South Africa

The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) has temporarily closed its East London office after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has begun laying criminal charges against government employees illegally conducting business with the State.

South Africa reported 3 478 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total to 83 890 cases, said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Eskom will implement load reduction in Gauteng in order to avoid network overloading from 5pm until 10pm on Thursday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government has started a process of implementing an economic recovery plan, which is coupled with preserving the livelihoods of South Africans and saving lives.

The effects of COVID-19 on the South African economy are expected to produce the worst economic downturn in a century, says SA Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago.

The North West province has recorded 1 402 COVID-19 cases, with 175 recoveries and five deaths.

Transnet SOC Ltd has instituted a process of lifestyle audits for its employees, as part of efforts to ensure high standards of ethics and integrity.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it has been receiving many grievances about the declined R350 grant applications, which did not meet the approval requirements.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) have called on eligible Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to apply for funding to manufacture fabric face masks.