Dear colleagues
If you are planning to return to work from
tomorrow, 1 May, please note DSAC strongly advises against it
until further clarification, which should form part of the DSAC Minister’s
detailed briefing early next week.
The legal
opinion received by the IPO this evening, supports the view that we may not
resume work, in fact that we do not fall with level 4. Please see Janet’s
opinion below:
I have had a look
at the Level 4 Lockdown Regulations dated 29 April 2020 and in particular at
Part G (Media and Entertainment Services) to Table 1 (Alert Level 4) and
which states that the following activity will be permissible during Lockdown
Level 4:
"Productions
for local broadcast and live streaming of creative sector services in support
of COVID-19 subject to directions."
In my view, the
intention of this provision is to limit production activities to only the
production of content which is aimed at dealing with or in support of COVID-19
initiatives. In addition, if such productions are to take place, they must be
undertaken in compliance with directions, although it is not clear as to who
will provide such directions. All other productions which do not have as their
primary focus COVID-19 issues are not permitted during the Level 4
lockdown.
Kind regards,
Janet MacKenzie
Partner
Baker & McKenzie
1 Commerce Square, 39 Rivonia Road, Sandhurst
Johannesburg, 2196, ZA
Baker & McKenzie
1 Commerce Square, 39 Rivonia Road, Sandhurst
Johannesburg, 2196, ZA
We will continue
engaging with government departments to seek clarity on this and advise you the
minute we receive official feedback.
Source:
http://ipo.org.za/latest-update-on-return-to-work/
