South Africa

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has tested positive for COVID-19.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says the department, which has deployed most of its forces and operations to the frontlines of the Coronavirus pandemic, has allocated R3 billion to COVID-19 operational costs.

COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus has killed 114 more people on Sunday, pushing the death toll to 6 769.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the 64-dish MeerKAT, the pre-cursor to the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), will be expanded by 20 dishes at a cost of R800 million.

Three suspects accused of conspiring to steal money by hacking into the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) system, are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate Court today.

Two people, one a current Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa employee and another, a former employee of the agency, have been arrested for allegedly being in possession of stolen assets, worth almost R2 million in value, belonging to PRASA.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has been discharged from hospital.

Police Minister Bheki Cele says the department will embark on a virtual media campaign to educate communities on the police’s response to reported gender-based violence cases.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel says to prepare for the post COVID-19 period, the department and its entities will focus all efforts towards saving firms and preserving jobs.

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu says discussions on the mooted Basic Income Grant beyond October are in early stages.