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Author: Marlene Nqumse

Media Release: A WESTERN CAPE HOUSING SUBSIDY THAT SUITS YOUR POCKET IS AVAILABLE

A WESTERN CAPE HOUSING SUBSIDY THAT SUITS YOUR POCKET IS AVAILABLE

7 October 2020

Assisting the most vulnerable in our society, particularly for low-income applicants who want to buy a residential property for the first time, is a primary priority for the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements. It is for this reason that we have three categories of housing subsidies available – we recognise that different people will qualify for different subsidies, as their needs are not all the same.

These categories are the Non-credit linked, credit linked and Finance Linked Individual Subsidy (FLISP). Each category is unique, caters for a specific group and one of the biggest benefits is that the subsidy isn’t a loan and you don’t have to pay it back.

In the case of the Non-credit linked subsidy, this is available to persons earning R0-R3 500 per month to buy an existing house or plot that must be linked to the construction of a house. In this instance, the person qualifies for a subsidy of R168 852.00 and the difference in the selling price if any is financed from another source.

The normal qualifying criteria applies with the additional Western Cape requirement that persons applying must be on the Housing Demand Database (HDD) for a period of 10years in the Metro and 5 years for non-Metro areas. It is critical to note that priority will be given to those who are older than 40 years, persons with disabilities, those on the HDD for 15 years and longer, along with backyard dwellers. Property owners whom have also acquired an erf without State assistance may also apply if they conform to the other criteria.

When it comes to the credit linked subsidy, there must be a loan from a recognised financial institution. As an example, this means if a person is planning to buy a house for R200 000, they will qualify for a subsidy of R 168 852.00 and the balance must be financed via a bank.

Finally, the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy (FLISP), is another form of the Credit linked Subsidy, but the income category is R3 501-R22 000.00. This programme similarly to the credit linked does not have the HDD requirement as the non-credit linked has.

The requirement of the programme is that an applicant must obtain a Mortgage loan in order to qualify to purchase an existing house or a plot linked to a building contract.

Further to this, the programme makes provision for those earning between R3 501 and R7 000 to be assisted with a free serviced site as their once off assistance. This means they cannot apply for any subsidy after being assisted in this manner.

FLISP is proving to be quite popular, as during the 2019/20 financial year, the Department received 2 340 applications, with 1 843 being approved.

Anyone with queries can contact our helpdesk on 021 483 6488 /3112 /0611 /8984 /0623 or e-mail my office on humanmin@westerncape.gov.za

These subsidies offer an array of opportunities to those who might require State assistance. As the Western Cape Government, we’d like to encourage you to use these opportunities, as it can assist to dramatically improve your life. As we’re a caring government, it is critical for our citizens to know that we are here to work with you to achieve this dream of acquiring your own home.

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o)

082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868

Mobile: 083 2631720

Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

06 October 2020 Media Release: “We Are Open” international tourism campaign kicks off”

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 06 October 2020

Release: immediately

“We Are Open” international tourism campaign kicks off

Today we are excited to announce the first phase of our international tourism campaign to encourage German business and leisure travellers to “Soweit weg fuhlen” (“get that faraway feeling”) by booking their next trip to Cape Town and the Western Cape. [WATCH VIDEO]

With the welcoming of our first international travellers back on the 01 October, it is important that Cape Town and the Western Cape is front-of-mind for visitors planning their next trip, especially as we seek to rebuild our tourism sector and our economy in the Western Cape.

As one of our only key source markets for leisure travel that can now visit South Africa under the risk-based approach regulating international travel, German travellers can once again take advantage of the Western Cape’s warm culture, pristine weather and abundance of natural assets.

It’s no secret that the German market have been in a long-distance relationship with the Western Cape for quite some time with well over 129 000 tourists from Germany visiting the Western Cape in 2019.

Our “We Are Open” campaign, which was launched at the end of August and which was initially targeted at domestic tourists, was designed to be adaptive for the uncertain environment that we are currently operating in as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The campaign is now being expanded for our international visitors, starting with a first phase targeted at the German market and which will be followed by other markets in later phases.

Primarily a digitally-led campaign, the creative elements for our international campaign will highlight popular outdoor activities relevant to the target market and show them in the context of the unique wide-open spaces we have to offer in the Western Cape, and which are sought after in the Covid-19 world.  The campaign will also include in-market events led by Minister David Maynier and a small delegation from Wesgro.

We have worked hard to ensure that Cape Town and the Western Cape is safe for travellers and ready to welcome international visitors for our summer season. Following months of being confined in homes and restricted from travelling, the Western Cape offers weary travellers the ultimate cure from 2020’s cabin fever. Especially now – as more and more holiday-makers shy away from over-tourism, maddening crowds and congested subways and trams, there’s never been a better destination to enjoy.

With 33 blue-flag beaches to bask on, over 22 protected nature reserves, thousands of kilometres of hiking trails and over 400,000 square kilometres of semi-desert – the Western Cape is ready to welcome back visitors safely. Boasting 20 wine routes, sprawled over 5 regions and over 92 067 hectares, or, if you’re longing for a beer, you’ll be pleased to find that the Western Cape has become a mecca for craft beverages too.

David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities said: “Cape Town and the Western Cape is open! With our unique wildlife, rich cultures steeped in heritage, and world-class cuisine, re-ignite your passion for discovery in our six breath-taking regions. Come visit us and experience the world within one province. We can’t wait to welcome back visitors from near and far!”

“We are ready to welcome the world back safely and responsibly! Europe has and always will be an important market for us as they are familiar with our world-class local tourism products and well-priced with our favourable exchange rate. We look forward to welcoming back the German market which we believe will have a positive economic impact on our local tourism sector,” concluded Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris.

Notes for media: 

Please find soundbyte from Minister Maynier attached
See video message on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidMaynier/status/1313433020498575360
To read the statement online visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/%E2%80%9Cwe-are-open%E2%80%9D-international-tourism-campaign-kicks

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Tel: 021 483 4327

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

6 October 2020 Media Release: George Hospital virus testing unit closed

Media Release: George Hospital virus testing unit closed

For Immediate Release
6 October 2020

George Hospital’s Virus Testing Unit (VTU) closed on Wednesday 30 September 2020. The unit has been a vital part of the George Regional Hospital’s response to COVID -19 since the inception of the lockdown period.

The total number of people screened at the unit since March is 53 649 of which 3 140 were tested and 666 tested positive. July saw the highest number of tests conducted (1064) with 350 positive results.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who have played a crucial part in our COVID-19 response at George Hospital. Through commendable teamwork, so far, we have managed to efficiently contain the COVID pandemic in the Garden Route and George Hospital and successfully treat and discharge many patients. The past few weeks have seen a steady decrease in the number of infections as well as the demand for Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. However, we are aware of a potential ‘second wave’, which we will address as the time comes”, said CEO Mr Michael Vonk.

As of 1 October 2020, the screening of the public will take place at Entrance 1 (EC minors/ Day ward entrance) and Entrance 4 (Main Entrance).  At each entrance there will be different screening times that apply, which are as follows:

Entrance 1: 24-hour screening and access

Entrance 4: 07:00 to 16:00 (Monday – Friday)

All persons entering the hospital will still need to adhere to the following conditions:

  1. Screening
  2. Hand sanitising
  3. Face mask

Unfortunately there is still no visiting of patients in hospital under lockdown level 1 regulations, however one birth partner will be allowed during delivery and will include an one-hour visit post-delivery. Parcels can now be delivered and can be dropped off at the specific department. George Hospital Outpatient Department will continue to function with reduced patient slots and the Day Theatre will continue to function as a Covid ward. Members of the public are urged to maintain social distancing at all times within the hospital and leave the building as soon as possible to avoid crowding.

 GEORGE SUBDISTRICT SERVICES:

 As of 1 October 2020 George subdistrict testing sites will be open as follows:

-END-

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay

Tel: 076 379 5423

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

 

MEDIA ALERT: Power Town residents and Sonskynvallei Backyard Dwellers in Mossel Bay To Become Homeowners

01 October 2020

RELEASE: IMMEDIATE

 Power Town residents and Sonskynvallei Backyard Dwellers in Mossel Bay To Become Homeowners

Tomorrow, 02 October 2020, Minister Tertuis Simmers will hand over the first 5 completed houses of the Sonskynvallei Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP) phase 3 housing project in Mossel Bay. Sixty-seven (67) year old Mr Piet Kammies will be one of the 5 beneficiaries that will receive their new homes.

The Sonskynvallei housing project phase 3 consists of 96 Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses and 616 serviced sites with the budget of R 35 400 540.00. Phase 1 consists of upgrading of existing 210 houses and phase 2 consists of 152 houses. A total of 105 beneficiaries from Power Town and 47 beneficiaries from Sonskynvallei backyard dwellers have already been relocated to the 152 houses of phase 2.

Phase 3 of this project is expected to be completed by November 2020. It will accommodate beneficiaries from Power Town which is situated in an area of flood plain and the Sonskynvallei backyard dwellers who have been waiting for a long time for a housing opportunity with the Mossel Bay Municipality.

All media is invited

Details are as follow:

Date: Friday, 02 October 2020

Venue: Sonskynvallei Community Hall, Mossel Bay

Time: 10h00 – 11h30

For media enquiries contact:

Mr Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Tel: 021 483 3397

Cell: 082 721 3362

Mr Nathan Adriaanse

Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations

Tel: 021 483 2868

Cell: 083 263 1720

01 October 2020 Media Release: International travel restrictions: A different approach needed to save tourism

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 01 October 2020

Release: immediately

International travel restrictions: A different approach needed to save tourism

The risk-based approach regulating international travel released by national government yesterday (30 September 2020) is a major blow for the tourism and hospitality sector in the Western Cape.

The tourism and hospitality sector’s survival is dependent on international leisure travellers in the summer season and for this reason it is critical that we look at smart ways to open our international borders, especially for our key source markets, so that we can save jobs and save the economy in the Western Cape.

And so, we will be engaging with national government and preparing a further submission proposing an alternative to the risk-based approach for international travel.

We believe firmly that the safety precautions of a 72 hours PCR test and screening protocols should be applied across the board, regardless of purpose of travel and country of origin.

In fact, this approach is already adopted by national government with business travellers and so it makes little sense to exclude leisure travellers in this way.

Indeed, it is unfair to restrict leisure travellers from high-risk countries as there is simply no greater risk of transmission based on the purpose of travel.

South Africa’s airlines, hospitality and tourism companies have shown that travel and tourism can resume safely and, with stringent health and safety systems in place, it should not be necessary to impose additional country-based travel restrictions.

We are also concerned that the two-week review period of the leisure “no-travel list”, together with the requirement that business travellers from high-risk countries email the Department of Home Affairs for permission to travel, will create a barrier to bookings from visitors in traditional key source markets during the critical summer season. It also does not allow for enough lead time on which airlines can base their decisions to fly, creating further uncertainty for a sector that has already been hard-hit.

We have worked hard to ensure that Cape Town and the Western Cape is safe for travellers and ready to welcome international visitors, because our leisure travellers from key source markets such as the United Kingdom, United States, Netherlands and France make the most of our favourable exchange rate and have a high spending potential which positively impacts our local economy.

We have held many engagements with the tourism industry on implementing health and safety guidelines, launched a workplace safety campaign across radio and digital platforms, our healthcare system has consistently proved it can adequately respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and we are confident in the measures have been put in place for adequate screening at Cape Town International Airport. For our efforts, we have been awarded the WTTC Safety Stamp in the Western Cape.

We are open and we are ready to safely welcome travellers from around the world to experience our world-class and affordable experiences in Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Notes for media: 

Please find soundbyte from Minister Maynier attached
To read the statement online visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/international-travel-restrictions-different-approach-needed-save-tourism

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Tel: 021 483 4327

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

30 September 2020 Media Alert: Western Cape Government to hold a digital press conference

Media Alert: Western Cape Government to hold a digital press conference

30 September 2020

Tomorrow, Premier Alan Winde will hold a digital press conference to outline the Western Cape Government’s humanitarian response throughout COVID-19, and the focus on dignity in the province’s recovery.

Premier Winde will be joined by Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez and Minister of Agriculture, Ivan Meyer.

Dr Keith Cloete will also provide an update on the health platform.

Date:  1 October 2020

Time:  12 pm

Digital platform: Microsoft Teams

 Please confirm your attendance by 9 am tomorrow and provide your name, surname, the name of your publication and your email address to be added to Microsoft Teams.  We will provide you with a meeting invite to the briefing, upon your confirmation. Only those who have confirmed attendance will be admitted.

23 September 2020 Weather Alert: Damaging Winds – 25 September 2020

Weather Alert: Damaging Winds – 25 September 2020

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following weather alert:

Hazard : Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Advisory

Valid From (SAST): 25/09/20 – 00h00

Valid To (SAST): 25/09/20 – 00h00

A strong north westerly to westerly winds (50 to 60km/h) are expected over the Central and Little Karoo District (Western Cape) on Friday (25/09/20200) late morning until early evening.

Description: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.

Precautions: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Don’t throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case, sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071 to report any severe weather related incidents.

22 September 2020 Media Release: R27 million relief fund launched to help small businesses hard-hit by Covid-19

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 22 September 2020

Release: immediately

R27 million relief fund launched to help small businesses hard-hit by Covid-19

We are pleased to launch the Western Cape Covid-19 Business Relief Fund which commits R27 million to supporting small businesses in both the formal and informal sectors who have been hard-hit by Covid-19 restrictions.

We know that times have been tough for businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, and that is why, from the start we have been working hard to support businesses, especially small businesses, to open safely and responsibly, so we can save jobs and save the economy in the Western Cape.

The fund will provide financial assistance in the form of a financial grant to businesses who can apply to either the formal or informal business category. The grant will be used exclusively to subsidise business expenses such as fixed costs, operational costs, supplier debt and other pressure cost items.

The Western Cape Covid-19 Business Relief Fund is one of the many ways that we have worked hard to support small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yesterday (21 September 2020), we also announced the launch of our Covid-19 workplace safety campaign which aims to remind businesses about the importance of implementing health and safety guidelines in the workplace, and encourages them to make use of the many tools and resources we have on our website to help them implement these safety measures in the workplace.

With the move to Alert Level 1 which allows more businesses to safely open, this fund is an important step in our economic recovery plan to help businesses to rebuild and save jobs in the Western Cape. And so, I would like to encourage all interested small businesses to apply. We look forward to receiving your submissions.

For more information on the Western Cape Covid-19 Business Relief Fund please visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/western-cape-c-19-business-relief-fund

The closing date for submissions is Monday, 12 October 2020 at 10:00.

Notes for media:
Please find soundbyte from Minister David Maynier.

To read the statement online visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/r27-million-relief-fund-launched-help-small-businesses-hard-hit-covid-19

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Tel: 021 483 4327 / Cell: 071 087 5150 / Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

21 September 2020 Media Release: Alert Level 1 – Campaign launched to support businesses to open safely

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 21 September 2020

Release: immediately

Alert Level 1 – Campaign launched to support businesses to open safely

We welcome the move to Alert Level 1 from today, 21 September 2020, as this further relaxation of restrictions and opening of the economy is exactly what we need to save jobs and the economy in the Western Cape.

After months of having to close because of Covid-19, businesses across the Western Cape are opening up, stocking up and welcoming back staff and customers.

But, to make sure we keep our economy growing, business owners need to continue doing everything they can to keep their customers, staff and communities safe, and consumers need to act responsibly as they get out and support the economy.

And so, we launched our workplace safety campaign last week, which will be run on radio, social media and search platforms in multiple languages to reach business owners across the Western Cape. The aim of the campaign is to remind businesses about the importance of implementing health and safety guidelines in the workplace, and encourage them to make use of the many tools and resources we have on our website to help them implement these safety measures in the workplace. [LISTEN TO THE ADVERTS]

You can find out more about our tools and resources for workplace safety here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-resources-workplaces

Our estimates are that 162,000 jobs would be lost in the Western Cape as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions, and while we have worked hard to support businesses and reduce the impact on jobs and the economy and the Western Cape, there is still much work to be done.

Our economy cannot afford to go back to more severe levels of restrictions in the Western Cape, and so it is critically important that everyone continue to adhere to the health and safety guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19 – wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance.

We also all have a role to play in rebuilding our economy in the Western Cape.

We know times are tough, but if you can, please go out and support our businesses in the Western Cape, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sector.

With the upcoming Heritage Day public holiday and the long weekend, I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many specials offers and free experiences available to all and which provide everyone with the opportunity to explore the best that we have to offer in the Western Cape.

And if you are out and about discovering the Western Cape, please take a photo at your favourite local attraction, restaurant, museum or outdoor activity and post it on social media with the hashtag “WeAreOpen”.

Notes for media:
Please find soundbyte from Minister David Maynier attached

To read the statement online visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/alert-level-1-%E2%80%93-campaign-launched-help-businesses-open-safely

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Tel: 021 483 4327 / Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

 

The paintings displayed at George Hospital

18 September 2020 Media Release: George Hospital one of ONLY six in the World

 

Media Release: George Hospital one of ONLY six in the World

For Immediate Release
18 September 2020

George Hospital is one of only six hospitals in the world that were selected to participate in The Balcony Bands Mural Project by painting six murals that depict the coming together of people during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The multi-panel design is based on real life stories of people bringing joy to their neighbours during periods of lockdown. The design is painted on six continents in the countries where the stories took place: Italy, Brazil, South Africa, Iraq, Australia, and the United States.

The paintings displayed at George Hospital
The paintings displayed at George Hospital

The paintings were unveiled on Friday, 18 September, at The Balcony Bands event. Singer Elvis Blue and local artists entertained staff at George Hospital at The Balcony Bands event.

“The paintings serve as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and how we responded as a hospital, and a global community. It is a testimony to the determination and resilience of all the Health Care Workers at George Hospital who joined together to care for patients with SARS-CoV-2 during the 2020 pandemic. The Balcony Bands Mural Project was a tremendous opportunity for staff to participate in a creative and stimulating activity, away from the frontline and support their emotional wellbeing. We are excited to unveil the completed project today,” says George Hospital CEO Michael Vonk.

Staff painting the six murals

Staff had the opportunity over two days in August to put brush to canvas and create a finished product that will be viewed by staff and patients for years to come, reflecting on 2020 and its challenges. The project was initiated and funded by Foundation for Hospital Art: FFHA, an international non-profit organisation (www.hospitalart.org).

George Hospital would like to thank the following persons for making this event a memorable one: Elvis Blue (artist), Musi-sean (artist), Lynette De Jager (artist), Maria van Rooyen (staff member and artist), Coenraad (artist), Hanly Jumat (artist), Deidre Cloete (photographer), Jacques van der Merwe (videographer), Marais Kruger ( MC), and SND Productions for the sound and stage. We would also like to thank the staff responsible for all the arrangements. Also, a huge thank you for the George Community and their support during the pandemic.

Coenrad Claassen(staff), Maria van Rooyen (staff), Lodelia Odendaal (staff) and Elvis Blue (artist).

More about The Foundation for Hospital Art

The Foundation for Hospital Art was established in 1984 and is dedicated to involving patients and volunteers worldwide to create colourful, soothing artwork donated to hospitals to help soften the often stressful hospital experience. Throughout the years, over 1 000 000 volunteers and patients have united to create over 48 000 paintings for over 6 000 hospitals in 195 countries.

ENDS

Contact:

Nadia Ferreira:  Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Tel: 076 379 5423 / Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za