The Covid Report

In today's episode we are joined by Dr Angelique Coetzee who is a private practitioner and chairperson of the South African Medical Association. She gives us insight into the new covid-19 variant as well as how this will affect the country as we move into lockdown level 1.

South Africa’s vaccination programme is in a race against time, with the fourth wave of Covid-19 infections expected to hit the country in December 2021 and into January 2022, says the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA). In today's episode we are joined by Dr Kgongwana who will be assuming the role of the Gauteng department of health spokesperson

Merck revealed in early October on a promising new pharmacological treatment that might be administered as a tablet in the days following the onset of COVID-19 symptoms to prevent severe disease. This development, which many are applauding as a game-changer, is already changing the debate. The tablet is called molnupiravir and will be given twice a day to vulnerable patients recently diagnosed with the disease. To further discuss this we are joined by Dr Lize Hellstrom who is one of MERCKs principal investigators in the phase 3 clinical trials.

Gamelihle Bovana speaks to analyst Jamie Mightie about the country’s move to lockdown level 1 and how it will affect the 2021 Local Elections.

In this episode of the Covid Report we discuss how the pandemic has affected women and their abilty to access sexual and reproductive health services. To give more insight on this we are joined by Psycologist, Palesa Radebe. Along with much more insightful information, she shares that women need to be aware of what is happening around them and have transparent relationships with their sexual partners.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has aligned with the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) call to not use Ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19, in this stance it reflected in the SAHPRA statement, dated 28 January 2021, outlining SAHPRA’s views on Ivermectin and the Controlled Compassionate Use Programme. To give us more insight on this we are joined by Dr Tiny Mhinga who is Medical Practitioner for many years with a special interest in Men's Health & Travel Health.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has aligned with the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) call to not use Ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19, in this stance it reflected in the SAHPRA statement, dated 28 January 2021, outlining SAHPRA’s views on Ivermectin and the Controlled Compassionate Use Programme. To give more understanding of this issue we are joined by Prof Vinny Naidoo who is the dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria.

In today's episode of the Covid Report we will be discussing the effects of the pandemic on the lives of the hearing impaired citizens. To give us understanding on this, we are joined by Alex Reichenberg who qualified as a Speech Therapist and Audiologist at the University of the Witwatersrand and is currently enrolled for master in audiology at Witwatersrand. We are also joined by Rafeeyah Hassim who qualified as a Speech Therapist and Audiologist at the University of the Witwatersrand and has a Master’s degree from the University of Pretoria in Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Ever since vaccination was made available, there have been those who are in favour of vaccinations and those who are against vaccinations. In today's episode of the Covid Report, we are joined by a proud South African anti-vaxxer Ms Malika Harris, and she will be sharing her views.

Earlier this month, the minister of Sports Arts and Culture, alongside South African Rugby Union has announced that fully vaccinated supporters will be allowed to return to live club and professional rugby matches with a maximum of 2 000 spectators that will be permitted entry to rugby venues. Although this does not extend to school rugby matches, which fall under the auspices of the Department of Basic Education. To further discuss this, we are joined by Mark Alexander, President of South African Rugby Union House.

In this episode of the Covid Report we are looking at the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 12-17 in South Africa, as well what it means for them. To further discuss this, we are joined by Dr Bha Ndungane-Tlakula who is the Medical Director at Pfizer SA.

Earlier this year Wits University sent a detailed email to its students, which proposed a mandatory vaccination framework. This framework stated how people will be treated based on their vaccination status. To give more information on this matter we are joined by the deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Witwatersrand, Professor Lynn Morris.

In this episode of the Covid Report we are looking at why and how the sinovac vaccine trials are being conducted on children. To further discuss this, we are joined by Dr. Maropeng Rapetswa, Medical Review Officer of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority who urther explains the process of clinical trials.

In this episode of the Covid Report, we are looking at how the covid-19 pandemic has affected those who are immunocompromised and how getting a vaccine would impact their lives. To further discuss this, we are joined by Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at Wits university, who discusses the affects that immunocompromised individuals might face, given that their immune system is weaker than that of others.

In this episode of the Covid Report, we look at how the covid-19 pandemic has affected and contributed to the increase in pregnancies, in the age group 10-16. To discuss this, we are joined by Mpho Mogapi who is the cluster manager at Soul City Institute. He gives us a better understanding of this matter, as well as the ways in which Soul City Institute has and is working towards fighting this issue.

In this episode of the Covid Report, we look at how the pandemic has affected the world of sports. To give insight on this topic, we are joined by Matthew Paul Booth, who is a South African former professional footballer. Paul shares about the trials and tribulations him as and his fellow sportsman have been and still are faced with.

In this episode of the Covid Report, we are joined by Lerato Mahoto, Marona Seekane and Sfiso Nyawo, who shares their first-hand experiences of registering and receiving the covid-19 vaccine. They also walk us through some of the strangest theories regarding the vaccine side effects.

On this episode of the Covid Report, we are joined by the provincial chairman of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), Prince Manene Tabane. We discuss the ways in which the government is engaging with Traditional Leaders of South Africa to bring information about the pandemic and the vaccine to all people.

On this episode of the Covid report, we are joined by Dr Gugu Mazibuko who is senior lecturer in African Languages at UKZN. We discuss the possible long- term effects of covid 19 on our traditions and how we can combat these effects.

In this episode of the Covid Report, we are joined by Ntsiki Dlulane, head of Equal Education in the Western Cape. Ntsiki talks to us about the impact of Covid -19 on schools and the work which has been done to improve the gap of inequality in rural schools, with regards to water and sanitation, technology and dropout rates due to the pandemic.

In this episode of the covid report, we are joined by Mr. Douglas Ngobeni who is the spokes person of the Congress of South African Students. We will be discussing the impact of covid-19 on schools. As well the work which was being done to improve the inequality gap in schools with regards to water and sanitation, technology, and dropout rates due to the pandemic

In today's episode of the Covid Report , we are joined by Ellezè Matthews, better known as DJ Zykie. He is a Dj and owner of a newly founded production company by the name of Zykie Productions. We will bediscuss how the pandemic has affected new businesses within the entertainment industry, As well as ways these businesses can menuevre in the entertainment industry amidst the pandemic.

In today's episode of the Covid Report , we are joined by event organizer, DJ, and Sound Engineer, Anderson Mabitsela, to discuss how the pandemic has affected small businesses within the entertainment industry. We also discuss ways in which businesses can manoeuvre in the entertainment industry amidst the pandemic.

It is not secret that the women face a different plight on the continent to that of men and following that logic would mean that the impact on women might differ even if it be slight. To further unpack this discussion on Africa and the pandemic, we are joined by researcher, Omhle Ntshingila, who has done work on women in Africa.

Africa is often described as a sleeping giant with untapped potential. Now this may hold truth in some aspects and not others, but today we look at whether or not this is the case when it comes to handling the pandemic. To have this conversation, we are joined by Puseletso Sauli, who is a young legal and trade expert with a passion for this continent and its development.

In this episode of the Covid Report we are joined by Ms. Hunadi Maleka, who is a Clinical Psychologist with the Gauteng Department of Health, to discuss the effects of the pandemic on people's mental health. We also discuss the practical ways one can take care of and maintain their mental health.

On this episode of the Covid Report we are joined by Vanishaa Gordhan, who is the project managed for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). We will be discussing how the pandemic has affected people's mental health and practical ways to spot and manage mental health issues brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic

In this episode we are in conversation with NAPTOSA spokesperson Basil Manuel. We discuss how the covid-19 pandemic and the disruptions it has brought about have affected the schooling system.

In this episode we are in conversation with Prince Manene Tabane who is the CONTRALESA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson. We look at how adjusted lockdown level 4 restrictions will affect the traditions and customs many South Africans have come to know and look forward to during this time of the year.

A week removed from President Cyril Ramaphosa's latest address, in which he placed the country back under Lockdown Alert Level 3. Special guest, Former Wits Drama HOD, Warren Never, joins The Covid Report to help ponder how the continued fight against this pandemic has had an adverse impact on South African society in multiple ways.

The pandemic has been a part of our lives for over a year now. With the various highs and lows of our nation's fight against COVID- 19, regular contributor to the show, Jamie Mighti, helps us ponder whether or not a growing tiredness of life under all these restrictions in place is justifiable, and the best way to manage this.

Educational Activist, Hendrick Makeneta, joins The Covid Report to shed insight on the plight faced by the SA schooling system owing to the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Over the lockdown, there were multiple and various instances of weight gain among the populace due to impacted eating habits, which danced dangerously close to the edge of a rise in obesity. The Covid Report explores this by employing the expertise of bariatric surgeon Dr. Andre Potgiete.

Over the lockdown, there were multiple and various instances of weight gain among the populace due to impacted eating habits, which danced dangerously close to the edge of a rise in obesity. The Covid Report explores this by employing the expertise of Associate Dietitian Yuri Bhaga

South Africa has echoed the call made by many other nations to waive the Intellectual Property rights to the vaccine so that countries can empower themselves to produce their own vaccines. Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng - a.k.a Dr. T helps The Covid Report team unpack this.

This evening on the Covid Report Gamelihle Bovana and Karabo Asala are in conversation with the CEO of Higher Health, Prof Ramneek. Who speaks of the new variant as not being deadly, and that the vaccines would still be effective against this variant. However, South Africans have to make a collective effort to take heed of the Covid-19 regulations to avoid another surge of Covid-19 cases.

This evening on the Covid Report Gamelihle Bovana and Karabo Asala are in conversation with the Founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Sooliman regarding the new Covid-19 variant detected in India. Dr Sooliman shares his thoughts on factors that spiked the wave in India, and what work they as Gift of the Givers are doing to lend a helping hand.

Gamelihle Bovana speaks to analyst Jamie Mightie about the country’s move to lockdown level 2 as numbers of covid-19 infections rise. Is it possible to avoid having another surge in infections across the country?

The COVID 19 pandemic has a significant impact on the steadily worsening unemployment crisis in SA, & resulted in many people losing their jobs. Certain individuals, however, were able to also take advantage of the opportunity presented to them in the wake of this, & to this end, we are joined by Chef, Siyabonga Ngwenya, who unpacks how leaving his corporate job presented him with the opportunity to open an eatery business in his community

One of the most polarizing topics within urban South African discourse, particularly during the pandemic, has been the various alcohol bans put in place during the lockdown. They have routinely received a mixed response from the public, & to this end, we are joined by Bar Consultant & Mixologist, Ntando Ngema, who helps us separate fact from fiction, in relation to this topic, while also pondering the way forward to encouraging responsible alcohol consumption in South Africa.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many people in many different ways. Specifically, as it pertains to creatives of any kind, it has impacted their ability to produce bodies of creative work, which makes any sort of success in this department something worthy to be lauded. To this end, Writer, Khanya Mtshali - author of the recently released book "It's Not Inside, It's On Top" joins us to unpack the journey she took in the writing of her book and how she rose to the challenge of writing & releasing a book during the height of lockdown in SA.

FTI Consulting released a study that tracked the progressively worsening unemployment crisis in South Africa and how the COVID 19 pandemic made this even worse. Dr. Paula Armstrong joins us on the show to unpack her findings and the research that went into the production of the study.

As regularly noted over the entirety of the show's history, the COVID 19 pandemic has prompted many people to reevaluate their priorities & reexamine their career aspirations. Head of Food at Nando's, Ms. Pascale Sobiecki, joins us on The Covid Report to provide insight in this regard, while also mapping out the options available for those considering entering the restaurant & food space. The turbulent nature of this pandemic, as well as the immeasurable damage to people's jobs, livelihoods & career aspirations that it left in its wake, has necessitated a change for many of us, ranging from necessary to uncomfortable, while also leaving a cloud of uncertainty over those still making their entry into the workspace. Our guest, Mahlatse Hlako - a Media Design student - talks us through what informed the career choices she's made for herself and how this period has impacted her.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a turbulent period for many, jobs were lost and many people's lives changed drastically. How anxious were matriculants with having to adjust to online studying and putting in extra work to ensure that they pass their Matric year? Gamelihle Bovana speaks to Khumo Toyana, a learner who completed Grade 12 last year. And also talks to Hildah Boikanyo, a single mother of two teenage boys who lost her job and had to relocate back home, causing her son to repeat Grade 12 this year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had adverse effects on people's ability to earn a living, & this hasn't been more keenly felt anywhere else than in the informal trading sector. SAITA's Rosheda Muller joins us on The Covid Report to unpack the measures their organization is taking to help the impacted informal traders in need.

Are vaccines your greatest guarantee of safety? Taking the vaccine jab and whether it is safe or not has been a question debated by many. Host of the Covid Report Gamelihle Bovana speaks to Burt Rodrigues, CEO of Biological Chemical Technologies (Biodx), to unpack the safety of vaccines as well as taking other precautions to complement the vaccine.

Last week, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni delivered the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) proposes a five-year fiscal consolidation to narrow the budget deficit and stabilise government debt. The biggest highlights were that the South African economy is expected to contract by 7.8% in 2020, while our debt is set to rise to R5.5 trillion in 2023/24 fiscal year. The ailing national airline received another bailout. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to affect various industries here in South Africa and across the world. Did minister Tito Mboweni’s budget speech give us confidence on how we can get out of the current economic crises. To answer that question and more, we speak to Political analyst Mighti Jamie.

SARS priority has been to raise awareness about the October 2020 deadline for people who needed to file an income tax return at a SARS branch, why is it important for SARS to issue notices for tax returns? Gamelihle Bovana speaks to Itumeleng Mokhine TA (SA) Tax Specialist at Liberty Group South Africa.

South Africa went into Lockdown Level 1 in September where we saw a lot of activities being permitted, although this didn’t mean that the coronavirus had been completely cleared we saw a lot of citizens being relaxed and the use of non pharmaceutical intervention not being observed. There has been recent talks of a rise in infections and we could possibly face a second wave of infections in the coming months. Professor Bob Scholes and Professor Francois Engelbrecht from Wits Global Change Institute join us on the show to elaborate on this topic.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread rapidly across the globe, scientists expressed concern that people living with other underlying conditions like diabetes and HIV have had to worry about managing their current condition and how the coronavirus would affect them if they ever were infected. South Africa has gained experience in managing the HIV epidemic might allow for a strengthened response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 response is largely built on existing infrastructure, a wealth of scientific and medical expertise and community mobilisation to control the dual HIV and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics. On The Covid Report we speak to Seun Maphoroma from The South African National Tuberculosis Association. We also speak to McThomas Ntuli who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes who shares his fears and how he has managed his condition throughout the covid-19 pandemic.

It has been over eight months since universities along with the students and the academic profession were forced to adapt to online learning, what are some of the challenges that you would say have persisted over the period? We speak to Prof Ahmed Bawa, the CEO of Universities South Africa, about the support for the students who do not qualify for NSFAS funding and whose parents cannot afford universities.

The US has become the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic with over 9 million infections and rising and 228- thousand deaths. This all as the country prepares for a presidential election in November where incumbent Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are vying for the 46th US president seat. Trump who tested positive for Covid-19 in September has been criticised for his response to the pandemic. Gamelihle Bovana speaks to the Associate Editor at Daily Maverick and a retired American diplomat

South Africa’s unemployment rate fell to 23.3% in the second quarter of 2020 from 30.1% in the previous period. It was the lowest jobless rate since the second quarter of 2009, as the country’s strict lockdown distorted labour force numbers with fewer people actively looking for employment. Meantime, employment fell by 2.2 million, the most since the survey began in 2008, with total employment dropping across all industries. On the #CovidReport we speak to Statistician General Mr Risenga Maluleke from StatsSA to give us more insight on South Africa’s unemployment rate amidst a pandemic.

NGO’s are facing a great number of challenges arising from internal weaknesses as well as limitations emanating from official frameworks and support mechanisms aimed at strengthening them. These play a critical role in advancing social change and transformation, but would their current funding model need to be addressed for them to make a sustainable impact in South Africa?

The COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown has resulted in an economic slowdown which has disrupted every aspect of our society. This situation also has far-reaching implications for the role that non-profit organisations play in the lives of millions of South Africans. Today on the #CovidReport we hear from Clinical Director of the Teddy Bear Clinic, Dr Shaheda Omar. The Teddy Bear Foundation strives to protect children through prevention and intervention programmes.

The telecommunications industry has seen tremendous technological advances over the past few decades, with mobility, broadband and internet services growing in capability and reach across the globe. The pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance that telecommunications infrastructure plays in keeping businesses, governments and societies connected and running. Because of the economic and social disruption caused, people across the globe rely on technology for information, social distancing and working from home.

The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to shape the advertising industry in the long-term. Businesses are prioritizing survival for now, but in the future will have to find new ways of brand-building. The change in people’s media and consumption habits will force a rethink of how best to do so. Paul van den Berg, Chief Evangelist at Oliver South Africa speaks to us on The Covid Report about the impact that the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the Advertising Communications industry.

South Africa’s economy recorded its worst slump in decades in the second quarter, when Africa’s most industrialised nation remained mired in one of the world’s strictest Covid-19 lockdowns. On the #CovidReport today we seak to Economist Khathutshelo Sikhitha to tell us more.

A Wits study found that older people with cognitive impairment reported smaller social networks and less frequent communication with others. Cognition refers to processes of the brain that allows us to learn, remember and make decisions. The findings are particularly relevant as 1 October marks the United Nations International Day of Older Persons. disproportionately affects older [aged 40+ years] adults, especially those with comorbidities, but it’s possible that Covid-19 has had, and continues to have, effects on older individuals’ cognitive function,” says Dr Ryan Wagner, a researcher at the South African Medical Research Council/Wits-Agincourt Research Unit in Mpumalanga. Wagner is co-author of the study, titled Social contact, social support, and cognitive health in a population-based study of middle-aged and older men and women in rural South Africa. Dr Ryan Wagner speaks to us on the #CovidReport to tell us more.

Dating is complicated and often clumsy even in the best of times, add in a mask, social distancing and fear of a highly contagious virus. It's no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has made nearly everything more difficult, including dating, our relationships with other people in our communities, our families and workplaces. On the #CovidReport today we speak to Clinical Sexologist and Relationship Expert Dr Eve.

On the Covid Report today we look at how one of the world's most developed nations has dealt with Covid 19. The US is the epicentre of the coronara virus with millions of people who have lost their and millions others infected. We speak to Sonya Shields, an American activist who lives in New York and was infected with covid 19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the world under enormous strain. With unprecedented measures adopted to flatten the infection curve, while at first sight these enforcement measures seemed to dissuade crime, they may also drive it further underground. With 27 million people believed to have been a victim of human trafficking, the pandemic has exacerbated and brought to the forefront the systematic and deeply entrenched economic and societal inequalities that are among the root causes of human trafficking. Today on the #CovidReport we speak to Stop Trafficking Chief Operations Officer Tershia de Klerk to give us more insight.

Traditional healing used to be concentrated a lot in the rural areas of Africa because of the inclination towards traditional ways of living in those areas. However, in the 21st century the situation has changed. Traditional health care services are no longer confined largely in the rural traditional villages alone but have spilled over into the urban and semi-urban areas with the influx of people from rural to urban areas in search of better economic conditions. Towards integration of traditional healing and western healing: Is this a remote possibility? We are joined by: • Shehnaz Munshi – Research Project Manager and Lecturer at WITS University • Lance Louskieter – Researcher, Lecturer at UCT & a PhD Candidate in the School of Public Health and Family Medicine at UCT • Phillipa Namutebi Kabali-Kagwa - Poet and Storyteller • Professor Elelwani Ramagundo - Professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at UCT • Jean-Paul Dossou – Medical Doctor & PhD Student of Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen • Jessica Horn – Director of Programmes for African Women’s Development Fund

With a vast majority of the world's prisons and detention centers being overcrowded and underfunded, physical distancing is simply not an option. Close confinement, shared facilities and spaces, have inmates and prison staff living in constant fear. Is a health response to COVID-19 in prisons enough? We speak to Logan Maistry. Deputy Commissioner: Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Correctional Services for insight.

COVID-19 lockdowns across the world have unleashed a range of unintended consequences, sparking a global economic crisis that has magnified fault lines in society, particularly in developing nations already burdened by high levels of poverty and income disparity. Millions of people’s livelihoods have been disrupted, leaving many unable to feed themselves or their families, at the same time, disruptions to the increasingly global food value chain have exacerbated problems with food security. Today on the #CovidReport we speak to Deidre Adams to not only tell us more about Food Forward SA but also look at how this pandemic has heightened food waste.

Initiation schools are a cultural practice that has been conducted from many years ago where young men are circumcised and being taught on how to be men as they transition into manhood. As we are facing a global pandemic, one would wonder what impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on this practice and the people involved. Zolani Mkiva, Spokesperson of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa joins us to further educate us on how the pandemic has affected the operation of initiation schools. We also spoke to 1st year Law student Mbulelo Qotoyi who was to have gone to the mountain during the 2019 winter season which was at the height of the pandemic in South Africa.

Today on The Covid Report we speak to Robyn Porteous, volunteer who is taking part in the covid-19 trials at Wits University. Wits has collaborated with the University of Oxford and the Oxford Jenner Institute to find a vaccine for the deadly covid-19 virus.

There have been Local and international calls for South African to reopen the borders in order to kickstart the economy and prepare for a post cover-19 world. While the president has announced that the country will be reopening its borders, there have been delays in announcing which countries our borders will be open to. We spoke to Siya Biniza, founder of Political Economy Southern Africa institute and a fellow at the Public Affairs Research Institute . We also spoke to Mogoshadi Phatudi who own a travel agency in Gauteng who says people are still not comfortable with travelling internationally amid the pandemic.

Sex workers amongst the vast majority remain the most marginalised group because their job is not recognised as work in South Africa. According to a study done by SWEAT in 2013, there were 158 000 sex workers in the country at the time, most of whom were female and support up to seven dependents with the income they make through sex work. We speak to Dudu Dlamini, advocacy offer at SWEAT (Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Task Force) as well as Kholiswa Tyiki to tell us more on how the pandemic has affected sex workers.

The African continent seems to have dealt with the pandemic better than the developed nations. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous infection remains under 100 - thousand with recover as high as above 78%. We speak to Dr Kehinde Okunade who is currently based in Lagos State Nigeria about how they have dealt with the virus and the country as a whole managed. We also hear from ordinary Nigerians who say the government of Nigeria could have dealt with the pandemic better.

On The Covid Report today we speak to Professor Shabir Madhi about how South Africa has managed the coronavirus pandemic since the first case was reported in March. He also speaks to us about the vaccine trials that South Africa has been involved in. Madhi is a Professor of Vaccinology in the School of Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand and Director of the world-renowned Medical Research Council Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit (VIDA), A National Research Foundation A-rated scientist.

Africa is seemingly dealing with the covid-19 pandemic better than most developed nations. We speak to Mkhulu Zola Xashimba an Nyanga, Naturalist and a herbalist. He specializes in indigenous ethnomedicine ethnopsychology and ethnopsychiatry about what the west can learn from the continent.

We speak to political analyst Jamie about Mightie the move to lockdown level 1 from Sunday. President Ramaphasa. From the first of October South Africa will be opening its borders to the world for the first time after 6 months. Some of the other economic activities will be restored at level. There are fears of a second wave of the virus and a need for a turnaround to rejuvenate the country’s economy. Under level one companies are going to reassess their commercial activities.

COVID-19 in many ways has shown us that technology is no longer a luxury but an important component of our daily lives, as the South African Government continues to fight the spread of the Coronavirus and now ensuring we don’t run the risk of being exposed to the second wave of Covid-19 infections; Discovery and the Department of Health have worked together in creating a contact tracing app to help curb the spread of the virus. We speak Maria Carpenter from Discovery who led the Covid Alert SA App development project.

Construction industry members including owners, developers, contractors and subcontractors have experienced varying degrees of impacts as a result of Covid-19. The nature of these impacts and extent of the ramifications are in large part dependent on the location of both the business and underlying projects. We spoke to Tumelo Kgole, Administrator at Building Construction and Allied Workers Union about the impact in the industry. We also spoke to Vicky Radebe who has a construction business.

Rail is a critical mass transit mode in South Africa, with many citizens relying on this mode of transport to commute to and from work. Due to the effects of the pandemic many industries faced numerous challenges, and the railway sector is no different. We spoke to PRASA's Makhosini Mgitywa to expand on the impact of Covid-19 on passenger rail.

Safety compliance and hygiene have been talked about a lot since the number of Covid-19 cases soared. The prevention of Covid-19 infections doesn’t only apply in wearing masks and sanitizing frequently, but also in the safety of the products and equipment we use. Today we look at the impact that the pandemic has had on the breathalyzer industry, many workplaces rely on the use of breathalyzers to test if employees are not intoxicated when reporting for duty. We spoke to Rhys Evans, the Managing Director at ALCO-Safe, which is a company that supplies drug and alcohol testing equipment and accessories.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, health-care workers are at a substantially increased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. Dealing with this pandemic is not easy for anyone, but it’s especially hard on Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers. We speak to Professional Healthcare Nurse Pauline Nxumalo who will tell us more about how COVID-19 has affected her and Samantha Mhangwane a 2nd year medical intern doctor who shares with us her experience from the frontline.

With lockdown level two now in full swing, and people being able to travel to other provinces, we look at how the tourism industry which was brought to a complete halt for several months is faring. Refilwe Tladi who runs a Tour Operations business tells us about some of the challenges her tour b

We are still witnessing the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the easing of lockdown and even the first events and conferences going live very soon, will it be business as usual for event organisers? Today on the #CovidReport we are joined by Mbulelo Ntlonti as he speaks to us about the future of events. We also speak to Gill Gibbs, Chairman of EXSA who says the industry could lose up to R68 billion in revenue because of the pandemic.

The impact of Covid-19 has been devastating for businesses of every kind, from loss of business entirely to finding ways to shift to e-commerce rapidly, entrepreneurs in South Africa are being forced to adapt fast. The lockdown restrictions saw many people losing their jobs and many businesses being forced to shut down due to loss of revenue streams. But this isn’t the case for some businesses as they were able to maximize on sales and come up with ways to win clients and sell their products even during these trying times. Siphosihle Mbuli speaks to Business Analyst Vusi Maupa about the impact Covid-19 has had on businesses. She also hears from Tsholofelo Minyuku, business owner of a beauty care range who saw an opportunity during the lockdown.

During the lockdown period we have seen many changes in how we live, work and interact. The corporate space in particular has been the hardest hit when it comes to operations, logistics, human resources and remote work capabilities. Employers wonder whether employees who are working from home are being productive or not, as it can be difficult to balance work and personal life while you're at home. Today on The Covid Report we are joined by Nelisa Ngqulana, Managing Director of PR Trends ZA. She speaks to us about surveillance apps and monitoring tools that employers use to track productivity of staff who are working from home. We also spoke to Lisa King from Fluxman Attorneys about the legality of employers using monitoring tools or surveillance apps to track work from home productivity.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused widespread losses across global financial markets and many investors around the world are concerned about the impact on their retirement savings. The ensuing market volatility and a Moody’s downgrade has forced some into early retirement and it has also led others to consider it more strongly as an option. Siphosihle Mbuli speaks to Shameer Chothia - Financial Advisor at Momentum. Refilwe Given lost her job and and could not keep up with the monthly contributions towards her retirement annuity, saving schemes and life insurance, She shares with us are affected

The pandemic has exposed contradictions and inequalities of our societies and has forced activists, movements and organisations to reflect while finding other ways to be heard. Siphosihle Mbuli speaks to Activist Azra Karim and Luvuyo Madasa from ReimagineSA an organisation advocating for active citizenry.

The move to a level 2 of lockdown may have come with more personal freedom and gyrms are now open for the first time since the start of the lockdown five months ago. The gym and fitness industry has been hit hard by COVID-19 lockdown regulations, nearly five months later, there is still no indication of when they may reopen. Today on the #CovidReport we are joined by Planet Fitness Head of Marketing Gillian Elson to unpack this further. We also spoke to personal Trainer Buntu Machaya

After weeks of an economically costly lockdown, restaurants have opened their doors to customers but others have not survived and have decided to remain shut.Many of those who have opened their restaurants for sit-down meals are not able to employ all their staff, as weeks of trading has seen turnover plummet. On the #CovidReport we speak to Head Chef and owner of Studio 411 Eat Out Tshepo Pitjeng.

SA has had to cope with the complete halt in domestic wine sales for weeks and a ban on the movement of wine that stopped global exports. Wine may now once again be leaving its ports but what short and long term damage does the lockdown already have on the wine industry? Siphosihle speaks to Maryna Carlow of Wines of SA.

Cross border truck drivers delivering goods across Southern Africa are spending longer days on the road as they are forced to wait for Covid-19 test results at borders before they can continue on their journey. Speaking to The Covid Report, one crossborder truck driver Kamohelo Komane says after entering a country, truck drivers cannot stop at shops to get essentials and those from Botswana have not been able to travel home because of the lockdown restrictions in that country.

The road freight, warehousing and distribution companies have been reporting varying levels of impact on their businesses as the effects of economic decay are becoming more and more visible, with many experiencing an unexpected shortfall in their finances. Siphosihle speaks to the CEO of Road Freight Association Gavin Kelly to talk about how Covid has affected the Trucking and Freight industry.

The national lockdown and enforced restrictions on movement has changed SA significantly and has resulted in certain types of crime being reduced. However, almost 300 000 people will now have criminal records for violating regulations during the State of National Disaster. Siphosihle Mbuli speaks to Police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo about how Covid19 has impacted crime during this pandemic.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the country will be going to level 2 of lockdown this week. While International travel is still not allowed, South Africa is open for business. We get into the details with political analyst Mightie Jamie.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had severe impact on the fashion industry and here in South Africa as governments closed down manufacturing plants, events cancellations to slow the spread of the virus. The pandemic also forced millions of people to work from home dropping the demand for high fashion items. Siphosihle Mbuli speaks to Teboho Pheko, World Renowned Fashion buyer.

The SA clothing and textile industry has been hit hard by the Covid19 pandemic, it has responded swiftly to ensure the protection of workers, and for the moment many businesses are making personal protective gear that is critical to managing the pandemic, but are these moves enough to sustain an already struggling manufacturing sector? Siphosihle Mbuli speaks to Nazmia Leite, SACTWU’s National Media Officer.

South Africa has recorded some of the highest Covid-19 survivors across the world. Many of those infected with covid-19 recover from home and do not need to be admitted in hospital. One covid-19 survivor says they feel the virus took something away. Speaking to Siphosihle Mbule on The Covid Report, Activist Thokozani Ndaba says since recovering from the virus she does not remember things and her body just does not feel the same anymore.

It has been a full four months Since South Africa went into lockdown in an attempt to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. Over half a million people, possibly more have been infected with over 10-thousand losing their lives. In the past few days we have seen a drop in the number of infections and admissions to hospitals due to covid-19. Might we have passed the worst of the pandemic? Is it time for the president to lift the lockdown restrictions? Siphosihle Mbuli speaks to policial analyst Mpumelelo Mkhabela.

Adjusting to the new world of coronavirus and social distancing is difficult as is, and having to live with family and dealing with the dynamics during lockdown can be even harder.How do you make sure you maintain the best relationship with your family while living together in lockdown? Siphosihle Mbule speaks to psychologist Damaris Motlhapamaswi.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the globally integrated automotive industry, of which has been fundamental to SA's economy, as an important cluster, it's continuity is thus critical to the future of the industrial and economic landscape of the country. We speak to Naamsa CEO Mike Mabasa who says the industry has played a significant role in helping the fight against covid19. We also spoke to to Andile Dlamini, Head of Group Communications at VW SA. Volkswagen South Africa has responded to the pandemic and partnered with assisting the government with responding to the call by providing the clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay with protective equipment.

With the President announcing a variety of measures to deal with COVID related corruption, days later we have seen the exposure of public sector corruption involving politically connected individuals receiving tender contracts for COVID-19 PPE's. For a country aching for strong action against corruption particularly in a time of national vulnerability, how can South Africa move forward. To unpack this further we spoke to Professor Peter Goss, leader in Governance, Crisis, Forensics and Training.

The Competition commission is a statutory body constituted in terms of the competition Act, no 89 of 1998 by the Government of South Africa empowered to investigate, control and evaluate restrictive business practices, abuse of dominant positions and mergers in order to achieve equity and efficiency in SA. We speak to Siyabulela Makunga who is the Head of communications at the competition commission.