The level of awareness and compliance with the lockdown regulations in Gauteng have improved but areas in some townships remain a concern for government. Gauteng Premier David Makhura has attributed compliance with the regulations to the law enforcement agencies who have been conducting integrated operations across the province to enforce regulations and combat crime. “As a result, compliance and public awareness has significantly improved since the national lockdown on 27 March. … [Read more...] about Concerns over township levels of compliance with lockdown regulations
Government
SA records 30 new deaths as cases rise to 19 137
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. “We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and thank the health care workers who treated these patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zwelini Mkhize. To date 525 433 tests have been conducted with 18 572 tests done in the past 24 hours. Western Cape remains the epicentre with 12 153 Coronavirus cases in … [Read more...] about SA records 30 new deaths as cases rise to 19 137
Please Use Water Wisely
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 current water levels have the potential to sustain us until the next summer rains provided we use water wisely and sparingly,” Sisulu said. She made the call as the country’s dam levels begin their downward spiral, as expected in winter. The department called on South Africans to double their water … [Read more...] about Please Use Water Wisely
Interfaith leaders consulted on preparation for level 3
As government prepares for the ease of the lockdown to alert level 3, President Cyril Ramaphosa has consulted a broad range of faith leaders on government’s preparations for a differentiated approach to the reopening of the economy alongside the unrelenting effort to save lives. The consultations between the President and interfaith leaders took place in a virtual meeting on Wednesday evening. The President held discussions with the leadership of the South African Catholic … [Read more...] about Interfaith leaders consulted on preparation for level 3
5 239 Stranded South Africans repatriated
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has facilitated the repatriation by air of 5 239 South Africans stranded abroad. According to DIRCO Minister Naledi Pandor, hundreds more have also returned through the country's land borders. As several countries went into lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, an initial 3 637 requested repatriation. But the repatriation of citizens has not been easy given the various restrictions implemented by … [Read more...] about 5 239 Stranded South Africans repatriated
Rights of persons with disabilities during COVID-19
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and her Deputy, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize, will on Friday host a webinar focusing on upholding the rights of persons with disabilities. The webinar will be held under the theme: ‘Persons with Disabilities and COVID-19 South Africa’. The purpose of the webinar is to conduct an interface dialogue as a direct result of the disability specific interventions undertaken by government … [Read more...] about Rights of persons with disabilities during COVID-19
Developments identified to bring residents closer to economic activities
Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, has declared 136 priority human settlements and housing development areas (PHSHDAs) across the country. This delaration will enable residents to live closer to areas with economic activities. Sisulu said the intention is to ensure redress regarding the pre-1994 spatial plan, revitalising towns and cities and strengthening the livelihoods of households. “At the centre of these PHSHDAs is to enable residents to live closer … [Read more...] about Developments identified to bring residents closer to economic activities
Motshekga to update the nation on schools reopening
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to brief media on Tuesday, on preparations for the re-opening of schools amid the COVID-19 lockdown. “The Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, will give an update on the preparations for the re-opening of schools during a media briefing to be held on Tuesday, 19 May 2020,” said the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Monday. Tuesday’s briefing is expected to outline proposed dates for the reopening of … [Read more...] about Motshekga to update the nation on schools reopening
President calls for healthcare for all
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of universal health coverage That is the message underlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa who was addressing the virtual 73rd Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) on Monday. The pandemic should propel countries to act with greater urgency to make it a reality. “In this final decade towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, we must press ahead with our goal of making universal health care a … [Read more...] about President calls for healthcare for all
SARS staff donate to Solidarity Fund
Over 400 employees of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have donated part of their salaries to the Solidary Fund as part of efforts to fight COVID-19. A total 451 SARS employees donated R711 000 towards the Solidarity Fund in April. “The South African Revenue Service is proud to announce an initiative by its employees to collect money in support of those in need due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” In a statement on Thursday, SARS Commissioner Edward … [Read more...] about SARS staff donate to Solidarity Fund
Sandile Buthelezi announced as new Department of Health DG
The Department of Health has announced the appointment of Dr Sandile Buthelezi as its Director-General. A seasoned expert in health governance, policy and programme management, Dr Buthelezi is set to steer the ship at the department. The department announced Dr Buthelezi as its incoming Director-General on Friday. With more than 15 years in the field, Dr Buthelezi promises to bring a wealth of knowledge to the National Department of Health at a crucial epoch in the … [Read more...] about Sandile Buthelezi announced as new Department of Health DG
Nearly 4 Million apply for R350.00 Monthly Grant
More than 3.5 million people have applied for the new special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant - within three days of the system going live. “The special COVID-19 SRD Grant is intended to mitigate the undue hardships faced by individuals and families through this difficult time. We are pleased with the intake so far and we urge all eligible individuals to apply on time,” Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu said on Thursday. The South African Social Security Agency … [Read more...] about Nearly 4 Million apply for R350.00 Monthly Grant
Eastern Cape COVID-19 response gets the thumbs up
President gives Eastern Cape COVID-19 response the thumbs up President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the Eastern Cape’s preparations to deal with the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic the thumbs up. “I’m particularly happy that you have awoken to the danger of this and are now putting in place a clear health strategy that is going to address this,” said the President. The President paid a visit to Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape on Thursday to assess the provincial response to the … [Read more...] about Eastern Cape COVID-19 response gets the thumbs up
Uncle Cyril’s Full Speech
"My Fellow South Africans .................................................................................................................. may God bless South Africa and her children, Good Night." Save yourself some time from listening to the full speech below. See President Cyril Ramaphosa's address to the nation on Lockdown day 48: https://youtu.be/hlvW4w6jRMw … [Read more...] about Uncle Cyril’s Full Speech
R5 Billion availed for municipal COVID-19 response
National government has made available more than R5 billion in support to municipalities to assist them in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2019/20 municipal financial year. The support will assist municipalities provide additional access to basic services for vulnerable communities during the lockdown and to sanitize public transport facilities as the economy undergoes a phased re-opening. “The largest amounts have been made available through the reallocation of conditional … [Read more...] about R5 Billion availed for municipal COVID-19 response
