Author: Gugu Lourie

South African businesses have called for the coronavirus lockdown level 4 to be lifted so that the country can be moved to level 2. The country is preparing for a further easing and gradual reopening of the economy. Most of South Africa is likely to move to level 3 lockdown by June 1 while hotspot areas, especially big metros, are likely to remain on level 4 lockdown. The government is likely to review the regulations for level 4 restrictions. For more read: South Africa’s COVID-19 Hotspots To Remain in Level 4 Sandile Zungu, chair of the Black Business Council, said…

As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa is 13 524. Case Data Province New cases on 15 May 2020 Total cases for 15 May 2020 Percentage total Eastern Cape 93 1662 12,3 Free State 6 151 1,1 Gauteng 75 2210 16,3 KwaZulu-Natal 38 1482 11,0 Limpopo 2 57 0,4 Mpumalanga 0 67 0,5 North West 5 63 0,5 Northern Cape 3 34 0,3 Western Cape 563 7798 57,7 Unknown 0 0 0,0 Total 785 13524 100,0 Testing Data 421 555 tests have been conducted with 18 537 done in the last 24 hour cycle. Sector…

More than 3.5 million people have applied for the new special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant – within three days of the system going live. “The special COVID-19 SRD Grant is intended to mitigate the undue hardships faced by individuals and families through this difficult time. We are pleased with the intake so far and we urge all eligible individuals to apply on time,” Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu said on Thursday. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) started taking nationwide applications for the grant on Monday. “As of Friday, 3 585 040 applications were received.…

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has partnered with MTN and will contribute R59,7 million over a period of two months to provide students with data. As part of the deal, all registered Unisa students will receive 30GB of data per month (10GB anytime and 20GB night time) for a period of 2 months from mid-May to mid-July 2020. The data will enable students to take part in the Unisa May/June 2020 examinations. Students may use the data and connectivity during this period to conduct other academic activities such as the submission of assignments online, online contact with the university…

Distell, the R17.3 billion South African alcohol empire behind Savanna cider, Amarula, Oudemeester and Bernini, is looking at expanding its business into the lucrative sanitiser market. Last month, Distell began producing hand sanitisers and other hygienic products at its production facilities as part of its efforts to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Distell announced on Friday it has donated 105 000 litres of sanitiser to both the South African government and NGO’s to support the need for responsible self- isolation and good hygiene practices in vulnerable communities. It has also generated R8 million worth of revenue from…

South African drugstore chain Dis-Chem Pharmacies is planning to buy Baby City, a one-stop-shop with a range of branded baby products. Dis-Chem will spend R430 million to buy 100% of shareholding in Baby City from its owners, the Aronoff family. The South African drugstore chain informed investors on Friday that it recognises that the characteristics of the baby product sector align with the those of the pharmacy sector. The company added that both sectors are extremely resilient to perpetual new entrants – the baby sector sees approximately 900 000 new babies annually. Dis-Chem’s current offering is very focused on the FMCG and…

Most of South Africa may be moved to Level 3 of lockdown, which would allow for the easing of some restrictions and enable bottle stores to sell booze. Under level 3 regulations, the sale of alcohol is allowed between Monday and Wednesday and from 8am to noon. However, an independent liquor store organisation has warned that this will inevitably create “a pressure-cooker situation where customers will stand in massive queues in the streets, and will boil over into frustration and even possible violence and looting.” In a submission to the government, the Liquor Traders Association of South Africa (LTASA) proposes…

South Africa’s confirmed COVID-19 cases stood at 12 739 on Thursday night, with 19 more deaths recorded. “Regrettably we report a further 19 COVID-19 related deaths. This brings the total national deaths to 238,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize. The Minister expressed his condolences to the loved ones of those who passed on, while also thanking healthcare workers who cared for the deceased. As of Thursday night, the Eastern Cape had 1 569 cases comprising 12.3% of the national average, the Free State 145 cases, Gauteng 2 135 cases which comprised 16.8% of the national average. KwaZulu-Natal recorded 1…

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) says more than a million unemployed people have applied for the R350 monthly COVID-19 relief grant. “What we did when we started, we realised that when we reconciled, 60% of people who made the application were not supposed to,” Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, told ENCA. The special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant of R350 a month for the next 6 months will be paid to individuals who are currently unemployed and do not receive any other form of a social grant or UIF payment. Watch ENCA interview with Letsatsi, below: Also read:…

South Africa’s metered taxi, minibus taxi, bus and coach services industries are essential for the growth of the South African economy. Minibus taxis remain the most popular choice of transport for about 69% of South Africa’s commuters, generating an estimated R50 billion in fares annually, according to a recent report by ResearchAndMarkets. Buses and metered taxis continue to lose ground on e-hailing services. The Bus Rapid Transit system has been a failure, with high capital expenses, subsidies and low ridership undermining the plan to provide fast, affordable public transport. Taxis are used by about 69% of households compared to 59%…