A new national survey on the business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic shows that over half (56%) of participants across all sectors are currently operating under their normal capacity. An even bigger percentage (76%), has seen their revenues shrink and a quarter (23%) has had to shut down, temporarily or permanently. For just two in […]
The unprecedented social and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the role of digital finance in providing relief for millions around the world, supporting businesses and protecting jobs and livelihoods. While the pandemic demonstrates the immediate benefits of digital finance, the disruptive potential of digitalisation in transforming finance is […]
While Cabinet has welcomed the country’s move to alert level 2 of the lockdown, the executive has warned that the fight against the virus could be hindered by the reckless behaviour of some in society. The view was on Thursday relayed by Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, during a post-Cabinet press briefing. Mthembu said […]
This week, I read with concern the United Nation’s latest report on the recovery of the South African GPD, which predicts that it will take at least five years for South Africa to rebound. For a country that was already in recession pre-COVID-19 with already high levels of unemployment and rampant poverty, ordinary South Africans […]
A maximum of 66% of students will be allowed to return to university campuses, in line with the country’s shift to level 2 of the national lockdown. Briefing the media on Wednesday on the department’s plans for level 2, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, said the return of students will be […]
Meanwhile, NSFAS has received over 89 547 applications for 2021. The NSFAS 2021 application cycle opened on 3 August 2020 and will close on 30 November 2020. “Given current extreme circumstances as a direct result of COVID-19, we are anticipating an influx of applications by the closing date of applications, with predictions of a higher […]
For several months now, office spaces across South Africa have been gathering dust, void of occupants as employees have been working from home. While there is no telling when the pandemic will end, if the current work-from-home culture is adopted more permanently, offices may soon become ghost towns. But the future of remote working largely […]
The Coronavirus health pandemic (COVID-19) and nationwide lockdown has compounded the effects of existing gender inequalities and led to an increase in violations of women’s rights, including elevated risks of domestic violence and other forms of GBV. This has been evident with Vodacom’s GBV command centre (GBVCC) reporting a spike in gender violence-related calls during […]
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has launched Woza Matrics, a free-to-air television initiative aimed at supporting the matric learners of 2020 following disruptions caused by COVID-19. The 12-week Woza Matrics campaign will start on 1 September 2020 and will support Grade 12 learners in the build-up to their final matric exams by providing quality educational […]
With COVID-19 highlighting glaring healthcare deficiencies, Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has challenged South Africa’s research institutions to accelerate innovation in medical advancement to ensure that the National Healthcare Insurance becomes a reality. The Health Minister made the call in his address during the virtual 2020 Bio Africa Convention on Monday. “We have noticed during […]