Printing SA Newsletter 15/10/20
On the 28th of September 2020, The Minister of Labour and Employment issued a directive outlining the Consolidated Directions on Occupational Health & Safety Measures for certain workplaces. The directive was issued in terms of Regulation 4(10) of the National Disaster Regulations.
This new directive has come in the wake of Government’s decision to move South Africa down to Lockdown Level-1 and will ensure the re-opening of even more sectors of the economy while putting in place regulations that keep employees and management safe.
Within the directive, the Department has set out clear guidelines outlining the requirements for social distancing, the supply of masks and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and ventilation in the workplace to name a few.
As part of our continued dedication to our members, Printing SA has compiled a summarised version of the COVID-19 Directive focused on the OHSA Measures to be taken in the workplace.
To accompany the summarised the version of the directive, we have also included a COVID-19 Risk Assessment Template. The template will help you identify risks within your organisation and act accordingly to mitigate and neutralise those risks.
To access these resources, please follow the links below:
COVID-19 Directive (Updated) - OHSA Measures in the Workplaces (Summarised)
COVID-19 Risk Assessment Template
In light of the detrimental effect that the COVID-19 Pandemic has had on many employers’ ability to continue training, the Department of Higher Education and Training has taken steps to adjust the grant amount allocated to companies for new artisan apprentices.
The artisan learner grant amount for the period 2021-2022 is R206 290-00 per new artisan apprentice enrolled and will take effect as of 1 April 2021.
Printing SA would like to make our members aware of the new Public Procurement Draft Bill which is being discussed by Parliament’s Standing Committee, and how it would impact our industry.
Fundamental Key Points
The Bill seeks to replace the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (2000)/Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2017, related procurement law as well as the preferential point system.
The draft bill proposes the creation of institutions necessary to ensure the integrity of the procurement system and to address potential violations.
What is Proposed?
Several key issues with the Bill were raised as concerns and some members said there were gaps which require further interaction with it. Some of the issues raised by members include:
- The entire procurement system - Does the company deserve to be awarded the contract, and most importantly, was it value for money?
- The transparency and the advancement of local production (localisation) should be key.
- There is no mention in the Bill on how to deal with blacklisted companies from doing business with government.
- The Bill proposes another tribunal and another structure, whereas the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA) is in place that deals with oversight.
- The Bill appeared to be systems and process orientated. It left the human element out.
- The Bill should deal with one of the largest mandates of government which is to redress the imbalances of the past.
- The BBBEE codes have not been defined in the Bill yet. Is this true because from what I’ve read the bill addresses EME and QSE procurement from51% and 100% BO companies?
- Parliament may ask Government to provide a socio-economic impact analysis before the Bill is processed, as it may have unintended financial consequences.
The Chairperson concluded by highlighting the challenge of procurement and tendering that was to make sure that the process is free, fair and transparent. He asked to send the Bill to the Committee for further research and input. The process will allow the Bill to be debated and amended if necessary.
What Does This Mean?
Printing SA is monitoring developments with this Bill that could have serious implications for the localisation of procurement. Please continue to follow us on all platforms for future updates. At this point, there is nothing to worry about.
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Join Printing SA! Follow this link for the membership form, and feel free to contact us for any more information you may require.
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