Is it government overreach or a pandemic management technique when the government decides to extend the national state of disaster to take it past the two-year mark?
Stephen Grootes writes the decision to extend the national state of disaster has sparked a debate by detractors over whether it is really necessary for the country to be kept in this legal state.
Grootes contends that we will need an amendment to the disaster management act so that we can better deal with future pandemics. He writes the argument around what powers the government should have in times of emergency will descend into incendiary politics.
But the argument for keeping the state of disaster is a pertinent one writes Grootes and cites disaster management studies expert Professor Dewald van Niekerk who says without the state of disaster there is no other way for government to quickly implement regulations to curb a resurgence of the virus.
Experts are predicting a potential fifth wave could hit in May.
Shifting our focus, now that Andrea Johnson has taken over as the head of the Investigating Directorate (ID) within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) we may well begin to see the wheels of justice moving rather swiftly on the potential prosecutions of the State Capture perpetrators.
But just how is Johnson going to manage to keep her team on track and deliver on her mandate?
Johnson along with deputy director for public prosecutions at the NPA, Anton du Plessis have penned an op-ed on the opportunity to transform the ID into a permanent specialised corruption prosecution unit.
While the temptation is to consider the ID as the rebirth of the Scorpions, there are many different challenges facing the ID that makes it difficult for it to be a natural successor write Johnson and du Plessis.
The challenges have been detailed in the piece as well as the various ways they will mould the ID to be like the Scorpions and tackle corruption head-on. It’s a very interesting read and leaves hope alive that our prosecuting authorities can bring those who brought this country to its knees to justice.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and editorials:
We’ve got the power: Government hangs on State of Disaster to keep control – Daily Maverick
Karyn Maughan | NPA’s refusal to be accountable to the public is toxic – and credibility destroying – News24 (for subscribers)
EDITORIAL: Tinkering with fuel taxes unlikely to move the needle on inflation – Business Day
TOM EATON | If the ANC hadn’t oiled the rand’s slide, SA may have sucked up fuel hikes – Sunday Times Daily (for subscribers)
ROB ROSE: Why SA’s ultra rich are heading for the exits – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
EXPLAINER | Bond repayments: What happens if Russia defaults on its debt? – News24 (for subscribers)
Putin’s war is damaging the developing world – Mail & Guardian
