South Africa

Only a unified and coordinated response offers Africa the best possible chance of containing the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has unanimously supported the employment of additional members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist government’s intervention in the fight against COVID-19.

Parliament has published rules for virtual meetings of the National Assembly (NA), the National Council of Provinces NCOP) and their committees in Parliament’s announcements, tablings and committee reports.

The Department of Water & Sanitation (DWS) is in discussion with National Treasury to find additional funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, has welcomed the suspension of a member of Brand SA’s Board of Trustees following allegations of breaching lockdown regulations.

Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Dr Blade Nizmande, will on Friday, announce the department’s measures to be implemented in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has expressed concern at the large number of public officials arrested for violating COVID-19 regulations.

The COVID-19 lockdown has seen domestic violence related crimes decrease significantly since the introduction of the National State of Disaster regulations.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has urged qualifying students to open bank accounts to ensure a more efficient disbursement of funds from institutions.

National Police Commissioner, Khehla John Sitole, has assigned the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to immediately mobilize the 72-hour Activation Plan in search of the killers of Sebokeng Detective Sergeant.

North West Premier, Professor Job Mokgoro, is today visiting Blydeville and Boikhutso townships near Lichtenburg, following a violent community protest.

Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza today participated in the G20 virtual meeting of Ministers of Agriculture.

Government has announced a massive social relief and economic support package of R500 billion which amounts to around 10% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to mitigate against the blow of COVID-19 in the country.

Government will direct R50 billion towards relieving the plight of South Africans who are most affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by temporarily increasing the child support grant for six months.

South Africa’s confirmed COVID-19 cases now stands at 3 465 as of Tuesday.