South Africa

Social Development Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu has tested positive for Coronavirus.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis has starkly highlighted the value of universal health coverage in responding to health emergencies, and the need for robust health systems to save lives.

Government says its decision to reintroduce the ban on alcohol as well as a curfew, is evidence based, and linked to its efforts to combat COVID-19 in the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his sincere condolences to the family of South Africa’s Ambassador to Denmark, Zindziswa “Zindzi” Nobutho Mandela.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement to reinstate a ban on alcohol sales in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic is reflective of an increased number of trauma cases seen in hospitals.

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, says she has learnt with shock of the passing away of South Africa’s Ambassador to Denmark, Zindzi Mandela.

While the country will remain on lockdown level 3 amid a rapid rise in COVID-19 infections, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced drastic measures in an effort to preserve lives and limit the rise in infections.

The late AmaRharhabe Queen Noloyiso Sandile has been revered as a proud traditionalist who embraced modern leadership and championed the empowerment of women.

With Gauteng as the official COVID-19 epicentre in the country after over taking the Western Cape on Wednesday, the province is boosting its bed, staff and oxygen capacity at its healthcare facilities to meet rising demand.

The Department of Employment and Labour’s Kroonstad Labour Centre has shut its doors after an official tested positive for COVID-19.

As the number of COVID-19 patients continues to soar in Gauteng, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says his department is working around the clock to procure more field hospital beds.

The Department of Employment and Labour in Northern Cape has warned farmers and employers in the Namakwa area to be on the look out for suspicious individuals who act as inspectors in an attempt to access their farms.

Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has reiterated that while easing the COVID-19 lockdown regulations in the tourism sector is aimed at assisting businesses, it has to be done under strict conditions to curb the further spread of the virus.

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) says it has noted that the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA)’s has endorsed the Voluntary Severance Packages (VSPs) which are being offered to individual employees of the South African Airways (SAA).

The Council of Education Ministers (CEM) has noted with disappointment ongoing sporadic attempts by political and civic organisations to disrupt learning at some schools around the country.