President’s 11 January Speech and TERS Disputes Procedure
As the country eases into 2021, the President’s speech on 11 January made it clear that COVID-19, and the resulting restrictions, will remain a part of day-to-day life in 2021. The blog post today looks to give a brief overview of the adjusted level 3 regulations from a business perspective and also flags the TERS disputes process.
Adjusted Level 3
The main change that the President announced in his most recent speech was that South Africa’s land borders will be closed until 15 February. Exceptions apply for goods, repatriation and medical supplies, meaning that this change is likely to mainly impact the tourism and leisure industry.
The above is in addition to the measures announced on 28 December, all of which remain in place.
Below is a table summarising some of the key restrictions to businesses under adjusted level 3 at this point in time.
| Non-Hotspot Areas | Hotspot Areas | |
| Curfew | 21:00 – 05:00 daily | 21:00 – 05:00 daily |
| Business closing times | Non-essential stores close at 20:00* | Non-essential stores close at 20:00* |
| Gatherings | All uncontrolled social gatherings are prohibited. Gatherings at businesses permitted which are permitted to be open is allowed, in line with the occupancy limitations. | All uncontrolled social gatherings are prohibited. Gatherings at businesses permitted which are permitted to be open is allowed, in line with the occupancy limitations. |
| Beaches, dams, lakes and rivers | Open between 6:00 – 19:00 daily | Closed |
| Businesses that must remain closed | Public parks, public swimming pools, clubs, bars, taverns, shebeens, | Public parks, public swimming pools, clubs, bars, taverns, shebeens, |
| Sale and distribution of alcohol | Not permitted | Not permitted |
*List of establishments which must close by 20:00: Cinemas; theatres; casinos; museums, galleries and archives; gyms and fitness centres; restaurants; venues hosting auctions; and venues hosting professional sport.
At this point in time, the only material difference between hotspot and non-hotspot areas is access to beaches, dams, lakes and rivers. The reasoning behind this is that the number of people at any one of these locations cannot easily be regulated or controlled.
You can find a list of the areas designated as hotspots and the adjusted level 3 Regulations on the Government website.
TERS Dispute Resolution Process
On Friday 8 January, as an employer you should have received an email from the UIF, titled “UIF-TERS – Update letter”. The update letter lays out the process that you can follow if you believe the UIF has not performed one or more of its contractual obligations with you contained in your memorandum of association with them.
The letter highlights that this route is only for disputes and not for enquiries, such as failed bank verifications.
To lodge a formal dispute:
- Complete the Dispute Form (attached to the 8 January email, sender: noreply@labour.gov.za)
- Attach any relevant supporting documentation
- Email the completed dispute form with attachments to andrew.simango@labour.gov.za, with the subject as “COVID-19 TERS Dispute – [Your UIF Reference Number]”
We hope that this information has proved useful. If you have any questions for us, you can contact us at info@simplepay.co.za.
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Keep well and stay safe.
Team SimplePay