NEWSFLASH FOR WEEK 2 (10 – 13) August 2021

ENERGY

Treasury publishes draft renewable energy premium rates

To allay uncertainties associated with the renewable energy (RE) premium rates of the Carbon Tax Act, the National Treasury has published a new draft RE Premium Notice, proposing the removal of the limitation of the tax period for which the RE premium rates would be applicable.

LABOUR

Why Covid-19 vaccines should be mandatory in South Africa

In recent months, the question of mandatory Covid-19 vaccination or limitations on those who choose not to be vaccinated has become a hot topic. In many countries, healthcare professionals and care home workers in facilities for the aged or disabled must be vaccinated as an occupational requirement. They are duty bound to accept a vaccine because of their non-negotiable pledge to avoid harm to patients, colleagues and their own families.

Other occupational groups who work in proximity to the public or in large indoor venues also have a responsibility to adhere to a mandatory vaccine policy.

LIQUOR

Ruling on wine industry body’s case to keep sales restrictions local no longer needed – court

No ruling is needed on interim relief sought by wine producers’ organisation, Vinpro, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has lifted the fifth ban on liquor sales, the Western Cape High Court has said.

Vinpro applied for urgent interim relief on 21 July this year, just days before Ramaphosa lifted the ban on 25 July. A full bench hearing on the same issue – whether restrictions on liquor sales can be determined at provincial level – is due later this month.

POPIA

Smart buildings: Data generated must be PoPIA compliant

While architects and building owners increasingly turn to technology to deliver buildings that are not only intelligent and more energy efficient but also hygienically safe, data and personal information protection measures should be a key consideration.