Category: COVID-19 Corona Virus

The number of COVID-19 infections has risen to 589 886 after 2 541 new infections were identified on Monday.

Meanwhile, Gauteng is now the only province in the country that has surpassed the 200 000 mark after 584 additional cases were reported.

The country’s economic hub now has 200 237 cases, KwaZulu-Natal 106 037, Western Cape 102 609 and Eastern Cape 84 092.

The Free State has 32 304 cases, North West 23 305, Mpumalanga 21 474, Limpopo 11 757 and Northern Cape 8 021.

Fifty remain unallocated.

The country’s death rate now stands at 11 982 after 143 people succumbed to COVID-19 related illnesses.

Of the new deaths, 50 are in the Eastern Cape, 32 in the Western Cape, 25 in Mpumalanga and 14 each in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Free State and the Northern Cape registered single-digit deaths from COVID-19, five and three, respectively.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased,” the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said.

The number of tests conducted to date is 3 415 670, with 22 609 done since the last report.

The recovery rate is sitting at 80%.

Globally, there have been 21 549 706 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 767 158 deaths, reported to the World Health Organisation.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has announced that the second wave of COVID-19 Relief funding for the arts, culture and heritage sector officially opens on Tuesday.

Addressing a media briefing on Monday, the Minister said the closing date for all applications is 31 August 2020.

“To apply, simply log onto our official websites information on the criteria and requirements. Our websites are www.dac.gov.za and www.srsa.gov.za,” the Minister said.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has through its COVID-19 Relief Fund disbursed a total of R65.7 million which catered for various categories, such as the digital applications, the living legends, relief for athletes in the sector as well as relief for the arts and culture practitioners.

The COVID-19 Relief Fund was established to support the sectors as they are amongst those hardest hit by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the plight of practitioners in the sector, the department conceptualized a second wave of relief. The second wave will take into account the shortcomings and experiences of the first rollout.

“The department will be rolling-out two processes to implement the sector relief. The first process will include the relief for athletes and all technical personnel in the sport sector. While the second process will focus on arts and culture sector relief,” the Minister said.

Applicants who are eligible to apply for the sports relief include athletes, coaches, technical support personnel and freelance fitness instructors or practitioners.

“These are applicants who rely solely on income generated from participating in sport competitions, events and in fitness activities, who operate as freelancers. Only applicants who are South African citizens as per Home Affairs official definition will qualify for relief,” the Minister said.

Applications for this category of people should be submitted to the applicant’s respective National Federation.

Only applications from fitness instructors/practitioners must be submitted to a portal on the department’s website.

Arts, culture and heritage relief

The arts, culture and heritage relief will be available to categories of performance and celebrations; music; festivals and events; books and publishing as well as heritage practitioners.

Other practitioners will be covered through the partnership with the Department of Small Business and Development (DSBD).

“A joint allocation of R23 million has been set aside by both departments to respond to a plea from the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) for the craft, design and visual arts sectors towards relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A total of R77 million is set aside for relief – of which R11.5 million has been ring-fenced for contribution towards the partnership with the Department of Small Business Development,” the Minister said.

If the entire amount is to be paid specifically towards beneficiaries and no other costs are considered, the allocation will cover a total of 11 666 practitioners (athletes and artists).

“The relief will be paid as a once-off payment of R6 600, instead of three staggered payments. This decision was made after consulting with implementing agencies, the National Arts Council and Business and Arts South Africa. The approach cut out a lot of administrative processes and time consumption,” the Minister said.

Solidarity Fund

The Solidarity Fund has made available 10 000 food or cash vouchers of R700 to the department, amounting to R7 million.

The department is working with sector organisations and the provinces to develop a list of practitioners who will benefit from these vouchers.

“Each province will receive 1 000 vouchers which can either be redeemed as cash or for food. Beneficiaries will be identified as follows: 50% urban and 50% rural areas.

“The vouchers will be made available to the athletes, artists, freelancers, sport and arts legends. Those that are receiving social grants and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will be excluded from benefiting,” the Minister said.

The database will be screened through the Department of Social Development to ensure that beneficiaries are not recipients of the SASSA grant.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund has, as of Friday, disbursed R40-billion in COVID-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme disbursements to cushion the economic blow of the lockdown on workers as a result of the pandemic.

“Today we reached that magical figure that we committed to make the lives of workers in the country easier by injecting hard cash into the economy through disbursements to our contributors. We made a commitment of R40-billion and I am happy today to say we have kept our promise.

“But this is not all. As we have committed to an extension of the scheme until August 15 as a result of the change of the disaster period, this means that in the end, we would have paid much more than we promised,” said Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi.

The Minister said the disbursement of funds demonstrated a good South African story – a story of how a public entity managed to inject so much cash into the economy and thus helping it in one of the most trying periods.

While Nxesi expressed pride at the achievement, he reassured those still awaiting payment that the entity is making sure that all outstanding valid claims are paid as soon as all the information is received.

Minister Nxesi added that as part of the agreement at NEDLAC, the UIF will start this coming Monday to process the July and August claims while ensuring that the outstanding April and May and June claims are also speedily settled.

“This is a great achievement by all standards and I am proud that we could deliver when the country needed us,” he said.

The R40-billion has covered 9 087 133 payments to millions of workers through 779 429 companies that put in claims on behalf of workers and has been broken down like this:

• For April, so far, a total of R20-billion has been paid for a total of 4 041 839 workers through 389 233 employers.
• The payments for May month stand at just under R11-billion (R10.9-billion) for the benefit 2 704 763 workers through 168 089 employers.
• In June, the UIF has so far disbursed just under R9-billion (R8.6-billion) to the hands of 2 340 531 workers represented by 168 089 employers.

Of the payments made, R1.5-billion was paid directly to the employees, R1.5-billion paid to documented and declared foreign nationals who have made South Africa their working home as well as over R200-million paid to domestic workers.

“This is a cause for celebration. It is also a cause for reflection that will allow us to find better ways to serve the people in this country. Under the most trying of circumstances, we have been able to rise to the occasion. Where there were mistakes, we have corrected them and are continually ensuring that we improve.

“This is also a good reflection on the NEDLAC as a function for a social parliament – bringing together labour, government, business and community. The discussions have been robust but we all have had one objective in mind – to improve the lives of the people in our country and to ensure that we mitigate the worst of the pandemic,” said the Minister.

South Africa has recorded 3 954 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the number of infections to 572 865 since the first case was reported in March.

On Thursday, 260 deaths were recorded, bringing the total to 11 270.

Of the new fatalities, 68 were reported in the Eastern Cape, 62 in the Free State, 39 in KwaZulu-Natal, 30 in Gauteng, 21 in the Western Cape, 18 in Mpumalanga and 14 in Limpopo.

Gauteng remains the province with the most infections with 195 820 cases, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 102 233, Western Cape 100 976 and Eastern Cape 83 002.

Free State has 30 049 cases, North West 22 483, Mpumalanga 20 111, Limpopo 11 019, Northern Cape 7 122. Fifty are unallocated.

The Western Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have the highest number of deaths, with 3 506, 2 791, 2 400 and 1 563, respectively.

Meanwhile, the country’s recovery rate is sitting at 76% after 437 617 people recovered from COVID-19.

The figures are based on a total 3 315 497 tests, 20 063 of which were done since the last report.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said there are now 20 439 814 cases and 744 385 deaths globally.

According to WHO, the outbreak in the African region has continued to slow down.

A total of 75 326 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, which  translates to a 9% increase, were reported in 44 countries between 5 and 11 August, compared to the 13% jump recorded during the previous reporting period between 29 July and 5 August, WHO said this week.

“While South Africa reported the majority of new cases ( 44 791 or 60%), it also recorded a remarkable downward trajectory in trend.

“There were also reductions in incidence cases in Nigeria, Ghana and Algeria in the past week. While these indicators are encouraging, the figures should be cautiously interpreted, as they may be affected by many factors, including the current testing capacity and strategy,” WHO said.

South Africa on Wednesday recorded 2 879 new COVID-19 cases.

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said this brings the cumulative COVID-19 cases to 568 919 since the first case was recorded on 5 March.

In addition, 259 more people succumbed to COVID-19 related fatalities, pushing the death toll to 11 010.

Of the new deaths, 108 are from Gauteng, 74 from KwaZulu-Natal, 46 from the Eastern Cape and 31 from the Western Cape.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased,” Mkhize said.

The number of people who have recuperated stands at 432 029, which translates to a recovery rate of 75.9%, while 3 295 434 tests have been conducted, with 16 457 being done in the last 24 hours.

Gauteng remains the hardest-hit province with 194 685 cases, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 101 499, Western Cape 100 536 and Eastern Cape 82 779.

Free State has 29 578 cases, North West 22 205, Mpumalanga 19 755, Limpopo 10 875 and Northern Cape 6 957.

Fifty cases are still unallocated.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are now 20 162 474 cases and 737 417 deaths globally.

The Health Department says 240 healthcare professionals have succumbed to COVID-19 in South Africa, with the public sector being the hardest hit.

“We salute these fallen soldiers and pay tribute to them for their commitment to serving the people of South Africa right until the very end. We extend our condolences to all the family, friends and colleagues of these valuable members of society,” the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said on Wednesday.

According to the reported deaths, 37 are from the private sector, while 203 are from the public sector.

Meanwhile, 27 360 healthcare workers have contracted COVID-19 as of 4 August, Mkhize said.

According to the breakdown, 6 027 (22%) of these health professionals are from the private sector, while 21 333 (78%) are from the public sector.

Meanwhile, nursing is the worst-hit profession, recording 14 143 infections, while 1 644 are doctors.

Also, 11 545 are from other categories of clinicians, while 28 are port healthcare workers.

“The overall infection rate among healthcare workers, compared to the total number of cases identified nationally, is 5%, which is well below the global average of 10%,” Mkhize explained, adding that the recovery rate is 58%.

The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of deaths with 85 fatalities, Gauteng 43, Western Cape 38, KwaZulu-Natal 30, Free State 21 and North West 16.

Meanwhile, four healthcare workers died in the Northern Cape and three are from Mpumalanga.

Limpopo is the only province that has zero fatalities reported.

As of 7 August 2020, there were 7 500 active cases, 751 (10%) of which were hospitalised, 6 557 (87%) were in self-isolation and 192 (3%) were being isolated in a facility.

“We wish all healthcare workers currently battling COVID-19 a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming them back to the workforce when they are fully recovered,” Mkhize said.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will start opening and processing the July/August COVID-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits applications from next week, while winding down outstanding claims.

This follows the signing of the new Direction on extended period of benefits by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on 11 August 2020.

According to the new Direction, an employer or employee, may claim COVID-19 TERS benefits for the extension period, starting from 1 July 2020 until 15 August 2020.

The new directives cover the following categories of employees whose employers are:

• Not permitted to commence operations under the Disaster Management Regulations;
• Unable to make alternative arrangements for vulnerable workers, such as working from home or taking special measures under the OHS Direction to protect them; and
• Unable to make use of their services because of operational requirements caused by compliance with the Regulations and Directions such as rostering, staggering working hours, short time and the introduction of shift systems.

The application process remains the same for the extension period and all claims must be lodged via the online portal https://uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19/ or www.labour.gov.za

“As with previous claim processes, to apply in the new period, employers are required to upload similar documentation that include signed approval or acceptance letter, bank confirmation letter, proof of payment to employees and refund to the UIF – if applicable,” said UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping.

In keeping with strict governance principles, Maruping said they will still subject payments to bank verification prior to releasing the funds into the applicant’s accounts.

“The immediate past has taught us that even under the pandemic, criminals are at large and looking to benefit through their nefarious means. We have an obligation to do everything in our power to ensure that that funds are not paid into the incorrect accounts.

“UIF will issue a letter to employers who have applied for COVID-19 TERS benefits outlining the process to be followed when making applications for the extension period, and will also update the Frequently Asked Questions document to serve as a quick reference for applicants,” Maruping said.

The updated FAQs, new Direction and explanatory memo will be available on the department’s website www.labour.gov.za

The New Direction and the extension have been subject to robust discussion with social partners at National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), and they have agreed that the cut-off date for the application window for April and May will be 15 September 2020.

“All new applications for these periods must be uploaded on or before this date to qualify for processing and payment. Existing claims will remain open for corrections and finalisation beyond this date.

“Employers who experience technical difficulty in creating or accessing their profile should immediately contact the department’s call centre 0800 030 007 for assistance. A reference number will be issued that will enable resolution follow-up and, in the event of non-resolution by application cut-off date, it will serve as evidence of efforts to comply within the time-frame,” Maruping explained.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has dismissed allegations that her family is involved in COVID-19 tender procurement.

False news has been making the rounds on various social media platforms, alleging the involvement of the Minister’s husband, Dr Mathole Motshekga, in the production of sanitisers for schools.

“The allegations are absolutely not true and totally malicious. Dr Mathole Motshekga, husband to Minister Angie Motshekga, does not own or plan to own a factory that produces or supplies sanitisers or personal protective equipment to schools,” said the Minister’s office in a statement on Tuesday.

The Minister’s office pointed out that Dr Motshekga is a politician in his own right and a long-standing Member of Parliament. He currently serves as chairperson of the Ad-Hoc Committee of Section 25 on the Expropriation of Land.

“Dr Motshekga is a Professor of Law and Political Science, recognised by many prestigious universities in the country. He spends his time reading, writing and giving local and international lectures on African Heritage, Laws and Political Science.”

The Minister’s office further dismissed allegations around the Kara Heritage Institute.

“Further allegations that the Kara Heritage Institute, which Dr Motshekga founded, sells books to schools, is a blatant lie. The institute is not a commercial business and has no interest whatsoever in doing business with government, let alone the Department of Basic Education.”

The Minister’s office said allegations made against Dr Motshekga, which attempt to link Minister Motshekga to corruption regarding COVID-19 tender procurement for sanitisers, are desperate and far-fetched.

Meanwhile, the Minister has condemned all forms of corruption, saying that education is the only way to reverse poverty.

“Schools do not only provide an education, but they are important institutions that provide for the holistic well-being of children. Long absence from school puts younger children at a high risk of social decadence and delinquent behaviours such as crime, drug addiction and unplanned pregnancies, hence it is important to keep children in school for as long as possible,” she said.

KwaZulu-Natal has overtaken the Western Cape on Tuesday, becoming the province with the second-highest Coronavirus infections in the country.

The Health Department reported 2 512 new identified cases, which bring the total to 566 109 in South Africa.

Of these new cases, 1 309 were reported in KwaZulu-Natal, bringing the tally to 100 494 cases since the outbreak. This is compared to the Western Cape which now has 100 316 infections, while the Eastern Cape has 82 715 cases.

Gauteng remains the epicentre with 194 093 infections.

According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, there are 130 additional COVID-19 related deaths.

Of the new deaths, 35 are from Gauteng, 30 from KwaZulu-Natal, 25 from the Western Cape and 20 each from the Eastern Cape and the North West, pushing the death toll to 10 751.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased,” Mkhize added.

Also, 426 125 have recovered which translates to a recovery rate of 75%, the Minister said.

Meanwhile, 3 278 977 tests have been conducted, of which 11 483 were done in the last 24 hours.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are now nearly 20 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu, stressed that behind these statistics there is a great deal of pain and suffering, calling the leaders to suppress the virus.

Globally, there are now 19 936 210 cases and 732 499 deaths of which 4 268 were recorded since the last report.

There were 3 740 new COVID-19 cases and 213 more deaths reported on Monday.

This brings the number of confirmed cases to 563 598 since the outbreak in March in South Africa, while the death toll has risen to 10 621.

Of the additional fatalities, 64 are from Free State, 57 from the Eastern Cape, 39 from Gauteng, 30 from the Western Cape, 11 from KwaZulu-Natal, 10 from Mpumalanga and two from the Northern Cape.

Meanwhile, 417 200 people have recovered which translates to a recovery rate of 74%.

The hardest-hit provinces are Gauteng with 193 561 cases followed by the Western Cape with 100 213, KwaZulu-Natal 99 386 and Eastern Cape 82 578.

The Free State has 28 909 cases, North West 21 933, Mpumalanga 19 455, Limpopo 10 711 and Northern Cape 6 802. Fifty remain unallocated.

“The total number of tests conducted to date is 3 267 494 with 16 911 new tests conducted since the last report,” Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize said.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are 19 718 030 cases worldwide and 728 013 deaths to date.