ECR Newswatch: A week in review

The week did not start well for some Durban South residents who woke up on Sunday to severe water cuts. Their water issues continued throughout the week due to the failure of several pumps at the Northdene Pump Station. Tensions rose high as residents scrambled in line for water at tankers, while many raised concerns of dealing without water during the peak of the pandemic.

One resident said desperation caused them to act unlawfully, "We have resorted to the point where we are even hijacking tankers because they are not coming to our areas. Our people are suffering and it's hard to learn that tankers are rolling out everywhere else in Chatsworth." 

2. Ramaphosa: South Africa to remain at lockdown level three

On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa held another, ‘family meeting’ where he updated the nation on the latest COVID-19 developments. He eased the curfew by one hour and extended the ban of alcohol sales.  

Most importantly, he outlined South Africa’s vaccine roll out plan.  He said government had already secured some 20 million doses of the jab. 

Breaking down the plan, Ramaphosa told the country, that phase one would prioritise around 1,2 million frontline healthcare workers. Essential workers such as teachers, police, municipal workers and other frontline personnel would receive the jab during phase 2. 

3. Distressed woman in Wentworth Hospital viral video has died

A viral video of a screaming woman who was at Wentworth Hospital, and subsequently died – broke the hearts of KZN. 

Rowena Hawkey, 67 was taken to the hospital last week Monday after she battled to breathe. 

Listen to the full interview here: 

4.  Two Durban nurses allegedly steals from dying patient, arrested for fraud

With Durbanites still in shock over the death of Rowena Hawkey and the state of public hospitals in the province, police released news that two private hospital nurses were arrested for fraud after they took advantage of a dying man by allegedly stealing his bank card. 

Police say the patient was the business partner of the owner of an auto shop in Umbilo - with whom he had a joint business account. Officers say the owner noticed the account was being used while his partner laid in hospital.

5. CONFIRMED: Basic Education delays reopening of public and private schools

Ending off the week, The Department of Basic Education’s Deputy Minister announced on Friday that reopening of schools for the private and public sector was to be delayed by 2 weeks. 

Public school learners will return on the 15th of February. 

She says the decision was made after the department met with the Council of Education Ministers, heads of education departments and other school organisations and bodies. 

"Given the pressure experienced by the health system in the past few weeks, occasioned by increased COVID - 19 infections which has led to the second wave, the Council of Education Ministers in conjunction with the National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet, has taken the decision to delay the reopening of both public and private schools by two weeks."