This scheme is part of the government's services to ensure the worst effects of the virus are mitigated. Billions has already been distributed to workers who may not have a salary as a result of the lock down.  Minister Thulas Nxesi says since the national lock down almost R11-billion in benefits has been handed out to workers through  the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). He says the department once again appeals to employers who employ domestic workers and farm labourers to apply on their behalf. He says a private company, Interfile, has been enlisted to assist to trace workers through their cell phones, so that they are aware of the benefit for employers to claim on their behalf.  An SMS service is also available. For more information go to www.uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid 19 or call 0800 030 007  

Government officials, veterinary services are working closely with pig owners in rural villages in the Eastern Cape following the outbreak of African Swine Fever in the province. Reggie Ngcobo says this is in an effort to collect necessary data to determine the extend of the decease.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that Covid-19 was likely to exacerbate the “considerable burden” of malnutrition on the African continent. The organisation added that the impact of the disease was expected to be greater among those grappling with food scarcity and malnutrition, while widespread food insecurity would likely increase due to movement restrictions. “Covid-19 is unfolding in Africa against a backdrop of worrying levels of hunger and undernourishment, which could worsen as the virus threatens livelihoods and household economies,” according to WHO regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti. The WHO said it was estimated that one in five people on the African continent was undernourished, and that 30% of children under five – approximately 59 million children – had stunted growth, greater than the global average of 21.9%. Malnutrition was also a concern for households that had the means to stock up on food before lockdown. Moeti said that as countries relaxed their lockdowns, health services must be equipped to meet the challenges posed by malnutrition.

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