South Africa

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has reached the 20 000 mark, as the country's death toll increased by 28 to 397 on Friday.

With the Western Cape being the hardest hit province so far by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reported that at least 19 police stations have had to be decontaminated again, says Police Minister Bheki Cele.

While crime in the country continued to remain low during the COVID-19 lockdown, reported cases began to increase after the country moved to level 4 at the beginning of May.

The Department of Labour and Employment says Gauteng had the highest number of beneficiaries who have been paid COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has appealed to South Africans to create a partnership that can work towards the protection and safety of persons with disabilities.

The Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) has approved payment worth R513 million for small businesses whose finances have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Driving Licensing Testing Centres, registering authorities, vehicle testing stations and driving schools will resume their services with effect from 1 June.

Due to lockdown and strict restrictions, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it can only serve a minimum number of clients a day.

As the country prepares for the reopening of schools, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has assured parents and stakeholders that all necessary precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this morning hold a virtual engagement with stakeholders in tourism who have sought an opportunity to engage the President on the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and plans to sustain the sector.

South Africa has recorded 30 new COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total number of deaths to 369 - this as the country’s cases rise to 19 137.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has cut the Repurchase (repo) rate by 50 basis points.

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has assured Parliament that the department is conducting the requisite due diligence as it disburses COVID-19 TERS Benefits to avoid processing fraudulent claims.

Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has called upon every citizen to start saving water in earnest and use its availability as a weapon to fight COVID-19.

The level of awareness and compliance with the lockdown regulations in Gauteng have improved but areas in some townships remain a concern for government.