The Covid Report

As the Covid-19 pandemic rages, technologists have been rushing to build apps, services, and systems for contact tracing – identifying and notifying all those who come in contact with a carrier. Despite the many services that may seem convenient and help us fight the virus, however we know very little about them, how they function, and how they could affect society. Gamelihle Bovana and Siphosihle Mbuli speaks to Naseem Terblanche, Chief Operating Officer of Impulsum which is a software development company, here to help us better understand how these technologies are designed and whether they will benefit us. Welcome to the show Naseem.

As part of its 175th-year anniversary, Old Mutual commits to building Africa's biggest digital classroom. Siphosihle speaks to Khanyi Chaba, Head of Responsible Business at Old Mutual about their Africa's Biggest Digital Classroom

Skin irritations and allergic reactions are more prevalent during Covid-19 pandemic as we are required to wear face masks at all times, as well as use hand sanitizers and wash our hands with soap frequently. At times these products can be very harsh on our skin; how do we care for our skin during this period and treat the allergic reactions that come with the frequent use of protective gears? Gamelihle Bovana and Siphosihle Mbuli speak to Dermatologist, Dr Hanyi Mukansi who says to avoid skin irritation people should use cotton masks and wash them before use.

Since the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world at the start of 2020, after it was discovered in Wuhan, China, containment efforts, though difficult and undertaken at great sacrifice, are aimed at encouraging the necessary

‘behavioural changes’ required to manage the spread of this virus whilst we strengthen the ability of our public healthcare system to respond to a surge of infections.There is a role young people can play in these efforts. The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) alongside the national Department of Health have launched ‘750 Amped.’ A proactive intervention that leverages the power of youth to inspire changes in social behaviour through training, education, and awareness.Game Bovana and Siphosihle Mbuli speaks to Nondumiso Bulunga is the Project Manager for the 750 AMPED campaign.

As South Africa sees a surge in the number of coronavirus infections following government’s decision to ease lockdown regulations, there are warnings that Gauteng, because of the size of the population in sheets density will become an epicentre. Speaking to Gamelihle Bovana, the Department of Health in Gauteng’s spokesperson who recently contracted covid-19 says they are urging citizens to please stay at home as they continue to fight the battle. We also hear from 19 year old Nkosi Mnisi who is recovering from a Covid-19 infection and is self isolating at home.

Labour union Numsa says they have never had to deal with so many retrenchment notices. Numsa’s national spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says the situation can be only be define as a ‘jobloss blood bath’. Numsa says the companies have to change behavior and ensure that workers are protected, training be provided to staff and Personal Protective Equipment instead of focusing maximizing profits.

Senior Commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, The CCMA, Mduduzi Khumalo says they have been dealing with a number of retrenchments since the coronavirus pandemic started.

On The Covid Report today we focus on the challengers freelancers are facing during the pandemic. Siphosihle Mbuli and Gamelihle Bovan are in conversation with Sazi Mbalekwa who is a Motion Picture Producer Content Creator Creative Entrepreneurship Consultant.

Informal Settlements interview: Are the conditions in informal settlements conducive to preventing Corona? On the Covid-Report today we unpack how the pandemic affects informal settlements. Siphosihle Mbuli and Gamelihle Bovana speaks to Phumeza Mlungwana - International Budgeting Partnership SA

On the Covid Report we focus on job losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic, speaking to Verlie Oosthuizen, an Employment & Labour Specialist.