South Africa

Workers facing distress due to the COVID-19 lockdown continue to find relief thanks to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has issued a directive to all mining operations to ensure safe start-up procedures as the sector prepares to ramp up to 50% of capacity.

South Africa has 3 635 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, announced on Wednesday.

Only a unified and coordinated response offers Africa the best possible chance of containing the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has unanimously supported the employment of additional members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist government’s intervention in the fight against COVID-19.

Parliament has published rules for virtual meetings of the National Assembly (NA), the National Council of Provinces NCOP) and their committees in Parliament’s announcements, tablings and committee reports.

The Department of Water & Sanitation (DWS) is in discussion with National Treasury to find additional funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, has welcomed the suspension of a member of Brand SA’s Board of Trustees following allegations of breaching lockdown regulations.

Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Dr Blade Nizmande, will on Friday, announce the department’s measures to be implemented in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has expressed concern at the large number of public officials arrested for violating COVID-19 regulations.

The COVID-19 lockdown has seen domestic violence related crimes decrease significantly since the introduction of the National State of Disaster regulations.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has urged qualifying students to open bank accounts to ensure a more efficient disbursement of funds from institutions.

National Police Commissioner, Khehla John Sitole, has assigned the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to immediately mobilize the 72-hour Activation Plan in search of the killers of Sebokeng Detective Sergeant.

North West Premier, Professor Job Mokgoro, is today visiting Blydeville and Boikhutso townships near Lichtenburg, following a violent community protest.

Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza today participated in the G20 virtual meeting of Ministers of Agriculture.