South Africa

COVID-19 has now killed more than 43 000 people in South Africa after 555 more patients succumbed to the respiratory disease on Thursday.

The Department of Basic Education has invited learners to register for the May/June Senior Certificate (SC) and National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which are scheduled to commence on 5 May 2021.

Acting KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Kwazi Mshengu has urged motorists to be extra vigilant on the roads as heavy rains continue to batter parts of the province.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to Jazz and Opera Musician, Dr Sibongile Khumalo, for advocating for the rights of performing arts, women, as well as human rights.

The Department of Health has discouraged the use of Ivermectin vaccine for management of COVID-19, until the study on its efficacy and safety is concluded.

The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) has commended President Cyril Ramaphosa for appointing renowned political and social commentator, Dr Somadoda Fikeni to head the Public Service Commission.

Rebuilding of the country’s economic recovery plan and reconstruction programme will take centre stage at the virtual Cabinet Lekgotla, which started on Thursday.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has extended the filing season deadline for provisional taxpayers from 29 January to 15 February.

Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu has urged the Gauteng Department of Health to swiftly act on the recommendations contained in the report released by the Health Ombudsman.

The Health Department says there is no need to wrap coffins in plastic when someone has passed away due to COVID-19.

The department said biohazard stickers, the wearing of full personal protective equipment (PPE) by funeral directors and sanitising the gravesite or mourners' clothes is also not necessary.

The department has shed light on this matter after receiving reports of coffins of people, who died of COVID-19, being covered with plastic.

The department has since convened a meeting with interested and affected parties.