Author: Staff Writer
Re-emerging from the ruins of the economy-crippling COVID-19 pandemic presents South Africa with an opportunity to arise with a renewed economy that addresses the country’s social deficiencies. This was the potent message delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa in a live-streamed address on Workers’ Day. “South Africans will have to dig deeper than any other moment, since the advent of democracy, to rebuild our nation,” said the President on Friday. “Beyond this grave health emergency, we should see this as a time of possibility and opportunity for renewal. It is a time to work together as South Africans to create a…
The Department of Basic Education has clarified that only senior officials in the education sector will return to work on 4 May to prepare for the eventual reopening of schools. There had been uproar and anxiety among parents after the department’s presentation to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, where a tentative proposal was made for schools to reopen on 6 May. On Thursday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga clarified that the presentation was merely a consultative document, with no concrete decisions taken. Government has had to revise the original school calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw schools…
With little practical or immediate relief in sight for most restaurants and bars, Stella Artois, one of SA’s best-loved premium beers in the SAB stable, has launched the #SaveYourSpot initiative that aims to put much-needed financial relief into the hands of these businesses. Stella Artois has created an online platform where consumers can buy a voucher for their favourite local restaurant or bar. The premium beer brand said that with every voucher purchased it will add an additional 50% of the value of each voucher. It added that consumers who buy vouchers will be able to redeem them at their favourite…
President Cyril Ramaphosa today received on behalf of the government a R1 billion consignment of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) donated by global internet group Naspers South Africa. Ramaphosa received the equipment at Takealot’s Distribution Centre in Johannesburg. “Today we received over 6 million masks donated from Naspers. I’m impressed by the logistical infrastructure and orderly distribution of these important medical supplies. We are grateful for their co-operation and support”, said President Ramaphosa Naspers announced today the arrival of a major shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) consisting of almost 3,5 million KN95 face masks and 2,7 million 3-ply surgical…
Bolt Food will start tomorrow delivering meals from Cape Town restaurants that are members of the Restaurants Association of South Africa (RASA). The company has partnered with RASA to deliver meals for its members. RASA members will benefit from a low 14% commission to use the service to deliver their meals, while restaurants that are not members of RASA will pay a 15% fee. A R35 flat fee for deliveries within 8km of the restaurant is also available, should they have their own online marketplace. Some of the restaurants in Cape Town that have joined Bolt Food include Active Sushi,…
As South Africa and the world grapple with chronic shortages of sanitisers, one of the most critical products in the fight against coronavirus infection, Avon Justine has introduced alcohol-based sanitisers to its product portfolio to plug the supply gap created by an unprecedented spike in local and global demand. The World Health Organisation (WHO), the Department of Health and the health fraternity have identified the use of sanitisers and soap as the first line of defence to stop the spread of the coronavirus and prevent possible infection. “We have leveraged our extensive research and development experience spanning nearly 130 years…
As governments across the globe continue responding to COVID-19’s devastation, the mobile sector is playing a crucial role in supporting efforts to tackle the pandemic and is enhancing health services responses to it, according to a newly released report from the GSMA. While the report found that the pandemic had upended people’s lives, health and business sectors, people were using technological innovation during these uncertain times. “In this unprecedented situation, people are quickly adapting to innovative ways of connecting and doing business empowered by connectivity, and digital transformation is no longer just a question but an action for many industries,”…
Last week JOOX announced the launch of the ‘Gig to Earn’ initiative to support local musicians currently experiencing financial hardship through an inability to perform live. ‘Gig to Earn’ invites them to stream directly to their fans via the JOOX live video streaming feature – and get paid to do so. JOOX needs support to keep this campaign on-going while lockdown measures are still in place at all lockdown levels, as even Level One enforces social distancing rules that will make gigs and performances impossible. JOOX is calling on brands and businesses with vested interests in the entertainment industry to…
Blue Label Telecoms’ subsidiaries Utilities World and Cigicell have teamed up to offer a Free Basic Electricity (FBE) token service to help indigent households meet their basic energy needs while practising social distancing during South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown period and beyond. Alternatively, Simply Switch can help save money by comparing energy companies that would fit into your budget. Qualifying prepaid electricity customers can now use a free USSD service on their cellular handsets to request their FBE token – all from within the safety and convenience of their own homes. They do not have to venture out to shops during…
Droppa, the digital platform that provides transport delivery solutions, has expanded its service offering with the launch of “Droppa Express”. The new service offers express delivery for light-weight items within a 25 km radius in just 24 hours. The express service, which caters for the delivery of goods such as food, parcels, books, stationery and other smaller items under 25 kg is available in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban – at an affordable rate. Delivery bookings can be made through the company website droppa.co.za or droppa app. “Droppa is continuously looking to enhance current service offerings or to introduce…