Various options will be undertaken, which are not limited to ensuring that decontamination is only done in affected areas and not in the whole building. This is part of the department's measures that will be put in place as a matter of urgency to ensure deeds offices address the entire backlog while continuing to attend to new lodgements. This comes after numerous complaints regarding backlogs and the constant closure of deeds offices were received by the department. Didiza has instructed the department to ensure adjusted level three regulations, which no longer require that 30% of staff be at the office, is implemented with immediate effect. She said all offices will be re-arranged to ensure social distancing and the safety of staff. All examiners will also be allowed to do an examination of documents at home in order to fast track the examination of documents.

Agricultural female scientists face numerous challenges daily. Dr Lia Rotherham, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council, ARC, says few female scientists get the respect that their fellow male colleagues get in this field. It is frustrating, but she continues to live out her passion for animals and the role they play. Rotherham says as a female scientist she, however, stays motivated and drives to make a difference. OFM focuses on females in the agricultural industry and the role they play as part of Women's Month celebrated in August.

AND

One of the Northern Capes' largest employers in Kimberley is doing its bit to safeguard its employees currently and beyond the Covid-19-pandemic. The Beefmaster Group, which employs 664 people at its meat processing facility in Kimberley, has already invested about R2 million in the wellbeing of its employees. This is since the onset of the pandemic. Gert Blignaut, group chief operating officer, says they are likely to spend a total of R6 million. The Beefmaster group employs about a thousand people across all its facilities, nationwide. Blignaut says the additional investment includes monthly supplements and vitamin C provision to boost the immunity of workers, as well as flu injections for all staff over the age of 60 years. The investment also includes special employee transport arrangements, in which the group pays for taxi seats to be kept open, in an effort to guarantee employees are transported to and from work with social distancing kept in mind.

OFM News