South Africa

At least 2 357 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in South Africa in the last 24 hours, while 80 more additional deaths were recorded.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says the national defence force deployed more than 8 000 personnel to the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year.

To boost the prospects for a strong and sustainable recovery from the impact of COVID-19, African governments need to mobilise significant additional external financing, with the assistance of the international community, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a successful visit to Paris, in France, where he participated in the Summit on the Financing of African Economies hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.

Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says the recently launched Finance Link Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP), aimed at assisting persons earning between R3 501 and R22 000 to access home loans, has the potential to change the face of South Africa for low income earners.

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, says it is all systems go as the country embarks on its second day of the COVID-19 mass vaccination rollout plan.

Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane says the department will restructure the Tourism Transformation Fund to make it more responsive and accessible to entrepreneurs.

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel says more than 230 000 employees currently hold shares in 50 companies.

The public has been invited to submit comments on the candidates who have applied to be considered for appointment as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board members.

The Presidency has revealed that over 500 000 people have directly benefited from the Presidential Employment Stimulus.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has confirmed that it will investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration, at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) in the Eastern Cape.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has paid tribute to former chairperson, Professor Stan Sangweni, for serving the organisation and the country with distinction.

The Police in Hoopdal, outside Thabazimbi in Limpopo, have arrested five suspects aged between 27 and 44 for allegedly impersonating police officers at the Skierlik village.

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha has encouraged all eligible vaccine recipients to register for vaccines through the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS).

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s initiative to get South Africans into the spirit of reading is gathering momentum with the National Reading Coalition (NRC) continuing its efforts to extend the initiative across all ages through the Virtual Reading Club (VRC).