For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Business lobby says it has learned that UIF Covid-19 payouts will not be extended; John Steenhuisen named Democratic Alliance leader; And, Ramaphosa wishes Class of 2020 well for their final examinations

 

Business lobby says it has learned that UIF Covid-19 payouts will not be extended

Representatives of organised business and unions say they have been blindsided by an announcement that the State's Covid Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme benefit will not be extended any further.

The relief benefit was introduced in March. It was established to allow businesses to continue paying salaries while their doors were closed during the lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus.

Business for South Africa, which represents a majority of South African businesses partnering in their response to the Covid-19 pandemic, said in a statement it had learned with "great concern" that the National Coronavirus Command Council had decided not to extend the benefit further.

 

John Steenhuisen named Democratic Alliance leader

Opposition party the Democratic Alliance, has elected John Steenhuisen as its new leader.

The 44-year-old, who has acted as interim party leader since its first black leader Mmusi Maimane stepped down more than a year ago, secured a whopping 80% of Sunday’s virtual vote over his competitor, Mbali Ntuli.

Steenhuisen’s triumph will see him lead the DA in the 2024 presidential elections against the African National Congress, which has governed the country since the end of apartheid in 1994.

In his acceptance speech, Steenhuisen said “people power” would be the order of the day under his leadership, promising to “fight to give power and opportunities to every law-abiding, honest and hard-working citizen, regardless of their background”.

 

And, Ramaphosa wishes Class of 2020 well for their final examinations

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday called on the Class of 2020 to summon their great reserves of courage and strength, saying this year’s matric examinations will be written under unprecedented conditions.

More than a million candidates will sit for the examinations starting on Thursday.

Ramaphosa explained that this examination would be the largest public exam ever administered in South Africa.

He said to accommodate the disruptions the June Senior Certificate exams were postponed and will now be written together with the National Senior Certificate.

The President said that despite having the odds stacked against them, matriculants were determined to present for this exam that was the pinnacle of their schooling.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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