COVID-19: REGULATIONS PUBLISHED IN TERMS OF THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT 57 OF 2002
The Noval Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The World Health Organization (“WHO”) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. A national state of disaster was declared in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 on 15 March 2020 in response to the WHO’s declaration (GN 313 in GG 43096 of 15 March 2020).
On 18 March 2020, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs published Regulations in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 (“the COVID-19 Regulations”) in GN 318 in GG 43107 of 18 March 2020 to provide the necessary steps to prevent an escalation of COVID-19.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a National Lockdown for 21 days (“the Lockdown”) on 23 March 2020. After the Lockdown was announced the COVID-19 Regulations was amended to provide for interim measures during the Lockdown in GN R398 in GG 43148 of 25 March 2020 and further amended in GN R419 in GG 43168 of 26 March 2020.
Chapter 2 of the COVID-19 Regulations specifically deals with the Lockdown and will apply as from 26 March 2020 at 24H00, until 16 April 2020 at 24H00, or on a date to be determined by the Cabinet member designated under section 3 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002. The COVID-19 Regulations confines every person to their place of residence unless strictly for the purpose of performing an essential service, obtaining essential goods or services, collecting social grants or seeking emergency, life-saving or chronic medical attention. Businesses and other entities must cease operations during the lockdown, unless they are involved in the manufacturing, supply or provision of essential goods. Operations may continue remotely by persons from their normal place of residence through telecommunications or services. The borders of South Africa are closed, except for transportation of fuel, and essential goods. Attendance at a funeral is limited to 50 people. All commuter transport services other than certain vehicles required for essential services purposes, are prohibited from operating.
Regulation 10(8) of the COVID-19 Regulations provides various Ministers to issue Directives with regard to the National Disaster in respect of matters falling within their respective mandates. The following directions were issued:
- Measures to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in the Public Transport Service (GN 412 in GG 43157 of 26 March 2020);
- Measures to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in Cross-border Road Transport (GN 413 in GG 43158 of 26 March 2020);
- Measures to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in Railway Operations (GN 414 in GG 43159 of 26 March 2020);
- Measures to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in Air Services (GN 415 in GG 43160 of 26 March 2020);
- Measures to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 (GN 416 in GG 43162 of 26 March 2020);
Electronic Communications, Postal and Broadcasting Directions (GN 417 in GG 43164 of 26 March 2020); - Measures to prevent and combat the spread of COVID-19 in all courts, court precincts and justice service points (GN 418 in GG 43167 of 26 March 2020);
- Coronavirus COVID19 Temporary Employee / Employer Relief Scheme (C19 TERS) (GN 215 in GG 43161 of 26 March 2020); and
- Municipalities and provinces in response to COVID-19 (GN R399 in GG 43147 of 25 March 2020).
Although Shangoni’s Offices are closed during the Lockdown in accordance with the COVID-19 Regulations, have are using technology to continue to support our clients. We have taken various measures to enable our consultants to work remotely, to maintain in good health (physically, emotionally and mentally) and continue deliver projects. Our consultants can be available directly on email or telephone. Should you not have any email or telephone contact details readily available please contact our office at +27 (0) 12 807 7036 or send an email to info@shangoni.co.za.
With regards to COVID 19 – Shangoni assist companies to ensure compliance with regards to these Regulations, and to align business continuity and Emergency Response Plans to these. For more information or support on this, please contact Gert van der Waal at our office at +27 (0) 12 807 7036 or send an email to gert@shangoni.co.za.
