South Africa

South Africa confirmed on Thursday that it has detected the new Coronavirus variant B.1.1.529 in the country.

Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has appealed to all incoming councilors to remember their oath of office and honour the principles of Batho Pele, regardless of the political parties they represent.

With the mining sector experiencing fatalities and injuries that can be prevented, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe has called on the sector to prioritise the safety of workers.

Government says it has noted the announcement by the United Kingdom (UK) to temporarily ban all flights from the Southern parts of Africa, including South Africa, from entering the UK due to the detection of a new Coronavirus variant, B.1.1.529.

With about 70 councils hung in several municipalities after the recent municipal elections, which led to majority and minority parties to hold coalition negotiations to constitute councils, President Cyril Ramaphosa says a new unit will be established in the Presidency to help local government fulfil its service delivery obligations.

Former Free State Human Settlements Department head, Mpho Mokoena, has been sentenced to ten years for corruption and contravening the Public Finance Management Act.

Gauteng recorded close to 2 000 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, the highest single-day jump since 13 August.

This as the province recorded 1 950 new cases.

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Dikeledi Magadzi has called on ministers on the African continent to prioritise adequate and hygienic sanitation facilities for women, children, youth and people with disabilities.

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has emphasised the need for radical action in an effort to secure adequate water supply.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the R131 billion offer by the US, UK, Germany and the European Union (EU), made to help South Africa transition from coal to clean energy, does not mean the country must accept any unfavourable terms.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says as part of measures to improve electricity generation to deal with load shedding, municipalities will soon be allowed to generate and buy electricity from independent power producers to unburden the grid.

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has confirmed that a new COVID-19 variant has been detected in South Africa.

Cabinet has welcomed the finalisation of the rationalisation of the remaining four provinces’ magisterial districts.

Cabinet has approved the Sectoral Emission Targets (SETs) Framework.

Cabinet has approved the report of the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Electoral Systems Reforms be submitted to Parliament.