CORONAVIRUS FAQs | All your questions answered

QUESTION: Will I be able to walk my dog? What about in an estate?

No.

SAPS have clarified on 29 March that this is NOT allowed. National police spokesperson Brig Vish Naidoo has said that the national disaster declaration is clear that people be confined to their place of residence, unless they are an essential service, buying goods, collecting a social grant, or seeking medical attention. 

Naidoo said the roads, parks and other amenities of the estate do not form part of anyone's "place of residence", and is therefore strictly prohibited. 

QUESTION: Who can I call if I have a complaint against the police?

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has issued emergency numbers for complaints against the police during the Covid-19 lockdown. IPID's services are still ongoing during the lockdown, spokesperson Sontaga Seisa said.

A limited number of investigators are on standby in all nine provinces, and provincial management will ensure that their work continues. 

The numbers to lay a complaint against the police are: 

Eastern Cape: 082 592 9888;

Free State: 063 225 6081;

Gauteng: 076 455 5718;

Limpopo: 078 871 4811;

KwaZulu-Natal: 079 895 2741;

Mpumalanga: 072 881 4196;

Northern Cape:  064 624 8203;

North West: 078 163 6874;

Western Cape: 073 890 1269. 

QUESTION: What if I can't pay my rent during lockdown?In this unprecedented situation, it is natural that certain tenants will look to their landlords for assistance. The landlord’s position is, however, precarious, despite a popular misconception that landlords hold unlimited funds or can afford to withstand non-payment of rentals.

The below information serves as a guide for tenants and landlords in these challenging times. One must regard the entire contents of this article to understand the legal position and, with understanding of the other side’s position, hopefully reach an amicable resolution to protect the symbiotic relationship between landlord and tenant.

QUESTION: Are there certain hours that we can go to the shops, doctor, etc?No, you may go whenever these services are open, but please limit these trips to as few as possible.

QUESTION: Can I take my pet to the vet?Essential and emergency travel is expected to be specifically allowed during the lockdown, in general terms.

On Tuesday the government confirmed that veterinary services will continue to operate.

Necessary trips for pet food are also likely to be covered under rules around buying groceries.

QUESTION: My company has to close down. Can I claim back?Employees at companies that have to close their doors during lockdown may receive payments from government under a new scheme.

The amounts paid will be a percentage of your salary, according to a legislated sliding scale from 38% (highest earners) to 60% (lowest earners).

QUESTION: How UIF money will help workers during lockdown?As anxious South African workers, who are facing layoffs and loss of income during the lockdown period, await guidance on government help during this time, there is now an indication of how the Unemployment Insurance Fund will help pay their salaries.

QUESTION: How do I register my business as an essential service?South African businesses are now able to apply online and automatically download a certificate to prove they are essential service providers, as the country gears up to implement a 21-day national lockdown.