The following is a press release from the office of the Municipal Manager, Gert Sibande District Municipality:
Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) Cllr Muzi Chirwa has requested all hands on deck in supporting the South African Security Agency (SASSA) to ensure safe precautions in the fight against the Corona Virus. This in the light of social grants payments for the older persons and people with disabilities which started yesterday. Chirwa made this request during the sitting of the virtual meeting of the District Command Council (DCC) on 4 May 2020.
The GSDM and other stakeholders agreed to ensure that all SASSA paypoints observe social distancing and that awareness is intensified in encouraging the beneficiaries to exercise safety measures. The DCC resolved that municipalities should provide chairs at the SASSA pay points to observe social distancing.
The DCC resolved to visit all SASSA pay points to monitor progress and to increase awareness about COVID-19 to the elderly. Cllr Chirwa visited the Badplaas post office on 5 May and described social distancing as the only armament in curbing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. He encouraged social grant beneficiaries at the facility and shoppers in the surrounding supermarkets to always keep a distance of at least 1.5m and also to appropriately cover their faces (mouth and nose).
Local councillors and GSDM Environmental Health Practitioners joined Cllr Chirwa during the visit, which he undertook in his capacity as the Chairperson of District Covid-19 Command Council. They also provided hand sanitisers to the social grant beneficiaries and urged them to frequently wash their hands with water and soap.
The GSDM continues to support the local municipalities with deep cleansing and sanitisation of public facilities. Today a batch of sanitisers will be distributed to the local municipalities to fight against the spread of COVID-19.
The GSDM urges the public to be safe, respect the COVID-19 regulations, practise hygiene and observe social distancing.
