of Covid-19, with a total of 6194 confirmed cases and 1950 recoveries.
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases
6194
Total recoveries
1950
Total deaths
110
Total active cases (currently infected patients)
4134
Total number of tests
69422
Hospital admissions
234 with 57 of these in ICU or high care
Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:
Sub-district
Cases
Western
785
Southern
580
Northern
436
Tygerberg
1070
Eastern
647
Klipfontein
707
Mitchells Plain
561
Khayelitsha
834
Total
5620
Sub Districts Non-Metro:
District
Sub-district
Cases
Garden Route
Bitou
5
Garden Route
Knysna
15
Garden Route
George
16
Garden Route
Hessequa
9
Garden Route
Mossel Bay
21
Garden Route
Oudtshoorn
3
Cape Winelands
Stellenbosch
35
Cape Winelands
Drakenstein
59
Cape Winelands
Breede Valley
39
Cape Winelands
Langeberg
3
Cape Winelands
Witzenberg
178
Overberg
Overstrand
16
Overberg
Cape Agulhas
3
Overberg
Swellendam
7
Overberg
Theewaterskloof
6
West Coast
Bergrivier
10
West Coast
Matzikama
1
West Coast
Saldanha Bay Municipality
8
West Coast
Swartland
22
Unallocated: 118
The Western Cape has recorded an additional four COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 110. We extend our condolences to their family and friends at this time.
Witzenberg:
Today, I had the opportunity to visit the Witzenberg region to see how our Whole of Government hotspot response is being implemented in the region. This plan was adopted by the Western Cape Cabinet on 29 April.
The Western Cape Government has adopted an evidence based, data-led approach to understand the transmission of the virus in particular geographical areas. In Witzenberg, this entails the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Transport and Public Works and Economic Development and Tourism.
As part of our health response, we have recently completed a temporary testing and triage centre at the Ceres Hospital. This is one of 18 such facilities across the province, which helps to relieve the pressure on hospitals’ emergency services, while also allowing space for residents to be triaged and tested separately from the other hospital services.
The ability to test and immediately isolate positive cases is key in helping to flatten the curve and prevent new infections. The testing and triage centre bolsters the testing response in the region.
In the economic space, we have drawn up protocols for businesses and specific industries, including retail and agriculture, which are aimed at reducing the risk of infection in the workplace. Today, Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier spent some time in the area, seeing how retailers are employing safety measures to keep their staff and customers safe.
I also had the opportunity to visit Dutoit Agri, and the Kalos farm with Agriculture Minister, Ivan Meyer. At the Kalos Farm, the owners have built their own isolation facility to prepare, should any of their staff become infected. I was pleased to hear that other farmers in the region are also taking similar steps.
This plan has formed the blueprint for our other targeted interventions in hotspots in the City of Cape Town to focus efforts from across the government sphere to actively target the areas with the highest infection rates in the province.
Residents have an important role to play in the plan by staying at home in line with the regulations, washing their hands regularly, and ensuring that when they do go out, they keep physical distance between themselves and others and by wearing a clean, cloth mask.
Premier Alan Winde addresses nurses at the Ceres Hospital to mark International Nurses Day
Inational Nurses Day:
Today we observe International Nurses Day, which marks the enormous contribution that nurses make in our healthcare system and in our province. Today, I had the opportunity to thank the nurses at the Ceres Hospital for their hard work.
This year, as our nurses face tremendous pressure and great personal risk on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response, we pay tribute to them for their care and their commitment. We thank all of those women and men who have dedicated their lives to helping those who are sick. This year has been declared the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and we pay tribute to those healthcare workers who have brought joy as they delivered new lives into the world and comfort to those who pass on.
Today we pay special tribute to the two nurses we lost to COVID-19, Petronella Benjamin and Ntombizakithi Ngidi. We thank them for their dedication and their service and we send our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends.
The Western Cape Government is committed to keeping our frontline workers safe during this pandemic. This includes ensuring adequate stocks of PPE and we have also ensured that healthcare workers are prioritized for this year’s flu vaccine, in order to ensure that their immune systems are not compromised by the flu at this time.
As of 1pm on 11 May, the Western Cape has 3911 active cases of Covid-19, with a total of 5813 confirmed cases and 1796 recoveries.
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases
5813
Total recoveries
1796
Total deaths
106
Total active cases (currently infected patients)
3911
Total number of tests
66806
Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:
Sub-district
Cases
Western
739
Southern
543
Northern
408
Tygerberg
1002
Eastern
599
Klipfontein
631
Mitchells Plain
509
Khayelitsha
736
Total
5167
Sub Districts Non-Metro:
District
Sub-district
Cases
Garden Route
Bitou
5
Garden Route
Knysna
15
Garden Route
George
15
Garden Route
Hessequa
8
Garden Route
Mossel Bay
19
Garden Route
Oudtshoorn
3
Cape Winelands
Stellenbosch
29
Cape Winelands
Drakenstein
53
Cape Winelands
Breede Valley
38
Cape Winelands
Langeberg
3
Cape Winelands
Witzenberg
167
Overberg
Overstrand
15
Overberg
Cape Agulhas
3
Overberg
Swellendam
7
Overberg
Theewaterskloof
6
West Coast
Bergrivier
5
West Coast
Matzikama
4
West Coast
Saldanha Bay Municipality
7
West Coast
Swartland
17
Unallocated: 227
The Western Cape has recorded an additional four COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 106 . We extend our condolences to their loved ones at this time.
Western Cape cabinet approves Whole of Government Covid-19 hotspot strategy for the City of Cape Town:
The Western Cape Cabinet today approved the Whole of Government Covid-19 Hotspot Strategy for the City of Cape Town.
This plan sets out how the Western Cape Government will utilise and coordinate its various government departments together with the City of Cape Town in one unified response to Covid-19 hotspots within the City of Cape Town.
The Western Cape understands that a blunt, one-size-fit-all approach for the entire province, when some regions have few cases and others have high transmission, is neither sustainable nor effective. We need to be more flexible and innovative.
We have therefore adopted an evidence based, data-led approach to our pandemic response, that drills down below sub-district level, to understand the transmission of the virus within particular geographical areas.
What is a hotspot? These are areas where there is a high number of cases, and where community transmission is well entrenched and accelerating. A hotspot is where people live.
This is different from a cluster. A cluster is where the outbreak originated, which is a place of gathering, such as a supermarket or retail store.
Our response to hotspots, which involves slowing the spread of the virus, and protecting vulnerable people most at risk, requires the combined impact of our government and the City of Cape Town to make a real difference.
This targeted hotspot plan includes the following:
Health response- including case management, community screening and testing and the appropriate referral for Quarantine and Isolation
Economic response- including assisting and mapping businesses, ensuring social distancing in the workplace and places of economic activity, and the following of our protocols developed for the workspace
Safety response- that includes the SAPS and WCG and City of Cape Town traffic deployment and law enforcement
Food security and humanitarian response- that includes our Departments of Agriculture, Social Development and relevant City initiatives
Places and Spaces response- that is led by the Department of Human Settlement and its interventions in informal areas in particular
Transport and Public Response- that includes interventions with respect to movement of people, and public transport, amongst others.
Underpinning this all is a new phase in the communications campaign that focuses more strongly on achieving behaviour change, now that awareness of Covid-19 is high. It also leverages the roe of councillors, community leaders, and faith-based organisations.’
The full details of the plan will be presented to the media and public this week and details of when this will happen will be communicated soon.
Premier Winde has his temperature read as one of several workplace safety measures in place at Takealot
Update on comorbidities data
Last week Thursday, I presented our first analysis of the deaths in the Western Cape. This was data collected as of Tuesday that week, when we had 64 deaths.
We revealed that significant numbers of people who had died had one or more comorbidities. Comorbidities are underlying health conditions such as Tuberculosis, HIV, and Diabetes.
Our health experts have studied further data provided by our hospitals, especially private healthcare facilities where people have died, as part of our continued rigorous data-led approach.
We can therefore further update the media that only 6% of known Covid-19 deaths in the Western Cape had no comorbidities. Over 65% of patients who died had more than 2 comorbidities.
I do want to make an important point here: while the above facts indicate that vulnerable groups are most at risk, this does not mean that those who are younger, or those in good health, should not worry. Not only could you help spread the virus, and infect someone who is vulnerable, you could also get seriously ill, or even die, as has been the case in rare circumstances. Every single person, regardless of age and health, should be part of our team effort to flatten the curve. It is worth reiterating that we cannot avoid this virus – many of us will become infected.
Our role is to protect vulnerable people and slow its spread through our own personal behaviour choices, so that more people can receive treatment when they need it. Each of our actions now will determine whether lives will be saved, and whether our health system will cope. It is up to us all.
Premier Alan Winde and Minister David Maynier on site at Takealot’s Montague Gardens Distribution Centre today
Business safety:
Today Minister David Maynier and I visited the Takealot Distribution Centre in Montague Gardens to see what measures they have put in place to ensure workplace safety and how e-commerce can play a role in flattening the curve.
As part of our focused hotspot interventions, we are looking at the role that business plays in keeping their employees and their customers safe.
The Western Cape Government has developed protocols and guidelines for business which are aimed at reducing infections. By implementing strict social distancing and hygiene measures, businesses can prevent cluster infections at the workplace, which could contribute to hotspot formations when they leave the workplace and go home to their respective communities.
We appeal to all of those employees going to work everyday, to ensure that they are taking extreme care themselves- including regular handwashing and hygiene measures, social distancing at all times, and wearing a clean, cloth mask. If they do not feel well, it is imperative that staff stay home to avoid further infections in the workplace.
We’ve seen how businesses, both large and small have been harnessing technological advances to offer options that do not require people to go into a shop to buy what they need. E-commerce could play a role in limiting infections in shops and shopping malls while still allowing businesses to operate. It is important that e-commerce deliveries are also conducted in such a way that they are limit contact and risk for both the driver and for the package recipient.
Hospitalisation of COVID-19 patients:
Following the his visit at the weekend, some reports quoted national Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize out of context regarding hospitalisation of positive cases. Dr Mkhize has clarified his statements and we wish to re-iterate that only those who test positive who require medical care, will be placed in hospital facilities. Our data suggests that 90% of people infected, will not require hospitalisation. All positive cases must be isolated. Those who test positive for COVID-19, who are not able to isolate at home, will be placed in specific isolation facilities which the Western Cape Government has been using up until now. These facilities are not medical or health care facilities, but allow for people to complete their 14 day isolation period safely. We are also currently exploring additional facilities in order to expand our isolation and quarantine options, in order to cater for increased demand when we reach the peak of infections.
Media Release: New Regulations for Accommodation Establishments
For Immediate Release 11 May 2020
With the 1 May 2020 commencement of the Alert Level 4 restrictions which forms part of national government’s Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy, changes were made to the requirements for accommodation establishments, especially where the housing of essential service workers are concerned.
According to the Disaster Management Regulations published on 29 April 2020 (“Alert Level 4 Regulations”), accommodation services are allowed as an essential or permitted service for the following purposes:
quarantine and isolation;
essential services workers; or
confinement of remaining tourists.
However, if an establishment provides accommodation services to essential workers or any service other than isolation or quarantine, permission has to be obtain from the Department of Tourism. Contact persons for permission include the following people: Mr Paul Mamola (pmasemola@tourism.gov.za) or Mr Keetso Makumbe (kmakume@tourism.gov.za).
The following information needs to accompany an application for the housing of people working in essential services:
The name of the company seeking accommodation (employer of essential services workers) with contact details;
Names and surnames (ID copies) of the essential workers who seek accommodation;
Expected dates of check-ins and check-outs; and
In case of accommodation request by South African Police Services (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), no need for submission of information in bullet 2 (the approval from the Minister of Tourism will be suffice for SAPS).
Although the Bizportal (https://www.bizportal.gov.za/essential_service.aspx) was updated on 1 May 2020 to include accommodation services, this is NOT necessary as per the above. Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) Certificates are not compulsory, and in the case of accommodation establishments rendering services to essential workers, the relevant documentation needed serves as permission from the Department of Tourism.
In cases of housing guests attending a funeral no permission is required. The guests do however need to provide the accommodation services with a letter proving that they are attending a funeral and therefore had permission to travel, whereupon accommodation will be provided.
Here is some of the most common questions with answers regarding this topic:
Q: If I have essential and permitted services workers in my accommodation and have had for a while, do I need to apply to the National Department of Tourism (NDT) for permission to operate?
A: It would indeed be necessary to regulate your accommodation services by applying to NDT for permission to operate. This is essential as it ensures a list of all essential services workers that are in accommodation for tracking purposes if there is a need to find them. Permission can be obtained by contacting the Department of Tourism (Mr Paul Mamola – pmasemola@tourism.gov.za or Mr Keetso Makumbe – kmakume@tourism.gov.za for any further guidance.
Therefore ALL accommodation establishments on the booking portal and going forward MUST request permission from NDT to house essential services workers. Are you able to contact all establishments on your booking portal to advise of the above new process that came into play?
Q: What happens if a person travelling for an emergency need to find accommodation?
A: The best solution would be to find an accommodation offering in the area that has permission to operate from the National Department of Tourism. If you are unable to find such an establishment but an establishment without permission is prepared to take you in, they can apply immediately to NDT for permission.
Examples of emergencies can be a vehicle that broke down, or a family who is seeking accommodation close to a hospital where their close immediate family has been taken up and can’t drive back home, or a patient who has to travel far to get to see their specialist etc.
Q: Do I need a CPIC Certificate to operate as an accommodation offering for essential and permitted services workers?
A: You do not – What you need is permission to operate from the National Department of Tourism. You will be required to provide proof that the workers are performing essential services, and will be required to submit all workers’ details, with their ID numbers, and occupancy dates. Permission can be obtained by contacting the Department of Tourism (Mr Paul Mamola – pmasemola@tourism.gov.za or Mr Keetso Makumbe kmakume@tourism.gov.za).
Note this is not an essential services permit, but an approval from the Minister of Tourism, and will suffice for SAPS.
Please do not refer any accommodation establishment to the BIZ Portal for CIPC certification as it is not required. It was originally listed on the site again but I was advised that it was erroneous and that it will be removed.
Q: Do I need special permission to house guests attending a funeral?
A: You do not. The guests are just to provide you with a letter proving that they are attending a funeral and therefore has permission to travel.
Please remember to direct any accommodation establishment wishing to list their property operational for the house of isolation cases and or, quarantine cases and or essential workers during the pandemic to the booking portal found on the following link: https://hsolutions.app/hcomm/public/covid19-booking – They’ll see the “register your establishment” link in the top right hand corner of the landing page. This is also the same link to use to book accommodation.
All other accommodation queries can be sent to the Support Business Team via supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za. A dedicated team is available and ready to assist with tourism related matters.
