‘Telkom’s plan to protect employees from COVID-19’ 17 March 2020

Telkom has provided information to its employees regarding how the company will deal with the COVID-19 coronavirus – which will include work-from-home protocols and free testing for all staff. In an email sent to staff and seen by MyBroadband, Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko said the company has already formed a team to oversee Telkom Group’s response to the pandemic. “Like other businesses across the country, we are looking at how to adapt to an ever-changing situation. We recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Therefore, I would like to encourage you to take the necessary measures to protect yourself,” said Maseko.

…It said all physical gatherings and meetings should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, including meetings with third-party contractors. Telkom added that it has access to conference and video calling facilities, and encouraged employees to use these as a primary form of interaction. The company is in the process of developing protocols which enable employees to work from home, or from remote locations, to reduce the contact employees have with each other. Screening will also be implemented at all of its buildings to reduce the risk of infection of those who need to come into the office.