South Africa

The confirmed cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has risen by 218 - bringing the total number of cases to 927.

The Social Development Department has urged parents with joint custody to prioritise the needs of the child during the 21-day COVID-19 national lockdown.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC), working jointly with the Competition Commission, has launched an investigation into allegations of excessive price hikes by 30 retailers from various provinces in the country since the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Thursday called on members of the public to desist from spreading false information about when the schools will re-open and on any other matter.

As the country gears up for the 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, the Labour Court says no matters will be heard during this period.

The SA Post Office (Sapo) retail branches nationwide will stay open as normal during the 21-day nationwide lockdown so as to facilitate the payments of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) social grants.

Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) ability to publish official statistics will be impacted by the lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Statistician General Risenga Maluleke has said.

Ahead of the national lockdown being implemented at midnight this evening, the Portfolio Committee on Police has called on everyone within the South African borders to work with the police and all security forces, in an effort to defeat the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, says government’s classification of media work as an essential service during the COVID-19 national state of disaster and lockdown is a measure to ensure South Africans and the international community have access to vital information during this time.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation says R12 million has been made available and a further R30 million will be redirected towards COVID-19 interventions.

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has welcomed the agreement reached between Telkom and the Competition Commission which, among other provisions, narrows the digital divide in the country by offering zero rated access to essential online government services.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested negative for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

All businesses that will be allowed to provide essential services during the 21-day COVID-19 lockdown will be required to seek approval from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC).

The World Health Organisation has called on all countries who have introduced “lockdown” measures to use this time to attack the Coronavirus.

In his capacity as the African Union Chair, President Cyril Ramaphosa, will today hold a teleconference with the members of the AU Bureau to coordinate the continent’s approach to the Coronavirus pandemic.