South Africa

South Africa has registered 3 641 new COVID-19 cases as the tally reaches 1 625 003.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, says the introduction of Kiswahili in the National Curriculum Statement will go a long way towards contributing to decolonisation.

In a bid to save many enterprises from definite collapse due to the impact of strict lockdown regulations, Free State Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has introduced economic recovery incentives to provide financial support to local enterprises.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni says with struggling municipalities collapsing due to bad leadership and maladministration, decisive action is needed to restore their integrity.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has called on the United Nations (UN) and the Gulf Council to be more resolute in pursuing freedom for the people of Palestine.

In recognition of Workers’ Month, the Department of Employment and Labour, in the Eastern Cape, has embarked on blitz inspections and advocacy sessions focusing on the wholesale and retail sectors.

With the country’s high murder rate continuing to be of concern, Police Minister Bheki Cele says provincial commissioners now meet on a weekly basis to account on violent crimes.

The Monetary Policy Committee has decided against changing the repo rate, once again keeping it at 3.5% per annum, said Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.

The Electoral Commission has appointed former Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke, to lead the process of evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on conditions conducive for free and fair Local Government Elections on 27 October.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has affirmed its commitment to implementing long-term measures to ensure water security for all.

North West Local Government and Human Settlements MEC Mmoloki Cwaile, has welcomed the North West High Court ruling which directs Kgetlengrivier Concerned Citizens to hand over water treatment plants back to Magalies Water.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it has taken the hard but necessary decision to shut down 10 diplomatic missions abroad.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has reiterated that the arrival of vaccines should not suggest the relaxation of COVID-19 health protocols, which include wearing of masks, sanitisation and physical distancing.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, in support of the Higher Health and European Union programme, will unveil the COVID-19 ZA Warriors Campaign.

Government will launch the Charlotte Maxeke African Women’s Economic Justice and Rights Initiative in honour of the remarkable role the latter played in promoting South Africa abroad.