South Africa

The National Press Club (NPC) has named COVID-19 as the Newsmaker of the Year for 2020.

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Thursday gazetted an updated COVID-19 TERS Direction, paving the way for the Unemployment Insurance Fund to process claims after the relief scheme’s extension last month.

Today marks exactly a year to the day that South Africa confirmed its first COVID-19 case.

Acting Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has paid tribute to veteran journalist and political analyst Karima Brown for her contribution to the South African media industry.

South Africa now has 1 517 666 confirmed COVID-19 cases after the first case was reported in the country, one year ago.

The National Treasury has called on the public to comment on the draft amendments to Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has closed the last of the five sluice gates that were opened at the Vaal Dam following the desired reduction in water inflows into the dam.

Walking is the most common mode of transport used in the country, with about 17.4 million South Africans walking to their various destinations, followed by 10.7 million individuals who made use of taxis and 6.2 million who used car/truck as a driver.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council has approved the extension of the contracts for healthcare workers who were appointed to strengthen the provincial healthcare system.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says as people adapt to new ways of working and as they make use of technology to do their work, the digital revolution should also happen in rural areas.

The Eskom board has instructed the power utility’s executive management to pay particular attention to the procurement function to effect the required change, and deliver the expected savings as it implements its turnaround plan.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has urged the country not to allow COVID-19 to keep it from reaching the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality.

The Gauteng province has activated four new COVID-19 vaccination sites as of Wednesday, says Health MEC, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi.

Justice Minister Ronald Lamola says the National Prosecuting Authority is prioritising the Steinhoff matter and that it is dealing with it without fear, prejudice or favour.

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, says the names of Home officials individuals that helped the Bushiris with their travel documentation are known.