Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, visited the Dannhauser area on April 1 to monitor SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) grant pay points and ensure lockdown protocols were being complied with.

Simelane-Zulu and her team also distributed face masks to social grant recipients and handed out information pamphlets. After their Dannhauser visit, the team proceeded to a roadblock near Ingogo to monitor travellers’ movements and ensure compliance with lockdown regulations.

Sibonelo Cebekhulu, Amajuba District Municipality Communications Officer, said the MEC wanted to make sure communities in the district were following the rules:

“The MEC also went to the Osizweni area hotspots, where it was found that it was business as usual for most local taxicabs. [She] further engaged with local SAPS about making sure this issue is controlled and SAPS is out constantly to monitor the area. This was a very worrying issue for the MEC and she wanted to make the problem is controlled as soon as possible.”

The MEC also visited the shelter for the homeless set up at the old Monte Vista Casino, to pass on education and hear the challenges faced by the vagrant community.

The Amajuba District Municipality also issued information for residents, on the use of protective equipment:

• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person suspected of being infected with Covid-19.
• You need to wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
• Masks are effective when used in combination with washing your hands frequently with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60 per cent alcohol.
• Before putting on a mask, your hands must be thoroughly cleaned with an alcohol-based sanitiser or soap and water.
• When putting on a mask, cover your mouth and nose with the mask and ensure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
• Avoid touching the mask while using it – if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitiser or soap and water.