Nelson Mandela Bay declared a COVID-19 hotspot

The number of COVID-19 cases in South Africa exceeded the 800 000 mark, after 4 400 people were confirmed to have contracted the virus over the last 24 hours. This brings the total confirmed COVID-19 cases to 800 872.

Meanwhile, 94 more people succumbed to the respiratory disease which pushes the death toll to 21 803. Of these, 42 were reported in the Eastern Cape, 28 in the Western Cape, 11 in Free State, 8 in Gauteng and 5 from KwaZulu-Natal. 

Addressing the nation on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said there was a rise in new infections and number of people admitted to hospitals.

The total number of hospital admissions have now peaked to over 5 800 nationally and is still increasing.

President Ramaphosa told the nation that three areas account for most of these new infections including Nelson Mandela Bay and the Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape and the Garden Route District in the Western Cape.

Nelson Mandela Bay has since been declared a Coronavirus hotspot and government has hit the metro with a curfew and new alcohol sale restrictions.

– The hours of the curfew will be from 10pm and 4am.

This means that – except for emergencies – no person may be outside their place of residence between those times. This does not apply to essential workers who are permitted to work during those hours.

– The sale of alcohol from retail outlets will only be permitted between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Thursday. Alcohol consumption in public spaces, such as beaches and parks, is strictly forbidden. This is necessary to prevent large social gatherings.

– Gatherings – including religious gatherings – may not be attended by more than 100 people for indoor events and 250 for outdoor events.

At all times, the total number of people in a venue may not exceed more than 50% of the capacity of the venue.

– Finally, all post-funeral gatherings are prohibited.

‘’These additional measures are necessary to contain the resurgence in Nelson Mandela Bay, to prevent outbreaks resulting from social gatherings and to protect the capacity of the healthcare system to provide care to those who need it.’’ Said Ramaphosa.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Advocate Yashina Pillay appointed Head of WC Community Safety Department

The Western Cape has a new head of Community Safety.

Advocate Yashina Pillay was appointed as the Head of Department (HoD) for the Department of Community Safety in the province on Tuesday, 1 December 2020.

Prior to her appointment, Advocate Pillay served as the Acting HoD of the Department of Community Safety and previously served as a Chief Director within the Department. Advocate Pillay has extensive senior management experience within Local Government and the NGO sector. Her career began with her serving at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Western Cape’s Community Safety MEC, Albert Fritz, welcomes the appointment.

“I wish to congratulate Advocate Pillay on her appointment and know that she is incredibly well placed to head the Department. Her wealth of experience in the legal, government and safety spheres will serve as an asset to this Department. She is also the first female to be appointed as HoD of the Department. I can think of no better person to have at the helm as its Chief Accounting Officer as we enter the next phase of implementing the Western Cape Safety Plan,” says Fritz.

“In her acting role, Advocate Pillay steered the Department through the Covid-19 pandemic and has successfully ensured that the Department undergoes a comprehensive restructuring and repurposing process. This will aid us in delivering on the implementation of the Recovery Plan and the Western Cape Safety Plan. She has played a pivotal role in the establishment of Area Based Teams within the communities most affected by murder and violence,” Fritz added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Locust outbreak confirmed in three of SA provinces

The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza has confirmed that there is an outbreak of locusts currently plaguing South Africa.

Three provinces are facing a locust infestation, including the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Free State.

“Control measures are currently being implemented to curb the spread of the locusts. The current strong winds are aiding the fight and spread of the locusts,” Didiza said in a statement.

“The department has already dispatched a team of specialists to the affected provinces to work with the provincial departments of Agriculture and Rural Development officials and our entity, the Agricultural Research Council and farmer organisations.”

The Minister urges farmers and farmer organisations to alert the department if they detect a swarm of locusts.

Done By: Mitchum George

UK approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine

Britain became the first Western country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine for general use on Wednesday as it announced a rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech's drug from next week.

"The government has today accepted the recommendation from the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to approve Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine for use," the department of health said in a statement.

"The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week," the statement said. Priority groups will include care home residents, health and care staff, the elderly and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

After months of clinical trials and thorough analysis of the data, the MHRA "concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness", the statement added.

"To aid the success of the vaccination programme it is vital everyone continues to play their part and abide by the necessary restrictions in their area so we can further suppress the virus and allow the NHS (National Health Service) to do its work without being overwhelmed."

Pfizer chairman Albert Bourla said it was a "historic moment in the fight against Covid-19".

"This authorisation is a goal we have been working toward since we first declared that science will win, and we applaud the MHRA for their ability to conduct a careful assessment and take timely action to help protect the people of the UK," Bourla added.

Done By: Mitchum Gorge

SASSA extends two temporary grants until year end

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced that the Temporary Disability and Care Dependency Grants will lapse on 31 December 2020.

Temporary Disability grants that lapsed from 1 February were extended to 31 December 2020. Care Dependency Grants for children who turned 18 years during the period of February to December 2020 were also extended to 31 December 2020.

“The minister of social development took the decision to extend them to December 31, 2020, in response to the declared state of disaster which made it difficult for beneficiaries to apply for social grants, especially those requiring medical assessments because of the limited access to health facilities.

“These two grants will now finally lapse on December 31, 2020,” SASSA said.

Beneficiaries of the Temporary Disability Grants who feel that their medical condition still prevents them from working are advised to approach their nearest SASSA Local Office from 5 January 2021 to re-apply.

‘’It must be understood that this is not a review process, but a new application, as temporary disability grants are awarded for a specific period only.’’

SASSA said care givers of children whose Care Dependency Grants will lapse are not required to bring the children to SASSA Local Offices, but should come to undertake the application process as the proxy for their children.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Summer initiation season suspended

The practice of initiation has been suspended in the Western Cape until further notice.

The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, gazetted on Tuesday that male and female initiation practices are prohibited for the duration of the national state of disaster.

‘’Guided by the prescribed national regulations, recommendations from the Department of Health and consultation with the initiation forums across the province, the Summer Initiation season will unfortunately not go ahead as scheduled in compliance with the mandatory protocols currently in place,’’ said Western Cape’s MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais.

Marais says her department will monitor the situation on a daily basis.

“The Department Cultural Affairs and Sport’s key objective is to ensure a safe and enabling environment for initiates and the effective rite of passage. To give effect to its intention, the Department plans to host training sessions early next year for cultural practitioners, inclusive of carers, traditional surgeons and members of the Initiation Forums. Consultation with all stakeholders, interested groups and individuals will be on-going during the current Covid-19 situation”.

Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Deputy Minister, Obed Bapela, said government has consulted widely across all sectors and is pleading with traditional leaders and communities to observe the suspension of initiation.

He also encouraged them to educate communities about the dangers of the Coronavirus, especially as it relates to this important cultural practice.

“To this end, government and all stakeholders will not tolerate bogus initiation schools and anyone who is found to be disobeying the order of initiation suspension in the wake of COVID-19.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Mandrax tablets found wrapped in an Angolan Flag

Two suspects were arrested on Sunday in Muizenberg after they found with drugs as well as being in possession of an imitation firearm. They will appear in court on charges relating to possession of drugs, dealing in drugs, as well as possession of an imitation firearm.

‘’Members of Muizenberg Crime Prevention Unit (CPU), acted on information from the community pertaining to possible drug dealings at Harmony Road, Vrygrond. At approximately 12:00, the members approached the residence and conducted a thorough search of the premises and discovered 240 mandrax tablets wrapped in an Angolan Flag, ’’ said Captain FC van Wyk.

A 18-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of dealing in drugs.

Later the afternoon, the same members followed up further information of drug peddling in Mountain Road, Overcome Heights, Retreat.

‘’At approximately 16:30, they commenced a thorough search of the shack and discovered 68 sticks of dagga and two packets of tik, as well as an imitation firearm,’’ van Wyk added.

A 25-year-old suspect and resident of the premises was arrested on charges of dealing in drugs and possession of an imitation firearm and is currently in detention at Muizenberg SAPS.

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape EMS crew gun pointed in Khayelitsha

An EMS ambulance crew were gun pointed in Greenpoint, Khayelitsha on Saturday. Two male officials were on their way back to their base when an attempted robbery occurred. Fortunately, there were no physical injuries and the officials managed to pull away from the scene on time.

“We will continue to work with communities in the Western Cape to ensure that they understand that these kinds of crimes pose a threat to paramedics’ well-being, especially during these dire times. They should work closely with us to eradicate this criminal behaviour by reporting assaults to the police,” says EMS Director, Dr Shaheem de Vries.

In a separate incident on Sunday, EMS personnel responded to a head on collision, motor vehicle accident on La Belle road in Stikland, Bellville. 15 patients were injured when a taxi and a bakkie collided. There were fourteen male patients and one female patient. The patients were transported to various hospitals.

‘’One of the patients were seriously injured and the rest of the patients sustained mild injuries. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. A total of six ambulances responded to the incident and the first ambulance arrived at the scene at 08:39,’’ said Deanna Bessick, Communications Officer at the Western Cape Government’s Emergency Medical Services & Forensic Pathology Services

 

Done By: Mitchum George

World Aids Day 2020

Approximately every 100 seconds, a child or young person under the age of 20 was newly infected with Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV) last year, bringing the total number of children living with HIV to 2.8 million. This statistics was revealed in a UNICEF report today.

The report, Reimagining a resilient HIV response for children, adolescents and pregnant women living with HIV, warns that children are being left behind in the fight against HIV.

Prevention efforts and treatment for children remain some of the lowest amongst key affected populations.

Tuesday marks World Aids Day, under the theme, “Global solidarity, shared responsibility” and as the Chair of the South African National AIDS Council, Deputy President David Mabuza, will lead the national commemoration with an address on progress in the country’s response.

The Western Cape’s Health MEC, Dr. Nomafrench Mbombo says citizens couldn’t get tested for HIV as South Africans were under ‘hard lockdown’

‘’During the COVID-19 pandemic in the province, HIV services were affected as clients were told to stay home, that medication would be delivered to them, and that they only present to health facilities for emergencies and for chronic medication. Consequently, all primary health care (PHC) services that were considered non-emergencies (e.g. family planning or related), were de-escalated. This has posed a challenge for clients testing and starting antiretroviral treatment (ART), and accessing other services, such as voluntary male medical circumcision.’’

In his weekly letter, President Cyril Ramaphosa said more work on HIV prevention among key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs is needed.

South Africa, he added, needs to increase efforts to medically circumcise young men to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV, saying unsafe circumcision should not leave young men dead or with lifelong health complications.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Cape Town dam levels at 98,1%

The latest average dam levels in the Western Cape is standing at 78.6%. In the same period in 2019, dams were at 63.5%.

The total capacity of dams supplying the Cape Town metro decreased by 0,7% in the past week, from 98,8% to 98,1%.

The City of Cape Town says daily water consumption for the same period decreased by seven million litres per day to 749 million litres per day.

The Western Cape’s Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, says the coming summer season in the province will see an expected influx of visitors and an increase in temperatures.

“We often find water usage for the December period, goes sky-high, especially along the coastal villages. We want to urge responsible and frugal water usage in the coming summer months.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Disabled boy stabbed in Grassy Park

Kyle Bruiners, 17 year old disable boy from Grassy Park, was stabbed to death Saturday evening. He was dressed up to celebrate his birthday when he was robbed of his gold chain that was gifted to him.

His uncle and stepfather was left wounded while he was stabbed to death. Cases of murder and attempted murder were opened for investigation said Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana. Arrests are yet to be made for Kyle’s murder even though the family knows who the alleged perpetrators are.

Melvin Jonkers, from the Grassy Park Policing Forum, said the community is in mourning.

Anyone with information on the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crimeline on 32211. 

By Danielle Mentoor 

Zimbabwean man tries to flee the country after killing wife and five children with an axe.

In an Eastern Cape home in Dakwedi 6 bodies were found, a 42 year old woman and her five children aged between 6-months to 10 years old. The police found the bodies in a pile of blood beside an axe believed to be the murder weapon.

When the police arrived at the scene they found the gruesome scene of the bodies in a pool of blood. Provincial Police Commissioner  Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga says it is inconceivable that this horrible crime happened on the opening day of 16 Days of Activism.

A man believed to be a husband to the deceased mother had disappeared without a trace and the police asked for the community’s assistance. Moreover, the community did not take their role for granted as the police got a tip-of about his whereabouts.

He was found hiding in the flat of a relative. Detectives believe he was planning of running away to his home country. He was arrested Thursday night, 24 hours after the murder.

By Everngelista Muza

Western Cape health department believes it has enough beds to deal with covid-19 resurgence

Due to the increase of the covid-19 infections the Western Cape Health Department believes that it has sufficient bed space to cope with re-emergence.

There has been a 63% hospitalization increase with a 75% critical care admissions.

Dr Keith Cloete provincial head of health, stated that in the past two-weeks there has been an increase with over 900 like in September covid-19 hospitalized reached a low of under 500. He was astonished large number of people becoming ill in hospital such as Groote Schuur, Tygerberg, Somerset, Mitchells Plain and Brackgate which then 10% in September to over 110 on Wednesday.

Cloete said despite all private hospital having the capacity they are turning to the public sector for assistance although government hospitals are also under pressure. He warned that the death rate was also going back up

 

Done by Amber Collins

Man seriously injured after taxi struck him in Bellville, Cape Town

A man was left seriously injured on Thursday morning when he was struck by a taxi at the Charl Malan and Kerk intersection in Bellville, Cape Town.

Paramedics arrived on the scene at 09h05 on Thursday to find the taxi on the side of the road. The male pedestrian was found lying next to the patient on the sidewalk.

It is understood that members of the public had pulled the man from beneath the vehicle.

‘’Medics assessed the man and found that he had sustained several injuries and was in a serious condition. The man was treated and provided with pain-relief medication before he was transported to Tygerberg Provincial Hospital for further care,’’ said ER24’s Russel Meiring.

Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Western Cape experiencing a COVID-19 resurgence

The Western Cape Government has expressed deep concern about the growing infection rate of COVID-19 and has since confirmed that it is dealing with a resurgence.

‘’A resurgence is when the number of active cases increase, week-on-week, by more than 20%,’’ explains Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde.

Over the past week, the province reported a 52.1% jump in new COVID-19 cases.

“There is also now established community transmission of the virus again in this province, which means that it is spreading within communities at a faster rate,” says Winde.

The increase in active cases is primarily driven by two districts in the Western Cape: the Garden Route and the Cape Metro.

The City of Cape Town is following a similar trajectory to this region and looks to be about 10-14 days behind. We are therefore also issuing a hotspot alert for the Metro.

‘’It is important to highlight that the growth in cases in the City is being recorded in every sub-district and is not being driven by any one area. This is verified by waste-water treatment testing,’’ says Winde.

The biggest concern, according to Winde, is hospitalisations, which reached 904 on Wednesday, after recording a low of under 500 in September.

‘’Critical care admissions have increased by 75% since the start of November. This is particularly concerning as an admission to a critical care unit is an indication of severe illness that might lead to death.’’

The Western Cape Premier called on everyone to prevent a hard lockdown, and to ensure that there are enough empty beds in hospitals for those who need them.

“We need every person in the Western Cape to help prevent a lockdown and to ensure that there are enough empty beds in our hospitals for those who need them”

‘’We must be under no illusion as to how serious the situation is, and how quickly it can deteriorate further,’’ said Winde.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

SA embarks on five days of mourning for those who lost their lives to GBVF & COVID-19

Wednesday marks the start of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children – the same day we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

According to the United Nations, one in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence – mostly by an intimate partner.

Deputy President, David Mabuza, has called on South Africans to wear a black armband, a ribbon, or any sign that signifies an act of mourning, in order to demonstrate respect for those who have passed away due to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, as well as those who lost their life to COVID-19.

In his last state of the nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said this is to remember the victims of both COVID-19 and gender-based violence and femicide between Wednesday and Sunday. Flags across the country will fly half-mast between 6am and 6pm.

The Deputy President called on churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and houses of prayer to hold prayer sessions to support surviving families to cope with the loss of their loved ones.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

More than 200 Golden Arrow buses are being stoned on average on a monthly basis

More than 200 Golden Arrow buses are being attacked on average every month.

At a recent meeting of the provincial government's standing committee on Transport, it was revealed that six to eight robberies were committed weekly, many of them on buses, while in other instances shots were fired at the vehicles and depots had been petrol-bombed.

Recently, 12 Golden Arrow bus coaches have come under attack resulting in financial losses of just under R29 million.

‘’At the standing committee, the severity of the arson attacks and violence highlighted the need, above all else, for safety measures and criminal justice reforms to be put in place. It was thus further noted that the nationally-managed Traffic Courts are overwhelmed, with cases being rolled over or struck from the roll,’’ says DA Western Cape Committee Spokesperson on Transport and Public works, Daylin Mitchell.

Last week, three vehicles were torched during protests in the Khayelitsha area.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

PRASA employee arrested for providing info on cash & stolen copper cables to criminals

A joint operation between the South African Police Services, Transnet and Western Cape Metrorail Protection Services, arrested six suspects on Tuesday for being in possession of stolen railway cables.

Twenty-four officials and eight vehicles were deployed in four teams to conduct foot patrols and scrap yard inspections. 

‘’Fifteen individuals and 14 vehicles were searched resulting in the arrest of six suspects. One vehicle and 31kg cabling positively identified as rail catenary cable (estimated value R190 000.00) were confiscated. The arrests were made in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act on charges of damage to essential infrastructure and being in possession of stolen property,’’ says Riana Scott, MetroRail Western Cape.

Acting Regional Manager Raymond Maseko said the collaboration between rail operators and law enforcement agencies is invaluable: ‘’We have had exceptional support from provincial and Railway Police with excellent results’.

‘’Our stakeholders and communities are equally valuable resources in the fight against metal theft; they provide intelligence and information which are taken into account when planning crime combatting operations,’’ Maseko added.

In a separate incident, on Monday, a number of suspects were found in possession of copper cabling and a significant amount of cash, amongst those a Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) employee.

‘’The cash was allegedly to bribe Prasa employees. An employee was arrested shortly afterwards as a result of the information provided. All the cable was recovered. All suspects are being detained at Woodstock SAPS.’’

Maseko commended the Regional Security Manager and his teams, saying their commitment to stop the scourge of vandalism was highly appreciated: “Our collective focus is to restore and improve the train service against all odds. Sadly those odds include our own employees.’’

The Acting Regional Manager encouraged employees and the public to continue reporting such crimes.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

A week-old baby amongst fourteen people who were left injured, following collision in Plumstead

A week-old baby are amongst fourteen people who were left injured, when a car crashed into the side of a taxi on Main Road in Plumstead, Cape Town on Wednesday morning.

‘’At approximately 08h30, ER24 paramedics along with the Metro and Fire Services, arrived on the scene to find the two vehicles in the middle of the road. Several people were found inside the taxi while several others were walking around on the scene,’’ says ER24’s Russel Meiring

Medics assessed the patients and found that fourteen people, including a week-old baby girl, had sustained minor to moderate injuries. Meiring confirmed that no fatalities were found on the scene.

‘’The patients were treated for their injuries and were thereafter transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment. Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Beer Association SA calls for responsible trade and consumption of alcohol as Black Friday approaches

The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA) has appealed to traders and consumers to sell and consume alcohol responsibly and moderately as Black Friday approaches.

BASA said that given the rise in Covid-19 infections in some provinces over the past few days, it is critical that all role players do their bit to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“While the majority of South Africans do not consume alcohol at all, those who drink excessively place a heavy burden on our health system,”  the association said in a statement on Tuesday.

“We simply cannot afford to go back to the total banning of alcohol as we did during previous lockdowns. Such strict measures cost the beer industry an estimated 7 400 jobs, R14.2 billion in lost sales revenue, and more than R7.4 billion in lost taxes and excise duties.”

The Beer Association said it was critical that both retailers and consumers continue to adhere to the level one lockdown regulations, most importantly to ensure the wearing of masks at all times, the continuous sanitising of hands, and the enforcement of social distancing.

‘’We also call on consumers taking advantage of specials, to please refrain from socialising in large groups and to drink in moderation,’’ said Patricia Pillay, CEO of BASA.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

Due to the shooting on Monday the police had a breakthrough of seven poeple, and including a wheelchair-bound woman, at Cape Town station deck taxi rack. A second suspect aged 39 has been arrested with a firearm seized. Another suspect was arrested aged 31-year-old just after the shooting had happened.

Police spokesperson sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said that the 39-year-old would appear in court once charged.  Just few hours after the Cape Town shooting, there was about five people who were killed and three other people who were injured by unidentified assailants in Nyanga.

Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said: That the reports from Nyanga shooting said that on the scene reveal that seven people were sitting in the taxi at Nyanga Terminus, and a gunman approached and just shot at roughly around 9:30pm. Round about four men ages between 30 and 36 had passed away on the scene. 

 

Done by Amber Collins

Five killed in Nyanga Terminus Shooting.

Another taxi shooting took place yesterday evening at the Nyanga terminus where four people were killed and three others injured by yet-to-be identified assailants. Reports say that up to seven people were seated in a taxi in Sihlanu Avenue near the Nyanga Terminus when the gunmen approached and shots fired multiple times around 9:30pm. Four men between the ages of 30 and 36 died on the scene. Three others were taken to a medical facility after sustaining serious injury. A fifth victim died in the hospital and two other victims nursing injuries.

Brigadier Novela Potelwa said that a team of investigators are working on pursuing specific leads, the motive for the incident is believed to be taxi-conflict related. The investigators have opened murder and attempted murder cases

Earlier that day at the Cape Town Station Deck Taxi a shooting took place that resulted in several people injured. In relation to the Nyanga shooting incident and Cape town station deck on Monday afternoon, police have bolstered deployments at potential hotspot.

 

By Everngelista Muza

Unpacking the Integrated Development Plan / Public Participation

The Integrated Development Plan tells the municipality what's it's going to do to develop an area.

The Municipal Systems Act of 2000 describes the IDP as a principal strategic planning instrument which guides and informs all planning and development and all decisions with regards to planning, management, and development of the municipality.

The IDP process is a 5-year plan, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The IDP focuses on basic service delivery, local economic development and most importantly – good governance and public participation.

Public participation enable us to interact with government on an ongoing basis on matters that concern us. Through public participation, government remains in touch with our needs and we can hold government accountable for it.

Our constitution and laws spells out what government has to do to facilitate public participation in important municipal decision-making processes such as the drafting of by-laws and the IDP.

Done By: Mitchum George

Bush Radio1 · Municipal Financing Show on IDP process & Public Participation(17 November 2020)

A trip gone wrong for 52 year old Durban woman

 

While at Kloof Gorge Waterfall in Durban a woman fell down four meters onto rocks. She was reported to have sustained serious injuries after she had lost her footing and fallen to the rocks below.

The incident took place Sunday 22 November and it was reported at 10:24 whereby the paramedics quickly responded. Shawn Herbst a 911 Netcare spokesman stated that the 52 year old woman was treated on the scene by Netcare emergency care practitioner. The team took a long hike where the woman had fallen, she was airlifted to a hospital. Herbst stated that the woman was carried down using a specialized stretcher. It took the team up to four hours to get her to an agreed time and place where she was loaded into a Netcare helicopter.

 

The rescue team used a rope-rescue system to go down a steep hill then flown to a specialized facility.

Done by Amber Collins

Mboweni asks his almost 1 million followers if we need national airline

Sunday evening Finance Minister Tito Mboweni tweeted: Ok.Do we need a national airline, Maybe that’s the question? Is it?

 

This notion went and brought about their anger seeing as this was posted a short while after SAA was granted 10,5 billion additional funding for business rescue. Some people agreed with this by stating we need a national airline, a restructured SAA. RSA is a nation state with an air force which means we need to integrate saturation of domestic civilian expertise into our defense strategy, Our SoEs fumbled by thinking the things they were built to subsidize should be profitable.

 

Many people were not so supportive to this question with some tweeters bashing or reprimanding Mboweni for seeming incompetent. One twitter user said, South Africa should instead allow domestic startups to encourage investment and competition in its aviation industry. Free up the SA air space and cut down the beaurocracy in the industry. No we don’t. We need to kick start the economy, lift our ratings from junk status and focus on letting business people run businesses. Political interference must be kept as far away as possible. If you don’t even the UIF and pension funds will not be enough. People will starve from your losses yet you will blame the white people and apartheid for your catastrophic failures unfortunately that’s the ANC way.

 

The country although it might need bational airline is not in the best capacity to take that burden. The economy needs to be worked on until we are viliable enough.

 

By Everngelista Muza