Gift vouchers-An alternative income during Lockdown
The current lockdown due to the COVID-19 virus is unheard of in the recent history of South Africa. It is also a very uncertain period in terms of income for the majority of businesses and with a very high probability of possible retrenchments in the months to come. Business owners are currently trying to think of alternative ways to generate income or to draw new clients once the lockdown ends. One of the alternatives is selling gift vouchers during the lockdown as a way of generating some...
Payroll requirements for the TERS Relief Scheme
In line with section 8 of The National Disaster Regulations, the Minister of Employment and Labour announced measures relating to the coronavirus and its impact on UIF contributions. The Unemployment Insurance Fund will assist employees affected by the current lockdown throw Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) and other benefits. Evidence/payroll of the last three month’s salaries needs to be submitted as part of the TERS application. In order to comply with this requirement, an...
Suppliers investigated for inflated prices amid COVID-19
The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus and the resulting declaration of a state of the national disaster led to high demand for certain healthcare & hygiene products and also basic food items, on its part due to panic buying. Due to the high demand, prices have increased as many consumers rushed to stockpile in anticipation of total lockdown. Looking at applicable consumer legislation, it is important for suppliers to be aware of their responsibility for ethical business practices...
WSP/ ATR submissions 2020: the way to work smarter, not harder!
The COVID-19 national lockdown has created a challenge for South African business owners who need to find a new approach to ensuring their supply chains continue to run. We at SEESA know you are focused on running your business during this time and for that reason, we are doing everything on our side to minimise the impact this lockdown period will have on your 2020 Skills submission. SEESA Skills and Skills Training has always been committed to providing ongoing quality service to all of our...
Overselling or overbooking in light of the state of National Disaster
In light of the declaration of a state of national disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot of uncertainty for suppliers and consumers. Businesses are under an enormous amount of stress, with respect to their potential, to uphold or accept any commitments for bookings for services or goods after the lockdown. Consumers and suppliers could face the dilemma of being unable to commit to booking if the lockdown gets extended to a later date, or otherwise, suppliers could be tempted to...
The POPI Act VS Disclosure of an individual’s COVID-19 status
Purpose of POPI: The Protection of Personal Information Act[1] (POPI) was promulgated and sets out guidelines for the lawful collection and processing of individuals’ personal information. This includes, amongst other any information relating to an individual’s well-being, medical status or whereabouts. COVID-19 Pandemic: On 15 March 2020, the president declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national disaster and a public health emergency which poses a risk to the well-being of each and every...
BEE regulations and the implications of COVID-19 on South African businesses
President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a state of national disaster in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic on 23 March 2020. A 3-week lockdown has been implemented in an effort to curb the spread of the virus in the hope of minimising the loss of life and long-term economic impacts. All non-essential businesses have been closed, yours might be one of them. However, time marches on and from the confines of your home, you still have a business to run. With Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises...
A Step-By-Step Guide to the COVID-19: TERS Application Process
Following the national lockdown announced by the President on the 26th of March 2020, the government has made numerous benefit options available, in order to assist its citizens during the COVID-19 lockdown. With confusing guidelines, employers and employees alike have been frantically trying to determine which of the benefits will be the most advantageous. The processes applicable to each of the options have also changed frequently, especially with regards to the COVID19TERS benefit. The...
Have you submitted your WSP/ATR?
The outbreak and rapid spread of COVID-19 have caught everyone underprepared and uncertain on how to approach the lockdown period, the good news for SEESA Skills Training clients is that the majority of our client’s annual WSP (Workplace Skills Plan) and ATR (Annual Training Report) have been submitted by their Skills Development Facilitators, but if yours has not yet been submitted or you are unsure whether yours has been submitted there is still time to do so. The final submission deadline...
Are parents liable for school fees during the lockdown period?
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, declared the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus a national disaster, invoking the Disaster Management Act[1]. [2]An assessment was done regarding the COVID-19 epidemic, and drastic steps were needed. Schools, in particular, had been identified as one of the biggest threats in terms of transmission of the COVID-19 epidemic. On or about 15 March 2020, it was announced that all schools be closed until 14 April 2020 or further...