The Department of Small Business Development has introduced relief mechanisms for SMME’s impacted negatively by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Please find mechanisms, criteria and processes to be completed below:

Debt Relief Financial Scheme

For businesses which are negatively affected directly or indirectly due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Qualifying Criteria

• Provision of a business profile;
• Ability to prove that the business has been negatively affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic;
• The business must have been registered with the CIPC by at least 28 February 2020;
• The business must be 100% South African owned;
• 70% of Employees must be South African;
• Business must be registered and compliant with SARS and UIF (Seda will assist micro-enterprises to comply and requests for assistance must be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., whereas small and medium enterprises must ensure own compliance);
• SMME Employers who are not compliant with UIF must register before applying for relief;
• Provision of company statutory documents, certified copies of directors ID’s & FICA documents;
• Provision of latest 3 months bank statements;
• Provision of latest Annual Financial Statements and/or latest Management Accounts (not older than 3 months from date of application);
• Ability to supply 6 month’s Cash Flow projections (where applicable);
• Provision of facility statements of other funders;
• Copy of lease agreements and proof of ownership if applying for rental relief;
• If applying for payroll relief: details of employees as registered with UIF and including bank details, as payments will be made directly to employees;
• Ability to supply a detailed breakdown on application of funds, including salaries, rent etc.
• Business must be registered on the National SMME Database – http://smmesa.gov.za; and
• Completion of the simple on-line application form.
Notes:
Priority will be given to businesses owned by women, youth and people with disabilities.

Application Process

• Register on http://smmesa.gov.za
• Complete online Application Form (to be released on Thursday, 2 April 2020)
• Upload required supporting documents
Business Growth/Resilience Facilities

For businesses geared to take advantage of supply opportunities resulting from Coronavirus pandemic or shortage of goods in the local market.

Qualifying Criteria

• Provision of a business profile;
• The business must have been registered with the CIPC by at least 28 February 2020 (registration documents required);
• Provision of relevant industry certification(where applicable);
• The business must be 100% South African owned;
• 70% of Employees must be South African;
• Business must be registered and compliant with SARS and UIF (micro businesses who are not compliant may be assisted by Seda, requests for assistance to be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.);
• Provision of company statutory documents, certified copies of directors ID’s & FICA documents;
• Provision of latest 3 months bank statements;
• Provision of latest Annual Financial Statements and/or latest Management Accounts (not older than 3 months from date of application);
• Ability to supply 6 month’s Cash Flow projections (where applicable);
• Ability to provide estimations for funding requested;
• Business must be registered on the National SMME Database – http://smmesa.gov.za; and
• Completion of the simple on-line application form available from www.dsbd.gov.za or www.sefa.org.za .

Notes:  Priority will be given to businesses owned by women, youth and people with disabilities.

Application Process

• Register on http://smmesa.gov.za
• Complete online Application Form (to be released on Thursday, 2 April 2020)
• Upload required supporting documents

Source: Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business www.pmcb.org.za

If you are having a moment... imagining a freshly brewer cappuccino. Americano or Hot-Choc why not visit our "Pay it Foodward"account and order a redeemable voucher. 

You can help us with income loss during this time and you will be able to enjoy a hot cuppa on your next visit when we reopen. 

You can choose any amount or even gift it.

Visit: www.payitfoodward.co.za/product/howick-hospice-preloved-shop/

News supplied by Howick Hospice.

This community-minded initiative will ease some of the strain which lockdown has imposed, we applaud the love shown by Temple - Wisdom Online.

'Charity and giving has always been a part of my life and something close to my heart. About 6 months ago I met with my team at Temple and we spoke about how we could support charity, whether it was our time, services or financially. Carmen put her hand up to be the designated charity project manager and came up with some ideas which we were working through and wanting to support.

2-3 weeks ago when Covid 19 really hit South Africa, we were all wondering what was going to happen to us and our businesses. Last week Monday Carmen found a website in the States called Save our Favs, which was a fantastic idea and we got started on a local version, to help our favourite local coffee establishments and restaurants.

Well what a week it has been, the whole team rallied behind the cause and I am proud to say we launched https://payitfoodward.co.za. We are able to carry on working remotely, but these establishments are not able to work at all, and what was scary was this fact: "21 days can close a business. Restaurants have loads of fixed costs: rent, labour, loan repayments, insurance, supplies, repairs – the list goes on. Even successful restaurants have slim margins of 3-5%, and a third have struggled to pay employees at least once.”

We have put this site up for the community to help, and the thought of not being able to meet for a coffee after my weekend morning run or cycle was too scary to fathom. All I ask is to help where you can, purchase a voucher to redeem later when we are all working again, and help save a local business.

We are sponsoring the work and hosting admin, and the only fee currently is the Payfast fee of 3.5% which we have asked to be waivered (still waiting for them to confirm) the site is safe and secure and payments are through Payfasts merchant system. You can pay or donate using Card, EFT and Zapper.

Please follow PayitFoodward. The website has an FAQ page https://payitfoodward.co.za/frequently-asked-questions/, which we will be updating often. We appreciate your support. Thanks all for listening and I hope you all get through this worldwide crises.' Brendan Temple.

Add your Midlands business.

Source Facebook; Temple - Wisdom Online

Comedian and children’s author David Walliams is releasing a free children’s audio book daily for the next 30 days

Whether your children are already firm fans of the author or not, this is a sure way to add some fun and laughter to their mornings.

The daily treat is called Elevenses, and children and grown-ups can tune in every morning at 11am - and it's all free.

Today’s free audio story from The World’s Worst Children is Trish the Troll!

Click here to listen: bit.ly/AudioElevenses

News supplied.

The UCSI will continue to operate and support essential Law Enforcement Officials during the 21 day lockdown.

The UCSI is ultimately information driven through the use of SNIPR ANPR camera technology, hence our ability to work remotely.

The UCSI is committed to making our communities safer and ensuring credible and reliable information is obtained from our network of cameras, and used to support SAPS and local, affiliated Security Companies in combating crime.

Thank you to our Midlands Community for your support to date. For more information on how you can contribute to this not-for-profit (NPC) community project, check out our UCSI Facebook page, website or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Stay safe. Be kind. Protect yourselves, your families and your community. Stay at home.

News supplied by UCSI.

In an endeavour to assist efforts to arrest the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the safety of our staff, Cooke Fuller Group will introduce immediate steps to allow staff to work remotely, (from home).

Fortunately, we are able to use advanced technology to ensure service levels continue to meet your expectations however should you encounter difficulty engaging with us, please do not hesitate to contact your servicing Broker direct.

Meanwhile, our switchboard, office number 033 330 3601 has been diverted to Allison's cellphone, between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Nicky Gray is available to assist you at any time on 082 450 8767

Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.

033 330 3601 101 Main Street, Howick.

Supplied.

On Friday 20 March, Angels care managed to pack 350 food parcels to be handed out on Saturday in various ways to children from underprivileged backgrounds who  need it now more then ever. They have fruit, yoghurt and sandwiches in each bag. 150 packs will be for children under the age of 5.

We also managed to send food parcels to 20 families in desperate need of anything. Each parcel contained fruit, vegetables, mealie meal, some meat, tinned backed beans, yogurt, Maas and bath soap. We had some children collecting these for their families as they feel so much responsibility to look after their younger siblings.

We had our nursing sister educating each family about hygiene and what to do to stay healthy through this time, and other staff members with soap and hand sanitizer at the ready. We will protect our staff and children as much as we can throughout this uncertain time.

This would not have been possible without the help of Greendale Superspar & Tops, WOOLWORTHS Howick, Southern Lodestar Foundation and the many donations made by individuals. Please please keep it coming as times are going to get tougher. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us keep our community healthy.

News supplied by Angel's Care.

For 31 years Knight has been keeping our community a safer place. Our strong cores values, integrity and sheer grit are going to be our guide over the coming weeks and months ahead, as we South Africans, face the challenge of Coronavirus (COVID-19). It is our shared challenge and we feel deeply for those already affected.

KSS is taking every measure to ensure the safety and security of our clients and staff. We are working closely with our Guarding site clients and Security Guards, ensuring that strict hygiene measures are in place. We have also ensured that hygiene measures are in place for our technical staff, armed response staff, control room staff, administration staff and all other KSS Operations staff.

We have educated (in English and isiZulu) and briefed all our staff, and they are aware of the reality of what we are dealing with. Our workplace Union has also assisted in this collaboration of ensuring that our staff are well informed.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

How do you plan on keeping your children  or grandchildren busy for this extended holiday time.

Play dates and outings are not a good idea.

Nuts about books and Toys have books, puzzles and plenty of toys to keep the young ones practically and educationally occupied.

New jigsaw puzzles will be in store soon!

Brands include Heye, Clementoni and Ravensburger.

News supplied by Nuts about Books and Toys.

Aren't these the most bizarre times of our generation? A speaking colleague in Naples, Florida tells us that he has never experienced anything this unusual in his 85 years, and he wishes the New Yorker's would stop flocking to Florida!

He, like me, is wondering about the future of live speaking/storytelling with so much having moved online?

Ultimately we are very social animals and thrive on human interaction. The world as we knew it will never be quite the same again, no doubt.

Google reveals clear skies over China, and much cleaner canals in Venice - not because the water is cleaner, but less traffic stirring up the sediment beneath. Love the idea of Attila the Hun invading Italy in 453AD forcing the Veneti people to take refuge on islands and in the nearby swamp, and so Venice came into being. Speculation abounds regarding improvements in the Ozone layer, particularly over Antarctica, with vastly reduced jet streams.

All clouds have silver linings and these examples above cheer me no end. What about lives spared during lockdown, given our shocking statistics. Never mind the reminder not to take freedom of movement for granted again, by any means.

The uncertainty created by this invisible virus is enormous, creating anticipatory grief as our sense of safety is destroyed. As a result, for many their imaginary fears become very real. Blessed with an active, vivid imagination, I have always had to work hard at separating imaginary and real fears. It is my fervent hope that as we are forced to slow down, take stock and prepare for life after Covid19, that others are able to control their imaginary fears. Concentrate instead on the real fears, the matters one has control over and create a sense of perspective. What is the worst thing that can happen to me/us? Has it happened, and adjust one's anticipatory grief/response accordingly. All kind enough to read this is infinitely better off than so many in South Africa and all over the world. Consider their fears for some time, please - real or imaginary.

I am going to be sharing some short stories online, hoping to entertain adults and youngsters alike during this lockdown period, and beyond should the response be favourable. Once travel bans are eased, I hope those who have threatened for years to visit the battlefields will realise those aspirations. There is no substitute for being on the battlefields themselves, allowing these stories to transport you. A fine reminder too of just what human beings are capable of, should you require reminding.

Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.

Cell: +27 (0)82 344 9999 or +27 (0)82 4000 470
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.robcaskie.com 

We are rendering staff transfers to companies that are offering essential services to the public. We are operating during the government gazetted staff transport hours: 5H00AM to 09H00AM and 16H00PM to 20H00PM
We are able to offer transfers in our sedans, 6 seaters, 7 seaters, 13 seaters and 22 seaters.

All transfers of staff will be as per the government gazetted guidelines as to the reduced number of seated passengers per vehicle and not loading to full capacity.

All vehicles are being sanitized before and after every transfer. Strict hygiene and seating control measures are in place and passengers in the larger vehicles are being advised of their specific spaced seating places.

For more info contact Sisonke Transfer Services:

Tel: 0861-747-6653
Cel/Whatsapp: 083-225-5585
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by Sisonke Transfer Services.

As we all lock our offices up and head to the safety of our homes, we at Harcourts Ambers wish you safe health.

Enjoy this time reconnecting with your spouses and love ones if you are fortunate enough to be with them. We are asking our valued clients to take extra care of themselves and just know we are always there for you...

If anyone our clients is feeling lonely at this time we are at the end of the line, please feel free to call us. We might not be able to have that cup of tea with you in person but we will gladly join you in a "phone call cuppa tea "

News supplied by Harcourts Ambers.

Due to the countrywide lockdown announced on Monday evening by President Ramaphosa, our offices will be closed during this time.

We would like to inform our clients, correspondents and the community that our staff will continue to run the practise from our respective homes, as far as we are able to. (this may possbly be affected by load shedding  /or the internet connectivity of our staff.)

It is our objectve to service our clients to the best of our ability and our policy is "business as usual" however due to various services being suspended for example. the Deeds office and Masters Office, there will be a delay in the process.  We kindly ask you to bear with us, during this uncertain time for South Africa.

All our clients and correspondents are welcome to contact us on our usual email addresses during this lockdown period with any instructions, assistance or advice that may be required.

For the Directors email addresses and each department, please click on our website http://www.jlesliesmith.com/our-team/

We wish you a safe and healthy time and look forward to dealing with your directly after this.

News supplied by J Leslie Smith and Co.

As per the National Bargaining Council for the Private Security Sector:

“All Security Companies operating within the Private Security Sector should be operational to ensure they provide the core function as a security provider to the public and their valued clients”.

KSS will be fully operational, 24/7 during the 21 day lockdown.
The KSS Armed Response, Alarm Monitoring Control Room, Guarding Division and core support functions will all be operating 24/7 to ensure the safety of our clients and our community. Technical back-up is available, and technicians are on-call to assist with repairs to alarm systems should they be required.

Please contact our 24hour Control Room on 033 330 5911, where one of our competent Controllers will assist you or re-direct your call as necessary.
KSS is in full support of all Emergency Services and Law Enforcement Officials during this time.

KSS Management have ensured the health and safety of our entire KSS staff. KSS has a transport contingency plan in place should the need arise to assist our staff to report for shift. KSS Administration staff have been equipped to work from home, and are ready and prepared to assist with any enquiries.

Please remember, KSS is classified as an essential service, but we are a private company and not funded by the government like SAPS or the Military. Please may we request timeous payment of your account, as it is important for us to remain fully operational, look after our clients, the community and our staff.
The Management and Staff at KSS wish you all the best during this period.
Let the spirit of UBUNTU unify us all in the fight to “flatten the curve”.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
uMngeni refuse collection as follows from Friday 27th March for 21 days.

Collection will take place on the same days as usual but, to minimise the exposure of collectors and the public, COLLECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT NIGHT.

Staff will come on duty at 1800 [6pm] and residents must put their bags out in the late afternoon.

The refuse site will be closed to the general public. Only the municipal refuse trucks and those contracted to the municipality for refuse removal ie Garlington & the Ambers will be admitted.

No garden refuse will be accepted at the landfill site.

METER READING - APRIL 2020
Due to the lockdown, we will not be able to fo on site and read meters.  Kindly use the following details to submit your readings, we will try to capture as many readings as we can for the month of April. Submission of meter readings will work via EMAIL and SMS only do not call the numbers provided.

NOTE THIS WILL COMMENCE ON THE 1ST TO 15TH OF APRIL.

Details are as follows :+27(0)83 422 1037  and  +27(0)67 748 5314.

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by uMngeni Municipality.

We now offer delivery to Howick!

During this difficult time we understand that self-isolating can be challenging and so we have collaborated with our neighbours Highgate Wine Estate to deliver to your door .

And what’s more – we’ll deliver for free on orders over R200!
Just send a Whatsapp message to our Business WhatsApp number (061) 968 6239 to get the ball rolling!
You are also welcome to order takeaways, and we’ll meet you outside in the parking lot
Let’s all stick together and keep safe.

News supplied by Piggly Wiggly.

The Karkloof Conservancy has decided to keep the Karkloof Conservation Centre open and continue to offer walks (limited to groups of 10) and allow access to the hides.

We ask that each person who chooses to participate to take personal responsibility for their own health and for the safety of others. To use the facilities mindfully and at your own risk.

As a venue, open to the public, we have to exercise extreme caution. These are some of the measures we have set in place for your safety:
- Sanitizer in the office to use on arrival and after dealing with money etc
- Sanitizer and paper towels in the bathroom, as well as hand soap
- Sanitizers in each bird hide - to use when opening and closing the door and to wipe the counters before and after each visit.
- Staff are screened and monitored and follow basic hygiene protocol
- If you have been travelling recently or are sick, please take it upon yourself not to visit the Centre and or hides.

We trust you will adhere to the measures we have put in place when visiting our facilities.

News supplied.

In line with public health advice, we have taken the decision to close all parkrun events across South Africa, Namibia, and Eswatini with immediate effect. Initially, this closure will be in place until the end of March, however this is largely to bring all parkrun countries into the same time frame and we very much expect closures to continue through April at least.

Going forward we will update parkrunners regularly and aim to communicate important information as soon as is appropriate.
We know that this message may be a difficult one for you to receive, and many people will be wondering what to do without their regular weekly catch-up. Please rest assured that we are working hard to develop our strategy so that we are able to support the health and happiness of parkrunners around the world during this difficult time.

Remaining active is incredibly important, and we are working on ways to encourage and support that, however please do not arrange group gatherings at your parkrun venues whilst parkrun events are suspended.

Thanks for your continued support, and please know that the parkrun family is there for you.

News supplied.