Jul 27, 2022 Covid-19

Big Business faces looming accountability for mandates as Covid-19 vaccine injuries soar

The issue and implications of vaccine mandates are far from over. Cracks in the South African government’s duplicitous decision to pass on the implementation of vaccine mandates to Big Business are starting to show. In this article by veteran SA…

Jul 27, 2022 Covid-19

Rethinking leadership in the post-COVID era

Being a good boss is hard. In fact, a study by Gallup revealed that only 10 percent of people have the innate traits required to become good leaders. “Fortunately, these skills can be learned,” says Sarene Nel, Managing Director of Tétris Design and…

Jul 25, 2022 Covid-19

No masks - with caution

South Africa recently relaxed the majority of coronavirus restrictions including the removal of mask wearing regulation. MasterDrive would like to assure their clients that we will respect the desire to no longer wear a mask and pay the same respect…

Jul 19, 2022 Covid-19

Now that it is over, what risks remain?

Although certain dominant role players, either as a result of being misinformed, selfish economic interest or fear of embarrassment, persist with their ‘vaccine’-mandate policies, by far the majority of South Africans have seen through this…

Jul 04, 2022 Covid-19

COVID-19: CCMA finds mandatory vaccination policies to be unconstitutional and unreasonable

In the recent matter of Kgomotso Tshatshu vs Baroque Medical (Pty) Ltd, the Senior CCMA Commissioner found that the dismissal of the applicant due to her refusal to get vaccinated was unfair and awarded 12 months’ compensation to the applicant.…

Jun 27, 2022 Covid-19

Managing COVID-19 in the workplace: Minister admits ultra vires action but utilises NEDLAC to achieve his irrational goal

Following the promulgation of the Code of Practice: Managing Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the Workplace, 2022 (the Code), by the Minister of Employment and Labour, NEASA, on 18 May 2022, filed an application in the High Court for an order that the Code…

May 24, 2022 Covid-19

Covid-19 and the ‘Great Reset’: Blindly following Government is not the way to go: The wrong decision will have dire consequences.

The mandating of vaccines-narrative, driven by Government as a response to Covid-19, is not the result of poor judgement or scientific error. This policy is the result of detailed planning by global actors and was, consequently, right from the…

May 19, 2022 Covid-19

NEASA Challenges SARS-CoV-2 Code of Practice in the High Court

On 5 April 2022, the Minister of Employment and Labour implemented the Code of Practice: Managing Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the Workplace, 2022 (‘the Code’). The aim of the Code is to guide employers and employees in managing exposure to SARS-CoV-2…

May 10, 2022 Covid-19

COVID-19: How Can You Possibly Believe Them?

But for a few exceptions, Government and all the institutions they control are struggling; and this is putting it mildly. We can be grateful for those institutions which are still functioning, but “one swallow does not a summer make”. Referring to…

May 06, 2022 Covid-19

COVID-19: Health Minister Promulgates Regulations

Although NEASA has a moral obligation to inform members of current statutory obligations, for the following reasons, NEASA distances itself from the regulations dealt with herein: the wearing of masks is a ridiculous, nonsensical arrangement; the…

Apr 14, 2022 Covid-19

World Health Organisation / International Pandemic Prevention Treaty: An Open Letter to the State President

By Gerhard Papenfus Dear President WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) / INTERNATIONAL PANDEMIC PREVENTION TREATY On 19 February 2021, the Group of Seven (G7) issued the following statement: “We will work with the WHO, G20 and others, especially through…

Apr 13, 2022 Covid-19

Covid-19: Out of touch Government gets desperate

By Gerhard Papenfus Government’s futile attempt at ‘persuading’ its citizens in order to improve vaccine uptake If Government wants public uptake of their vaccine-drive, they need to produce an effective and safe product, they need to encourage open…

Apr 07, 2022 Covid-19

COVID-19: Mandatory Vaccination is "Crossing the Red Line" by Gerhard Papenfus

by Gerhard Papenfus “One thing we are not going to do is force people to go and vaccinate”, was the undertaking given by the Deputy President, David Mabuza, a few days ago during a speech in Parliament. The Deputy President confirmed that Government…

Apr 06, 2022 Covid-19

COVID-19: State of Disaster lifted but Regulations Remain

The President announced that the Covid-19 State of Disaster will be lifted as of 5 April 2022. The effect of this is that all regulations promulgated under the Disaster Management Act fall away with immediate effect, with the exception of a number…

Mar 24, 2022 Covid-19

We Do Not Appreciate The Relaxation of COVID Measures

... it should not have been introduced in the first place. By Gerhard Papenfus South Africa is slowly moving towards a police state, under the facade of a health scare. For some it may have been a privilege this morning not to wear a mask outdoors,…

Mar 23, 2022 Covid-19

COVID-19: Amended Regulations Announced: Adjusted Alert Level One

The President, last night, reduced the Covid-19 Alert Level to an adjusted Alert Level One. The President has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable:- gatherings are permitted, subject to a maximum of 1 000 people indoors…

Mar 16, 2022 Covid-19

COVID-19: Clinging to power for a bit longer

Quite unceremoniously, South Africans have been informed that the National State of Disaster has, once again, been extended until 15 April 2022. That is after the President’s indication that the current arrangement, which would have ended today at…

Mar 01, 2022 Covid-19

Rule of Law and mandatory vaccinations: Clarity from the US Supreme Court

This article was first published on Businesslive.co.za on 18 February 2022 By Robert Vivian The notion that individuals may be compelled to be vaccinated against Covid raises a number of fundamental legal issues. The recent decision of the United…

Feb 23, 2022 Covid-19

-19: New Isolation Protocols: A Death Knell for Mandatory Vaccination Policies

The already unchartered waters of mandatory vaccination policies in the workplace have now been muddied even further. Employers are already expected to jump through a myriad of procedural hoops, as envisaged by the Direction on Occupational Health…

Feb 17, 2022 Covid-19

The Constitutionality of Mandatory Vaccinations in the Workplace

by Jaco Swart First published in CHRO South Africa on 8 February 2022 This is the second in a two-part article on the recent CCMA rulings on unvaccinated employees in the workplace. The question as to the constitutionality of mandatory vaccinations…

Feb 16, 2022 Covid-19

Humanitarian consequences of COVID-19 and lockdown must be prioritised

This article was first published on City Press on 3 February 2022 South Africa’s headline unemployment rate hit a record high of 34.4% in the second quarter of 2021, up from 32.6% in the first three months of the year as businesses shed staff…

Feb 16, 2022 Covid-19

15 reasons why NEASA advises against Mandatory Vaccinations in the Workplace

The Bill of Rights, as contained in the South African Constitution, protects the fundamental rights of the individual. As the Constitution protects it, the employer should also respect it. With Omicron, it is generally accepted that being vaccinated…

Feb 11, 2022 Covid-19

Vaccine makers looking to to spend, spend, spend after massive Covid windfall

While all the focus has been on the boom which Covid-19 brought to the tech sector, some other industries also benefitted massively from the pandemic. These rare birds are now searching for acquisitions to ensure their "once in an epoch opportunity"…

Feb 02, 2022 Covid-19

Mandatory vaccinations in the workplace: CCMA awards receiving unwarranted attention

The recent CCMA awards upholding the dismissal, in one instance, and the suspension of an employee in another, have received widespread attention in the media, and have been portrayed as a blanket permission to dismiss employees for refusing to be…

Feb 02, 2022 Covid-19

COVID-19: Alert Level One Isolation Protocols Adjusted

This week the Presidency issued a statement indicating that Cabinet decided to amend the Covid-19 Alert Level One isolation protocols, with immediate effect. The amended protocols are as follows: those who test positive, with no symptoms, do not…

Jan 28, 2022 Covid-19

Vaccine Mandates: CCMA Award upholding dismissal for refusing to vaccinate flawed

Opinion Piece; by Jaco Swart In the recent award of Theresa Mulderij v The Goldrush Group (case number GAJB 24054-21), the CCMA Commissioner found that the dismissal of the employee based on incapacity was substantively fair. It was not disputed that…

Jan 21, 2022 Covid-19

Mandatory vaccinations: Monopolies Bullying their Sub-Contractors

A very concerning recent development is the demands that ‘monopolies’ place on their sub-contractors in respect of the vaccination of the employees of the sub-contractor. These demands by the ‘monopolies’ are a blatant disregard for the right of…

Jan 19, 2022 Covid-19

Mandatory vaccines: the establishment of a helpdesk for employees

The very existence of the National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA) is aimed at supporting and empowering business. NEASA’s track record in this regard is beyond reproach; it has consistently proven itself as an organisation that goes…

Jan 18, 2022 Covid-19

Vaccine Mandates - Pick the Road Less Travelled: An Open Letter to the State President by Gerhard Papenfus, CE of NEASA

17 January 2022 Mr. MC RamaphosaThe State PresidentRepublic of South Africa Dear Mr President VACCINE MANDATES - PICK THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED The issue of mandatory vaccination has become one of the most controversial issues globally. This is also…

Jan 03, 2022 Covid-19

COVID-19: Amended Regulations Announced: Adjusted Alert Level One

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, tonight, reduced the Covid-19 Alert Level to an adjusted Alert Level One. The Minister has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable: gatherings are permitted,…

Dec 28, 2021 Covid-19

COVID-19: Isolation and Quarantine Requirements Amended

On 23 December 2021, the Director-General of Health issued a circular to all heads of Provincial Health Departments, amending the Covid-19 contact tracing, quarantine and isolation protocols. In terms of the circular, the protocols are amended as…

Dec 14, 2021 Covid-19

Mandatory vaccinations - NEASA puts minister on notice: will defend business and individuals in Constitutional Court

Following the Minister of Employment and Labour’s announcement last week that NEDLAC supports the introduction of mandatory vaccinations, and that NEDLAC has resolved to approach the Constitutional Court to seek a declaratory order enforcing…

Dec 14, 2021 Covid-19

The changing CSI landscape: the importance of flexibility and impact

Never again can a CSI strategy be cast in stone With the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, so too came many changes within the CSI landscape. Many corporates pivoted, directing urgent funding to food relief and the provision of…

Dec 14, 2021 Covid-19

SMMEs Must Find Financial Superpowers to Prosper After Surviving the Pandemic

For SMMEs (Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises) that have survived the COVID-19 crisis through resilience and creativity, steering their businesses back to prosperity will be “all about the money”, according to a panel of experts speaking at the…

Dec 10, 2021 Covid-19

Most workers support vaccine and mask mandates for the workplace, global survey finds

If workers had to choose between getting vaccinated or undergoing frequent testing to keep their jobs, six times as many would choose vaccinations While protective workplace mandates generally enjoy global support, health and workplace-related…

Dec 09, 2021 Covid-19

Mandatory Vaccinations: NEDLAC’s Recommendation: Unfortunate and Ill-Advised

The decision by NEDLAC, yesterday, to make a recommendation that vaccinations in the workplace should be made mandatory is noted with disappointment by the National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA). “The only ‘business body’ on NEDLAC…

Dec 06, 2021 Covid-19

Business organisations oppose national vaccine mandates

Lawyers acting for the National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA) and four other business organisations have sent a letter regarding the issue of mandatory vaccination to the Presidency. The letter states: “Our clients are opposed to…

Dec 01, 2021 Covid-19

Ostracising the Unvaccinated: An Open Letter to the State President by Gerhard Papenfus, CE of NEASA

OPEN LETTER 30 November 2021 Mr. MC Ramaphosa The State President Republic of South Africa Dear Mr President OSTRACISING THE UNVACCINATED Following your address to the nation on Sunday night, 28 November 2021, NEDLAC is set to discuss Business for…

Dec 01, 2021 Covid-19

The Power of People and Technology Creating an Agile Sustainable Future

Covid has drastically and irrevocably changed the way that the world works. Even as South Africa moves forward into semi-normalcy, the looming “fourth wave” reminds businesses of the need to remain agile, embrace remote working policies, and lean on…

Nov 29, 2021 Covid-19

Digital identity is a crucial business requirement post-Covid

It is well-known that the Covid-pandemic has forced change in many industries and driven digitalisation at a pace faster than anyone could have anticipated, but it has happened at the cost of robust security and digital authentication. The…

Nov 19, 2021 Covid-19

Building human resource capacity and skills to strengthen South Africa’s public health supply chains and save lives

Supply chains don’t just get goods from manufacturers to end users. They save lives. This has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 crisis. Ensuring adequate, uninterrupted supplies of life-saving medicines and medical oxygen, getting PPE…

Nov 16, 2021 Covid-19

Mandatory Vaccinations in the Workplace: An Option not to be pursued

The employer has an almost insurmountable mountain to climb should it wish to introduce a policy of mandatory vaccinations in the workplace. The overwhelming regulatory requirements are seemingly disregarded by some employers (following the example…

Nov 05, 2021 Covid-19

Mandatory Covid-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace: Compensation for Injuries or Death

SUMMARY: Employees can claim compensation only if numerous unqualified, yet stringent requirements are met. Our assessment is that it will be nearly impossible for employers requiring all employees to be vaccinated to prove compliance. The notice…

Nov 05, 2021 Covid-19

SMMEs must leverage third-party providers to gain lost advantage

To meet the challenges posed by the pandemic and to contend with a contracting economy, South African businesses need to be agile and seek out opportunities that will accelerate their recovery and growth. One-way companies can do this is by…

Nov 02, 2021 Covid-19

Cape Town Tourism partners make bold recovery moves in Ukraine

While South Africa was adjusting its Coronavirus risk strategy to Level One, three bold Cape Town tourism partners took matters into their own hands, and travelled to the Ukraine where they focussed firmly on forcing a tourism recovery that would…

Nov 02, 2021 Covid-19

Aon Client Study: Risk Management Must Address Shifting Nature of Business Volatility in Wake of COVID-19 Pandemic

Cyber risk topped the list as the number one risk globally Long-tail risks have become an important part of the risk landscape COVID-19 has highlighted the interconnectivity of risk Aon, a leading global professional services firm, today announced…

Oct 27, 2021 Covid-19

Compensation for Injuries or Death Resulting From The COVID-19 Vaccination

VACCINATIONS MUST REMAIN A FREE CHOICE By Chanté du Preez On 22 October 2021, the Compensation Fund Commissioner published a notice in the Government Gazette, indicating that the Compensation Fund (hereinafter ‘the Fund’), will compensate employees,…

Oct 27, 2021 Covid-19

"Stand Up To Bullies" - NEASA's Response to the Current COVID-19 Predicament

Big corporates are opting to implement a policy, which enforces compulsory health measures, that effectively destroys the freedoms of businesses, workers and families, which demands an urgent response from NEASA. Gerhard Papenfus, Chief Executive of…

Oct 25, 2021 Covid-19

VWSA Project Engineer instrumental in protecting employees against Covid-19

Nakedi Nkoana was charged with establishing VWSA’s Covid-19 testing and vaccination centres More than 3 000 vaccines have been administered at the centre to date Starting a new job mere weeks before a pandemic is challenging; being put in charge of…

Oct 08, 2021 Covid-19

Business insolvencies in South Africa rise by 21.5%

Thanks to massive state intervention, global insolvencies decreased in 2020 (-12%) and will continue to do so in 2021 (-6%). Euler Hermes expects global insolvencies to rise by +15% in 2022, but still at a low level (-4% compared to pre-crisis…

Oct 04, 2021 Covid-19

COVID-19: Amended Regulations: Adjusted Alert Level One

The President reduced the Covid-19 Alert Level to an adjusted Alert Level One. The President has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable:- gatherings are permitted, subject to a maximum of 750 people indoors and 2000…

Oct 01, 2021 Covid-19

Commercial property owners turn to flex-space management agreements

Flexible office space accounts for a relatively small proportion of office markets across most major gateway cities, averaging between 2 percent and 8 percent, JLL data shows. But its rise to this level was swift, with an average of 25 percent…

Oct 01, 2021 Covid-19

Making the most of your fibre internet connection during the pandemic

Our work and home lives have undergone a radical transformation as South Africa navigates through the pandemic and our radically changed work-learn-entertain-at-home lives. As we pass 18-months of COVID-19, a third wave and potentially a fourth one…

Sep 28, 2021 Covid-19

Get your workspace post-Covid ready

How to create a healthy, people-centric workspace in 10 steps As we move into a new era, and people slowly return to the office, organisations are questioning traditional ideas on how work should be done, the role of the office and what the…

Sep 20, 2021 Covid-19

Remote work a win for SA ICT professionals

The Covid-19 pandemic brought with it some unexpected benefits for the South African ICT sector, including increased productivity and the potential for employers to reduce their operating costs. This is one of the findings in the first South African…

Sep 15, 2021 Covid-19

Mandatory vaccinations in the workplace: Directive does not envisage a blanket approach

There has been a number of reports indicating that some employers are planning to implement a policy of mandatory vaccinations across their entire workforce. This decision, it is assumed, is based on the opportunity created by the Consolidated…

Sep 14, 2021 Covid-19

COVID-19: Amended Regulations: Adjusted Alert Level Two

Covid-19 Alert Level to an adjusted Alert Level 2. The President indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable: gatherings are permitted, subject to a maximum of 250 people indoors and 500 people outdoors or 50% of capacity for…

Sep 09, 2021 Covid-19

Opinion Piece: Financial success after the pandemic

NAVIGATING / PICKING UP THE PIECES AND MOVING FORWARD – FINANCIAL SUCCESS AFTER THE PANDEMIC Nelisiwe Masango – Financial Markets Analyst, CEO of Ubuntu Invest and one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 50 Black African Women Entrepreneurs to Watch –…

Sep 08, 2021 Covid-19

Mandatory vaccinations in the workplace: Freedom of choice

by Gerhard Papenfus and Jaco Swart NEASA’s view in summary: the decision to be vaccinated or not remains the prerogative of each individual; an employee should, under no circumstances, be forced to make a choice between an infringement of his right…

Aug 30, 2021 Covid-19

Three kinds of human interaction to energise your work week

By Joanne Bushell MD, IWG Plc. SA The shift to hybrid working means many of us are spending less time with our colleagues – but these smart ways to stay connected will keep you collaborating effectively Over the past 18 months, the Covid-19 crisis…

Aug 27, 2021 Covid-19

How have manufacturers and distributors evolved to meet the factory of the future?

The journey to reaching digital resiliency: pursuing digital transformation initiatives to thrive despite the ongoing pandemic challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the manufacturing and distribution industry profoundly. Amid the pandemic,…

Aug 26, 2021 Covid-19

Planning for the next catastrophe – Disaster Recovery during Covid-19 and beyond

The Covid-19 pandemic has been the catalyst for momentous change throughout the IT landscape, and for Disaster Recovery (DR) in particular, as the global pandemic made widespread disruption and uncertainty a clear and present reality. “The onset of…

Aug 11, 2021 Covid-19

Procurement must be redefined

The 2021 Smart Procurement World Indaba, South Africa’s longest-standing event for procurement and inbound supply chain professionals, will focus on redefining the profession, which has faced enormous pressure during the COVID-19 crisis. This year…

Aug 11, 2021 Covid-19

Towards the concept of Moral Restructuring for Companies

Shaun Barnes, Executive Director at 21st Century, a specialist Remuneration and Human Capital consultancy, believes we are in uncharted social and economic waters right now. Thanks to the Covid Pandemic, depleted state finances and associated…

Aug 10, 2021 Covid-19

Ford South Africa Supporting COVID-19 Vaccination Drive with Clinics Established at Both Manufacturing Plants

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic established at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria in June, now being extended to the Struandale Engine Plant in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Supports Ford employees and on-site contractors with convenient…

Aug 06, 2021 Covid-19

Will the office make a comeback post-Covid-19?

JLL Survey results from Tétris glimpse into the future of the workplace The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns worldwide have challenged conventional ideas on how we work and what a workplace should look like. Will the traditional 9-5 workday…

Aug 02, 2021 Covid-19

ESA COVID-19 situation report - Second Quarter 2021

Africa suffered its worst recession in more than 50 years in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as its GDP declined by ↓2.1%. Fortunately, a strong rebound is expected for 2021, with GDP forecasted to increase by ↑3.4% this year. Despite the…

Aug 02, 2021 Covid-19

After a Decade’s Worth of Growth in 2020 Due to COVID-19, E-Commerce Faces Packaging Issues

An unprecedented level of scrutiny and accelerated growth from the pandemic make CPG packaging a problem for now, according to Lux Research Consumer packaged goods (CPG) packaging has long played a critical role in the experience and utility of…

Jul 29, 2021 Covid-19

A new business buzzword: asynchronous working

The Covid-19 pandemic has spawned its own vocabulary over the past year and a half. Terms such as ‘lockdown’, ‘R rate’ and ‘social distancing’ have become part of our day-to-day discourse. As a new world of work takes shape in the aftermath of the…

Jul 29, 2021 Covid-19

Strategies that work to emerge from a global pandemic

Emerging successfully from an economic downturn and global pandemic is no easy feat, especially if you are an SME business without large cash reserves to see you through. How do entrepreneurs combat these difficult times and come out the other side…

Jul 27, 2021 Covid-19

Zoho Invoice offered free of charge to empower SMEs to rebuild and grow

The company's decision reinforces its support for the SME community and will allow business owners to simplify billing and payment processes, helping companies receive payments faster. Zoho Corporation, a global technology company, announced that…

Jul 26, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: Amended Regulations: Adjusted Alert Level Three

The President, last night, reduced the Covid-19 Alert Level to an adjusted Alert Level 3. The President has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable: gatherings are permitted, subject to a maximum of 50 people indoors and…

Jul 22, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS benefits extended

The Department of Employment and Labour has extended the availability of the TERS benefits to sectors still being affected by the lockdown regulations and is limited to the following categories of employees: where the employer, listed in Annexure A,…

Jul 21, 2021 Covid-19

Do your surroundings play a pivotal part in your creativity?

Blue for creativity, red for performance – we look at the different ways to switch up your workspace to inspire the imagination Last year, much of the corporate world had to pivot from being office-based to working from home. Productivity may have…

Jul 19, 2021 Covid-19

Mandatory #Vaccinations of #Employees...

By Thornton van Wyngaardt A controversial issue on the table at the moment is the Department of Employment and Labour recently amended directive on Occupational Health and Safety measures in certain workplaces published in Government Gazette No.…

Jul 15, 2021 Covid-19

COVID-19: Impacting More Than Just Your Health!

Evolving Supply Chains | SAPICS Webinar Online via Zoom Wednesday, 28 July 2021 15h00 - 16h00 SAST, CAT, GMT+2 COVID-19 has significantly impacted the technology and high value sector since early 2020, affecting the supply of raw materials,…

Jul 12, 2021 Covid-19

COVID-19: Amended Regulations: Adjusted Alert Level 4 Extended

The President, last night, extended the Covid-19 adjusted Alert Level 4 for another 14 days. The President has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable:- all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including religious, political,…

Jul 09, 2021 Covid-19

Confidence is up and Buying is Back, Industry Sales Data Indicates

Aggregated monthly sales data from over 600 South African companies reports that 20 business sectors outperformed the pre-Covid first quarter of 2020. Numerous business sectors saw increased order volumes in the first half of 2021 with larger order…

Jul 09, 2021 Covid-19

Level 4 alcohol ban may be in full force, but smokers are breathing a little easier it seems!

1Life research shows 54% of smokers started smoking less than they used to, following the initial tobacco ban. 1Life, through their recent Covid-19 Sentiment Report, set out to understand the general attitudes of the South African market,…

Jul 08, 2021 Covid-19

International Pro cycling Team Qhubeka NextHash chooses Biodx for Covid protection

In an effort to make sure leading South African registered international cycling Team Qhubeka NextHash are protected during the upcoming Tour de France and beyond, Biodx has signed a partnership agreement to supply the team with disinfectants for…

Jul 06, 2021 Covid-19

Nissan South Africa rolls out COVID-19 vaccines to employees and service providers

Nissan South Africa (NSA), in its bid to help curb the spread of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in parts of the country, the automotive manufacturer will vaccinate its employees and service providers at its Rosslyn-based plant. The free…

Jul 06, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: Denying a person the right to earn a living is immoral

The President, receiving his full salary, and enjoying normal benefits during the national Covid-19 predicament, on 27 June 2021, made an announcement which resulted in the suspension of economic activities, denying many South Africans the ability…

Jun 29, 2021 Covid-19

MasterDrive operations during Alert Level four

The change to adjusted Alert Level Four appears to be a necessity as the infection rate continues to climb across the country, particularly in Gauteng. MasterDrive would like to reassure their clients business will continue as normal except with a…

Jun 29, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: Adjusted Alert Level 4 Permit to perform a service

The amended Covid-19 Alert Level 4 requires employees, who need to travel during the curfew hours between 21:00 and 04:00, or in and out of Gauteng, to carry a permit issued by their employer. The required permit is similar to the permit used during…

Jun 28, 2021 Covid-19

Opinion: Transformative leadership: doing your part to prevent employee burnout

“Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in South Africa in March 2020; and subsequent variations of lockdowns implemented across Africa, life as we know it has drastically changed. The lines between home and work have been blurred and it has…

Jun 28, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: Amended Regulations Announced: Adjusted Alert Level Four

The President, last night, raised the Covid-19 Alert Level to adjusted Level 4. The President has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable, for the next fourteen (14) days:- all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including…

Jun 23, 2021 Covid-19

NEASA does not support infringing mandatory vaccinations

The Department of Employment and Labour, on 11 June 2021, published consolidated directions on measures to prevent and combat the spread of Covid-19 in workplaces. The directions are, to a large extent, simply a consolidation of previous directions…

Jun 21, 2021 Covid-19

When the supply chain breaks

Covid-19 has exposed the reliance of companies on their supply chains and weaknesses in business continuity management in unsparing starkness. Now everyone wants to act. However, what is the right strategy to deal with the next crisis? Thusang…

Jun 18, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: Amended Regulations Announced: Adjusted Alert Level Three

The President raised the Covid-19 Alert Level to an amended Level 3. The President has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable: all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including religious, political and cultural gatherings are…

Jun 11, 2021 Covid-19

How COVID-19 is impacting the Automotive Industry: Lightstone Automotive Confidence Indicator May 2021

The forecasted activity for the next 3 months and next 6 months in the MBR and Dealer segment is flat, while the forecast by OEMs shows expected improvement. Download: Lightstone Automotive Confidence Indicator May 2021

Jun 11, 2021 Covid-19

SMEs feeling economic pinch turn to innovative tech platforms to save cash

More than a year into the Covid-19 pandemic and South Africa’s SMEs remain under enormous pressure and are increasingly looking to technology for ways to control costs and manage cash flow more effectively. “A seemingly easy decision every business…

Jun 01, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: Amended Regulations Announced: Adjusted Alert Level Two

The President has raised the Covid-19 Alert Level to an adjusted Alert Level 2 with effect from 31 May 2021. The President has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable:- all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including…

May 24, 2021 Covid-19

The SA motor industry: Coronavirus keeping rentals under big pressure

By Pindiwe Mbelani, Equity Analyst, Prudential Investment Managers The advent of the Coronavirus pandemic in South Africa was the equivalent of a blown gasket for the local motor vehicle industry, rendering it incapable of powering ahead without…

May 22, 2021 Covid-19

Opinion Piece: Business Process Outsourcing – a critical element to ensure business continuity throughout the Covid-19 pandemic

As companies attempt to recover after a rough 2020, their main objective is to do more, with less. Budgets are stretched, human resources are stressed and the toll of working through a pandemic is evident in the workforce. During these challenging…

May 20, 2021 Covid-19

Showing staff support during these tricky times

If you manage a team or lead a company, there will be many times when you’re faced with employees needing time off work due to difficult life events, such as ill-health, personal troubles, or a tragedy that has befallen them. Today’s uncertain times…

May 20, 2021 Covid-19

Civil Society call for a rates FREEZE

Open letter to Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, National Treasury, SALGA and CoGTA Dear Minister Mboweni, Let’s put a freeze on municipal increases in rates and taxes until this economic downturn is behind us. In the midst of one of the worst economic…

May 18, 2021 Covid-19

Isuzu hands over refurbished hospital facility in time for Covid-19 vaccine roll out

Isuzu South Africa (SA) is again at the forefront of private sector support for government healthcare services in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. Today Isuzu SA ensured the refurbished site at the Provincial Hospital in…

May 10, 2021 Covid-19

Government given ultimatum on further alcohol bans for South Africa

South African Breweries (SAB) says it will consider its decision to cancel investments in the country if the government provides commitments around its future lockdown regulations and alcohol sales. Speaking to the Sunday Times Richard…

May 07, 2021 Covid-19

Brand new 150-bed facility at Bronkhorstspruit Hospital unveiled

BMW Group South Africa has stepped up its response against the spread of the Coronavirus by achieving another milestone. The premium vehicle manufacturer today unveiled a 150-bed overflow facility the Group built at Bronkhorstspruit Hospital, east…

May 06, 2021 Covid-19

How to Drive Warehouse Optimization in a Pandemic

Phil Lewis, Infor VP Solution Consulting EMEA, looks at how COVID-19 has accelerated the need for a truly optimized warehouse. It’s been suggested by many experts that the current pandemic has driven accelerated technology adoption across numerous…

May 06, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19 Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund

By Rona Bekker, Senior Policy Advisor (NEASA), 05 May 2021. COIDA, RAF, UIF TERS and now… the Covid Vaccine Injury (no-fault) Compensation Fund. What do these schemes have in common? Apart from absolute dysfunctionality, corruption has been rife in…

May 05, 2021 Covid-19

The COVID-19 Loan Guarantee Scheme extended by three months

The National Treasury, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Banking Association South Africa (arrangers) launched the Loan Guarantee Scheme (the scheme) on 12 May 2020, which made a maximum of R200 billion available for eligible businesses.…

May 04, 2021 Covid-19

Employee Wellness: Protecting Mental Health Despite Covid-19

The effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on employee mental health has been overwhelming. Organisations are realising the deep need to turn their attention and focus on employee wellness, especially during this time of increased separation and decreased…

Apr 28, 2021 Covid-19

10 strategic steps you can take to strengthen your business

Having a strong business is the dream, as it will help you be resilient enough to weather tough times and remain relevant for years to come. Businesswoman Aisha Pandor, co-founder and CEO of SweepSouth, shares inspiring tips on making a business…

Apr 26, 2021 Covid-19

Ask Afrika Covid-19 Omnibus Annual Review

Ask Afrika (an independent market research company) has been tracking the significant social change effected by the Covid-19 pandemic since the start of lockdown in South Africa. The main aim of the research is to understand the socio-economic…

Apr 20, 2021 Covid-19

ICT has the potential to become a solution to the problem of unemployment in Africa

By Praba Moonsamy – Managing Director at Ikhaya Automation Systems The socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is especially hard-hitting for younger generations in Africa. The youth are faced with multiple challenges including disruptions to…

Apr 15, 2021 Covid-19

Opinion Piece: Technology key in reaching herd immunity goals for COVID-19 vaccine roll-outs

To achieve the 60% target deemed necessary for herd immunity, Africa needs to vaccinate 780 million people out of a population of 1.3 billion and in South Africa, 40 million people need to receive the vaccine. While SA’s vaccination roll-out plan is…

Apr 08, 2021 Covid-19

Preventative controls are key to support roll out of vaccines

In response to the pandemic in 2020, and to support and protect its citizens, the South African government took swift action to approve a multibillion-rand relief package. This relief package was meant to, amongst others, assist vulnerable…

Apr 08, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey changes

As previously communicated, the UIF TERS Fund survey will be performed on a monthly basis only in future, in order to ensure optimal participation and reliable statistics. We hereby request all employers, who have ever applied for the TERS Fund…

Apr 02, 2021 Covid-19

Get the basics right this holiday season and enjoy a well-earned rest

Many South Africans breathed a sigh of relief when the President, in his address to the ‘family meeting’, this past Tuesday evening, did not announce any additional travelling restrictions for the coming Easter weekend. For many of us this will mean…

Apr 01, 2021 Covid-19

First Refrigerated Vehicle for Vaccine in the World to Obtain WHO's Performance, Quality and Safety Prequalification

Partnership for Establishing methods for refrigerated vaccine transportation Contributing toward improving the rate of vaccine use in developing countries Land Cruiser 78 used as base for refrigerated vaccine transportation First refrigerated…

Mar 31, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: amended regulations announced

The President, last night, amended the Covid-19 Alert Level 1 regulations. The President has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable:- all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including religious, political and cultural…

Mar 27, 2021 Covid-19

A message from Adrian Gore on the COVID-19 vaccination programme

I am reaching out to update you on the national vaccination programme, following the Cabinet address on 25 March, and to describe plans at Discovery to ensure that members of the medical schemes we administer are vaccinated at speed and scale. In…

Mar 26, 2021 Covid-19

SA’s SMME emergency: BeyondCOVID business survey reveals that small businesses plan to retrench 1.2million staff over the next six months

New research from the BeyondCOVID Business Survey paints a bleak picture for the future of South Africa’s small business sector one year on from when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country: 26% of SMMEs report being forced to close their doors, 7%…

Mar 25, 2021 Covid-19

Operations management skills needed as South Africa prepares to bare arms in fight against Covid-19

While the Government and healthcare sector are currently focused on securing a steady supply of Covid-19 vaccines, supply chain and operations managers should be planning the processes that must be put in place to ensure a successful mass vaccine…

Mar 25, 2021 Covid-19

Road travel gains popularity as the COVID-19 pandemic continues

South Africans are known for their love of adventure and the outdoors; we are a nation of travellers. Due to the pandemic, however, fewer people are travelling abroad and prefer to travel domestically instead. This, added to the fact that we're…

Mar 24, 2021 Covid-19

Private security sector: National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector: Application for Exemption due to Covid-19

Dear Private Security Industry employer The parties to the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector have been granted an exemption from the increase to the security officer premium allowance, as set out in clause 4(4) of the main…

Mar 24, 2021 Covid-19

Employers can dismiss their employees for Covid-19 related conduct

Employers can discipline employees who flout COVID-19 regulations outside of work, which could even result in dismissals says Justin Hattingh, Senior Legal Advisor at Strata-g Labour Solutions. “While employers are obligated under the Occupational…

Mar 19, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19 will end but workplace culture will never be the same

The onset of Covid-19 had organisations across the globe scrambling to find solutions to the sudden and widespread shift to remote work. More than a year later, it is clear that the pandemic has permanently influenced perceptions and the employee…

Mar 17, 2021 Covid-19

Intrinsic value of assets can unlock short-term cashflow

Moving quickly can unlock attractive opportunities for entrepreneurs There comes a time in a business or one’s personal affairs when cashflow becomes tight. This is stressful, but normal. The cause is often varied and can be anything from delayed…

Mar 17, 2021 Covid-19

Opinion piece: Local technology and intra-continental trade key to effective COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Africa

By Praba Moonsamy, Managing Director at Ikhaya Automation Systems As countries across Africa roll out vaccines to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming increasingly evident that the continent is in desperate need of ICT systems and…

Mar 17, 2021 Covid-19

How to reach the youth without activations

With COVID-19 having such a huge impact on society, social distancing has become something that we all have to practice. Marketing companies are now having to find other ways to reach the youth, other than going into schools to activate.…

Mar 17, 2021 Covid-19

TERS-funding survey changes

NEASA has, since the inception of the UIF TERS Fund, conducted surveys and reported on the percentages of both payments made and claims still outstanding. However, due to the fluctuation in participation in everyday surveys as well as the amendments…

Mar 16, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 15 March 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

24% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 76% of employers who received payment, only 77% were paid in full. 30% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 70% of employers who received…

Mar 11, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 11 March 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

21% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 79% of employers who received payment, only 74% were paid in full. 30% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 70% of employers who received…

Mar 11, 2021 Covid-19

eCommerce: South Africa’s new frontier

The rise of e-commerce in the country over the past year may have been driven by the pandemic, but it was long overdue. On eCommerce Day, it is worth noting that South Africa was arguably too slow in initially adopting e-commerce, chiefly because it…

Mar 11, 2021 Covid-19

Cybercriminals leveraging the Covid-19 vaccine rush to breach people

Mimecast has warned of phishing campaigns by global cybercriminals aiming to leverage the hype around vaccine rollouts, to trick unsuspecting users into potentially risky behaviour. The email campaigns were detected by Mimecast researchers, and…

Mar 11, 2021 Covid-19

How manufacturers can secure their digital future over the next 12 months

By Paulo De Matos, Chief Product Officer at SYSPRO Over the past year, manufacturers and distributors have needed to contend with multiple supply chain disruptions, huge operational inefficiencies and a lack of integration between disparate systems.…

Mar 08, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 8 March 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

25% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 75% of employers who received payment, only 80% were paid in full. 31% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 69% of employers who received…

Mar 08, 2021 Covid-19

‘Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo’ - (You strike a woman, you strike a rock.)

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the women of South Africa emotionally, mentally, physically and socially. In the past year women have had to face a higher rate of unemployment than men, were more dependent on social grants to survive and…

Mar 06, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 4 March 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

24% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 76% of employers who received payment, only 78% were paid in full. 29% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 71% of employers who received…

Mar 06, 2021 Covid-19

Mercedes-Benz South Africa supports the containment of COVID-19 and delivers 1 000 breathing devices to public hospitals across the country

Mercedes-Benz South Africa donates 1 000 non-invasive and lifesaving Continuous Positive Airway Pressure respirator devices to the Department of Health in the continued fight against COVID-19 across the country. Localising international best…

Mar 05, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS benefit extended for certain sectors

The Minister of Employment and Labour has published the regulations in respect of the extension of the TERS benefit for specific sectors. Employers operating in the industries listed in Annexure A of the Government Gazette may claim TERS benefits…

Mar 04, 2021 Covid-19

Learnings from doing business 2020 style - still relevant?

Burt Rodrigues CEO of Biodx gives his thoughts on approaching business in 2021. This time a year ago no-one was prepared for what would become our working lives. Working from home, continuous Zoom meetings from, constant mask wearing and sanitising…

Mar 04, 2021 Covid-19

Innovating to meet customer expectations during the COVID-19 disruption

When governments across the world locked down their countries to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, normal economic life as we know was severely disrupted. All industries including the insurance industry scrambled to put mechanisms in place to…

Mar 02, 2021 Covid-19

MasterDrive under level one

In a national address on Sunday night, president Cyril Ramaphosa moved the country to level one restrictions as infection rates continue to drop. This will see a shorter curfew, more lenient alcohol restrictions and larger gatherings will be…

Mar 02, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 1 March 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

24% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 76% of employers who received payment, only 76% were paid in full. 32% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 68% of employers who received…

Mar 01, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: amendment of regulations

Last night, the President downgraded the Covid-19 Alert Level to Level 1. The President has indicated that the following amended regulations remain applicable: all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including religious, political and cultural gatherings…

Feb 26, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 25 February 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

24% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 76% of employers who received payment, only 76% were paid in full. 33% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 67% of employers who received…

Feb 25, 2021 Covid-19

Amendment to SANS 490 defining alcohol-based hand rubs and sanitisers to contain minimum alcohol content

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has published the amendments to the national standard, SANS 490 that specifies the requirements for all alcohol-based hand sanitisers and hand rubs in the form of liquids, gels, foams and aerosols. These…

Feb 23, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 22 February 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

25% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 75% of employers who received payment, only 76% were paid in full. 31% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 69% of employers who received…

Feb 23, 2021 Covid-19

Vaccine isn’t your guarantee of safety

“No-one is safe until everyone is safe” – Professor Salim Abdool Karim, epidemiologist, and chair of the government’s coronavirus advisory panel. In a recent interview with the BBC Prof Karim was quoted as saying, “There’s a mistaken belief by some…

Feb 19, 2021 Covid-19

Study finds that not enough South Africans are prepared to be vaccinated against Covid-19

By Andrea Rademeyer – CEO & Founder of Ask Afrika South Africans are torn with regards to whether or not they get vaccinated against Covid-19. According to the Ask Afrika Covid-19 Tracker study, just over half of respondents (52%) said they planned…

Feb 19, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 18 February 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

16% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 84% of employers who received payment, only 75% were paid in full. 23% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 77% of employers who received…

Feb 16, 2021 Covid-19

A cleaning technology breakthrough in the fight against Covid pandemic

Since the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic the need for effective hand sanitisers and masks have become an essential element of daily life. Many organisations started mass producing these products to meet the sudden and unexpected rise in demand.…

Feb 16, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 15 February 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

19% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 81% of employers who received payment, only 67% were paid in full. 22% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 78% of employers who received…

Feb 12, 2021 Covid-19

NBCRFLI: Deadline for the submission of the holiday-pay bonus reimbursement application

Dear Road Freight employer In a previous circular, the industry was informed that, in order to mitigate the negative impact of the national lockdown and Covid-19, it would top up the payment for the holiday bonus, in full, for those employees who…

Feb 09, 2021 Covid-19

Unemployed with debt - It’s not the end for you

As a consumer who has just lost your job or have had your salary reduced, it has become difficult to distinguish which of your priorities may be at the top of your list. You are in survival mode and would be inclined to ensure that your basic needs,…

Feb 09, 2021 Covid-19

Ford Global Caring Month Focused on Those Most Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020

Ford’s annual Global Caring Month saw eight non-profit organisations receive grants from the Ford Motor Company Fund Due to COVID-19, Ford’s traditional volunteer program was replaced with financial contributions to registered NPOs that were…

Feb 09, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 8 February 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

19% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 81% of employers who received payment, only 67% were paid in full. 28% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 72% of employers who received…

Feb 05, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 4 February 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

18% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 82% of employers who received payment, only 75% were paid in full. 25% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 75% of employers who received…

Feb 03, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: amendment of regulations

On 1 February 2021, the President amended the Alert Level 3 lockdown regulations. The President has indicated that the newly amended regulations will be as follows: all indoor and outdoor faith-based gatherings are permitted but limited to 50 people…

Feb 02, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 1 February 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

19% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 81% of employers who received payment, only 66% were paid in full. 28% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 72% of employers who received…

Jan 29, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 28 January 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

22% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 78% of employers who received payment, only 71% were paid in full. 31% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 69% of employers who received…

Jan 28, 2021 Covid-19

Car Rentals, Taxi and Ride-Hailing Revenues to Hit $325B in 2021, a $68B Plunge Compared to Pre-COVID-19 Figures

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes and challenges for the taxi and car rental industries. Lockdown restrictions, canceled flights, and people working from home have dried up revenues in both sectors, and fears over their future…

Jan 28, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: discussions on the resumption of TERS benefits hits a wall

In a previous communique, we indicated that discussions were underway between the social partners at NEDLAC, with respect to the resumption of TERS benefits for employees who are still being affected by the lockdown regulations. At the time, it…

Jan 27, 2021 Covid-19

Automotive and car rental industry can get back to work safely by adopting regular rapid mass testing strategy

Holding back on rapid mass testing is now a public health emergency extending the war against COVID-19, say experts, and the Automotive and Car rental sector can potentially create safer back-to-work environments and negate the need for future…

Jan 27, 2021 Covid-19

Hospitality industry facing severe hardship: we can change that

Dear fellow South African Although the Covid-19 pandemic and the accompanying lockdown regulations have caused widespread havoc and economic hardship in many sectors of the economy, the gradual easing of the regulations by Government has allowed…

Jan 25, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 25 January 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

16% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 84% of employers who received payment, only 69% were paid in full. 21% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 79% of employers who received…

Jan 25, 2021 Covid-19

MasterDrive trainers are COVID-19 free!

As the year began with South Africa reaching its peak of COVID-19 infections during the second wave, MasterDrive took proactive steps to ensure that both clients and employees are protected from the virus. One of these steps was to test all the…

Jan 22, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 21 January 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

14% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 86% of employers who received payment, only 77% were paid in full. 25% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 75% of employers who received…

Jan 20, 2021 Covid-19

Allianz Risk Barometer 2021: Covid-19 trio tops South Africa and global business risks

10th Allianz survey: Business interruption, Pandemic outbreak and Cyber incidents are the top three business risks for 2021 – all strongly interlinked. Cyber incidents, Business interruption and Pandemic outlook are the top three business risks in…

Jan 20, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 18 January 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

23% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 77% of employers who received payment, only 74% were paid in full. 24% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 76% of employers who received…

Jan 18, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: resumption of TERS funding a possibility

Negotiations are currently underway at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) regarding the possible resumption of TERS funding for employees still affected by the lockdown regulations. Specific sectors, such as the…

Jan 18, 2021 Covid-19

Supply chain management is the vital ingredient needed for Covid-19 vaccine success in South Africa

While President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa’s Covid-19 vaccine strategy is well underway, with 20 million doses to be delivered in the first half of the year, this is just the first step, and effective supply chain management…

Jan 15, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 14 January 2021 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

12% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 88% of employers who received payment, only 75% were paid in full. 21% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 79% of employers who received…

Jan 13, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: TERS dispute resolution

There are still many employers whose historic Covid-19 TERS claims have not been finalised. These employers have often encountered extreme difficulties in resolving these issues with the UIF, which was unable to deal with the magnitude of disputes…

Jan 12, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: amendment of regulations

The President, last night, discussed the Alert Level 3 lockdown regulations, as announced on 28 December 2020. The President indicated that the regulations, as announced on 28 December 2020, with only an amendment to the curfew, will remain.…

Jan 12, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: TERS benefits extension withdrawn

In a previous communique, we indicated that the Minister of Employment and Labour had published a government gazette, on 7 September 2020, indicating that the TERS benefits will be available until the end of the national disaster or until withdrawn…

Jan 12, 2021 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 11 January 2020 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

15% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 85% of employers who received payment, only 77% were paid in full. 19% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 81% of employers who received…

Jan 08, 2021 Covid-19

2020 : A year in review - The Auto and Property Industry

Covid-19 proved to be the kind of global disruption some have been warning could happen. It affected the global economy, the way people work and put tens of millions out of work. It changed the way societies have engaged with themselves, and with…

Jan 08, 2021 Covid-19

COVID-19 Protocols Cause Life Threatening Delays at Lebombo Border

“The situation here is bad - very, very bad,” says one of the thousands of truck drivers stranded at the Lebombo border crossing station in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga. With truck queues now stretching more than 25 kms and soaring temperatures often…

Dec 30, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 permit to travel after curfew

The President, last night, announced an extension of the curfew during which the movement of people is prohibited unless such person is travelling for a medical- or security emergency, or for work activities not prohibited in terms of table 2 of the…

Dec 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: amended regulations announced

Last night, the President announced new amendments to the Covid-19 Alert Level 1 lockdown regulations, by increasing the Alert Level to an amended Alert Level 3. The regulations take effect as of midnight on 28 December 2020. The amended regulations…

Dec 28, 2020 Covid-19

Liquor traders pre-empt another booze ban, with commitment to help fight Covid-19

The country’s Liquor Traders Formations have issued a statement warning against another liquor trade ban, and have suggested measures which could instead be implemented to help curb the spread of Covid-19. The country’s liquor traders are on edge,…

Dec 28, 2020 Covid-19

Lockdowns Do Not Control the Coronavirus: The Evidence

The use of universal lockdowns in the event of the appearance of a new pathogen has no precedent. It has been a science experiment in real time, with most of the human population used as lab rats. The costs are legion. The question is whether…

Dec 23, 2020 Covid-19

“We are prepared for the future and the future is now”

The times we are living in are plenty of uncertainty and change in the individual day-by-day aspect of life and, undoubtedly, in the economic and business sense as well. All of it comes as a result of COVID-19’s impact in our lives. The automotive…

Dec 20, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 17 December 2020 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

15% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 85% of employers who received payment, only 77% were paid in full. 20% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 80% of employers who received…

Dec 20, 2020 Covid-19

Government indiscretions in the time of Covid

by Gerhard Papenfus Dear employer The latest Covid-19 restrictions have a severe impact on certain businesses situated in the affected areas. These decisions are made by bureaucrats and politicians who do not forfeit a single benefit through the…

Dec 17, 2020 Covid-19

Closing the digital divide reaches urgent levels as Covid-19 leaves devastation in its wake

Digital money will help stimulate the economy says Ukheshe There is growing appreciation of financial inclusion and its role in economic development. Tied closely to this is the role of mobile money and its contribution to promoting financial…

Dec 15, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: amended regulations

Last night, the President announced new regulations pertaining to the Alert Level 1 lockdown. As of midnight, on 14 December 2020, the following additional regulations will be applicable: the Garden Route and Sarah Baartman municipalities have been…

Dec 15, 2020 Covid-19

VWSA B-BBEE Initiatives Trust supports businesses during pandemic

Trust has invested R76,5 million to support black-owned businesses Support offered throughout Covid-19 pandemic Tasked with supporting black-owned businesses in the automotive supply chain, the B-BBEE Initiatives Trust established by Volkswagen…

Dec 15, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 14 December 2020 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

16% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 84% of employers who received payment, only 77% were paid in full. 21% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 79% of employers who received…

Dec 11, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 10 December 2020 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

17% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 83% of employers who received payment, only 78% were paid in full. 20% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 80% of employers who received…

Dec 11, 2020 Covid-19

Solvency helps consumers end challenging year on positive note

COVID-19 has put major stress on the global economy, but local FinTenchs are giving local consumers new ways to seamlessly take charge of the insurance, while adding to their life savings... 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in the…

Dec 10, 2020 Covid-19

Nearly half of democracies have regressed on basic rights in 2020 with measures to combat Covid-19 pandemic

Many governments are restricting information about COVID-19, clamping down on independent media and freedom of speech while polarisation and lack of political consensus have sparked unrest and distrust in elections and democratic processes. In 2020,…

Dec 08, 2020 Covid-19

Finfind Covid-19 survey results announced

How did the SMME sector cope during lockdown? Leading access to finance provider, Finfind, has released the results of its 2020 SA SMME COVID-19 Impact Report. The survey reveals comprehensive findings on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on…

Dec 08, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 07 December 2020 (June, July, Aug, Sep and Oct)

17% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 83% of employers who received payment, only 75% were paid in full. 20% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 80% of employers who received…

Dec 04, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 03 December 2020 (June, July, Aug and Sep)

17% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 83% of employers who received payment, only 75% were paid in full. 23% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 77% of employers who received…

Dec 01, 2020 Covid-19

Rev Up Your 2021 Motorsport Sponsorship Strategy for Success in a COVID-19 World

The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports sponsorship worldwide will only become clear over time but one thing is certain: everything has changed. Sponsors are re-evaluating their spend and looking at new ways to get returns on their…

Dec 01, 2020 Covid-19

Lockdown saves commuters travel time

Commuters travelling from Pretoria to Johannesburg and back again in August spent 10 hours a month less on the road when compared to February as traffic volumes dropped by 33%, from 1.94m trips in February to 1.29m in August on the N1 South and from…

Nov 30, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 30 November 2020 (June, July, Aug and Sep)

21% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 79% of employers who received payment, only 76% were paid in full. 27% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 73% of employers who received…

Nov 30, 2020 Covid-19

Got a minute? MasterDrive wants to listen

Tell us about changes to your business after COVID-19 As many businesses needed to close for a portion of the year due to COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown, December is going to be different to other years for certain organisations. Many…

Nov 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: TERS applications for October open

Please note that the Department of Employment and Labour has issued a circular indicating that applications for TERS benefits for the period of 16 September to 15 October 2020 is open as of 23 November 2020. Applications for this period will close…

Nov 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 26 November 2020 (June, July, Aug and Sep)

15% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 85% of employers who received payment, only 77% were paid in full. 19% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 81% of employers who received…

Nov 24, 2020 Covid-19

Ziehl-Abegg provides support for district’s coronavirus ward

Künzelsau-based industrial company lends personnel and commits to supply CO2 detectors The motor and fan manufacturer Ziehl-Abegg is providing support for the Hohenlohe District Department of Health in the fight against COVID-19. To this end, the…

Nov 17, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 16 November 2020 (June, July, Aug and Sep)

18% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 82% of employers who received payment, only 75% were paid in full. 24% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 76% of employers who received…

Nov 13, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: TERS benefits extended “officially”... but be cautious ...

The President, this week, confirmed that the TERS benefits, for eligible employees, will be extended to 15 October 2020 and will not be suspended with effect from 15 September 2020 as previously indicated by the Minister of Employment and Labour. It…

Nov 13, 2020 Covid-19

Skills development during COVID-19 and a constrained economic climate

Employees are the most important assets for all companies and as we move into the new, post-COVID-19 era, the global automotive industry will need to develop and invest in their most critical assets. To assist firms in developing productive,…

Nov 13, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: state of disaster extended: regulations relaxed

This week, the President announced that the National State of Disaster will be extended for a further month until 15 December 2020. However, some of the remaining regulations on economic activity and travel have been relaxed, effective from 12…

Nov 13, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 12 November 2020 (June, July, Aug and Sep)

17% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 83% of employers who received payment, only 76% were paid in full. 24% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 76% of employers who received…

Nov 10, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 09 November 2020 (June, July, Aug and Sep)

16% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 84% of employers who received payment, only 76% were paid in full. 26% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 74% of employers who received…

Nov 05, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS Benefits allegedly suspended

We have previously communicated that the TERS benefits, for selected categories of employees, has been extended to 15 November, in line with the extension of the National State of Disaster. This communication was based on a gazette published on 7…

Nov 05, 2020 Covid-19

TERS payments inexplicably stopped by Minister of Employment and Labour

On Friday, 30 October 2020, the Minister of Employment and Labour unexpectedly announced that the TERS benefits for employees who are still unable to attend work, due to the Covid-19 Level 1 lockdown regulations, will cease on 15 September 2020, and…

Nov 03, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 02 November 2020 (June, July, Aug and Sep)

18% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 82% of employers who received payment, only 78% were paid in full. 25% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 75% of employers who received…

Oct 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 29 October 2020 (June, July, Aug and Sep)

18% of employers still haven’t received their June UIF/TERS monies. Of the 82% of employers who received payment, only 79% were paid in full. 27% of employers still haven’t received their July UIF/TERS monies. Of the 73% of employers who received…

Oct 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: The lockdown narrative in its entirety is deceitful

Written by Stacey Rudin Published in the American Institute for Economic Research on 19 October 2020 Parts of the article have been highlighted by EmpoweringSA's Media Department The third month of 2020 came with a friendly governmental FYI: “your…

Oct 28, 2020 Covid-19

Changing the employment mindset freelancing during Covid-19

Daniel Kibel, Co-Founder of CM Trading shares a few thoughts on self-employment during the pandemic. “As the COVID situation continues to unfold, financial resources remain quite stretched for many companies. A cross-section of organisations are…

Oct 27, 2020 Covid-19

Free Covid-19 training for safe workplaces

As companies return to work, the threat of Covid-19 has not lessened and OH&S precautions are still essential to avoid resurgence of infections. IAcademy, the online division of Infinity Academy and Unischool, is offering a free online course that…

Oct 27, 2020 Covid-19

Handling of Covid-19 scandal constitutes Crimes Against Humanity

by Dr Reiner Fuellmich Dr. Fuellmich provides clear and rational analysis of today's worldwide psychological manipulation applications in the Covid-19 context.

Oct 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS payment survey

NEASA has, since the introduction of the TERS payments scheme, continuously conducted a survey among employers to determine the percentage of claims paid by TERS. However, over time, the number of unpaid claims for the periods of April and May have…

Oct 26, 2020 Covid-19

Dlamini-Zuma asked to provide reasons for extending lockdown – or see you in court.

DearSA attorneys Hurter Spies this week sent a letter to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma asking her to provide reasons why she extended the lockdown earlier this month and to give an undertaking no…

Oct 26, 2020 Covid-19

NBCRFLI temporary measures withdrawn

Dear Road Freight employer As previously communicated, the NBCRFLI issued a circular informing the industry that it had implemented certain measures in an attempt to alleviate the impact of the national lockdown. Due to a significant number of…

Oct 23, 2020 Covid-19

South African shoppers show the market what they want

Consumer spending has swung from total predictability to subtle shifts in product and store selection throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and understanding the whys and wherefores behind these choices is valuable to shops, brands, and even the…

Oct 22, 2020 Covid-19

What does the post-COVID-19 South African consumer look like?

As South Africans are reaching the end of their Government’s pandemic management cycle, it seems as if the post-apocalyptic world is not the place many predicted it would be, and that the pandemic, reinforced as it has been by a recession, has not…

Oct 20, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 19 October 2020 (April, May, June, July, Aug and Sep)

11% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 89% of employers who received payment, only 70% were paid in full. 16% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 84% of employers who received…

Oct 16, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS extension

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has extended the National State of Disaster to 15 November 2020. The Minister of Employment and Labour, previously, extended the TERS benefits to be available for the duration of the…

Oct 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: new consolidated workplace regulations

The Department of Employment and Labour, on 1 October, quietly published new consolidated Covid-19 regulations to which workplaces must adhere. Although much of the previous regulations have been retained, there are a number of significant…

Oct 13, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 12 October 2020 (April, May, June, July and Aug)

10% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 90% of employers who received payment, only 72% were paid in full. 13% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 87% of employers who received…

Oct 08, 2020 Covid-19

Technology key to maintaining business continuity during the pandemic, say 88% of SA businesses

A global study by Vodafone Business, the 2020 Internet of Things (IoT) Spotlight report, reveals the impact the Internet of Things (IoT) has on businesses at a time when their digital capabilities are put to the test by the COVID-19 pandemic. The…

Oct 05, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 5 October 2020 (April, May, June, July and Aug)

9% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 91% of employers who received payment, only 75% were paid in full. 14% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 86% of employers who received…

Oct 02, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 1 October 2020 (April, May, June, July and Aug)

8% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 92% of employers who received payment, only 73% were paid in full. 12% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 88% of employers who received…

Sep 30, 2020 Covid-19

Consumers Encouraged to Proactively Manage Debt Commitments in COVID-19 Fallout

South Africa’s economy is languishing on the brink of one of the deepest recessions since 1992 with joblessness and retrenchments on the rise across all industries and economic sectors. While South Africa has been struggling with stagnant economic…

Sep 30, 2020 Covid-19

John Moffat Prolock awarded hospitals tender

Johannesburg-based John Moffat Prolock (JMP) has been awarded a contract to supply government hospitals in Gauteng with its locally manufactured face shields. Jerome Govender, JMP Executive Director, said the company was facing decreased off-take…

Sep 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 28 September 2020 (April, May, June, July and Aug)

11% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 89% of employers who received payment, only 73% were paid in full. 15% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 85% of employers who received…

Sep 25, 2020 Covid-19

Expert analysis on the COVID-19 vaccine process - World Economic Forum

Analysis on the COVID-19 vaccine process and how scientists are condensing a 10-year process into 12-18 months from Elissa Prichep, Precision Medicine Lead, World Economic Forum. Please feel free to quote. For further comment contact:…

Sep 25, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 23 September 2020 (April, May, June, July and Aug)

9% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 91% of employers who received payment, only 72% were paid in full. 17% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 83% of employers who received…

Sep 25, 2020 Covid-19

IFC and Imperial partner to pilot modular COVID-19 Screening in sub-Saharan Africa

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today announced a partnership with South African-listed Imperial to jointly develop a modular screening and treatment healthcare infrastructure program in sub-Saharan Africa to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.…

Sep 23, 2020 Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated search by consumers for pre-owned vehicles

Consumers are increasingly focusing on low-mileage, pre-owned vehicles with InspectaCar Finance reporting a 160 per cent increase in applications from May 2020 when lockdown levels where first eased compared to August 2020. Applications have…

Sep 23, 2020 Covid-19

Hi-tech tools enable Cummins to safely support customers in Covid-19 pandemic

A suite of high-tech tools called RemoteConnect is enabling Cummins to support customers while maintaining social distancing and travel restrictions implemented during the Covid-19 crisis. The tools, which allow experts to remotely see what…

Sep 22, 2020 Covid-19

Green shoots showing in South Africa’s economy says NADA’s Chairperson

“There is a natural tendency for South Africans to look at the negative aspects of the nation’s economy under lockdown, but if we look on the brighter side, green shoots are in plain view,” says the chairman of the National Automobile Dealers’…

Sep 21, 2020 Covid-19

Volkswagen Group South Africa honoured with The Herald Citizen of the Year category award

VWSA chosen as joint winner in Business category The award recognises VWSA’s efforts against Covid-19 In honour of their contribution to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) was among the category winners…

Sep 21, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 21 September 2020 (April, May, June, July and Aug)

11% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 89% of employers who received payment, only 69% were paid in full. 18% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 82% of employers who received…

Sep 21, 2020 Covid-19

Road transport into a future clouded by the coronavirus

Broadening its product range and striving to be first out of the blocks to take advantage of business opportunities are among positive developments which have occurred at South African truck and trailer body building company Serco in the wake of the…

Sep 17, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 17 September 2020 (April, May, June, July and Aug)

11% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 89% of employers who received payment, only 71% were paid in full. 16% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 84% of employers who received…

Sep 17, 2020 Covid-19

A must read: Landmark Judgment provides clarity on Business Interruption Insurance

by Sasha Planting Published by BUSINESS MAVERICK on 15 September 2020 This week the UK High Court provided clarity on the vexed subject of business interruption insurance, finding that the Covid-19 pandemic and the government lockdown and public…

Sep 17, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: alert level 1

Last night, the President announced that the Covid-19 alert level will be downgraded to Alert Level 1, as of midnight on 21 September 2020. Although the new regulations have not been published yet, the following amendments will be implemented: the…

Sep 17, 2020 Covid-19

ESA Covid-19 situation report August 2020

This update – the fourth of its kind – contains an overview of the flow of goods for 24 respective countries that form the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region. This update is for August of 2020. The outbreak of COVID-19 continues to impact on…

Sep 17, 2020 Covid-19

Indoor events still possible despite Covid-19

The Berlin Motorwerk (motor plant) introduces improved ventilation design: aerosol risk reduced using biomimetic fans CEO Dr. Michael Gordon promises a reduced risk of coronavirus infection at events. His company runs the renowned Berlin event…

Sep 16, 2020 Covid-19

Rethinking Your Healthcare options for 2021

The toll of a pandemic on healthcare costs and provisioning Adapting to a new way of enabling and delivering quality healthcare for members during an ongoing pandemic will be key in the approach of medical schemes in 2021. According to Jacqui Nel,…

Sep 16, 2020 Covid-19

Automotive companies must turn to specialists for greater supply chain visibility, says GlobalData

Following the news that Volkswagen has partnered with RCS Global, an agency specialising in supply chain analysis, to audit its suppliers for sustainability and ethics compliance; David Leggett, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and…

Sep 15, 2020 Covid-19

Financial Literacy Key to Moving Forward in the Post-COVID Economy

Financial literacy has long been an issue in South Africa. Developing a national savings culture, ensuring consumers understand how to use credit responsibly and banking the un-banked are just a few of the top line issues we have fought to address…

Sep 14, 2020 Covid-19

Toyota recaps its Covid-19 initiatives and commitment to SA economy

Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM) fight against the spread of COVID-19 in our country, and indeed in the province of KwaZulu-Natal where most of our staff reside, remains unwavering. Our commitment to curbing the spread of coronavirus as well as…

Sep 11, 2020 Covid-19

Safe Summer Driving: How to Get Your Car in Shape in Times of Coronavirus

Your car is the most trustworthy means of transport during the coronavirus crisis Tyres, battery, fluid levels, windscreen wipers and lights – a thorough check will prevent unpleasant surprises Useful tips for inspections and repairs, plus revised…

Sep 10, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: TERS funding: benefits extended to September

The Minister of Employment and Labour has extended the TERS benefit scheme to 15 September 2020. Therefore, employers can claim on behalf of qualifying employees for the period of 16 August 2020 to 15 September 2020. However, as was the case in the…

Sep 10, 2020 Covid-19

How has Covid-19 affected small businesses in SA?

Final call for SMEs to participate in national survey and stand a chance to win cash for their business Finfind - South Africa’s leading online access to finance solution for SMMEs, has partnered with Government, big business and other key national…

Sep 10, 2020 Covid-19

Allianz: Companies face five liability loss trends in the face of the coronavirus pandemic

Liability exposures for companies around the world are increasing. Factors such as rising litigation, collective redress and large court verdicts, costly and frequent recalls in the automotive and food sectors, the disruptive impact of civil unrest…

Sep 09, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: The 1% blunder: how a simple but fatal math mistake by US Covid-19 experts caused the world to panic and order lockdowns

by Malcolm Kendrick. Published by RT.com on 6 September 2020 "Lockdown can be seen as a complete and utter disaster. And it was all based on a nonsense, a claim that Covid was going to kill one percent. A claim that can now be seen to be utterly and…

Sep 09, 2020 Covid-19

College of Cape Town Apprentices shine through Covid Lockdown

In a bid to address the skills crisis of technicians across the automotive sector, 2019 saw the first intake of apprentices by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) at two Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges…

Sep 09, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 7 September 2020 (April, May, June and July)

12% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 88% of employers who received payment, only 68% were paid in full. 18% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 82% of employers who received…

Sep 03, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 3 September 2020 (April, May, June and July)

10% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 90% of employers who received payment, only 71% were paid in full. 17% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 83% of employers who received…

Sep 03, 2020 Covid-19

NEASA: Business for ending lockdown campaign: presentation included

THE DEFINITIVE LOCKDOWN PRESENTATION INCLUDED HEREIN South Africa’s lockdown is medically futile, costing lives, wiping out savings, and destroying the economy. In fact, South Africa’s lockdown is turning out to be one of the most harmful lockdowns…

Sep 03, 2020 Covid-19

New collaboration between Novartis and Africa Medical Supplies Platform to facilitate supply of COVID-19 related medicines

The African Union through the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) has integrated vetted medical suppliers to ensure rapid access to affordable COVID-19 related supplies The collaboration aims to help alleviate supply and logistical constraints…

Sep 03, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: New CDC report reveals only 6% died of Covid-19 alone

by Adam Ford Published by DISRN on 30 August 2020 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a new report detailing how many COVID-19 deaths in America also involved other underlying health conditions. According to the report, only 6%…

Sep 03, 2020 Covid-19

Grey Matters – Putting the Grey Entrepreneur First

Middle-aged professionals and entrepreneurs have consistently shown to form the economic engine of our country. Their capacity to drive economic growth by creating employment opportunities, generating consistent tax revenue, and being substantial…

Sep 02, 2020 Covid-19

Imperial responds to Covid-19 through health education in underprivileged schools - Be safe. Be smart.

Imperial Logistics (‘Imperial’), a leading integrated market access and logistics provider, is proud to announce the re-opening of its road safety programme, Be safe. Be smart as schools reopen in South Africa. This exciting programme, which has…

Sep 02, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: Land grabs: Paving the way for a land-grab free-for-all

The judgement in the Cape High Court just a few days ago, has set in motion a new, and extremely dangerous, political phase in South Africa. This article is a must read. by Anthea Jeffery Published by DAILY FRIEND on 27 August 2020 In a judgment…

Sep 02, 2020 Covid-19

Continental Tyre SA Committed to Supporting the Healthcare Sector During COVID-19

Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA) has supported the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Ubuntu COVID-19 Fund The fund provides local healthcare facilities with essential equipment to combat the COVID-19 pandemic CTSA contributed R250 000 to the…

Sep 02, 2020 Covid-19

BMW unveils temporary Covid-19 screening and testing facility in Soshanguve

Acting MEC for Gauteng Department of Health Mr Jacob Mamabolo and German Ambassador Dr. Martin Schaefer attend opening of Covid-19 screening and testing facility at Soshanguve Clinic. Part of long-term and sustainable investments to the value of R76…

Sep 02, 2020 Covid-19

NEASA: business for ending lockdown campaign: public invitation

LAUNCH OF THE DEFINITIVE LOCKDOWN PRESENTATION South Africa’s lockdown is medically futile, costing lives, wiping out savings, and destroying the economy. In fact, South Africa’s lockdown is turning out to be one of the most harmful lockdowns in the…

Sep 01, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: Covid-19 related corruption: ANC policy was the key to the ‘treasure’

by Gerhard Papenfus What recently transpired regarding the abuse of the Covid-19 opportunity by a very select group of business people, is not new at all. Buying from the manufacturer of origin, exorbitantly marking up the price of the product to…

Sep 01, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 places supply chain management under spotlight warns Ikhaya

As the pharmaceutical industry eagerly anticipates the creation and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine and the pandemic itself shines a spotlight on health and safety issues, companies will need to be increasingly vigilant when it comes to…

Sep 01, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 31 August 2020 (April, May, June and July)

9% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 91% of employers who received payment, only 67% were paid in full. 16% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 84% of employers who received…

Aug 31, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: TERS funding payments reactivated

We previously indicated that the Department of Employment and Labour has suspended all TERS payments in order to investigate some irregularities in respect of past payments made. We have been informed, by reliable sources, that processing and…

Aug 31, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19’s impact on logistics is creating ripple effects in other industries

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global logistics industry is creating ripple effects that can be felt across every other industry. Supply chains are under increasing pressure as the free movement of goods become more restricted due to…

Aug 31, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: Covid-19 has wiped out a third of South Africa’s middle class

Published by BUSINESSTECH on 25 August 2020 South Africa’s overall GDP is expected to decline by at least 5.1% and up to 7.9% in 2020 and recover slowly through 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned. This will lead to…

Aug 28, 2020 Covid-19

BeyondCOVID survey reveals 76% of SA businesses report revenue losses due to Covid-19

A new national survey on the business impact of the Covid-19 pandemic shows that over half (56%) of participants across all sectors are currently operating under their normal capacity. An even bigger percentage (76%), has seen their revenues shrink…

Aug 28, 2020 Covid-19

Advice from SMEs to SMEs affected by the pandemic

A new survey by the South African SME Finance Association (SASFA) shows that despite the help offered by government and the private sector, only a fraction of businesses had any support. Only 47% of business owners applied for relief from government…

Aug 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: level 2 regulations: it does not make any sense

The recent relaxation of the current lockdown to Level 2 has created the perception that the worst part of the lockdown is behind us. Although this may generally be true, Level 2 restrictions still severely impacts negatively on certain business…

Aug 26, 2020 Covid-19

Innovative Sanitizer Applicator creates much needed jobs

The move to produce a handsfree sanitizer applicator at the early stages of the lockdown has proven to an excellent one for engineering entrepreneur Vusi Mkhize. In April, this year the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) playeda pivotal…

Aug 26, 2020 Covid-19

Survey results - Ask Afrika Covid-19 - Week 19 Tracker

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: It is interesting to look back over 19 weeks of Lockdown tracking- for me, the Lockdown was far longer than I initially anticipated. Week 19 was the last week of the worst bit- levels 1 to 3. I am hopeful, that Level 2 will bring…

Aug 26, 2020 Covid-19

Hyundai donates protective clothing and sanitizer to hospital for fight against Covid-19

Hyundai Automotive South Africa and the Hyundai Motor Company have donated 10 000 face masks, 7 000 bottles of hand sanitizer and 3 000 sets of protective clothing to the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg to assist them with the treatment of…

Aug 25, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: TERS payments suspended

The Department of Employment and Labour has suspended all TERS payments that are currently outstanding. The Department has identified a number of anomalies in respect of past payments made to persons who are, among others, deceased, imprisoned or…

Aug 25, 2020 Covid-19

Engen brings food relief to Klerksdorp community

As a company that cares deeply about the communities in which it operates, Engen has partnered with the Gift of the Givers to provide food relief and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the community neighbouring the Engen Depot in Klerksdorp.…

Aug 25, 2020 Covid-19

The AIDC takes a lead to assist companies with Covid-19 compliance protocols through the training and deployment of compliance officers

The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) has embarked on a project to train and deploy compliance officers to assist companies to comply with Covid-19 regulations. To date the AIDC has trained 5 Covid-19 compliance officers and 3 AIDC…

Aug 25, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 24 August 2020 (April, May, June & July)

12% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 88% of employers who received payment, only 68% were paid in full. 19% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 81% of employers who received…

Aug 24, 2020 Covid-19

Aon’s 2020 Risk Maps Find COVID-19 Pandemic Will Likely Accelerate Increasingly Interconnected Geopolitical Risks

Economic and political nationalism is on the rise as action to protect public health and domestic economies erodes long-established business norms Three in five developed economies face the potential for strikes, riots and civil unrest in 2020,…

Aug 24, 2020 Covid-19

Gazette Level 2 Covid-19 regulations updated

Please click HERE to read the updated Level 2 COVID regulations.

Aug 24, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 hit Thailand automotive industry needs government support, says GlobalData

Following the news that automotive sales in Thailand declined by 24.8% year-on-year in July 2020; Animesh Kumar, Director of Automotive Consulting at GlobalData, a leading research and consulting company, offers his view: “Thailand, like most of the…

Aug 24, 2020 Covid-19

In a time of Covid – Employee wellness support is needed as part of your Employee Value Proposition

Andrea Nel and Morag Phillips from 21st Century discuss why this is important. “The Covid 19 pandemic has brought unprecedented times of change. The changed world we have experienced in 2020 translates in a number of ways… a changed workspace;…

Aug 21, 2020 Covid-19

The rise of the ‘covid-preneur’

Starting a business during a global pandemic The Covid-19 Pandemic has evidently had an impact on the world-wide economy and has certainly contributed to South Africa’s economic downturn. Job security and income stability have become the talk of the…

Aug 21, 2020 Covid-19

Tech Innovation to Improve Resiliency and Agility Will Be Critical Post-COVID-19, Says Lux Research

Five key trends are shaping the future of tech innovation across all industries COVID-19 has drastically changed the landscape for businesses across all industries, forcing immediate changes – but ones that will have long-term consequences. In the…

Aug 21, 2020 Covid-19

AMPA Myanmar and Power Expo Myanmar Rescheduled to October 14-17, 2021

The outbreak of the COVID-19 severely threatened people’s lives and devasted the economy all around the globe. Since the tendency of the epidemic is still uncertain, to ensure the safety of all the participants, the Taipei World Trade Center and…

Aug 20, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 Lockdown: occupational health surveillance system is coming

The social partners at NEDLAC are currently in discussion regarding the implementation of a Covid-19 surveillance and reporting system in the workplace. According to reports, certain employers will be required to provide specified information, on a…

Aug 20, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: who will answer for Covid-19's dark science? Brian Pottinger busts 10 myths

Published by BizNews on 19 August 2020 Brian Pottinger, former publisher and editor of the Sunday Times, has been watching the global – and South African response – to the Covid-19 pandemic with deepening mistrust. Here, he examines the myths which…

Aug 20, 2020 Covid-19

Metair interim performance hampered by Covid-19

OPTIMISTIC SECOND HALF OUTLOOK WITH FOCUS ON MAINTAINING ROBUST FINANCIAL POSITION Revenue declined 27% to R3.9 billion on lower volumes Focused cost containment limited operating loss to R18 million EBITDA down to R139 million and headline loss per…

Aug 20, 2020 Covid-19

Crisis Recovery: Supply Chain Management & Development

Our Working Group Sessions continue next week in partnership with the SAABC with a focus on effective supply chain management in a phase of COVID-19 crisis recovery. COVID-19 has fundamentally impacted supply chain management and development…

Aug 19, 2020 Covid-19

Have you broken a lockdown law?

Magistrates across the country are releasing updated admission of guilt penalties. Of particular importance for motorists, is the failure to ensure your passengers wear a face mask while in a vehicle. Motorists can be fined as much as R3 500 for…

Aug 19, 2020 Covid-19

Ford Employee Donation Match Program Contributes More than $1 million to COVID-19 Relief Worldwide

Ford Motor Company Fund's COVID-19 Donation Match program helps 47 community organizations in 20 countries and 14 U.S. states Program surpassed its goal of $1 million, raising more than $633,000 in individual contributions that were matched by…

Aug 19, 2020 Covid-19

NEASA: business for ending lockdown campaign

The current State of Disaster and lockdown is placing unconstitutional limitations on the rights of the population, causing a humanitarian crisis by virtue of limitations on the right to conduct business and earn a living. On 12 August 2020 a number…

Aug 18, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: alert level 2

Alert Level 2 in effect means that all economic activity may resume in all sectors, subject to the required Occupational Health and Safety and social distancing measures. The following restrictions on movement and economic activity however remains:…

Aug 18, 2020 Covid-19

Gazette Level 2 Covid-19 regulations

Updated Level 2 COVID-19 regulations. Click Here

Aug 18, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 17 August 2020 (April, May and June)

11% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 89% of employers who received payment, only 67% were paid in full. 21% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 79% of employers who received…

Aug 17, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS applications for July/August to open

The applications for TERS benefits for the period of 1 July 2020 to 15 August 2020 will open on Monday, 17 August 2020. Although it seems that the same application system will be used for this period, the categories of employees who qualify for…

Aug 17, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: State of disaster now a disaster of a state

The talking has been done: it is time for strong, effective action from our government by Genevieve Quintal - Published by Business Day on 13 August 2020 As the Covid-19 lockdown destroys the SA economy, everyone is looking to the state, which had…

Aug 14, 2020 Covid-19

TORSUS: protecting passengers from covid-19

TORSUS PRAETORIAN bus newly modified to maintain social distancing for passengers Available to be retrofitted to all PRAETORIAN buses worldwide Modular interior allows for cabin to be returned to pre-COVID-19 seating configurationwithout damage to…

Aug 14, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: Covid-19 lockdown ... and the clipping of our wings ...

AUTHOR UNKNOWN "The time has come,' the Walrus said, "to talk of many things: Of Covid 19, Lockdown, and the clipping of our wings" This is not mere speculation, nor is it conspiracy theory. Over the past two months I have gathered information from…

Aug 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 13 August 2020 (April, May and June)

12% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 88% of employers who received payment, only 66% were paid in full. 20% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 80% of employers who received…

Aug 14, 2020 Covid-19

New breed of partner needed to support SMEs’ post-pandemic recovery

As the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic hits South Africa’s business sector, small and medium enterprises are in a fight for their survival. With a slowing economy, low consumer confidence and now a pandemic, SMEs are increasingly in search…

Aug 12, 2020 Covid-19

Impact of employees’ health and wellbeing on your company’s bottom line

Corporates are currently dealing with how to report company performance whilst navigating a myriad of uncertainties due to the outbreak of COVID-19. This includes ensuring that not just the financial information but the environmental, social and…

Aug 12, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 11 August 2020 (April, May and June)

14% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 86% of employers who received payment, only 66% were paid in full. 23% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 77% of employers who received…

Aug 12, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 pandemic breathes new life into electric scooters, says GlobalData

The UK Government recently fast-tracked a permit to allow electric scooter rentals on public roads. The move forms part of a broader investigation into greener travel and overcrowding on public transport as the COVID-19 pandemic rages, according to…

Aug 10, 2020 Covid-19

Be safe when sanitising

82% non-compliance Burt Rodrigues CEO of Biodx and dermatologist, Dr Selwyn Schwartz, gives their insight into hand sanitisers “The latest research carried out by accredited laboratory SciCorp in KwaZulu-Natal has shown that out of 11 hand…

Aug 07, 2020 Covid-19

Transforming your small business into a smart business

Businesses that survive the COVID-19 pandemic should - now more than ever - strive to be a digital-first business, equipped with technology that can bolster collaboration, information sharing and customer engagement. The pandemic has highlighted the…

Aug 07, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 6 August 2020 (April, May and June)

11% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 89% of employers who received payment, only 66% were paid in full. 21% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 79% of employers who received…

Aug 06, 2020 Covid-19

Bakwena partners with HMD Global to provide support to Bakwena Covid-19 volunteers

Bakwena’s programmes have a meaningful impact on the many aspects of the lives of people in communities around the routes that we operate in. We are committed to their road safety and well-being, but we also focus on other initiatives that will…

Aug 05, 2020 Covid-19

Ask Afrika Covid -19 Societal impact tracker- Latest Research insights

The SA citizens are struggling Distress as a result of the C19 lockdown is variable The Northwest province experiences the highest distress, whilst also showing very low trust in government and maybe subsequently having the lowest level of…

Aug 05, 2020 Covid-19

GM accelerates 3D printing capability with Stratasys for business agility and efficiency

Transformation powered by additive manufacturing helps GM move faster, cut costs, and produce safer, lighter-weight manufacturing aids Retooling production for ventilators aided by Stratasys FDM systems As the COVID-19 pandemic has ripped through…

Aug 04, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 Lockdown: amendment to tourism regulations gazetted

Dear employer As previously communicated, the amendments to the regulations in terms of which intra-provincial accommodation for leisure purposes are allowed, which were to become effective upon gazettal of the amendments. It has been confirmed that…

Aug 04, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: the Covid-19 opportunity; digging a hole for someone else

By Gerhard Papenfus In a previous article, ‘So it’s not all about the virus, Mr President’, I wrote about utterances made by ANC leaders, including the President, to the effect that, in a display of bizarre opportunism, Covid-19 presented the ANC…

Aug 04, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 3 August 2020 (April, May, June and July)

12% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 88% of employers who received payment, only 65% were paid in full. 28% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 72% of employers who received…

Aug 04, 2020 Covid-19

Global light vehicle market forecast to decline by 17% in 2020 due to COVID-19 impact, says GlobalData

The world’s light vehicle market is forecast to decline by 17% to 73 million units in 2020, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated economic fallout, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. This is a…

Aug 03, 2020 Covid-19

Cummins continues to supply critical filtration material for PPE

To date, Cummins has provided more than 14 t of its filtration media to mask manufacturers across the globe, which has been used to produce more than eight million masks, reports Amy Davis, Vice President of Cummins Filtration. On 6 April, Cummins…

Aug 03, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 Lockdown: Department of Tourism to amend regulations

Dear employer The Department of Tourism, Forestry and Fisheries has announced that it will be gazetting amended regulations aimed at relaxing some of the Alert Level 3 restrictions imposed on the sector. In terms of the media statement, the current…

Jul 31, 2020 Covid-19

A Covid-19 survival guide for small businesses

The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating for businesses of every kind, around the world. In addition to being a global health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed extensive socio-economic impacts, putting many companies at risk of being…

Jul 31, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 30 July 2020 (April, May and June)

13% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 87% of employers who received payment, only 64% were paid in full. 28% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 72% of employers who received…

Jul 30, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 Lockdown: hunting regulations amended

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has issued amended directives in respect of permitted hunting activities. In terms of the new directives, hunting within a province is permitted with the proviso that the main purpose of such…

Jul 29, 2020 Covid-19

Brink of a breakdown: South Africa has reached a critical fork in the road (Part 2)

By Greg Mills and Ray Hartley South Africa needs to admit prior policy errors and make tough calls on how to build an economic offramp from the Covid-19 crisis. A new narrative is needed which makes freedom from poverty the joint responsibility of…

Jul 29, 2020 Covid-19

"The time has come,' the Walrus said, "to talk of many things: Of Covid 19, Lockdown, and the clipping of our wings".

This is not mere speculation, nor is it conspiracy theory. Over the past two months I have gathered information from every possible online source, I have studied views and opinions from a diversity of political leanings and ideologies, I have…

Jul 29, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: Covid-19 models are ‘trojan horses for unstated interests and values’

by Ivo VegterPublished by Daily Friend on 28 July 2020 South Africa’s epidemiological models have proven to be wildly inaccurate. A new commentary by international modellers explains why Covid-19 models a poor basis for decision-making are, while…

Jul 29, 2020 Covid-19

After the storm: ensuring a safe and compliant post-Covid workspace

Following the 2020 global Coronavirus pandemic, the ability to operate in a safe and clean working environment is one of the primary challenges in operations and maintenance. The post-COVID context is redefining what it means, exactly, to be “safe…

Jul 29, 2020 Covid-19

When going concern became a growing concern

In March 2020, president Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21-day ‘hard’ lockdown, later to be known as a level 5 lockdown. It certainly caused flutter in the financial markets, forcing almost the entire economy to cease operations and people to be…

Jul 29, 2020 Covid-19

Award-winning Wolfgat chef begs Ramaphosa to allow wine sales, to save jobs and lives

Wolfgat, in the Cape West Coast fishing village of Paternoster, was named the Best Restaurant in the World at The World Restaurant Awards in Paris in February 2019. This week, chef Kobus van der Merwe addressed a heartfelt letter to President Cyril…

Jul 28, 2020 Covid-19

Be well-prepared if you have to face the CCMA!

With the prevailing pandemic many businesses have taken drastic decisions which they may need to defend in the CCMA. Nor being able to do so effectively can have costly consequences with re-instatement orders and/or 12 months compensation. In this…

Jul 28, 2020 Covid-19

MEIBC: no increases for plastic industry

Dear Plastic Industry employer The parties to the Plastic Industry collective agreement have agreed that, in light of the current economic situation, a blanket exemption will be granted in respect of wage increases as prescribed by the collective…

Jul 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 27 July 2020 (April, May and June)

14% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 86% of employers who received payment, only 62% were paid in full. 26% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 74% of employers who received…

Jul 27, 2020 Covid-19

EmpoweringSA: Covid-19: month four of the panic: where is the evidence?

by Roger W. Koops Published by the American Institute for Economic Research on 19 July 2020 Dr. Carl Sagan was one of the premier scientists when it came to trying to bridge the gap of hard science with general public understanding. In the process,…

Jul 24, 2020 Covid-19

Driving the future: how the global pandemic has changed transport forever

New survey reveals the impact of COVID-19 on transport and vehicle use, and points to a very different future for personal mobility: 25% of drivers expect to use their car less after lockdown 40% of motorbike users in large cities will use their…

Jul 23, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 23 July 2020 (April, May and June)

14% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 86% of employers who received payment, only 62% were paid in full. 27% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 73% of employers who received…

Jul 23, 2020 Covid-19

EIE Group CEO unpacks impact of Covid-19 on material handling and industrial equipment industry

The Covid-19 pandemic has fast-tracked business and digital transformation in the material handling and industrial equipment sector. It’s a change that EIE Group CEO, Gary Neubert, says is the silver lining in an otherwise difficult period. EIE…

Jul 23, 2020 Covid-19

Check Point Research: COVID-19 Pandemic Drives Criminal and Political Cyber-attacks Across Networks, Cloud and Mobile in H1 2020

’Cyber Attack Trends: 2020 Mid-Year Report’ reveals how criminals have targeted all sectors with pandemic-themed attacks, and highlights surge in nation-state cyber activity Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider…

Jul 23, 2020 Covid-19

Holts launches liquid hand sanitizer

Holts South Africa has launched a specially formulated liquid hand sanitizer proven to be effective against viruses, microbes and other pathogens. It acts immediately upon contact with your skin to kill germs and keep you safe from infection. Holts…

Jul 23, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: TERS-funding: benefit extended

Dear employer The Department of Employment and Labour has announced that the COVID-19 TERS benefit, which was due to expire at the end of June 2020, will be extended to 15 August 2020. Therefore employers will still be able to claim for the month of…

Jul 23, 2020 Covid-19

Opinion Piece: How technology can keep you on step in times of radical change

The COVID-19 pandemic has in this time of unprecedented demand for essential goods revealed many vulnerabilities in supply chains, logistics and fulfilment operations. And unlike natural disasters that involve the physical destruction of buildings…

Jul 22, 2020 Covid-19

Insurers – Seeking the silver lining in the COVID-19 pandemic

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the insurance industry was already dealing with large scale regulatory changes, implementing IFRS 17, and repositioning insurers for changing customer needs. The added complexity of the pandemic has certainly not helped…

Jul 22, 2020 Covid-19

South Africa’s recovery cannot be driven by an ideological fantasy

by Gerhard Papenfus South Africa needs an extraordinary plan and a huge amount of political will to dig itself out of the proverbial hole we find ourselves. The ANC’s discussion document ‘Reconstruction, growth and transformation: building a new…

Jul 22, 2020 Covid-19

Dementia caregivers must take care of their own mental health during COVID-19, or risk burnout

South Africans — and the world — are now months into “shelter at home” decrees, as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to make its devastating mark on the world. For carers of people living with dementia, isolating at home means being the…

Jul 22, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: liquor groups fight ban

by Nick Wilson and Jane Steinacker Published by Business Live on 19 July 2020 Legal action on the cards as industry faces crisis and complains it was not consulted. Distell, the world's second-largest cider producer, plans to exhaust every possible…

Jul 22, 2020 Covid-19

Franchising looks to the future – post Covid-19

Franchising has at its heart the spirit of entrepreneurship but amidst the Covid-19 pandemic that has resulted in immeasurable destruction of small businesses, the question remains whether the entrepreneurial flame can be re-ignited for future…

Jul 22, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: reduction of isolation period

The Minister of Health has announced that the isolation period for persons who have tested positive for Covid-19 has been reduced from 14 to 10 days. This means that the sick leave burden on employers, in respect of employees who have tested…

Jul 21, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: NBCRFLI leave advancement - update

Dear Road Freight employer In our previous communique, we indicated that the NBCRFLI established various temporary relief measures to mitigate the negative impact of the national lockdown regulations and COVID-19. One of these temporary relief…

Jul 21, 2020 Covid-19

Earning points under lockdown - hansgrohe’s training initiative enables CPD online

As was the case with most companies, lockdown measures have had an effect on hansgrohe’s day-to-day operations. But National Training Manager, Tiaan Pienaar, has not let that stand in the way of helping tradespeople and architects rack up the…

Jul 21, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 20 July 2020 (April, May and June)

13% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 87% of employers who received payment, only 60% were paid in full. 26% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 74% of employers who received…

Jul 21, 2020 Covid-19

Coping with retrenchment

21st Century’s HR expert, Antoinette Crafford shares insight on one of the COVID era’s most unfortunate side effects “As the effects of COVID-19 are felt across all corners of the South African economy, retrenchments are rife in industries across…

Jul 21, 2020 Covid-19

Can your employer use monitoring tools and surveillance apps to track your performance at home?

The past few months have seen many changes in how we live, work and interact. The corporate space in particular has been hit the hardest with regards to operations, logistics, human resources and remote work capabilities. The days ahead remain…

Jul 17, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 impact on employee benefits and mental wellbeing

As South Africa braces itself to reach the peak in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, Government statistics have shown that the country could reach 400,000 infections by mid-July. While lockdown conditions may have been eased to level 3 for…

Jul 17, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 16 July 2020 (April, May and June)

15% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 85% of employers who received payment, only 62% were paid in full. 29% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 71% of employers who received…

Jul 16, 2020 Covid-19

South African consumers and businesses tap into the certainty of niche insurance solutions as the economy bites

As the covid-19 economy bites and consumers scrutinise every aspect of their discretionary spending, specialised and niche insurance products are seeing a significant uptick in enquiries. Consumers as well as business owners are looking to cut the…

Jul 16, 2020 Covid-19

TERS-funding applications - bank account confirmation

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... Dear employer We previously communicated that, due to security concerns, the TERS online portal now requires employers to confirm their banking details by virtue of their CIPC registration…

Jul 16, 2020 Covid-19

Voices of Change partners collaborate to foster equality in the workplace amid COVID-19

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is deepening workplace inequalities as companies the world over are facing enormous pressure under the ‘new normal’. According to the United Nation’s policy brief on the impact of COVID-19 on women, the limited…

Jul 15, 2020 Covid-19

RMI aligns with COBRA to Boost Business Rescue Assistance

By now, many companies have felt the economic brunt of the pandemic and are actively seeking some form of light at the end of the tunnel. One such initiative that offers pro bono business rescue services is COBRA – COvid Business Rescue Assistance.…

Jul 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Socio-economic impact - Independent Research insights from Ask Afrika

Below is the Week 14 report- and it is a cracker! Some really interesting shifts this week, which should inform decisions around Communicating around Covid19 happens in a significantly changed context, where science is celebrated- The President has…

Jul 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding applications - bank confirmation required

The Department of Employment and Labour has instituted new security measures in respect of TERS applications in order to combat the recent spate of fraudulent activities. Employers are now required to confirm their bank account details by virtue of…

Jul 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown - sorry Mr President, you lack credibility

by Gerhard Papenfus For any law or regulation to have proper effect, it needs to make sense, be balanced, rational, reasonable and, above all, be credible. From the moment the ANC decided to utilise Covid-19 as their fortuitous opportunity and tool…

Jul 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: alert level 3 - regulations amended

The President, on 12 July 2020, announced amendments to the current Alert level 3 lockdown regulations. Although there are not many new amendments, some are significant. The most significant amendments for employers, relate to the provision and…

Jul 13, 2020 Covid-19

Ford’s Mexico engine supply problems sound warning for global supply chains, says GlobalData

Following the news that Ford is facing production bottlenecks in the US due to COVID-19 production constraints at an engine plant in Mexico; David Leggett, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view: “The…

Jul 13, 2020 Covid-19

Ford Face Shields Production Continues as COVID-19 Infections Continue Climbing in South Africa

Ford has produced 285 000 COVID-19 face shields to date at its Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria Almost 140 000 face shields have been directly donated to the Department of Health. Ford has also donated to various clinics, hospitals, humanitarian…

Jul 10, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 9 July 2020 (April, May and June)

19% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 81% of employers who received payment, only 58% were paid in full. 39% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 61% of employers who received…

Jul 10, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: deadline for mandatory grant applications extended

Dear employer The Department of Higher Education and Training has extended the deadline for applications for mandatory grants to the SETA’s. Employers who wish to apply for mandatory grants can still do so until 31 July 2020. Please click here to…

Jul 10, 2020 Covid-19

Small and mid-size vehicles expected to lead post-COVID-19 recovery in India, says GlobalData

Following the news that Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai India reported growth in vehicle sales in June 2020, compared to the previous month; Bakar Sadik Agwan, Senior Automotive Consultant at GlobalData, a leading research and consulting company, offers…

Jul 09, 2020 Covid-19

Have we lost the 2020 academic year?

By Mariette Croukamp, Bernice Joubert Despite escalating numbers of Covid-19 cases, schools arereturning grades back to the classroom based on a staggered approach. The turmoil in the South African education system in the past few weeks stirred a…

Jul 07, 2020 Covid-19

New Pandemic Insurance solution protects consumers against the financial ramifications of Covid-19 hospitalisation

As lockdown measures are incrementally relaxed in South Africa to kickstart the economy, cases of COVID-19 have begun to rise significantly. The country now has over 196 750 confirmed cases as of 5 July 2020, and latest Government projections…

Jul 07, 2020 Covid-19

Halfway Toyota cares – Sya’nakekela

Everything globally and locally is indeed different, from our way of socialising, communicating, all the way to how we conduct business. Above these changes, what has come to the forefront of a transformed South Africa in the time of a pandemic is…

Jul 07, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS/UIF applications: June applications technically open

Dear employer We have been informed that the TERS online system for June claims have reopened after being shut down due to security issues. However, it seems that the system has crashed again this morning, presumably due to high traffic volume.…

Jul 07, 2020 Covid-19

Does COVID-19 have your business in financial distress?

South Africa’s already struggling economy has been battered further by the COVID-19 pandemic, which will see many companies plunge into financial distress. Companies with a financial year ending in June have begun to announce their earnings and, so…

Jul 07, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-Funding/UIF: Survey 6 July 2020 (April, May and June)

16% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 84% of employers who received payment, only 53% were paid in full. 38% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 62% of employers who received…

Jul 06, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 - Workplace Preparedness, Health, Safety & the Law Seminar, 15th July, 2020 & Hygiene & Cleanliness for Staff Members Training

With companies preparing to return to work, preparation is key to make sure your organisation is compliant in terms of protecting your employees from COVID-19. We are currently hosting two courses for employers and staff members to help employers…

Jul 06, 2020 Covid-19

How to Boost Morale in Times of Uncertainty

The only certainty in life is that there will be uncertainty - having a clear plan on how to keep employees engaged and connected can help mitigate these times. Most businesses are no strangers to challenges. However, the current global crisis has…

Jul 03, 2020 Covid-19

Tesla resilience will continue to confound COVID-19 crisis, says GlobalData

Following the news that Tesla's market capitalisation now exceeds that of Toyota, making it the most valued carmaker in the world; David Leggett, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view: "The automotive…

Jul 03, 2020 Covid-19

FREE WEBINAR: ASK AFRIKA - Employees and Consumers are citizens too! - Facts on societal impact of Covid-19

Employees and consumers are citizens too! The world has changed and there’s no turning back - Covid-19 has changed everything and Businesses are left with no clear view of navigating the future. Ask Afrika - a Decisioneering Company, has been…

Jul 02, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS/UIF - applications: security issues still prevalent

The TERS online portal has been reopened but is still experiencing the same security issues as communicated previously. Employers are strongly advised to refrain from accessing the system until these issues have been resolved. We will keep members…

Jul 02, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: Survey 2 July 2020 (April & May)

19% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 81% of employers who received payment, only 56% were paid in full. 42% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 58% of employers who received…

Jul 02, 2020 Covid-19

Draconian lockdown forces hard choices

The negative effects of South Africa's hard lockdown continue to reverberate through the economy and broader society. The latest flashpoint has been in the taxi industry, specifically in Gauteng, where the South African National Taxi Council…

Jul 01, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: regulations gazetted for restaurants and other sectors

On Monday, 29 June 2020, the Department of Tourism published the regulations which, the employers falling under this sector, must adhere to in order to operate under Alert Level 3. The regulations cover the following business activities:…

Jul 01, 2020 Covid-19

Bigger is not always better

Bigger brands seeking out smaller agencies that have the agility to keep up The COVID-19 era has brought immense change to the world. We are living in unsettling times and operating in unchartered territories. Whether it is how individuals behave or…

Jul 01, 2020 Covid-19

Reskilling: the new approach to global skills crisis

If the World Economic Forum (WEF) is to be believed, then business across the globe could be facing a reskilling emergency. According to them by 2022, 42% of core skills required to perform existing jobs are going to change. Technology skills, for…

Jun 30, 2020 Covid-19

BMW SA partners with South African and German government to upgrade eight hospitals in covid-19 response

Eight hospitals in three provinces to receive upgrades and equipment. Four Community Clinics upgraded. 750 beds added to support during Covid-19 peak. R76m investment Underlines BMW SA’s commitment to South Africa and its people. MOU signed between…

Jun 30, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: regulations for certain permitted sectors still not gazetted

Dear employer The Minister of Tourism, on Friday, 26 June 2020, issued a media statement setting out operational guidelines, which purports to be the guidelines that will be applicable to Restaurants, Conference Facilities, Accommodation and…

Jun 30, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 spike clouds US vehicle market outlook, says GlobalData

Following news that COVID-19 cases are on the rise in a number of US States, prompting new restrictions on populations; Calum MacRae, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view: "Rising COVID-19 cases in…

Jun 30, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 29 June 2020 (April & May)

15% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 85% of employers who received payment, only 57% were paid in full. 44% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 56% of employers who received…

Jun 29, 2020 Covid-19

Ford Donates 1 100 COVID-19 Face Shields to 25 Ford Wildlife Foundation Projects

25 Ford Wildlife Foundation projects receive a total of 1 100 COVID-19 face shields to support their important environmental conservation, research and education programmes Projects focus on threatened animal species including the African penguin,…

Jun 26, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: some facilities are open ... but just not yet

by Gerhard Papenfus The bureaucrats involved in the detail surrounding Covid-19 regulations, really need to wake up and take responsibility. Last night, the amended lockdown regulations, pertaining to restaurants, casinos, theatres, cinema’s and…

Jun 26, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF applications: online portal shut down again

Dear employer In previous communiques we indicated that the applications for TERS benefits for June had opened but that the portal was subsequently closed due to security issues. Although we were informed that the issues had been resolved, it seems…

Jun 26, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: SDL payment holiday confirmed

Dear employer We previously indicated that there were differing messages coming from Government departments in respect of whether the SDL payment break was in fact a payment holiday or only a deferment of payment. It seems that the matter has now…

Jun 26, 2020 Covid-19

Deloitte survey findings call for collaboration and transparency across the automotive value chain to sustain industry beyond COVID-19

The African automotive sector is facing major volatility at all levels of its value chain as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 global crisis. Stakeholders across the sector, from traditional Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), new entrant…

Jun 25, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 25 June 2020 (April & May)

20% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 80% of employers who received payment, only 56% were paid in full. 62% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 38% of employers who received…

Jun 25, 2020 Covid-19

New platform launched to assist those who have lost their jobs in this time

Businesses are encouraged to help staff best prepare for possible future employment COVID-19 lockdown measures have forced many South African companies to make major cutbacks and initiate retrenchment procedures. And as more people enter the job…

Jun 25, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 could trigger gambling addictions, says, expert

With the re-opening of casinos imminent and online gambling booming, the risk of cash strapped people turning to gamble for a rapid solution to their money woes is significant. Samukelisiwe Mthembu, Clinical Psychologist at Riverview Manor, a…

Jun 25, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Governments disregard for the needs of the private sector

On Wednesday 17 June 2020, the President announced the opening of the Restaurant-, Accommodation-, Casino-, Personal Care- and Theatre Sectors. All of that was subject to the regulations stipulating the conditions under which these sectors were to…

Jun 25, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: security breaches detected

Dear employer NEASA informed members earlier today that TERS applications for June had opened last night. It has however been brought to our attention that the system has developed a number of serious security issues whereby applicants may be able…

Jun 24, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: June applications open

Dear employer As per our previous communique indicating that TERS claims for June will be opening this week, we can confirm that the system has indeed opened last night. Employers can access the online portal to submit claims for June. We will keep…

Jun 24, 2020 Covid-19

Volkswagen hands over first phase of Covid-19 temporary medical facility

The first phase of this temporary facility could accommodate 1 485 patients VWSA will also assist National Health Laboratory Services to improve its Covid-19 testing capacity Seven weeks after the initial announcement of the company's plans to…

Jun 24, 2020 Covid-19

Harnessing talent post-Covid-19

21st Century surveys talent implications after lockdown With the nation remaining in state of flux due to lockdown measures,21st Century’s ongoing survey series continues to examine South African businesses and the action they are taking to mitigate…

Jun 23, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: June applications expected to open

Dear employer We have been informed, by credible sources, that applications for TERS benefits for June will be opening this week. It is unclear exactly when this will happen and, if history is anything to go by, it may not even occur this week.…

Jun 22, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding survey 22 June 2020

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... 18% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 82% of employers who received payment, only 57% were paid in full. 62% of employers still haven’t received their May…

Jun 22, 2020 Covid-19

Ford Fulfils 50 000 Face Shields Order from US Department of Defense to Assist COVID-19 Efforts in Southern Africa

Order for 50 000 COVID-19 face shields for the United States Department of Defense, facilitated through the US Embassy in Pretoria, funded by the US AFRICOM Humanitarian Assistance programme The face shields will be supplied to the South African…

Jun 22, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: regulations for personal care services gazetted

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... Dear employer On Friday, 19 June 2020, the Department of Small Business Development published the regulations which employers in the Personal Care Sector must adhere to in order to operate…

Jun 19, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown - alert level 3 amended

Dear employer This week, the President announced that lockdown Alert Level 3 will be amended to allow additional business sectors to open. These business sectors include the following: restaurants for sit down meals accredited and licensed…

Jun 19, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Confusion reigns over SDL payment holiday

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... Dear employer The Minister of Finance, as well as the President, previously announced that employers will receive a payment holiday from paying Skills Development Levies (SDL) as from 1 May…

Jun 18, 2020 Covid-19

Bank loan scheme survey

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... Dear employer NEASA received unconfirmed reports that, of the R200 billion that was made available for a loan guarantee scheme to support businesses in financial difficulty due to Covid-19,…

Jun 18, 2020 Covid-19

Covid19: UIF TERS: Department of Employment and Labour to commence with audits

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... Dear employer It has been reported that the DEL appointed auditors, who are to commence with investigations in respect of TERS payments made to employers. The purpose of the audits is to…

Jun 15, 2020 Covid-19

TERS-funding survey 15 June 2020

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... 19% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 81% of employers who received payment, only 54% were paid in full. 76% of employers still haven’t received their May…

Jun 15, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps: managing the pandemic spread, or ending privacy for individuals?

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll worldwide for both individuals and economies. As a precaution, many countries have implemented strict lockdown measures such as closing schools, restaurants and borders, while mask-wearing in public and…

Jun 15, 2020 Covid-19

CoronaFighter: The Proudly South African – Enterprise Solution for a Safe Return to Work

Mitigating the risk of Covid-19 spread while complying with government regulations is the biggest challenge facing South African companies right now. The Coronavirus pandemic has come at a terrible cost for the South African economy as companies…

Jun 15, 2020 Covid-19

Tips for ensuring your car remains COVID-19-free

More South Africans are climbing back into their cars to return to work as the lockdown restrictions are steadily lifted. With a new normal setting in, many car owners who put off service or repairs in the last two months will now start slowly…

Jun 15, 2020 Covid-19

Ford Fund Provides Unjani Clinics with $20 000 Grant to Support Communities in Curbing the Spread of COVID-19

Local non-profit company Unjani Clinics has received a $20 000 (R355 000) grant from Ford Motor Company Fund to assist their 'Adopt a Taxi Rank' initiative This project aims to mobilise hygiene amongst minibus taxi commuters in Mamelodi, Pretoria,…

Jun 15, 2020 Covid-19

What the COVID-19 pandemic has taught small businesses

While 75% of small businesses wait for back to business at Level 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic, at this time we need to bank the learnings and continue with the rebuilding process. The Pandemic may seem like a once-in-a-lifetime event, the reality is…

Jun 12, 2020 Covid-19

CILTSA Covid-19 Information Videos - Available in English, Zulu & Xhosa

The Chartered Insitute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA) in collaboration with The Road Freight Association (RFA) has created 5 information videos to be used at the workplace. These videos were designed in a series of 5 to enable…

Jun 12, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 impact on Bakwena N1N4 upgrades

Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Pty) Ltd (Bakwena) confirms that construction along the N1N4 route has resumed after experiencing a delay of 6 weeks due to the COVID-19 nationwide lockdown. Stringent measures were put in place by the…

Jun 12, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 11 June 2020 (April & May)

21% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 79% of employers who received payment, only 55% were paid in full. 78% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies. Of the 22% of employers who received…

Jun 11, 2020 Covid-19

The impact of COVID-19 on audit considerations

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a worldwide health and humanitarian crisis. Not only has the pandemic impacted all facets of life, it also has a significant impact on financial reporting and the manner in which audits are performed. With the…

Jun 11, 2020 Covid-19

Demand for cars under R200 000 accelerates

Although drivers have seen five welcome decreases in the petrol price this year, the continued lockdown is taking its toll on stretched household budgets as many South Africans are forced to stay home or work reduced hours for reduced pay. In this…

Jun 11, 2020 Covid-19

Knysna partners carp(e) diem through innovative hunger relief project

A unique partnership in the Garden Route has provided hunger relief during these challenging economic times in South Africa, while simultaneously solving an ecological challenge in the area. Invasive carp has been increasing in numbers in the…

Jun 11, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown level 3: return to work toolkit (updated)

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued amended regulations which employers, who are permitted to operate under Alert Level 3, need to comply with to ensure a safe working environment in accordance with prevailing legislation. In order to…

Jun 11, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 and growing sentiments against Chinese products compel Changan Automobile to delay India entry, says GlobalData

Following the news that the India entry of Chinese SUV and electric vehicle maker Changan Automobile is delayed by a year due to COVID-19 outbreak; Animesh Kumar, Director of Automotive Consulting at GlobalData, a leading research and consulting…

Jun 10, 2020 Covid-19

RS Components and BARTH Elektronik unveil People Countermaker project to help social distancing efforts during COVID-19 pandemic

People-countingproject uses non-contact sensors to help staff monitorareas and maintain a safedensity of people in shops and other commercial areas RS Components (RS),the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global multi-channel…

Jun 10, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 recession bites deep into automotive, recovery strategies for companies now vital, says GlobalData

With the vehicle markets decimated across the world due to COVID-19, automotive companies are coming under considerable pressure. However, this is the time to formulate strategies to bounce back and recover from the current economic slump, says…

Jun 10, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: NBCRFLI temporary measures extended - update

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... Dear Road Freight employer At the end of Level 5 of the national lockdown, the NBCRFLI extended certain measures, including short time provisions across all chambers, in an attempt to…

Jun 10, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: refusal to work by employee

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... Dear employer The Department of Employment and Labour issued amended regulations in respect of OHS requirements and return to work polices that employers, who are permitted to operate under…

Jun 10, 2020 Covid-19

Mitsubishi Motors SA lifts the Covid-19 mask on the way forward

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa is making strides in its 2020 product positioning which got under way well before the Corona crisis interrupted the world. Pre-Covid-19 MMSA launched the NEW ASX, the NEW Outlander and the NEW Eclipse Cross. Midway…

Jun 09, 2020 Covid-19

Businesses are poorly prepared for return to work post lockdown warns corporate healthcare specialist

Failure to properly prepare your workplace and workforce for a return to work after lockdown could have disastrous consequences as organizational outbreaks threaten business continuity in an already fragile economy, warns Dr Jedd Myers, Managing…

Jun 09, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 8 June 2020 (April & May)

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... TERS-FUNDING SURVEY 8 JUNE 2020 21% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 79% of employers who received payment, only 53% were paid in full. 89% of employers…

Jun 05, 2020 Covid-19

Not only surviving but thriving post COVID-19

Most businesses worldwide are small in size, with the Small Business Institute estimating that approximately 98% of all registered businesses in South Africa are Small-, Medium- and Micro-Entities (SMMEs) as per an article in Fin24 (18 November…

Jun 05, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 4 June 2020 (April & May)

27% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies Of the 73% of employers who received payment, only 49% were paid in full. 96% of employers still haven’t received their May UIF/TERS monies Of the 4% of employers who received…

Jun 05, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 Information Videos - Available in English, Zulu & Xhosa

The Chartered Insitute of Logistics and Transport: South Africa (CILTSA) in collaboration with The Road Freight Association (RFA) has created 5 information videos to be used at the workplace. These videos were designed in a series of 5 to enable…

Jun 05, 2020 Covid-19

VWSA brings relief to local NGOs and schools during Covid-19 crisis

Community Trust donates R340 000 to support local NGOs Food parcels and protective masks supplied to five KwaNobuhle schools In a bid to alleviate the negative impact of Covid-19 on the communities of Nelson Mandela Bay, Volkswagen Group South…

Jun 04, 2020 Covid-19

Regulations declared invalid

Dear employer On June 2 2020, the High Court of South Africa declared the regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act, for Alert levels 3 and 4, to be invalid. The Court found that, although the regulations are not illegal, a large…

Jun 03, 2020 Covid-19

As Europe’s auto industry re-opens for business, May markets exceed expectations, says GlobalData

For the three national markets of France, Italy and Spain, combined new light vehicle sales fell by 55% on last year to 268,000 in May, which compares with a 75% drop in March and a staggering 93% decline in April; Calum MacRae, Automotive Analyst…

Jun 03, 2020 Covid-19

South African company lauches unique GEZA sanitiser station

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, South African entrepreneurs have developed and manufactured a robust sanitiser station called GEZA (which means ‘wash’ in isiZulu). Are your employees back at work? Is your retail store operational again? Are you…

Jun 03, 2020 Covid-19

Toyota sales weathering the Covid-19 storm

1.1 million Toyota parts supplied to local dealers in May 163 000 Toyota parts exported to other regions in Africa 1 848 new Toyota vehicles sold in South Africa 1 418 pre-owned Toyota vehicles sold in SA Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is pleased…

Jun 03, 2020 Covid-19

Empowering SA: Scientists advised Cabinet to go to Level 1, Government chose middle ground - Ramaphosa

by Qaanitah Hunter Published in News24 on 31 May 2020 Parts of the article have been highlited by NEASA's Media Department. President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that scientists who are advising government on the response to the coronavirus crisis…

Jun 03, 2020 Covid-19

Level 3 Reopening of Customer Service Centres

As we enter Level 3 lockdown, we are committed to adhere to the strict measures put in place by the South African Government. During Level 3 of the lockdown, please take note that all our Customer Service Centres in the Shopping Malls and our…

Jun 02, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: survey 1 June 2020

32% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies Of the 68% of employers who received payment, only 32% were paid in full. Henceforth this survey will apply for April and May. Please click here to participate in the SURVEY In…

Jun 02, 2020 Covid-19

RFA Compiles COVID-19 Information Videos to Assist Trucking Companies

As part of its commitment to pro-actively assist and guide the road freight industry through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Road Freight Association (RFA) has compiled a series of information videos for the workplace. “These videos…

Jun 02, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: MEIBC open

Dear Steel Industry employer Following the announcement that the Covid-19 lockdown will be downgraded to Alert Level 3, the MEIBC has issued a circular indicating that its dispute resolution processes and compliance activities are open as of 1 June…

Jun 02, 2020 Covid-19

Dwindling financial resources weighs heavily on the minds of South Africans

South African consumers are paying a heavy price for the prolonged lockdown. According to quantitativeresearch conducted by research firm, Ask Afrika, unemployment and a subsequent loss of income are a growing concern for most South Africans. While…

Jun 02, 2020 Covid-19

Behind the Mask of those Making a Difference Against COVID-19

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa remains committed to flattening the curve Ford shows its manufacturing and business versatility during a time of unprecedented disruption Partners, Individuals and Employees send messages of thanks and gratitude…

Jun 02, 2020 Covid-19

Mitsubishi Motors SA comes to the rescue from behind the Covid-19 mask

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa is coming to the rescue of customers with a friendly smile behind its mask, offering relief halfway through the world-wide corona crisis with a host of special offers. These include: No deposit on the Eclipse Cross No…

Jun 01, 2020 Covid-19

So it's not about the 'virus', Mr President

by Gerhard Papenfus Dear Mr President What has started out as an (albeit misguided) big scare about a virus, has turned out to be your government’s opportunity for ‘radical economic transformation’ (RET), which, in plain language, means the…

Jun 01, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: level 3 lockdown regulations

Dear employer The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has promulgated the regulations applicable during the lockdown Alert Level 3. The application period of the regulations is from 1 June 2020 and will continue for the…

Jun 01, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: guidelines on vulnerable employees

Dear employer The Department of Health issued guidelines on how to deal with vulnerable employees in the workplace once employees return to work after the lockdown. These guidelines identify special measures, as contemplated in the Department of…

Jun 01, 2020 Covid-19

Insurance and Risk in a Post-Covid Economy

Certain insurance classes will take a hit while others will have time to recover, consumer behaviour will radically change the rules of engagement for insurers and brokers, and accelerate digital transformation Nothing will be the same in the world…

Jun 01, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: how fear, groupthink drove unnecessary global lockdowns

by Yinon Weiss Published in RealClear Politics on 21 May 2020 Parts of the article have been highlited by NEASA's Media Department. Reliance on Faulty Models In the face of a novel virus threat, China clamped down on its citizens. Academics used…

Jun 01, 2020 Covid-19

SA cannot afford to try to extend everyone’s life indefinitely

by Pieter-Jan Bestbier Published by BusinessDay on 25 May 2020. Parts of the article have been highlited by NEASA's Media Department. There is no empirical justification for retaining the Covid-19 lockdown or for the president’s claim 80,000 lives…

May 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF monies: many employees still not paid

by Gerhard Papenfus According to the latest survey by NEASA, 33% of employers who applied for TERS/UIF monies have, as yet, not received any monies in respect of April 2020. The survey further indicates that out of the 67% who were paid, only 33%…

May 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF monies: May claims are open

Dear employer The Covid-19 UIF-TERS online portal has finally been opened to accept applications for May. Employers can submit applications with immediate effect. We fully expect the same kind of difficulties experienced with the April claims to…

May 29, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19: A disaster like no other

Ctrack Freight and Transport index shows steepest decline yet! A world out of sync in a lockdown and goods stay at home too. Very few industries will escape being impacted negatively by the COVID-19 virus crisis and subsequent lockdowns around the…

May 29, 2020 Covid-19

Challenges under ‘alert level-3’

Dear employer Most businesses have suffered severe losses as a result of the current lockdown. Apart from the businesses in the hospitality and tourism industries who are still not allowed to open under ‘Alert Level 3’, there are many business that,…

May 29, 2020 Covid-19

Motomatch safely matches customers and dealers during COVID-19 lockdown regulations

Motomatch provides platform for customers and dealers to connect in a safe and secure way Online vehicle sales promote social distancing and health measures, and comply with the government's COVID-19 regulations Customers are increasingly relying on…

May 29, 2020 Covid-19

Building towards a better South Africa

by Gerhard Papenfus Dear employer You would have noticed that, recently, I have been very critical towards government’s actions. I want you to know, that I much rather would have liked to have been in a position where I could express support for…

May 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding guideline

Dear employer The Department of Employment and Labour has issued a new guideline aimed at assisting employers who have submitted claims and are experiencing difficulties with finalisation of such claims. The guide addresses some of the most common…

May 28, 2020 Covid-19

Level 3 liquor let-down looms, warns supply chain professional body

Many South Africans are rejoicing over President Ramaphosa’s latest announcement that the easing of the Covid-19 lockdown regulations will mean they can restock their liquor shelves and wine fridges. When SA moves down to lockdown level 3, alcohol…

May 28, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 lockdown is exacerbating SA's economic woes

The devastating effects of South Africa's draconian lockdown are playing out in front of our eyes. Implemented on 27 March 2020, the lockdown has piled on misery for an economy that was already taking its last breaths. The myriad nonsensical…

May 27, 2020 Covid-19

Restart Your Business with BV

Bureau Veritas is on hand to support business resumption with appropriatehealth and safety conditions across all sectors Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspection and certification (TIC) services, has developed a suite of solutions to…

May 27, 2020 Covid-19

Our nation’s youth - virtually zero infected but 100% affected

Brad Stern, founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Superiate, shares insight on the effects of COVID-19 on young people “While the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, may be more detrimental physically to the older generation, the effects of the virus go…

May 26, 2020 Covid-19

Re-gearing the Gauteng Automotive Sector: Navigating the Impact of Covid-19

The South African Automotive Industry is a significant contributor to the economy, contributing more than 6% to GDP and providing employment for more than 120,000 people. The automotive industry has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, facing…

May 26, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 alert level 3

Dear employer The President has announced that the Covid-19 Lockdown will be downgraded to Alert Level 3 as of 1 June 2020. According to the President, all industries, with the exception of accommodation which may only perform limited services, will…

May 26, 2020 Covid-19

Trucking Companies Operating at Less than 50% of Capacity during Lock Down

Trucking fleets are operating at only 46% of their capacity, with road freight operators anticipating a 64% drop in income during lock down months. This is according to the latest survey conducted by The Road Freight Association (RFA) amongst the…

May 26, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Government cannot be trusted

by Gerhard Papenfus This government cannot be entrusted with anything. The ANC government entered the Covid-19 fiasco with an already tarnished reputation; and rightly so. Even those currently in power either benefitted from state capture, denied…

May 26, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown - alert level 3 - the President’s announcement in perspective

by Gerhard Papenfus This week, the President announced the downgrading of the lockdown to Alert Level 3. This can be compared to a person receiving a 20 year jail sentence for a crime he did not commit. After spending 15 years in jail, and after…

May 25, 2020 Covid-19

From which planet our lockdown tobacco law?

Police Minister Bheki Cele's latest law is that smokers must face East. No one can argue with his science-based logic. If smokers face the same way, they do not blow smoke at each other and non-smokers will know on which side to pass. The problem is…

May 25, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding: payments for May

Dear employer The Minister of Employment and Labour has stated in a media statement that TERS UIF claims for May will be accepted as of 22 May 2020. However, at the time of writing, the online portal was still not open for the submission of May…

May 25, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Global P(l)andemic?

by Gerhard Papenfus Is it not glaringly sinister that, on the issue Covid-19, the whole world is singing from the same hymnbook; almost literally reading from the same script. How is it possible that the global political elite have pondered over…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

Gabriel South Africa Launches ‘Shocks for Life’ for Essential Service Workers

Gabriel, the longest established shock absorber brand in South Africa, has launched an initiative for essential service workers who purchase Gabriel shocks between 25th May to 30th September 2020 and receive free replacement shocks for life. Graeme…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

Update on Toyota’s locally-produced face shields

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has to date produced 23 000 face shields and donated thousands of these face shields to the KwaZulu-Natal health sector, Toyota dealers, suppliers as well Toyota staff across the country in its bid to mitigate the…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the Automotive Industry in South Africa!

The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa [NAAMSA] would like to share some thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on the automotive sector in South Africa. The document covers a number of key issues NAAMSA has been managing…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

The lockdown is not prima facie lawful

Is the lockdown lawful? This increasingly important question, in both South Africa and abroad, can be addressed by the work of Lord Bingham who was Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales. Shortly before his death, realising the phrase Rule of Law…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: claims for workplace acquired corona virus

Dear employer The progressive relaxation of the Covid-19 lockdown will enable the return of many employees to the workplace. This will, inevitably, result in a spike in the number of Covid-19 infections and a number of these infections may well…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 adds to M&A rationale in autos, says GlobalData

Following the news that Exor NV - Fiat-Chrysler's (FCA's) largest investor - has confirmed the timing for the proposed FCA-PSA merger for completion by early 2021 as initially announced; David Leggett, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

Get everything fixed over the Lock Down with the Magical Bondic the First Liquid Plastic Welder, that Bonds, Builds, Fixes and Fills Almost Anything in Seconds!

For wood, glass, plastic, Ceramic and metal, now available from all leading retailers Bondic® is the only product that works where glue fails. It’s liquid plastic that only hardens when you need it to. It stays liquid and won’t dry out like those…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

Ford Employees Join in Solidarity to Produce COVID-19 Face Shields for Medical and Essential Services Personnel

85 employees from Ford's Silverton Assembly Plant and its supplier companies have produced almost 190 000 COVID-19 protective face shields to date for donation The initiative supports the South African government's drive to provide all frontline…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-Funding/UIF: survey 21 MAY 2020

42% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies Of the 58% of employers who received payment, only 37% received the correct amount. Please click here to participate in the SURVEY In order for the survey to be complete, both…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

Lockdown travel savings for South Africans

Due to movement restrictions, most South African vehicles have had little use during lockdown and this has resulted in time and money savings for their owners. Tracker’s anonymised vehicle tracking data aggregated from the company’s installed…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

21st Century surveys long and short-term incentives

Will incentive schemes be reinvented following COVID-19? 21st Century’s weekly snap survey series continues to deliver valuable insight into the responses from South African businesses to the COVID-19 crisis. The fifth and sixth surveys in the…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19: work from home - indemnity agreement

Dear employer The return to work regulations, as published by the Department of Employment and Labour, encourage employers, who are permitted to operate, to allow employees to work from home, where practically possible. However, there is a risk, in…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

How Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Relate to the concept of Force Majeure (Act of God)

Hanno Bekker, Founding Director of The Legal & Research Group - is passionate about protecting and educating both consumers and businesses on what their legal contractual rights and obligations are. Having spent over a decade as an attorney, Hanno…

May 22, 2020 Covid-19

Doctor who predicted Covid-19 answers all

Triple board-certified M.D., Dr. Zach, joins Del in an evolutionary discussion on why Coronavirus is here, what it’s trying to tell us, and how we emerge from the darkness.

May 21, 2020 Covid-19

Toyota outlines ‘new normal’ for its business operations

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has announced that it has cautiously resumed operations at its Prospecton Plant, in Durban, while adopting a similarly guarded approach to its Parts’ Warehouse facilities and dealerships across the country. This…

May 21, 2020 Covid-19

Gauteng Premier David Makhura in Covid-19 compliance visit at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn

Production of BMW X3s restarted at Plant Rosslyn this week after Covid-19 closure. Premier Makhura was joined by two MECs to inspect Covid-19 screening procedures. The Premier visited BMW X3 assembly line to assess conditions Gauteng Premier David…

May 21, 2020 Covid-19

Running in a Face Mask? With a Stroller? With Music? 10 Tips for Joggers in Times of Coronavirus

Running is the top trend sport during the coronavirus crisis 10 tips from Continental for healthy jogging, issued in cooperation with sports physicians Good running shoes are essential - like models with the high-grip "Continental sole" Amateur…

May 21, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding: final payment letter

Dear employer The Department of Employment and Labour has been circulating a letter to employers who have received TERS benefits on behalf of its employees as a declaration of what the total payments made to employees consisted of. The purpose of…

May 21, 2020 Covid-19

Healthy homes and facilities to reduce infection risk

With the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions moving to Level 4, many South Africans are inevitably going to be exposed to more risk of exposure and transfer. This is already apparent when looking at the increase in cases since 5 May 2020. It is…

May 21, 2020 Covid-19

HEALTH SQUARED helps COVID-19 Small Business Relief Centre

“During this national crisis our sole purpose is to support small businesses throughout the nation. The main thing to remember is small businesses are not alone, we're here to help guide them. If there is one thing we know about business owners and…

May 21, 2020 Covid-19

Groupe Renault to produce masks at Flins to guarantee its needs

Groupe Renault today announced the acquisition of a mask production line to meet its needs and guarantee the health and safety of its employees on its sites and in its commercial network in Europe (industrial and tertiary sites, and the Renault and…

May 21, 2020 Covid-19

New advanced Flip Up Full Face ProtectionSafety Shield from Tork Craft Essentials (B7700)

Unique Durable, lightweight, flip up,anti-fog visor, designed with an all-round side protection Just introduced is the new advanced Tork Craft Essential B7700 Flip Up Face Shield a full and side face safety shield offering the ultimate protection,…

May 21, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: SA lockdown survey: steady decrease in support

According to a recent survey done by NEASA, 87% of participants do NOT support the lockdown. Please CLICK HERE to participate in the survey. NEASA 24/7 NATIONAL HOTLINE: 086 016 3272 legalhotline@neasa.co.za

May 20, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: feedback on survey

41% of employers still haven’t received their April UIF/TERS monies. Of the 59% of employers who received payment, only 23% received the correct amount.

May 20, 2020 Covid-19

The Future of Work

As part of SAICA’s Leadership in a Time of Crisis webinar series, Willem van der Post, CA(SA) and CEO of xTech.Capital shared some thoughts on what the workplace of the future will look like, especially in a post-Coronavirus world. The new normal.…

May 20, 2020 Covid-19

VIP invite: business masterclass: evolve your business perspective during and beyond Covid-19

Masterclass Overview: Brought to you by the PBF & Life Retreat Space is limited: Click Here To Book For Free Now As part of the measures put in place to support businesses during COVID-19 lockdown, this Business Masterclass is an intervention to…

May 19, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Open up this economy without any delay

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... by Gerhard Papenfus Indications are that government, in the days and weeks ahead, will relax the lockdown to Alert Level 3. However, the slow ‘release’ of the economy will be executed by…

May 19, 2020 Covid-19

Optimum asset utilization crucial for shared mobility companies’ recovery in Southeast Asia, says GlobalData

Following the news that the overall revenues of Singapore-based tech giant Grab have been pulled down by its core ride-hailing segment as people continue to stay at home due to coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak; Animesh Kumar, Director of Automotive…

May 19, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: CCMA is open

Dear employer The CCMA has issued a directive confirming that all CCMA offices will be open to the public as of 18 May 2020. Although strict OHS measures will be imposed, face-to-face meetings will be conducted at the CCMA offices. Should a party…

May 19, 2020 Covid-19

To tackle COVID-19 we need trade collaboration and innovation

As member states of the World Health Organization prepare to gather in Geneva on May 18th for the World Health Assembly, a global coalition of 31 think tanks calls on governments to commit to open trade, collaboration and innovation in the fight…

May 18, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: business support: easing of the lockdown

"It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong." Thomas Sowell ... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... Dear…

May 18, 2020 Covid-19

A must read: once the pandemic is over, we must fight for the freedoms we have lost in the crisis

by Stephen Grootes - Published by Daily Maverick earlier Parts of the article have been highlighted by NEASA's Media Department. This too shall pass, and when it does we need a thoughtful, rational national debate about drafting emergency powers for…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 unpacked: invitation to free webinar

... navigating through the COVID-19 LOCKDOWN scandal ... WEBINAR - Business sustainability, innovation and tough decisions 20 MAY 2020 at 14:00 You are invited to join a FREE webinar by organised by NEASA in partnership with a leading national…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

The increasing absurdity of Patel's red pen

"... despite our President's address I am still unsure what colour t-shirt I can buy to wear under a jumper ..." Latest clothing and motor dealer regulations are so illogical they’re laughable … by Hilton Tarrant - Published in Moneyweb Parts of the…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

GLTC’s contingency plan keeps customers running optimally

Following the implementation of the lockdown in South Africa, GLTC has put in place a workable national aftermarket support contingency plan which has yielded greater success in the face of tough COVID-19 influenced operating conditions. Since the…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

Payment holidays aren’t the only options in an economic crisis

COVID-19 has hurt the global economy, and a key concern on South Africans’ minds relates to finances, their debt, and how to manage these in a time of uncertainty. Whether it’s an entire country or a business or an individual, “payment holidays” are…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Do you support the lockdown?

Dear employer After being completely inundated by, not only our member constituency, but by the business community as a whole, NEASA launched a survey to establish what the support levels are of the lockdown. The results are overwhelmingly…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

BMW South Africa Joins Red Cross in fight against Covid-19

Loan of 17 BMWs will help South African Red Cross Society access marginalised communities in urgent need of help Majority of loan cars are Rosslyn-built BMW X3s Underlines BMW SA’s commitment to South Africa and its people BMW Group South Africa’s…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

Strong financial controls needed to maximise benefit of COVID-19 relief efforts

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global impact. The South African government has been applauded by the World Health Organisation for its quick response to curb the spread of the COVID-19 in its early stages, and prepare its health care system to…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: loan guarantee scheme: open

Dear employer The Covid-19 Loan Guarantee Scheme announced by the President is officially open for applications as of 12 May 2020. This scheme is available to all businesses who are in distress as a result of Covid-19 and with an annual turnover of…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

Lack of supplier development leads to critical pharmaceutical shortages in Covid-19 crisis

The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted a lack of supplier development in South African supply chains. This has contributed to shortages of critical pharmaceutical components like the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in medicines, according to…

May 15, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding: updated guidelines provided

Dear employer There has been a host of difficulties experienced by employers with the submission and processing of TERS claims, not in a small measure attributable to ever changing requirements and processes. The Department of Employment and Labour…

May 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS claims: payments to be made in May

Dear employer The COVID-19 TERS benefit has allowed employers to claim benefits on behalf of their employees until the end of April. Although it has not been confirmed formally, it is likely that these benefits will also be available for the month…

May 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Thank You, Nurses

International Nurses’ Day - NEASA would like to extend a deep appreciation towards nurses across South Africa, those who continuously dedicate themselves to caring for the sick, especially during these trying and confusing times. It is your selfless…

May 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: monetary aid: governmental financial assistance

Dear employer A survey conducted among NEASA members and the NEASA network pertaining to Governmental assistance and aid, has indicated that 49% of participating employers have not applied for Covid-19 related governmental financial aid. The same…

May 14, 2020 Covid-19

'Flattening the curve' was intended for the virus, not the economy

Business for SA (B4SA) has called for South Africa to proceed quickly to lockdown level 2, lest deeper, and longer-lasting harm be caused to an already crippled economy. According to Hilary Joffe, the group indicated that, "if level 4 continued for…

May 14, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: return to work screening

Dear employer We previously provided employers with a return to work TOOLKIT in order to assist employers, who are permitted to operate under Alert Level 4, in complying with the OHS health and safety regulations as set out by Government. One of the…

May 14, 2020 Covid-19

Where to for the tyre industry?

It’s understandable if industry members are feeling anxious about how business will fare once lockdown has been lifted. “After all”, says Frederic, “Six weeks without trade has had an unavoidable impact on turnover, especially when there are still…

May 13, 2020 Covid-19

21st Century Surveys Post-COVID-19 Readiness

Are we equipped for the coming change? 21st Century’s weekly surveys continue to provide valuable insight into how South African businesses are reacting to the current COVID-19 situation and related issues. The fourth survey in the series examined…

May 13, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: business response survey

Dear employer The Covid-19 Lockdown has had a massive impact on the economy and the viability of business going forward. In order to determine the measures that employers have implemented or may have to implement to ensure survival, employers are…

May 13, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: monetary aid: governmental financial assistance

SURVEY - ARE THE MEASURES IN FACT ASSISTING? According to Minister Tito Mboweni, government’s fiscal and monetary interventions amount to R800 billion. The purpose of this survey (consisting of only 2 questions) is to determine to what extent the…

May 13, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: banks and UIF TERS funds

Dear employer NEASA recently conducted a survey among its members to determine what the issues are regarding the UIF TERS funds deposited into the accounts of employers/companies and then being utilised for other, non-designated purposes such as…

May 12, 2020 Covid-19

Effective management in IT

Information technology’s speed ofevolution offers vast opportunities for all. Managers within the IT environment face a particularly unique challenge; staying ahead of rapid advancement brought on by Industry 4.0. This has been further accelerated…

May 12, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: CCMA disputes during lockdown

Dear employer The CCMA has issued a directive indicating that the offices of the CCMA will nationally, as a general rule, not be opening for face-to-face meetings. The CCMA will, however, be conducting conciliations telephonically and arbitrations…

May 12, 2020 Covid-19

South African Student Entrepreneurs put COVID-19 Projects into Action with Ford Fund Grant

Enactus team from the University of KwaZulu-Natal wins Ford Motor Company Fund grant to assist local communities affected by COVID-19 lockdown regulations Students developed SmartGro (www.smartgro.co.za), which uses smart mobility and a web-based…

May 12, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: daily survey (11/5)

11 MAY 2020 According to our survey: 11 days after payday, 49.9% of employers still haven’t received their UIF payments; and only 38.6% of those who received payment, agree, in general, with the amounts received. Dear fellow employer We wish to…

May 11, 2020 Covid-19

Ford Joins SA Red Cross Society in Celebrating World Red Cross Day Through Supporting its COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Two Ford Rangers have been provided to the South AfricanRed Cross Society in Nelson Mandela Bay to assist with relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic Red Cross has assisted over5 000 direct beneficiaries in and around Port Elizabeth, and…

May 11, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 Lockdown: TERS-funding: why does it need to be so difficult?

According to NEASA’s latest survey, only 47% of employers that have applied for TERS benefits, have received it - or at least part of it. However, this is just half the story. The enclosed letter perhaps explains why thousands of employers could not…

May 11, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Support for the lockdown dissipating

Dear fellow employer A survey conducted by NEASA during the course of the last 24 hours, revealed that only 18% of participants are currently supporting the lockdown. The initial support for the lockdown was overwhelming. Since then, however:…

May 11, 2020 Covid-19

Covid 19 lockdown: the genie is already out of the bottle

The panicked response to an unknown virus - although there is, as yet, only speculation, and abounding theories in respect of where the Coronavirus originated or who designed it and for what purpose, one thing is becoming very clear: the panicked…

May 08, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: South Africa lockdown survey

Dear employer There is an increasing pushback against the continued lockdown implemented by Government. The general undercurrent is changing from an initial support of the lockdown to a rejection thereof. In order to determine the level of support…

May 08, 2020 Covid-19

Smile 90.4FM's changes in light of COVID-19

COVID-19 has forced all businesses to do things a little bit differently, and that includes Smile 90.4FM. While still providing well-contextualized factual and useful content, they have adapted in more ways than one. Here’s a list of some of their…

May 08, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS - proposed course of action

Dear employer Despite the TERS online portal being updated continuously, many employers are still experiencing a number of difficulties with submissions of TERS claims. In order to assist, we hereby provide a proposed course of action to address…

May 08, 2020 Covid-19

Serco supplies ‘Sani-Booth’ to Counter COVID-19 in the Workplace

Leading South African truck and trailer body building company, Serco, has developed a sanitation booth in which a fine mist of people-friendly disinfectant is sprayed onto the user to help prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The initiative…

May 08, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Public transport curfew

Dear employer We previously communicated that, as per the Alert Level 4 regulations, public transporters may operate between 5:00 and 20:00. This has now, inexplicably and apparently at a whim, been amended by the Minister of Transport to 5:00 and…

May 08, 2020 Covid-19

Aston Martin Lagonda puts safety first as staff begin phased return to work at UK manufacturing site

Extensive and wide-reaching new safety measures are designed to reduce COVID-19 risk for Aston Martin Lagonda employees returning to work Staff at St Athan factory lead the way on 5 May; Gaydon to follow in due course The range of actions being…

May 08, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown: UIF: it's not what they say it is

The daily surveys done by NEASA indicates that, 6 days after the end of April, 53% of employers still haven’t received their TERS monies from the UIF. Many employees affected by this do not have food on the table. This is not the impression one gets…

May 08, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: If only they tackled the other issues with the same zeal

by Gerhard Papenfus NEASA continuously endeavours to keep you up to date on developments to assist you in navigating your path through this unprecedented moment in, not only South Africa’s, but the world’s history. However, there is more at stake…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 Lockdown level 4: transportation of shift workers

Dear employer The curfew imposed on movement before 5:00 and after 20:00 has caused some concern for businesses who are running a shift system with regards to transportation of shift workers after the curfew. The major issue was that, in terms of…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: How to deal with employees if you cannot open up

Dear employer According to the regulations pertaining to Alert Level 4, a number of additional businesses could have started their operations as of 1 May. However, due to the remaining lockdown regulations, as well as the economic downturn, it may…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Return to work - who has to be screened?

SCREENING DOES NOT REQUIRE TEMPERATURE TEST Dear employer We previously communicated that as part of the screening requirements of workers entering the workplace, a non-invasive temperature check has to be conducted by the employer. However, it has…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Pay Day surprises!

Month-end comes with so many emotions attached to it for all workers. The joy of knowing that you will get that much-anticipated notification from your bank that your salary has been paid is sometimes short-lived after you receive your pay-slip…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Only 6% of small businesses get relief funding

Findings extracted from the COVID-19 National Small Business Survey (Post Level-5 lockdown) released by the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC), highlights the continued pain experienced by small businesses coming out of level-5 of the lockdown.…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

SA Supply chains gear up for level 4 and demand for winter goods

As South Africa enters the second phase of the country’s Covid-19 lockdown – Level 4, which includes some easing of the initial restrictions on business and movement – the supply chain industry faces new challenges, according to SAPICS, The…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding/UIF: daily survey (6/5)

According to our survey: 6 days after payday, 53% of employers still haven’t received their UIF payments (this is, however, a significant improvement from yesterday's 65%); and only 48% of those who received payment, agree, in general, with the…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Robots in the time of Covid-19

The contagion of COVID-19 has swept through the lives of people across the globe, disrupted all industries and brought the world’s economy to a grinding halt. Some analysts predict the pandemic’s impact could be as devastating as the Great…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Lockdown of economy = Switch-off of oxygen supply

by Gerhard Papenfus Every flight is preceded by a safety announcement. Among others, this announcement contains an instruction that, in the event of an emergency (indeed in the case of a life-threatening emergency) which results in a drop of cabin…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Power of changing drinking habits

For some, one of the more contentious regulations during lockdown has been the ban on alcohol sales. Following the extension of the lockdown, many South Africans were hoping that this ban would be relaxed but were disappointed on 16 April when this…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Return to work - who has to be screened?

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued a large number of regulations that employers, who are permitted to operate during Alert Level 4 should adhere to, in order not to fall foul of its legal obligations. Among these is a requirement…

May 07, 2020 Covid-19

Volkswagen signs partnership with German government to convert its PE Plant into temporary Covid-19 medical facility

The facility could accommodate up to 4 000 patients German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development supports setup of the facility and further activities of a strategic alliance in Nelson Mandela Bay with funding of 5.2 million…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Car Dealership Lockdown - Level 4 Specific Directions

Car Dealership enquiries rise more than 150% as consumers anticipate their opening. Various industry bodies, including car dealership bodies, made representations for inclusion in “specific directions”. The submissions support a phased approach to…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Actuaries warn of acute human toll of lockdown

A continued lockdown is not only damaging the economy, it promises a 'humanitarian disaster to dwarf Covid-19’ by having a severe impact on the health and well-being of millions of South Africans. That is the gist of a detailed report sent to…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Impact of covid-19 on smme’s

Dear employer We are circulating this survey on behalf of an independent research institute with whom NEASA collaborates. The Covid-19 lockdown has had a significant impact on the sustainability of the SMME sector. Just over a week ago, the…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: OHS compliance: harsh penalties await

Dear fellow employer The Covid-19 pandemic regulations have placed extensive and cumbersome obligations on employers who are permitted to resume operations under lockdown Alert Level 4. These regulations are accompanied by some draconian penalties…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Ford Dealers Contribute R1-million to Face Shields Project, Business Partners Donate R900 000

Ford National Dealer Council contributes R1-million to face shields project, which matches Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa's investment Absa, which has a joint venture with Ford Credit, contributes R600 000 R300 000 donated by other Ford…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS deadline

Dear employer The Department of Employment and Labour has confirmed that there is currently no deadline for the submission of TERS claims for the period up to 30 April 2020. Although it is expected that claims will also be allowed for the period as…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS: Electrical industry agreement extended

Dear Electrical Industry employer The Minister of Employment and Labour, on 4 April 2020, extended a TERS collective agreement to non-parties in the Industry. The agreement does not contain any special provisions apart from stating that TERS claims…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Pension/provident funds: best practice guideline

The Covid-19 lockdown has placed severe pressure on the cash flow of many businesses. Consequently, many businesses have opted to, or will do so in future, implement a provident fund payment holiday or restructure the rules of retirement funds in a…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Lockdown impacted motorists desperate for dealership openings

The financial well-being of a whopping 65% of vehicle-buying consumers in South Africa has been negatively impacted by the nationwide lockdown. Many (30% to be precise) are under pressure to replace their vehicle within the next four weeks. This is…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: NBCRFLI TERS benefits update

Dear Road Freight employer As previously communicated, the NBCRFLI issued a circular informing the Industry that employers who wish to submit their TERS applications through the Bargaining Council may do so for the period 17 April 2020 to 30 April…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Phased-in return to work

Dear employer The regulations issued by the Department of Employment and Labour requires employers that may operate under Alert Level 4 to have a phased-in approach to the return of employees. The regulations, however, do not prescribe the criteria…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: How to deal with vulnerable employees

Dear employer There has been some confusion surrounding the return to work of employees who are considered to be high risk. These are employees with a history of comorbidities and/or employees over the age of 60. On careful reading of the…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: BIZPORTAL registration

Dear employer The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has confirmed that employers who are allowed to operate under Alert Level 4 must acquire a certificate from the CIPC. This certificate can be obtained online via the BIZPORTAL site.…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Return to work plan and assessments are necessities

The Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) issued regulations last week, which all employers who are permitted to start operations as of 1 May 2020, must adhere to. NEASA has already provided members with a TOOLKIT to assist in this regard. We…

May 06, 2020 Covid-19

The digital journey to operational excellence

In a two-speed world, businesses across the globe are often faced with one crippling dilemma: outgrowing legacy technology systems. Facing an outdated, ill-fitting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, local ship repair and marine engineering…

May 05, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: SA lockdown: a costly blunder

by a NEASA member We find ourselves in a boiling pot, bubbling with conspiracies and Ministers running around and shouting orders as if on a military parade. To worsen the already existing distrust, many of these conspiracies will turn out to be…

May 05, 2020 Covid-19

Superiate: where brands and compassion meet

Brad Stern talks about Superiate’s history of meaningful marketing and how this should be the new normal post COVID-19 Brad Stern, founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Superiate, found himself riding the wave of a successful 20-year marketing…

May 05, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 Lockdown: Is it about more than just the virus?

by Gerhard Papenfus It has never happened before, and it is not supposed to be happening now. In South Africa, since the outbreak of Covid-19, 131 people has died as a result of Covid-19 symptoms. That is 1 fatality out of every 452 000 people. Yet,…

May 05, 2020 Covid-19

Now available a New Anti - Microbial Gel Hand Sanitiser from Tork Craft

Its the most effective chemical for killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, moulds, spores and is still user-friendly This new Tork Craft Anti - Microbial Gel Hand Sanitiser with G-CIDE is a unique biocide which is able to kill all living organisms…

May 05, 2020 Covid-19

How the COVID-19 pandemic is shaping investment strategies.

At SAICA’s Leadership in a time of crisis webinar series, Investec’s Chief Investment Strategist, Chris Holdsworth, shared insight on how the pandemic is shaping investment strategies. As if there isn’t enough to worry about during the Coronavirus…

May 05, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Banks and TERS funds

Dear employer We have received, on more than one occasion, complaints from members that their respective banks have, either under the classification of bank charges, or debiting of overdraft accounts, utilised the TERS funds received from the UIF.…

May 05, 2020 Covid-19

Letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa

by Gareth Cliff Published on his blog earlier Parts of the article have been highlited by NEASA's Media Department. Dear President Ramaphosa I’m going to keep this brief, because I know you’re dealing with a lot. We’ve all been ready to support you…

May 05, 2020 Covid-19

VWSA donates beds to NMB stadium's Covid-19 facility

150 bed bases handed over to government Beds to be used in isolation facility for Covid-19 low-acuity patients In support of the local and provincial government's efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Nelson Mandela Bay, Volkswagen Group South…

May 05, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown. Our response.

To the extent that we are able to, NEASA will continuously provide you with simplified information to comply with all government’s demands which you must adhere to before you can open your business again. We want you to know that we do not…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

Financial reporting in the cloud in the wake of Covid-19

There is no denying that the world is currently in a state of economic uncertainty. Companies are bracing themselves for the economic backlash of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many have already felt the repercussions seeping through their crumbling company…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

New TransUnion research assesses pandemic’s impact on consumer finances in seven global markets

Millennials Hardest Hit as COVID-19 Impacts Consumer Finances Around the World The COVID-19 pandemic is causing similar financial challenges for consumers around the world, but new research indicates that Millennials are being challenged the most. A…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Phased opening up of the economy

Following the painful official announcement by Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, regarding the phased opening of the economy, the NEASA COVID-19 team is doing its very best to supply you with the…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

What good leaders do in a time of crisis

As part of SAICA’s Leadership in a time of crisis webinar series, CA(SA) and CFO of Discovery Health, Brett Tromp, shared his thoughts on what good leaders can do in a time of crisis. In good times, a leader’s role is straightforward: keep your…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

KFC ready to serve up South Africa’s most loved fried chicken

Selected restaurants set to reopen on 02 May 2020 for delivery only Following an announcement made by the government that restaurants can operate via delivery only, KFC will be back in action on the 2nd of May serving up South Africa’s most loved…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Level 4 lockdown regulations

Dear employer The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has promulgated the regulations applicable during the lockdown Alert Level 4. The application period of the regulations is for the duration of Alert Level 4, with the…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

Nearly 2,000 Exhibitors Make Commitment to 2020 SEMA Show

Nearly 2,000 companies are demonstrating confidence about the specialty-equipment market's future by investing in the 2020 SEMA Show, and will participate in the Priority Space Selection beginning May 4. The space selection provides exhibitors with…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 & TERS-funding. What about the other millions?

by Gerhard Papenfus According to a NEASA survey, 37% of employers who have applied to the UIF for assistance in order to pay their employees, or at least a portion of their salaries, have indeed received it. A large portion of employers who received…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 and the security industry

What does COVID-19 mean for the security industry? How will it impact future regulations and standards? Hear from industry figures on how they believe the pandemic has impacted the security industry and whether the outbreak will have a long-lasting…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

Achieving mental wellbeing during COVID-19

As part of SAICA’s Leadership in a time of crisis webinar series, Clinical Psychologist Navlika Ratangee spoke about how to achieve mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 crisis. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) understand…

May 04, 2020 Covid-19

Automotive Supplier provides solution for PPE shortages

A tenant of the Automotive Supplier Park (ASP) in Rosslyn, PolyGen, is one of the companies providing solutions to the COVID0-19 Pandemic. PolyGen has joined the band of factories in the automotive sector that are modifying their production lines to…

Apr 30, 2020 Covid-19

Lift-off at Mbazwana in KZN as Trucking Industry Collaborates to Deliver Food to the Hungry

As a result of speedy collaboration between key road freight industry players, 500kgs of rice was delivered last week to the remote area of Mbazwana in Kwazulu-Natal last week to feed the hungry. The Road Freight Association (RFA) spearheaded an…

Apr 30, 2020 Covid-19

Truck Driver's Story: "I tell my family: don't touch me anymore, not until Coronavirus is gone.".

Life under Lockdown is tough. It is especially tough for truck drivers delivering essential goods around the country. Kenneth Setati, who delivers frozen and chilled foods in the Limpopo province, is on the road five days a week. He shares his…

Apr 30, 2020 Covid-19

Tork Craft Essentials introduce 5 new Counter safety screens offering protection from both sides

5 Options and sizes are available, counter with slot, a hanging version of 800 x 600 mm, 3, 590 x 600 mm counter with and without a slot and a hanging unit. These new Tork Craft Essentialacrylic counter screens allow all businesses to remain open…

Apr 30, 2020 Covid-19

Coronavirus causes logistics, supply chain nightmares

Reduction in total freight volumes for the year to March 2020 of -7,1% indicates the depth of the decline in the local goods economy. Despite not having many lockdown restrictions, the firstquarter drop in volumes was still the steepest experienced…

Apr 30, 2020 Covid-19

Schneider Electric reinforces its sustainability commitments as it responds to the Covid-19 crisis

Schneider Electric is recognized around the globe as an essential business providing service continuity to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, data centers, IT networks, the temperature-controlled food supply chain, energy, transportation,…

Apr 30, 2020 Covid-19

Tork Craft Essentials introduce 5 new Face Masks available with different fabrics and treatments

Reusable, washer safe and iroable - Clinically proven to reduce infection pathogens on soft surfaces by up to 99%. To view each model go to www.torkcraft.com and enter the code you want to view i.e. TCDM 5000-06 Tork Craft’sEssentialsis a all new…

Apr 30, 2020 Covid-19

Why should car dealership automotive retail be open under level 4 lockdown?

Currently, level 4 lockdown does not allow automotive retail sales (motor vehicle sales through car dealerships). Car dealerships sales are currently classified under level 3. Automotive manufacture is not sustainable without car dealership retail…

Apr 30, 2020 Covid-19

Fleet Africa and Super Group Mobilise PinkDrive to Flatten the Curve

Fleet Africa and Super Group have partnered with PinkDrive on the frontline by providing vehicles for their medical staff to reach the community “hot spots”. PinkDrive joined forces with the National Department of Health (NDoH) by providing their…

Apr 30, 2020 Covid-19

Road Freight Association Voices Concerns about Levael 4 Restrictions and Permissions

The Road Freight Association (RFA) is concerned about aspects of the controlled relaxing of the lockdown, with specific regard to the opening of road freight operations and logistics after 1 May 2020, as presented at the Government’s media briefing…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Another victim of COVID-19: The Audit

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, so much so that plunges in global stock markets are making history in terms of the low levels being hit, as well as the speed at which the collapses are occurring. For the first time in history, the US oil…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Lockdown Level 4 OHS guidelines - final regulations still pending

Dear employer Government has not yet published the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations and requirements applicable to employers who may commence operations under Level 4 lockdown on 1 May 2020. There may be insufficient time available…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: How can this be justified?

- a true story - by Gerhard Papenfus Yesterday, a very high ranking government official requested me to explain my position as articulated in my statement “Let ‘them’ go without pay” on 25 April 2020 (click here to view). My response was that I was…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

More Isuzu Bakkies Deployed in the Fight Against COVID-19

Isuzu Motors South Africa has made more bakkies available to assist in containing the spread of COVID-19 infections in the country. The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria has accepted delivery of 15 Isuzu D-MAX bakkies which…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Old Mutual Insure sets aside R60 million towards premium relief for our customers

Ramping up efforts to support customers manage the financial fallout of COVID-19 Old Mutual Insure has set aside R60 million towards 15% motor premium discounts in April 2020 and 10% in May 2020 for qualifying personal lines customers. Qualifying…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding claims rejected due to existing UIF claims

Dear employers The TERS system has rejected some claims with an error message stating that the employee has an existing UIF claim (such as maternity benefits). This error occurred as a result of the normal UIF system not being delinked from the TERS…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Join SAPICS for a Community Connect Session

Week 3 Topic Of Discussion South Africa's Level 4 Lockdown and your take on the implications on Supply Chains 30 April 2020 - 15:30 - 16:30 (GMT+2) - Online Session

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding daily survey

(There are only 2 days left till the end of the month, and, according to our survey, 67% of employers still haven’t received their UIF payments) Dear fellow employer BOTH: employers that have applied for TERS funding, and received payment; as well…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: More than just a relaxation of the lockdown needed

OPINION PIECE: by Gerhard Papenfus Government has given notice of a partial opening of the economy and is currently considering the finer details in this regard. This arrangement, however, has the potential of aggravating the current levels of…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding benefits calculator error corrected

Dear employer We previously indicated that the TERS benefits calculator had an error, in that it incorrectly calculated the benefits for employees who received partial payment from employers. This was particularly true in respect of employees who…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding online portal update

Dear employer The TERS online application portal is constantly being updated. Employers who have already submitted their claim are advised to login regularly in order to view any important communications and to keep abreast with the status of their…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: MEIBC request for creditors letter

Dear Steel Industry employers The Metal and Engineering Industries Bargaining Council has issued a circular requesting employers to issue employees, who cannot pay their creditors, with a COVID-19 lay-off letter confirming that the employee is not…

Apr 29, 2020 Covid-19

Toyota donates face shields to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) announces that it is donating 900 face shields to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital in Umlazi, Durban, with an additional 2 300 units to be delivered in the next few weeks. The initiative is in line with Toyota Motor…

Apr 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Small portion of SA’s workforce not affected by lockdown fall-out

by Gerhard Papenfus Any measure which negatively impacts on business, impacts on employment in general and the lives and the livelihood of employees. Before the Covid-19 disaster, the unofficial unemployment rate (to a large extent the result of…

Apr 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding daily survey

(There are only 3 days left till the end of the month, and 68% of employers still haven’t received their UIF payments) Dear employer In order to determine progress regarding the payment of TERS claims, we request that both: employers that have…

Apr 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding claims for foreign nationals

Dear employer We are aware that all TERS claims for foreign nationals have been rejected by the online portal. This was as a result of a challenge experienced with the verification of passport numbers by the online system. The instruction received…

Apr 28, 2020 Covid-19

The Global Pandemic and Active Lifestyles: Part II

Seismic shifts in human activity are happening around the world. During this pandemic crisis, we at Garmin consider it our duty to continue bringing this information to the public. Two weeks ago, we published early activity tracking trends in the…

Apr 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding invalid id rejections

Dear employer The TERS system has rejected claims for some employees due to ID number errors. Employers are advised to check the ID numbers and resubmit for these affected individuals. It might be easier to simply add these employees on the online…

Apr 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS-funding. Claims rejected without reasons provided

Dear employer The TERS claims system has rejected claims for some employees without providing a specific reason. Please note that the issue of foreign nationals is, among others, addressed herein. In order to claim for these employees, the UIF…

Apr 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 TERS-funding. Revised acceptance/rejection letter

Dear employer The UIF has revised the Acceptance/Rejection letter that the employer needs to sign and return to the UIF with proof of payment. The letters are similar, irrespective of the fact that they are named differently on the download options.…

Apr 28, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 lockdown - there will be a backlash

by Gerhard Papenfus It is starting to bubble on the surface, but the people are still patient. Instead of calming the mood, the envisaged relaxing of the lockdown has increased the discontent; and not suppressed or relieved it by any stretch of the…

Apr 28, 2020 Covid-19

Sentiments crash for several global automakers, says GlobalData

The COVID-19 outbreak has rendered automakers helpless with large-scale supply chain disruptions and retail outlet shutdowns. The troubles are mounting due to supply chain volatility spreading as fast as the virus, which also reflects the in decline…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Let "them" go without pay ...

by Gerhard Papenfus This article and the proposal contained herein, must not in any way be construed as criticism aimed at the President’s handling of the current crisis. The lockdown-narrative was thrust on the world and by the time it reached…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

UIF TERS Top-up confusion

By Juanita Steenekamp, SAICA Project Director: Tax With the payment of the first COVID-19 Temporary Employee / Employer Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits, various misunderstandings have come to the forefront. Following the President’s announcement on 23…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: level 4 lockdown. trade or go broke. act now!

INPUT REQUIRED Dear fellow employer Government has just issued a draft document in respect of the sectors of the economy that will be allowed to trade when the lockdown is reduced to Level 4 on 1 May 2020. This document (requiring your urgent input)…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

Relief for employees who were requested to take paid annual leave

The Minister of Employment and Labour, Minister Thembelani Nxesi, introduced the COVID-19 Temporary Employer / Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefit in a Directive (GG 43161) on 25 March 2020 in order to assist employees who had to be laid off…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: Lockdown impact survey

Dear employer The COVID-19 lockdown will, without a doubt, have a devastating effect on business and employment alike. In order to assess the potential impact of the conditions of employment on their employees, employers are requested to participate…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 causes global auto industry running rate to dip to new low, says GlobalData

Analysis carried out by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, shows that the global light vehicle market hit a seasonally adjusted annual running rate (SAAR) of just 54 million units in March, which compares with almost 90 million light…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

Announcement: Motorhomes and 4x4s for essential services

We are offering special rates on our self-contained Motorhomes and 4x4s to companies and government organisations to help flatten the COVID-19 curve. We are part of THRSA and our sister company is Thrifty Car Rental. Our vehicles can connect people…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS application update

Dear employer There are still many anomalies surrounding the TERS claims process. Although there are no clear answers on some of the issues, some guidance has been received in respect of the following: employers who have applied online but who have…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: lockdown reduced to level 4

Dear fellow employer The President announced that the national lockdown will be reduced to level 4 from 1 May 2020. In an attempt to establish to what extent the 'phased approach to reopen the economy' introduced by the President are practically…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

The economic impact of COVID-19

SAICA hosted a webinar on 6 April 2020 where Chief Economist for Investec Bank Limited South Africa, Annabel Bishop, spoke about the effects of Sub-investment grade Status and the Coronavirus on our country’s already struggling economy. The South…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

Aston Martin acts to support warranty and service customers during Covid-19 lockdowns worldwide

Aston Martin new car warranties extended, and service interval requirements relaxed to give peace of mind for customers Actions designed to support Aston Martin owners and mitigate potential effects of lockdowns associated with COVID-19 pandemic…

Apr 27, 2020 Covid-19

COVID-19 puts brakes on driverless cars, says GlobalData

In recent years, the automotive industry has been addressing the megatrends set to transform long-term urban mobility and the industry, but the current crisis is now re-setting priorities, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Calum…

Apr 24, 2020 Covid-19

Turning crisis into opportunity

During lockdown, you may not be able to work in your business, but investor and entrepreneur, York Zucchi, shares expert tips on how you can work on your business If there’s anyone who knows how tough running your own business is, it’s entrepreneur…

Apr 24, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS application assistance

Dear employer We have received numerous queries from employers who are experiencing difficulties with the TERS application process. The application requirements are quite technical and can be daunting for employers who are not used to the prescribed…

Apr 24, 2020 Covid-19

Ford South Africa Partners with Gift of the Givers to Coordinate Funds Raised for COVID-19 Face Shields

Ford's local production of COVID-19 face shields is now supported by the Gift of the Givers Foundation, which is providing the banking facility for all donations which will be used to purchase materials Ford has provided funding for 57 000 face…

Apr 24, 2020 Covid-19

How To Make Your Workspaces Safe After Lockdown?

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown has had an unprecedented impact on how businesses operate. Negatives aside, this pandemic is an opportunity to push workspaces into the future with new health technologies. According to Raghmah…

Apr 24, 2020 Covid-19

IQbusiness provides refuge for South African businesses in distress with pro bono COBRA initiative

It’s hard to think back to a time of normalcy before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted every facet of life and work. And with the President’s announcement of anationwide, 21-day lockdown, local businesses of all sizes and in all sectors have to face…

Apr 24, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19 “aid” - but what’s the endgame?

OPINION PIECE: by Gerhard Papenfus The President’s R500 billion COVID-19 aid measures remind me of a family who, as a last (albeit somewhat irresponsible) resort, max out their credit card facilities. Yes, the poor need to be fed, and that has to…

Apr 23, 2020 Covid-19

Covid-19: TERS applications updated toolkit

Dear employer We previously provided a toolkit which employers can utilise as a guide when they apply for TERS funding from the UIF. Due to a number of amendments to the process, it was necessary to update the toolkit. Please note that the e-mail…