South Africa

The North West House of Traditional Leaders has suspended all initiation schools and related activities until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A heartfelt “thank you” was the central message delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa to stakeholders involved in the repatriation of 112 citizens from Wuhan City, China.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the Ranch Resort a green zone after everyone, who had been placed under quarantine there, has tested negative for Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has finalised the process to identify beneficiaries of a R150 million relief fund, set up to assist artists and athletes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Defence and Military Veterans has called up members from the Reserve Force to complement the already deployed SANDF in the fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Polokwane, where he will see off a group of South Africans citizens, who will be reunited with their families after testing negative for coronavirus (COVID-19) at the end of their quarantine in Limpopo.

South Africa will participate in the Public Health Emergency Solidarity Trial, which has been initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to conduct a clinical trial to find an effective COVID-19 treatment.

The Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has announced a total of 1 187 confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in South Africa, as at Saturday, 28 March.

Government has identified 17 land parcels for resettlement purposes for people who stay in informal settlements should the need arise, as the country deals with the spread of COVID-19.

A team of experts are working on creating a range of data warehouses, including the current geographic spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) current cases, health vulnerabilities and location of health and other facilities, among other things.

Eskom says it has handed its Academy of Learning (EAL) centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, over to government to be used as a quarantine site.

Plans to reunite the 114 South African citizens repatriated from Wuhan City in China with their families are underway, as their 14-day quarantine period has ended.

Government has deployed a total of 22 347 traffic officers across the country, to ensure compliance with the published Regulations and Directions for the 21-day nationwide lockdown.

Government has urged all South Africans to unite, remain positive and continue to work hand-in-hand to turn the economy around.

As the national lockdown takes a firm hold over the nation, Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel has urged retailers to manage crowds and queues at their establishments, so as to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).