Devan Moonsamy

Level 3 of the lockdown is seeing South Africans queuing at the liquor stores, shopping and exercising without a curfew. We have even seen joy as worshippers have been allowed back to their place of worship under level 3 of the lockdown. This has been embraced across the country despite the number of people positive with the virus on the increase. At the same time grade 7 and 12 learners have been asked to return to school as an effort to initiate normalcy by the government continues.

With the levels on downgrade and the allowance being made for most business to operate again there are still many who haven’t been able to recover from the lockdown. Many businesses have closed as a result of not being able to function post level 5 as they have been unable to financially recover.

This has been not just stressful but concerning as with the closure of a business will mean more people out of work.

At the same time other industries that are not deemed essential at the moment have expressed grave concern over the delay in allowing them to operate under level 3 regulations. The industry that is crucial in society and hasn’t been allowed to open is the grooming industry.

Hair salons, nail bars and grooming companies that offer hair removals have not been allowed to operate. This makes up a large number of the people in the community who rely on this trade to provide for their families. The stress of not knowing when the business will be able to open again has many people struggling to provide food on the table.

This is a concern as most people in this industry have strong knowledge in this skill and will find it hard to find alternative work whilst waiting for the industry to come back on its feet again.

If you are in the salon industry and you are concerned about work nothing, we say might change how you feel. But we can do is encourage you to remember that when you are back to business keep it regular.

Have a plan of action for when the industry is allowed to operate again. Ensure that you have much more sanitising and social distancing in your work place.

Try to ensure you limit the number of people in for appointments in the day. In order to make up for not having a full salon try extending your trading hours if possible. This way you can see more people in the day ensuring you do not exceed the number that makes for appropriate social distancing in the day.

You staff are just as concerned as you. Check in on them and assure them that you do have a plan of action and perhaps start working out rosters so each staff members gets a chance to earn something when doors open again.

It may not be possible for all staff members to be present together as you will still have to maintain social distancing but perhaps look at how you can accommodate them to ensure they have a chance to work and make a few shifts for a salary at the end of the month.

Right now this plan or action and the vision of when you will be operating seems far away but the lockdown has eased allowing many industries to get back on their feet again. It will take time but you will get there too. Stay positive and hopeful that you will be up and running soon.

Devan Moonsamy is the author of the Book Racism, Classism, Sexism and all the Other ISM’s that Divide Us. He is also the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com

Devan Moonsamy 

Talk is still rife around the attack on George Floyd who died on May 25th when a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck. It was one of the latest of many deaths of black men and woman at the hand of police in America. (Reference: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/31/george-floyd-protests-live-updates/).

Protests have also erupted in that country sparking the much needed conversation around racism. It is the largest battle in the world. On a daily basis racism takes the freedom and security away from black people which has been given by a democracy. In a country like America it is astonishing that in the year 2020 we are still witnessing blatant attack’s in this manner. It brings about the conversation of what to do with people who are racist. 

We also acknowledge that as much as we grieve with our black brothers and sisters in this time when being the “wrong” skin colour results in life threatening situations we also see how Mexican, Muslim and other minority’s groups experience daily discrimination based on their differences. 

If we bring the topic back home we also can shed light on the number of racist attacks in our country by authorities. During the dreadful apartheid era scores of freedom fighters were subjected to police brutality based on their skin colour. This has also infiltrated to our society in which we see people taking to platforms to hurl racist insults when a person of colour cuts them off in traffic. It is also visible when people take to these public platforms to voice their anger at the state of the country and use hateful words based on the persons skin colour. (Reference: https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/sahrc-investigating-social-media-posts-of-dlamini-zuma-being-depicted-as-an-ape-20200530).

The ongoing anguish of dealing with racist people is a battle that every person of colour faces. It is almost the only battle that showcases how someone can pretend to be a splendid delight to your face, but behind your back with their own company refer to you as something derogatory based on your race. In a time when the world is battling the Covid-19 virus it is devastating that we have to see how people of power misuse their authority. It is as if human life means so little that based on the suspicion of an activity on someone’s skin colour we presume they are a hazard to society.

This thinking needs to end. We should not go on living in a bubble assuming the way we live life is the only thing that matters. Our black brothers and sisters are dying at the hands of people who think a darker skin tone is a red light for crime and society menacing. If we don’t change our mindsets more and more people will be victims to this ongoing battle that is a bigger threat than any virus. If this continues our black brothers and sisters will have to quarantine for their safety.

Devan Moonsamy is the author of the Book Racism, Classism, Sexism and all the Other ISM’s that Divide Us. He is also the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com

Devan Moonsamy

South Africans have shared mixed feelings to the government’s announcement of the plan to get students and teachers back to school. As the number of positive Covid-19 cases rises, parents are expressing dissatisfaction with the decision by government. Many have taken to social media indicating they will not be sending their children to school.

At the same time teacher unions have also come out encouraging teachers not to go back to school. This is a growing concern with the academic year suffering parents and teachers alike are concerned about how students will catch up.

As we move into the winter season, which is also our flu season in South Africa the concern is higher now more than ever that should students be allowed to soon into the classroom there might be a much larger spread of the virus. Experts have also predicted much more infections and deaths in the country by the end of November.

We do commend the government for the way in which the lockdown has been implemented but what is astonishing is that if all adults are not allowed to go back to their work places then how is it logical to allow our children to be out there?

Schools have a larger make up of people than some offices. We have to understand the potential risk our children have of being in the forefront of a pandemic that is claiming lives. We can’t control what happens in the classroom.

In a classroom we know that children are prone to lending and borrowing stationary, they are also sharing lunch and sitting in close proximity with each other. As much as we can set rules there isn’t constant observation to ensure these rules are not being broken. The risk of the virus spreading is so much higher with children.

We also can’t ignore that our teachers will be dealing with challenges that they are not use to. Kids are often seen hugging their teacher at the start or end of each day. And for many this is essential. This is the comfort they have that they are appreciated.

Teachers themselves will have to constantly be practising hygiene by sanitising much more regularly. The question is where does this budget come from? Does the teacher have to bring in her own sanitiser or will this be provided for by the school? What about our children? The fascination of the sanitiser might see them going through so much the liquid that it would need constant replacing.

The reopening of schools to soon is a recipe for a disaster. We must acknowledge that schools, unlike a business requires a lot more attention. We may not be facing clients but the cleanliness is a priority. But this again might be difficult in some areas where water is at a scarcity.

As much as the opening of schools for now is limited to our grade 12 and 7 learners the reality is that some classes consist of 40 children. How does social distancing apply in this regard?

To parents and teachers, this is a humble a request to ensure your safety and your students’ safety. Educate your children of the importance of sanitising and physical distancing. As much as the journey back to school comes as a relief to students who will finally be able to be with their friends, they must maintain the distance to ensure they are adhering to the rules to prevent the spread of the virus.

Teachers this is going to be not just a challenge for you but a battle. You will need to keep your emotions at bay and deliver a classroom session without focusing on the possibility that the virus could spread. This is hard and it will create uneasiness and paranoia in your mind. But you must ensure your safety and the learner’s safety is a priority.

Encourage the learners at the start and end of every session on the importance of social distancing and how important it is to practise this in order to win back our lives from the corona virus. At the end of it all going to work or school will feel like a battle in the coming few weeks as everyday we go out trying to avoid the chances of getting the virus. The hope that should keep us going is that this to shall pass. 

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com

Devan Moonsamy

As South Africans gear down to embrace the further easing of lockdown restrictions to level 4, the number of people infected with the virus is still growing. The current concern for the country is the Western Cape which has the largest of the reported cases as well as deaths by Covid-19. With the concern daily about the increase in numbers staying stress free during the lockdown is almost impossible.

The added concern to for South Africans is their work status. As much as many companies have begun to open their doors again as the lockdown levels ease, there are many who are either closing their doors permanently or letting go of employees.

The retrenchment announcement is something one can never be prepared for. It is also something you don’t want to hear. But unfortunately, it is something beyond our control.

Let’s look at how staff and employers should address news of retrenchment.

• Employers should set any rumours at bay. If there is a possibility of retrenchment in the organisation, communication should be sent so that employees can be prepared for it.
• Before exploring retrenchment ensure as an employer you have explored if the employee can perhaps adjust their working hours, could they be offered early retirement and perhaps even eliminate overtime.
• If all possibilities have been explored and the only option is retrenchment then written communication including the reason for retrenchment as well as the number of employees being affected and a proposed severance pay.
• As an employee once news breaks of a retrenchment, you need to find out what you entitled to. In South Africa an employee will receive one weeks pay for every year worked. In the case of retrenchment some contracts might already come with a retrenchment policy in place. Ensure that you access this information to assess exactly what you will be walking away with.
• Sign up with UIF. The sooner you do this the better as we know that right now this department is inundated with requests as many are claiming UIF following the no work no pay policy many companies have taken on.
• You should also inform your credit providers. If you have any debt it would be crucial to contact them and let them know that you will be retrenched. This will help ease the pressure as you try to get back on your feet.
• The most important point of dealing with retrenchment is not to burn bridges. Once you have received the news don’t lose your cool. Keep calm and look at other ways in which you can find alternative work. References are important you wouldn’t want a negative one from the last place you worked at.
• Take care of your mental wellbeing. The feeling of not knowing what will happen next can be extremely overwhelming. Take the time to get the necessary help. Surround yourself with people who will inspire and support you and not those that will encourage you to get over it.

Being retrenched is a big change in life it will require time to cope with. While you are doing this try and make alternative plans or goals that you wish to achieve in order to be at the top of your game again.

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com

Devan Moonsamy 

South Africans were hit with a shocking new wave of corona virus cases as the number of reported people with the virus in the country passes the 10 000 mark. As much as we have been told that despite the lockdown measures the numbers are set to rise, we can’t help but feel overwhelmed each time a press statement is released showing an increase in the number of people found positive with the virus. 

The past few weeks have also been a whirlwind of emotions as debate around when schools are set to open dominate the talks around the country. We have also seen scores of people returning back to work under lockdown level 4 regulations indicating some sort of normalcy around employment. 

As normalcy resumes around work places there has been an increase in hygiene and safety to curb the spread of the virus at many offices. This means that whilst many large chain stores have been allowed to operate selling essentials under the lockdown, companies and malls have ensured that no entry will be allowed to people unless they are wearing a mask. There is also mandatory hand sanitizing at the entrance of the stores and the till points. These are crucial steps to ensure the curb in the spread of the virus which has claimed the lives of scores of South Africans. 

Now whilst we feel a sense of relief for a few of the industries who have been allowed to operate in level 4 of the lockdown, we are also concerned about those who have not been able to get back on their feet despite the setback. 

This means that a number of people will be coming out of the lockdown without a job. This is one of the economic tremors that the coronavirus is leaving in its wake. Along with this employees should also brace themselves  for a few changes in the organization once cases of the virus decrease. 

Economists are warning that since many companies are already retrenching, employees should brace the possibility of salary cuts. 

Even after surviving the salary cut we should also be prepared for the possibility that yearly bonuses and incentives will not be made available as this setback from the virus might take us many more months to recover from. 

At the same time the hope of nice break in December also seems slim as many companies might be forced to keep the wheel turning in the festive period to make up for the loss of production time during the lockdown. 

This is all just possible indications of what might be solutions to repair the setback of the virus. While it might seem highly unlikely at the moment, it would do good to communicate regularly with management to be in the loop of the issues and solutions to these issues in the business. 

There is no telling how the next few months might go but it is important for employees to brace for these changes. The work place as we know it will be a lot more difficult to navigate in the coming few months. But we must ensure we are positive and motivated that we will give our best in our work space and provide the best possible services to ensure we are back on top. 

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute. ICHAF offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | Email: devan@ichaftraining.co.za | Website: ichaftraining.co.za | devan-moonsamy.com