South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday paid tribute to South Africa’s nurses for their critical contribution to the nation’s well-being.

As the numbers of Eastern Cape COVID-19 infections continue to spike, Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, says they are working around the clock to contain transmissions.

As the world today marks International Nurses Day, South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Chairperson, Deputy President David Mabuza, has saluted local nurses for their service against the novel Coronavirus.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has noted a resurgence of positive cases in East London, where 98 inmates tested positive for COVID-19.

Deeds offices across the country will as of Wednesday 13 May, reopen their doors under strict guidelines.

Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu has appointed Advocate Terry Motau to lead a team of lawyers to probe corruption allegation reports at the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga will this week announce the department’s preparations with regards to the reopening of schools.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is seeking public comment on a guideline for the compilation of a mandatory code of practice for the mitigation and management of COVID-19 in the mining sector.

South Africa has 10 652 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 206 deaths.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has in the past month disbursed R11 billion in benefits to over two million employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Government has received menstrual and hygiene products donated as part of COVID-19 social relief measures.

The Department of Employment and Labour has closed its labour centre in Bellville, Cape Town, after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The Social Development Department is boosting its capacity to assist families and communities affected by COVID-19 with the recruitment of 1 809 social workers.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will today open the process for applications of the R350 Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant for unemployed people.

While government plans to steadily reduce the COVID-19 alert level by stabilising infection and anticipating the inevitable increase in cases, President Ramaphosa has warned the virus might be around for another year.