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26 Mar 2020
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Kwanalu: Covid-19 Update: 26/3/20

Dear Kwanalu Members
Content:

  1. COVID-19 Regulations update 26/03/20
  2. Permit – amended to match the regulations *NEW
  3. Newsflash_Must employees be paid during lockdown_240320
  4. Minister of Police unpacks measures by the police to enforce the national lockdown
  5. Security forces – update
  1. COVID-19 Regulations update 26/03/20 – Agri SA Memo

Minister Dlamini Zuma published the revised regulations pertaining to the 21-day lock-down early this evening. The aim of the lockdown is to try to contain the coronavirus pandemic, which is threatening the fabric of our society at every level.  It is in all our interests that this virus is contained.  If we do not succeed in doing so, the consequences will be catastrophic.

It is important to note that what follows below, is Agri SA’s interpretation of the regulations as published.  There are certain aspects which require more clarity and which we will take up with the relevant ministers.  We also have certain concerns, particularly in relation to certain commodities which seem to be excluded from the definition of essential goods. Further regulations on preventing and combatting the spread of the virus, was also published and we will unpack and deal in detail with these.

The focus of this urgent memo is on three aspects only, namely:

  • The definition of “essential goods” and specifically “Food “in Annexure B of the regulations.
  • The provisions regarding cross provincial border transport of essential goods.
  • The permit form in Annexure C to the regulations.

According to our interpretation, essential goods excludes any alcoholic beverages, wool, cotton, mohair, tobacco or forestry products or any other non-edible agricultural products. This is of concern and will be taken up with government in conjunction with the affected commodity organisations.

There is a provision 11(b)(1) that deals with movement between provinces and between metros and districts which is prohibited.  On the wording, it seems as if that may apply even to the movement of essential goods and services.

Subsection I, deals with confinement to premises and does exempt essential goods and services, but subsection iii and iv do not provide for essential goods and services.  We believe that this was probably not the intention and will get clarity on the interpretation and on whether in fact essential goods can be transported across provinces.

The prescribed permit/form in Annexure C differs slightly from the one that was drafted and sent out.  Annexure C, however, contains clear errors that we will clarify.  In the meantime, we advise that you use the Permit Template as provided.

Click here for the Regulations: Gov Gazette_Regulations on Lockdown 250320

 2. Permit – amended to match the regulations

As mentioned in point 1 above the prescribed permit/form in Annexure C differs slightly from the one that was drafted and sent out.  Annexure C, however, contains clear errors that we will clarify.  In the meantime, we advise that you use the Permit Template updated.doc

Click here for the updated Permit according to the regulations Annexure C which you can complete:
PERMIT TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL SERVICES REV2  (Word version)

PERMIT TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL SERVICES REV2 PDF  (PDF version)

3. Newsflash_Must employees be paid during lockdown_240320

In the interest of assisting members who might not be able to continue operations during the lockdown, please find a legal note setting out the options in terms of planning for employees, as well as the UIF guide which contains contact information.

Click here: Newsflash_COVID-19_ Must employees be paid during lock-down_240320_TL

4. Minister of Police unpacks measures by the police to enforce the national lockdown

A strong message has been sent out regarding the deployment of the SANDF, Metro Police Departments as well as other Law Enforcement Agencies who will form part of these joint operations that will be conducted for the duration of the lockdown.

Click here for the full statement: Minister Cele unpacks measures by the police to enforce the Coronavirus COVID

5. Security forces – update
We have confirmed this morning that the Self-regulation permit as provided above has been communicated to SAPS and the SANDF. They have confirmed that this has also been circulated to their internal structures and is per regulation.