Nov 03, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19 vaccines: the collective greed that brought South Africa to its knees and continues to effectively kill people

NEASA, over the past weeks, published numerous excerpts from the various Covid-19 vaccine purchasing agreements concluded between the South African government and international pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the shocking and damning…

Oct 11, 2023 Covid-19

COVID-19 Vaccines: SA Government / Janssen contract #12

The South African government, due to the unknown nature of the long-term and possible adverse effects of the vaccines, issued the manufacturer with a “comfort letter” in order to appease it and ensure the exclusion of its accountability and…

Oct 10, 2023 Covid-19

COVID-19 Vaccines: SA Government / Janssen contract #11

The SA Government agreed to the purchase of vaccines for billions of Rands, at a price of $10 a dose - 15% higher than the price the European Union paid for the same vaccines. This, for a product which in fact did not exist at the time of purchase,…

Oct 05, 2023 Covid-19

#COVID19 #Vaccines: SA Government / Janssen contract #10

The South African government concluded an agreement to purchase vaccines: from manufacturers that were still in the process of developing the product; in highly compressed timelines; prior to having received the clinical data that is usually…

Oct 05, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19 vaccines SA Government / Pfizer contract #9

The SA Government, in its contract with Pfizer, waived its sovereign immunity and the sovereign immunity of its state assets, including those controlled by any monetary authority of South Africa, in respect of the enforcement of any arbitral…

Oct 03, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19 vaccines SA Government / Pfizer contract #8

The SA government, in its contract with Pfizer, not only indemnified Pfizer and its affiliates from nearly every possible lawsuit arising out of or resulting from the vaccines, but went even further - they undertook… … to defend any claims against…

Sep 28, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19 vaccines SA Government / Pfizer contract #6

The SA Government undertook to obtain, on Pfizer’s behalf, all exemptions, exceptions and waivers of country specific requirements, including but not limited to serialisation, laboratory and quality testing. Pfizer would have been prevented from…

Sep 27, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19 Vaccines: SA Government / Pfizer contract #5

The SA Government, in its contract with Pfizer, indemnified Pfizer and its affiliates from nearly any possible lawsuit, claims, demands, losses, damages, liabilities, settlements, penalties, fines, whether in contract, or delict caused by, arising…

Sep 21, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19 vaccines SA Government / Pfizer contract #4

The SA Government bound themselves to irrevocable purchasing orders, and Pfizer was exempted from any liability for failure to obtain authorisation for the vaccines, any failure to deliver the doses and our Government could not cancel any of the…

Sep 20, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19 vaccines SA Government / Pfizer contract #3

The government concluded a contract with Pfizer for vaccines of which the long-term effects and efficacy were unknown, and in addition hereto, explicitly excluded the serialisation thereof. The following is an excerpt from the Pfizer Vaccine…

Sep 19, 2023 Covid-19

COVID-19 Vaccines: SA Government / Pfizer contract #2

The South African government bought vaccines, whilst they and the manufacturer agreed that the vaccine may not be successful. The following is an excerpt from the Pfizer Vaccine Contract: Would you have bought this?

Sep 14, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19 vaccines: RSA Government / Pfizer contract #1

Our government bought vaccines which in fact did not exist at the time of purchase, but the development of which was only ‘aspirational in nature’. The following is an excerpt from the Pfizer Vaccine Contract: It furthermore bound itself to the…

Sep 13, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19: vaccine contracts released

HOW THE SA GOVERNMENT SOLD OUT AND GAMBLED WITH LIVES On 17 August 2023, NEASA reported on a recent High Court judgement, in which the South African government was ordered to, inter alia, release Covid-19 vaccine procurement contracts, negotiation…

Mar 28, 2023 Covid-19

Covid-19: A Momentous Scandal

The impact of Covid-19 on the health of many individuals was severe. Many lost their lives. However, the impact of the response by governments, globally, including here in South Africa, was, in the very least, misdirected, and at worst, fraudulent.…

Mar 14, 2023 Covid-19

The lasting impact of the pandemic on work culture

The pandemic has caused widespread disruption and has forced many organisations to change the way they operate. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of the pandemic on work culture. Including the loss of in-person collaboration, a shift in…

Jan 24, 2023 Covid-19

NEASA Demands answers from Discovery and Government regarding Covid-19 Response Overreach

The South African Government’s destructive response to Covid-19, among others the introduction of a medical product under development (sold to the public as a traditional 'vaccine'), and the forcing of people to subject themselves to this treatment…

Oct 14, 2022 Covid-19

VWSA donates containers and equipment from decommissioned Covid-19 field hospital

11 containers donated to local clinics to be used as ablution facilities Beds and lockers also supplied to healthcare facilities, old age homes, and child and youth care centres As part of its Field Hospital Legacy project, Volkswagen Group South…

Sep 13, 2022 Covid-19

A Must Read: ‘Companies that enforced vaccine mandates set themselves up to be the state’s fall guys’

By Dr Herman Edeling is a Neuroseurgeon, Medico-legal Practitioner and a Mediator. As the Covid-19 waves have decreased, various resultant issues, either ignored or wilfully bypassed in the midst of the pandemic frenzy and subsequent mass…

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…