South Africa

Cabinet, at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, has received an updated report from the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) CEO, Dr Karmani Chetty, says the institution is working around the clock to reduce the backlog of COVID-19 test samples.

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has thanked all outgoing councillors at the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) for their contribution.

South Africa’s infection rate has increased by 2 430 to 55 421 on Wednesday, as the country ramps up testing for COVID-19.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says the torching of water tanks in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, is a major setback in efforts to provide water to communities in need.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola has welcomed the National Assembly’s decision to pass two amendment bills to remedy laws, which have had deeply layered patriarchal effects on society.

The Department of Employment and Labour has refuted media claims that COVID-19 patients no longer need to test negative to resume work.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) are set to work together to develop technologies and infrastructure to support socio-economic development in South Africa and Southern Africa.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says he is pleased with the progress at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) towards the planned phased return of students to the university.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande has reiterated that the department is not going to change the stipulated number of years within which National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) beneficiaries are expected to finish their studies.

African Union Chairperson and South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has expressed his sadness at the untimely passing of Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza.

The country registered 82 more COVID-19 related deaths on Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 1 162.

Approximately two million students and staff in all Post School Education and Training (PSET) institutions will be required to register for HealthCheck and use it to assess their temperature level prior to entering campuses.

The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has expressed shock at the brutal killing of two women in Cape Town and Johannesburg at the weekend.

The lifting of the ban on the sale of alcohol since the beginning of lockdown level 3 in June has ushered an unwanted surge in reported deaths after a lull between March and May.