Government has published a number of new and revised regulations as the country waits to hear its plan around lifting the five-week-long countrywide lockdown.
President Cyril Ramaphosa met with his cabinet on Monday (20 April) to finalise a set of measures to respond to the impact of the lockdown as well as plans for the country once the lockdown is lifted.
While cabinet is expected to make a statement on its new plan on Tuesday, a number of government departments have continued to introduce new lockdown regulations – with some proving to be more controversial than others.
Below are some of the new regulations announced over the last week.
Ban on ‘hot foods’
Arguably the most controversial new change was published on Monday and prohibited a ban on the sale of all ‘hot foods’ by essential retailers.
The directive was effectively only a line long and included no other changes, giving the impression that the government has gone out of its way to introduce this specific ban.
There is still no official explanation as to why the government has banned the sale of such food. Business group Sakeliga has indicated that it will challenge the new amendment, slamming the ‘arbitrary’ introduction of regulations by the government.
“If something is not done immediately, even entirely legal, essential businesses may be unsure of their status,” it said.
“We would like to see a more nuanced, consistent and thoughtful approach from government.
“It is important to note that South Africa’s restrictions on these businesses are far more extreme than what is warranted by the vast majority of international expertise – including recommendations by bodies such as the World Health Organisation.”
List of essential goods expanded
Higher education minister Blade Nzimande has added a number of items to the list of essential goods which may be sold during the country’s lockdown so that the country’s higher education institutions such as universities and colleges can continue to function.
Nzimande said that the transport of these goods between suppliers and higher education institutions as well as between institutions and individuals will now be declared an essential service.
The list of items include:
- Information and Communication Technology devices (such as desktops, laptops, modems and other devices) for education purposes;
- Gasses, liquids and chemicals used in the preservation of biological samples and maintenance of equipment and machinery;
- Animal feed for laboratory and farm animals.
Petty criminals to be released?
The Department of Correctional Facilities has indicated that it is considering the release of criminals who have committed ‘petty offences’ in a bid to avoid overcrowding in the country’s prisons.
The country’s lockdown regulations allow for ‘an accused person arrested for a petty offence must be released and warned to appear in court on a future date’. However, it appears that government has not utilised this provision up until this point.
Speaking to TimesLive, a correctional services spokesperson said that overcrowding in the country’s prisons continues to pose a challenge to practising physical distancing to limit the impact of the coronavirus.
“Inmates detained for minor offences with a bail option (they cannot afford) are being considered for placement on warning by courts. This is an ongoing process,” the spokesperson said.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].
South African COVID-19 Threat Levels Announced
South Africa is expected to move from a Level 5 to a Level 4 lock-down as of 1 May. Level 4 makes provision for limited economic activity and the easing of some movement. A curfew from 20:00 to 05:00 will kick in, it will be mandatory to wear a cloth face mask, you will be able to buy hot foods for delivery, but you still can’t buy alcohol.
Grade 12 and grade 7 pupils will return to school from May 6. Other grades will return to class on a staggered basis between May and July, as the Covid-19 restrictions are gradually eased.
To read President Ramaphosa’s speech about South Africa’s COVID-19 status, and the transition between levels, click here.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]. Image sources: [1], [2].
SARA Webinars: How African Visa and Immigration Specialists are Dealing with the COVID-19 Crisis
Relocation Africa’s Immigration Lead, Lynn Mackenzie, served as Panel Facilitator, and was joined recently by a number of immigration specialists from around Africa, to discuss their response to the COVID-19 situation in their respective countries.
Two live webinars, in partnership with the South African Reward Association (SARA) were hosted to discuss the topics, and we invite you to watch the recordings below so that we can share these insights with you.
The first webinar deals with the COVID-19 response in South Africa and Nigeria. Lynn is joined by Tracy du Plessis (South Africa), and Kunle Obebe (Nigeria).
The second covers the response in Ghana, Senegal, and Kenya. Lynn is joined by Paa Kwesi Hagan (Ghana), Joyce Anti (Senegal), and Brian Githaiga (Kenya).
We hope you enjoy the content. If you have suggestions for future webinars you’d like to see, please feel free to reach out to us via marketing@relocationafrica.com.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].
COVID-19: Make Sure Your Medical Aid, Savings, and Risk Benefits are Covered
The Covid-19 pandemic has placed additional financial pressure on South Africans. If you are being retrenched or having your hours cut, you might be pondering your options on pausing or cancelling retirement fund or medical aid payments.
Pension and provident fund payments
Pension and provident contributions shouldn’t be stopped as long as you are paid an income, as they are based on your salary. If you are not receiving a salary, then no contributions will be deducted and the lockdown shouldn’t affect your contributions. If your salary is reduced during the lockdown, your contributions will also be less because they are a percentage of your salary.
Even if contribution rates can be changed on a fund, this can usually only happen once a year, or as set out in the rules of your retirement fund.
Retirement annuity payments
With regard to retirement annuities (RAs), older policies could have a penalty when you make your policy paid up, as it recoups upfront advice and set-up costs over the period of your policy. New-generation RAs are more flexible normally, as the broker is only paid as and when and it is likely that you can stop the premium without incurring penalties and then just restart the contributions once your cash flow is better. You can’t access the RAs accumulated values until retirement age.
Risk insurance policies for death and disability cover
Your risk insurance policies covering death, disability and other associated benefits are important to maintain during this time. If you are experiencing financial difficulties in funding this cover, chat to your financial adviser to help with discussions with your underwriter to determine if they have any temporary relief strategies in place during this time. This cover is essential for you and your dependents in the event of claim.
Medical aid payments
Covid-19 is a prescribed minimum benefit, and while it is understandable that many medical aid members will consider cancelling their medical scheme membership as a result of financial pressure from Covid-19, they will be able to access private healthcare should they require hospitalisation because of the virus.
Recently the Council of Medical Schemes issued a circular to confirm that all schemes are to regard Covid-19 as a prescribed minimum benefit and pay for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in full as required by the Medical Schemes Act irrespective of plan type or option. This is to include the costs of all consultations, diagnostic tests, appropriate medication and hospitalization.
For information about COVID-19 in South Africa, visit the Department of Health’s website here, and for general COVID-19 information, visit the WHO’s website here.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].
New Regulations as South Africa Waits for Updated Lock-down Plan
Government has published a number of new and revised regulations as the country waits to hear its plan around lifting the five-week-long countrywide lockdown.
President Cyril Ramaphosa met with his cabinet on Monday (20 April) to finalise a set of measures to respond to the impact of the lockdown as well as plans for the country once the lockdown is lifted.
While cabinet is expected to make a statement on its new plan on Tuesday, a number of government departments have continued to introduce new lockdown regulations – with some proving to be more controversial than others.
Below are some of the new regulations announced over the last week.
Ban on ‘hot foods’
Arguably the most controversial new change was published on Monday and prohibited a ban on the sale of all ‘hot foods’ by essential retailers.
The directive was effectively only a line long and included no other changes, giving the impression that the government has gone out of its way to introduce this specific ban.
There is still no official explanation as to why the government has banned the sale of such food. Business group Sakeliga has indicated that it will challenge the new amendment, slamming the ‘arbitrary’ introduction of regulations by the government.
“If something is not done immediately, even entirely legal, essential businesses may be unsure of their status,” it said.
“We would like to see a more nuanced, consistent and thoughtful approach from government.
“It is important to note that South Africa’s restrictions on these businesses are far more extreme than what is warranted by the vast majority of international expertise – including recommendations by bodies such as the World Health Organisation.”
List of essential goods expanded
Higher education minister Blade Nzimande has added a number of items to the list of essential goods which may be sold during the country’s lockdown so that the country’s higher education institutions such as universities and colleges can continue to function.
Nzimande said that the transport of these goods between suppliers and higher education institutions as well as between institutions and individuals will now be declared an essential service.
The list of items include:
Petty criminals to be released?
The Department of Correctional Facilities has indicated that it is considering the release of criminals who have committed ‘petty offences’ in a bid to avoid overcrowding in the country’s prisons.
The country’s lockdown regulations allow for ‘an accused person arrested for a petty offence must be released and warned to appear in court on a future date’. However, it appears that government has not utilised this provision up until this point.
Speaking to TimesLive, a correctional services spokesperson said that overcrowding in the country’s prisons continues to pose a challenge to practising physical distancing to limit the impact of the coronavirus.
“Inmates detained for minor offences with a bail option (they cannot afford) are being considered for placement on warning by courts. This is an ongoing process,” the spokesperson said.
For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].