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Government to introduce new digital Covid-19 certificate for South Africa.
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, addressed the media on Friday, 10th of September on the latest COVID-19 developments in South Africa. In these recent developments, Phaahla mentioned that the government is to introduce a new digital COVID-19 certificate for South Africans.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the digital COVID-19 certificates are a mechanism by which an individual’s Covid-19 related health data can be digitally documented through an electronic certificate.
WHO is undertaking an initiative to standardise vaccination proof globally. Phaahla states that the certificate has been developed with fraud and other security protections. The digital certificate will align with international standards.
The Association of Southern African Travel Agents (Asata) welcomes this announcement, citing that “A digital vaccination certificate will be an important criterion for any outbound travel,”
CEO of Asata, Otto de Vries, believes that the digital vaccine certificate can potentially lessen the current bureaucratic paperwork required for outbound travel.
Dr Phaahla says the digital certificate may be useful in accessing certain services and businesses in the future. He further adds that the government has no intention of making the certificate a requirement for accessing public services. The digital certificate will be available on smartphones and can also be printed out.
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The Department of Home Affairs has issued a statement calling upon qualifying asylum seekers and refugees to renew their expired visas and status online before the deadline on 30 June 2021.
Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has extended the validity of the asylum seeker visas and refugee statuses. This online extension is aimed at reducing the COVID-19 spread. With the online extension, a holder of an asylum seeker visa (section 22) or a refugee status (section 24), can request an extension of visa validity via email, without having to physically go to a refugee reception office.
To request an online extension for an asylum seeker or refugee visas a client will need to submit the following documents:
- A signed template that has a permit number, full names and surname, and full contact details (an email address, mobile phone numbers and physical address).
- Proof of physical address in a form of a utility bill or an affidavit confirming the address.
- A copy of the current visa. If the visa is lost, the client must submit an affidavit confirming that the permit is lost and indicate the previous permit reference number.
| 1 | Desmond Tutu Refugee Reception Office | Refugee visa extensions: DTRRC.Extension24@dha.gov.za
Asylum seeker visa extension: DTRRC.Extension22@dha.gov.za |
| 2 | Cape Town Refugee Reception Office | Refugee visa extensions: CTrrc.extension24@dha.gov.za
Asylum seeker visa extension: CTrrc.Extension22@dha.gov.za |
| 3 | Musina Refugee Reception Office | Refugee visa extensions: MusinaRRC.Extension24@dha.gov.za
Asylum seeker visa extension: Musinarrc.Extension22@dha.gov.za |
| 4 | Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Refugee Reception Office | Refugee visa extensions: PERRC.Extension24@dha.gov.za
Asylum seeker visa extension: PERRC.Extension22@dha.gov.za |
| 5 | Durban Refugee Reception Office | Refugee visa extensions: DurbanRRC.Extension24@dha.gov.za
Asylum seeker visa extension: DurbanRRC.Extension22@dha.gov.za |
This article was first published by Vivian Chiona of Expat Nest.
Being caregiver to a loved one is not for the faint of heart. It’s often an act of hard work, sacrifice and altruistic love, with emotional highs and lows. We share some tips for looking after yourself, if you’re looking after someone else. . .
Caregiving offers the opportunity to show your love to the person in need, but it can also be extremely stressful and exhausting. And if you’re not looking after yourself, there’s a very real risk of burnout.
The most effective caregivers share common habits to keep paddling through rough waters:
Prioritize your self-care
Taking care of your own needs is vital when taking care of a loved one. Stay on top of your healthcare needs, eat as healthily as possible and get plenty of sleep. Try to include some exercise in your day, even if it’s just 10 minutes at a time. Only by taking care of your needs, can you do your best at taking care of others.
Seek out information
The more you learn about your loved one’s illness, symptoms and treatment process, the more empowered you will feel around what to expect and how to cope with potential extra needs. Educating yourself on the illness empowers you to face future challenges as a caregiver and to provide the appropriate help on time.
Searching for solutions
Be honest about problems as they arise, look for effective solutions and take action. Keep in mind that you are an expert by experience when it comes to your loved one, so look for solutions that are suitable both for you and the person who needs you.
Acknowledge your own feelings
Identify your strengths and your weaknesses. Be honest about your emotions; you have the right to all of them.
Embrace your support network
Caregivers often feel alone and believe that others cannot fully understand what they are going through. Building or leaning on your support network helps to prevent burnout and the feelings of guilt that can emerge when negative emotions arise. An expat caregiver might feel especially lonely, as most of our loved ones live far away. In that case, take advantage of technology to stay in touch with your support network abroad and those involved with the care – this way, you have the opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings with the people that care most about you. Alternatively, support groups for caregivers provide a safe space to share your concerns and get advice. Whenever possible, have open, honest conversations with your loved ones or the person you take care of regarding your personal needs, so that everyone has the same expectations; this will minimize misunderstandings.
Choose gratitude
Gratitude for what you and your loved ones already have or have accomplished can help to find acceptance and some measure of peace. Start gently, by noticing small pleasures and joys. Consider creating a gratitude journal to capture these moments of appreciation. You may not be able to control everything that your loved one is going through, but you can have some control over how you respond to the challenges.
Take a break
Caregiving is a demanding task. Once in a while, give yourself a rest and participate in activities you enjoy, like reading a good book, meeting a friend, take a warm bath or watching a great movie.
Practise mindfulness
Try not to focus on what is presumably coming, since no one knows if tomorrow will be better or worse than today. Living in the present can help you stay out of anticipatory fear, worry or grief.
Seek professional help
Caregiving is hard work and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed as you try your best to support for your loved one. If you feel exhausted, irritated, tired, constantly stressed or forgetful, do not hesitate to seek professional help. If these warning signs of caregiver burnout arise, take action and don’t hesitate to let a professional support you. Feel free to get in touch with us for a free 15-minute call. An experienced psychologist or coach can help you develop skills and strategies to deal with challenging emotions in a safe place, where your thoughts and feelings will be understood.
Remember, it’s not “selfish” to prioritize yourself when someone you care about is in need. It’s a smart strategy! By staying healthy and balanced, you’ll feel more resilient in the long run (and more able to take on your care duties).
Photo: Sơn Bờm/Pexels
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