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The cumulative number of detected COVID-19 cases is now 708 359, with 85 more COVID-19 related deaths reported.

In the last 24 hours, 2 055 new cases were reported. Of the 85 deaths reported, eight occurred in the past 48 hours. The 85 deaths bring the national COVID-19 death toll to 18 741.

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

The country’s recovery rate stands at 90%, with 641 706 people having recuperated.

The cumulative number of tests conducted to date is 4 607 883, with 26 537 new tests conducted since the last report.

Of the total cases, the Eastern Cape accounts for 92 566, Free State 54 238, Gauteng 226 073, KwaZulu-Natal 121 647, Limpopo 16 956, Mpumalanga 29 023, North West 32 202, Northern Cape 20 690 and 114 964 in the Western Cape.

The recoveries in the provinces are as follows: Eastern Cape 3 508, Free State 1 402, Gauteng 4 679, KwaZulu-Natal 3 160, Limpopo 440, Mpumalanga 592, North West 403, Northern Cape 256, Western Cape 4 301.

Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has urged the public to take precautions to avoid a possible resurgence of high COVID-19 infections in the country.

The Minister, who together with his wife recently tested positive for COVID-19 and is under quarantine at home, said his department has seen concerning trends in the country’s infection rates.

“This morning, after reading and analysing our country’s epidemiological reports, as the Minister of Health, I cannot help but be concerned. Fellow South Africans, when we emphasise that the risk of a resurgence remains high, we do not do so to instil fear in you.

“As government, we have a responsibility to alert you when we see concerning trends. It would be irresponsible of us to ignore ‘small flames’ that we see redeveloping in some parts of the country,” said the Minister on Wednesday.

According to the Minister, the country’s epidemiological reports over the last seven days show an increase of 9.1% in new cases. Similarly, over the last 14 days, there has been an increase of 10.7%.

“We are also seeing concerning increases in some of the provinces. To illustrate this, in the last seven days, there was a marked increase in the number of new cases in the Western Cape.

“The province recorded a 42% increase in new infections. According to our resurgence plan, we define this significant spike in new cases in the Western Cape as a resurgence,” he said.

The Western Cape Provincial Health Department has identified specific clusters that are responsible for the increase in cases, and has advised that each of these clusters be investigated and a detailed outbreak response mounted.

The single biggest cluster outbreak was to be in the Southern Sub-district in the Cape Metro, and traced to a super-spreader event at a bar.

“We await further reports from the Western Cape Health response teams who are now required to target the sub-districts with a high increase of new cases over the last two weeks.

“We are now encouraging all provinces to pay attention to these increasing numbers and quickly mount a response, including contact tracing and quarantine,” said the Minister.

Mkhize said the rate of new infections and deaths will inform the recommendations that the Health Department makes to the National Coronavirus Council.

With the country still battling infections, the Minister urged citizens to continue to take precautions.

“As we continue to monitor the development of a vaccine, the only weapon we possess as a country is our social behaviour and constant adherence to health protocols. All of us must take this responsibility and always encourage those around us.

“We must also take heed of the major lessons from the COVID-19 that is despite the anxiety, the psychological trauma, the physical suffering and grief from lives we lost, COVID-19 has reawakened our deep values of Ubuntu in us all,” said the Minister.

The Department of Water and Sanitation in KwaZulu-Natal has maintained that it will oversee the speedy implementation of water infrastructure projects across the province.

This comes as the provincial water storage continues to decline week-on-week, from 52.7% last week to 52.1% this week.

In a statement, department spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said the decline of water levels remains a serious concern, as residents in some parts of KZN continue to experience the dire effects of drought.

“The country as a whole has not fully recovered from the 2014 drought, with dam levels dropping drastically in most parts of the country. The heatwave we experienced this week has also exacerbated the situation.”

Ratau said following the recent launch of the District Development Model by Premier Sihle Zikalala, which is aimed at improving water service delivery in Umkhanyakude District Municipality, the department is working closely with its water entities and provincial government to effectively implement the model.

“We are working with the KZN provincial government to ensure that the model is speedily and effectively implemented.

“Most communities in Umkhanyakude and surrounds have been severely affected by water shortages and interruptions, which often resulted in numerous protests. We have since been working tirelessly to implement the Skhemelele, Mtikini and Tembe Water Supply Project.”

The Shemula Bulk Water Supply Scheme has come under increasing pressure due to excessive water losses and increased demand due to an increase in the population. The scheme is currently undergoing a major upgrade to become a regional supply scheme.

Ratau said: “The weekly decline of dam levels in the province is being monitored with a great deal of concern. What we are doing on the ground is implementing long-term measures to assist the situation.”

He said the department is well aware of the challenges residents endure. He urged local municipalities to be more responsive to the plight of the people.

“We are inundated with calls through our department’s call centre. The calls we get are mainly about leaking pipes and water interruptions, which are too often not clearly communicated.

“It is for this reason that we have improved and are enhancing the manner in which we work as the three spheres of government.”

In managing the current water challenges in KZN, the department, together with its entities and provincial government, is intervening to alleviate the situation.

Labour and Employment Minister, Thulas Nxesi, says 11 people have been arrested as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) intensified its probe to nab those accused of benefiting from illegal UIF COVID-19 TERS payments.

Making a statement on Tuesday to the National Assembly on the illegal disbursements of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) COVID-19 benefit, Nxesi said following the probe by the Auditor-General, systems are being tightened at the UIF and headway is being made to root out corruption.

The AG is auditing a wide-ranging number of irregular payments and allegations that benefits were withheld from rightful beneficiaries.

“I would like to confirm that the UIF COVID-19 TERS [Temporary Employee Relief Scheme] benefit is implemented, as it was intended, to cushion employees who have been temporarily laid off, and the money of workers is managed and disbursed properly, as required.

“The Auditor-General findings have been acted on and are ongoing.

“Fraud and corruption are being dealt with decisively, and corruption is being rooted out,” said Nxesi.

The Auditor-General is currently auditing all payments made from April to June 2020. These new controls were fully implemented only on 21 September 2020.

Progress on the SIU investigation

Nxesi said the SIU’s investigation is aimed at identifying and charging individuals who benefited from illegal payments, and to recover the money.

“In some cases, bank accounts have been frozen and assets seized. People have been charged and arrested.”

Nxesi said R3.5 billion of wrongful payments have already been recouped.

He thanked the many honest and responsible employers who returned overpayments after realising a mistake had been made, where benefits were calculated on the basis of incorrect information.

“As I mentioned earlier, the UIF has also commenced its own programme to ‘Follow the Money’, tracking every payment made.

“Eight audit and forensic audit companies have been appointed nationally to fast-track the process.”

Nxesi said 157 cases have been allocated for investigation, falling into the following categories:

–       Employer withholding or underpaying employees’ benefits (38 cases).

–       Employer using incorrect UIF reference number (4 cases).

–       Overpayment of UIF benefits to employers (1 case).

–       Individuals’ claims blocking companies’ claims (10 cases).

–       Incorrect banking details (8 cases).

Nxesi said there are 90 cases of suspected fraudulent claims, including claiming on behalf of ghost employees, work and draw benefits (company claiming while it was fully functional), company claiming for terminated employees and the collusion between employer and employee to lodge fraudulent claims.

Nxesi said 67 cases have been finalised, with 90 cases still pending. He said three cases have been instituted by complainants, while the UIF has instituted 75 criminal cases. Out of these, 11 people have been arrested while 10 have already appeared before the court.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has wished the matric class of 2020 the best of luck as they prepare to sit for their final exams next month.

In a video posted on Twitter, Motshekga reminded the Grade 12s that they will be writing their exams under unusual circumstances as the schooling systems across the globe were disrupted due to COVID-19.

“But all has been done to ensure safety in the exam centres … remain focused, I know you can make it. Good luck, revise and just get ready for your exams,” the Minister said.

Early this month, Motshekga said the combined examination, makes this the largest public examination that has been administered in South Africa with 1 058 699 candidates.

“We certainly have never had to manage a number that large before. It is going to be a huge task, but one that we will need to ensure it is managed and coordinated smoothly.”

The 2020 National Senior Certificate final exams officially commence on 5 November where learners will be writing their English first paper. The exams will be concluded on 15 December.

The provinces are also encouraging the learners to familiarise themselves with Woza Matric, a programme designed to help matrics catch up on their studies and to assist with learning materials and study tools via classes broadcast on TV channels, online platforms and radio.

SABC 3, Openview Channel 122 and DStv Catch Up broadcast matric lessons in six key subjects to help learners revise.

Also, the teachers answer the learners’ most urgent questions and provide tips to help them keep calm and focused during the exam.

Meanwhile, Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, acknowledged on Tuesday that the pandemic disturbed learning and teaching in many of their schools across the province.

Saul said the pandemic has placed great pressure on the provincial government to support learners.

According to the provincial government, the spring classes will start across all districts this coming weekend to help benefit learners.

In the province, there are 12 049 full-time matrics registered this year.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has assigned a team of environmentalists to work with Transnet after a pipeline theft incident resulted in the spillage of crude oil in the Bellair Area in Durban.

“As the department, we wish to indicate that at this stage, we are working with all role players to implement spill containment measures to prevent damage to the environment,” Dube-Ncube said on Tuesday.

The MEC has undertaken to visit Umbilo River and all other affected areas in Bellair to assess the damage to the environment.

“I will ensure that all spheres of government work in an integrated manner in order to strengthen measures undertaken by Transnet as part of cleaning and rehabilitating the source of the spillage and the harbour.

“Critically, we are calling upon communities to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who are responsible for vandalising Transnet pipelines are brought to book,” the MEC said.

Transnet has recorded over 80 incidents of fuel theft and incidents of attempted theft. They have also recorded cases of tampering with pipeline infrastructure with the intention to steal fuel.

“As it has been pointed out in various platforms, Transnet operates and maintains a network of 3 800 km of high-pressure petroleum and gas pipelines from Durban to Gauteng across five provinces.

“We have a responsibility as the people of this province to ensure that we protect this valuable infrastructure, which is critical for our economy,” Dube-Ncube said.

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina has described fronting and the misrepresentation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status by some companies as a demon that shatters the transformation agenda of the country.

The Deputy Minister said this while addressing a webinar hosted by the B-BBEE Commission on Tuesday.

“Misrepresentation and fronting by white companies is a serious problem in this country and it has advanced itself to become too sophisticated to easily detect. Unfaithful entities have learnt how to blend their B-BBEE status to appear as genuinely complying with the codes and therefore escape transformation imperatives as set out by this government.

“But equally, because of desperation, these white companies find some willing black fronting tokens who agree to assist in this camouflaging efforts and be made to sign shareholding equities whilst knowing that they are not,” said Gina.

She said the success of the Commission would be measured by the extent to which it succeeds in getting companies to adhere to legislation.

“The B-BBEE Commission must be a bedrock upon which black participants in various sectors of the economy must rely in advancing participation levels in the economy.

“The failure and the success of the B-BBEE Commission would be measured by the extent to which it succeeds to stamp its authority and force companies through the power of the legislation, and the capacity of our investigators, criminal cases which must go to court against transgressors,” Gina said.

Violations of the B-BBEE Act include engaging in fronting practice, providing false information to organs of state and misrepresentation of B-BBEE status, among others.

Head of the B-BBEE Commission, Zodwa Ntuli said 26 years after the attainment of democracy; ownership patterns in South Africa remain unacceptable.

She said fronting sabotages the economy, as government seeks to ensure that black people play a meaningful role in the economy and its growth.

Since 2016, the Commission received over 800 cases for investigation.

About 386 were finalised, and having gone through several stages of investigation, seven matters have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police Service for further processing.

An additional 486 cases are still being investigated.

Penalties for fronting include up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of 10% of the annual turnover for a business entity.

Convicted offenders may also be barred from doing business with the organs of the state in terms of section 13P of the B-BBEE Act.

Ntuli lamented staff shortages as hampering the work of the Commission.

She committed the B-BBEE Commission to strengthening efforts to tackle violations of the B-BBEE Act.

“We plan to enhance cooperation with law enforcement agencies because we believe success in dealing with violators will send a strong message to those involved in such activities and to the broader South African society,” said Ntuli.

The cumulative number of detected COVID-19 cases is now 706 304, with 164 more COVID-19 related deaths reported.

In the last 24 hours, 15 366 people took the COVID-19 test. As of Tuesday, 1 058 patients were confirmed to have contracted the virus.

Meanwhile, 164 more COVID-19 related deaths were reported on Tuesday, bringing the tally to 18 656.

Of the latest fatalities, 52 were from Gauteng, 46 from the Eastern Cape and 41 from Free State.

Nine deaths are from KwaZulu-Natal, eight from the Western Cape, five from Limpopo, two from the Northern Cape and one from Mpumalanga.

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

However, the recovery rate stands at 90%.

Globally, there have been 40 251 950 confirmed cases, including 1 116 131 deaths, reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to the WHO, the African region has reported an increase in both cases and deaths in the last seven days, with an 11% increase in new cases and an 8% increase in new deaths.

This pattern is a drive by South Africa and Ethiopia, with Kenya and Botswana also reporting a notable spike in infections.

“An unusually high number of cases was reported from Botswana this week, with over 1 800 cases reported in one day,” the WHO said, adding that it is largely attributed to a backlog of tests, mostly from in and around the capital city of Gaborone.

Meanwhile, South Africa has accounted for approximately 70% of deaths on the continent in the past week.

“The high number of deaths being reported is partially attributed to a mortality audit and many of these deaths are retrospectively reported,” the organisation explained.

In addition, Mauritania recorded a large upsurge from last week (12 to 80 cases), all reported from the capital, Nouakchott.

“Although this is a higher number of cases than Mauritania has reported in recent weeks, it remains lower than the daily numbers reported in July.”

India, the United States of America, France, Brazil and the United Kingdom continue to report the highest number of cases, the WHO said.

The economic benefits of buying locally made products, as well as the impact of buying fake goods, will be among the topics discussed at a dialogue hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

“The dialogue also aims to educate consumers and manufacturers on the mandates of the dtic’s technical industrial institutions and to educate the public on the #BuyLocal campaign.

“We will also highlight the importance of buying products that comply with approved technical standards and regulations, and create awareness on fake goods illegally bearing Proudly South African’s logo, and the South African Bureau of Standards’ stamp of approval,” said dtic Deputy Minister, Nomalungelo Gina.

Thursday’s dialogue, which the department will hold in collaboration with Proudly South African, will highlight the economic benefits of buying local, as well as key sectors that can make a significant contribution to job creation and economic growth for the country.

Proudly South African CEO, Eustace Mashimbye, said the importance of supporting locally grown, produced and manufactured goods and services has never been more relevant than now.

“The reinvigoration of the South African economy and reversing the escalating unemployment figures will be a collective effort, starting with the commitment of the public and private sectors, as well as individual consumers to buy local,” said Mashimbye on Tuesday.

Several dtic agencies will participate in the dialogue, including the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), and National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA).

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has announced that more than 900 jobs will be created through the Coega Aquaculture Development Zone (ADZ).

The project will be funded by the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) to the tune of R206 million through the provincial stimulus fund.

Marking a significant milestone in the project, Eastern Cape MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Mlungisi Mvoko, celebrated the occasion with a sod turning event held on Tuesday at the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Zone 10.

“This project is in line with our provincial development strategy and it speaks to the Eastern Cape’s Oceans Economy. As government, the most important thing is to save jobs and go beyond saving to creating jobs.

“This stimulus fund seeks to fund enterprises that seek to save jobs. This is something that we have done and continue to do. With the Oceans Economy Master Plan, there is a lot to be tapped and if we focus on that Master Plan we will create jobs, especially with the coastline that we have in the province,” the MEC said.

Four-hundred hectares of land has been earmarked for the development of the ADZ, with phase 1 occupying 110ha of land. The project will also see the construction of a desalination plant.

“To date, the CDC has signed four Letters of Intent (LOI’s) with companies which have shown interest in building two Perlemoen Farms and two Finfish Farms. The two Perlemoen Farms projects are earmarked to create over 700 jobs and the two Finfish Farms coming in with 200 jobs,” CDC Manager: Project Development, Dr Keith Du Plessis, said.