South Africa

The nationwide lockdown implemented by government to contain COVID-19 has delayed the spread of the virus and given government time to prepare for the pandemic.

South Africa has recorded 318 new COVID-19 cases, with the total number of confirmed cases at 3 953 as of Thursday.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has delivered 664 water tanks and 70 water trucks to the Northern Cape.

Gauteng continues to be the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country with 1 224 infections confirmed.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has provided more details on the second set of measures that are aimed at assisting individuals and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.