South Africa

South Africa logged over 12 000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time this week, after recording fewer than 10 000 infections a day in the past few days.

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has warned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and Co-operatives against sending proposals and paying administration fees for the preapproval of funds to agencies.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has extended the time set for the operation of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) interim board to mid-February 2021.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reiterated its commitment to enhance sustainable water supply and sanitation services across the country.

The Department of Basic Educations says several provinces have completed the marking of Grade 12 exam papers ahead of schedule, and that results will be released on time.

The Department of Employment and Labour in the North West has closed the Rustenburg and Mafikeng Labour Centres after three COVID-19 cases were identified.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed Parliament about the employment of 2 122 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support other government departments in the fight against COVID-19.

South Africa’s COVID-19 cases have risen to 1 356 716 after 9 780 patients were confirmed to have contracted the virus on Tuesday.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has welcomed the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a Provincial Official Funeral category one for the late Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Bheki Ntuli, and former Ukhozi FM station manager Welcome Nzimande.

Cabinet has approved the appointment of a 16-member Inter-Ministerial Committee on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout programme.

Public servants are set to receive training on innovation and management in the digital and data era, as well as leadership in a time of crisis.

It is important to note that there is a difference between being fully recovered and being ready to come out of isolation.

The Department of Health has warned that high-dose blood thinners may harm critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Eskom has suspended loadshedding as the generation capacity has improved following the return of some generators to service.

While the country has seen some promising signs of declining new COVID-19 cases compared to the previous week, the second wave continues to put a massive burden on the healthcare system.