Advocate who blasted 'Cyril and his goons' over lockdown restrictions 'not asked to step down'

A practising advocate – who reportedly lashed out at government about the "senseless regulations…which continue to affect parents like me who are in the midst of divorce proceedings" – has not been asked to step down as an acting judge because of her social media comments, nor has her appointment been "revoked".

Coronavirus: 183 new cases in prison system, taking total to 571

The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in prisons across the country has increased to 571, after 183 new cases were reported by the Department of Correctional Services on Sunday.

Covid-19 wrap | EU coronavirus recovery initiative, Japan recession, sex doll controversy in South Korea, and coronavirus probe gains momentum

MEDIA ADVISORY

BASIC EDUCATION MINISTER, ANGIE MOTSHEKGA TO GIVE AN UPDATE ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS

Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga will give update on the preparations for the re-opening of schools during a media briefing to be held on Tuesday, 19 May 2020.

Members of media are invited to cover the briefing as follows: 

Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2020

Time: 16H00

Venue: The Minister will brief from GCIS, Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room, Tshedimosetso House 1035 Corner Frances Baard and Festival St, Hatfield, Pretoria.

Media Participation: Journalists may view the briefing via live streaming on the SA Government Facebook page, Twitter and YouTube channels on the links below.

Enquiries: Elijah Mhlanga, Departmental Spokesperson on 083 580 8275 or Hope Mokgatle, Ministerial Media Liaison Officer on 079 817 0427

Issued by GCIS on behalf of The Department of Basic Education.

Covid-19 wrap | US economy faces severe downturn, China warns of coronavirus second wave, high death rate in Brazil, and New Zealand kids head back to school

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.

Has the ban on cigarette sales deterred smokers? This is what the studies show

Despite the ban on the sale of tobacco products in South Africa, a new study by the University of Cape Town has revealed that around 90% of smokers have continued buying tobacco products - albeit through a different purchasing environment.

Cyril Ramaphosa | South Africans 'have a right to approach our courts' to challenge lockdown regulations

The exercise of the fundamental freedoms of expression, association and speech is a barometer of the good health of our democracy. But much more than that, these rights are essential to the success of our national and collective struggle to overcome the coronavirus, writes President Cyril Ramaphosa in his weekly newsletter.

The United States on Sunday recorded 820 new coronavirus fatalities in the previous 24 hours, but the country's total death count neared 90 000, a Johns Hopkins University tracker reported.

The latest toll, marked at 00:30 GMT on Monday, was the lowest since 776 daily deaths were recorded on May 10, but the count ranged as high as 1 894 in subsequent days.

According to the real-time tracker by Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins, the United States has 1 486 376 cases of novel coronavirus.

That figure and the death toll are by far the world's highest.

'I did not visit Blade because he was in Pretoria' - Bheki Cele

Police Minister Bheki Cele has repeatedly denied paying a personal visit last Monday to the KwaZulu-Natal home of his Cabinet colleague, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, in contravention of the regulations.

Adriaan Basson: Gray's anatomy may be exactly what South Africa needed

The price we pay for a lockdown - increased malnourishment of children and the poor, disruption of routine vaccination and suspended elective surgery - has become too high, writes Adriaan Basson.

Data lockdown: Tension simmers as questions are raised about access to Covid-19 information

Frustration is building among scientists over the government's apparent lack of willingness to make key, detailed Covid-19 data accessible ahead of a meeting of the Covid-19 ministerial advisory committee.

News24 understands that questions have arisen over the apparent stranglehold by the Department of Health on access to spatial data (geo-located confirmed coronavirus cases), data around testing, screening, contact tracing and hospitalisation data – which includes availability levels of medical supplies and high care beds. 

According to a member of the MAC – who spoke on condition of anonymity – several members of the advisory body have spoken out during past meetings against the apparent lockdown on data. 

Coronavirus morning update: Big spike in new cases in SA, as Western Cape again highlighted as a worry

Your latest coronavirus news: South Africa recorded the highest spike in cases the country has seen in a single day, with 1 160 new cases, as the health minister again pointed to the Western Cape as an area of concern.

South Africa on Sunday recorded an astonishing 1160 new positive coronavirus cases, the highest spike the country has seen in a single day.

Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize said the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases now stands at 15 515, with the 1 160 new cases identified in the last 24-hour cycle of testing.

READ HERE:

The Western Cape has contributed, in the past 24 hours, to 76% of the new cases with 890 cases, followed by the Eastern Cape with 124 cases.

There are now 15 515 coronavirus cases after an increase of 1160. Three new deaths bring the tally to 264.

There are 7006 recoveries.

KwaZulu-Natal is preparing to migrate to Level 3 of the national lockdown, despite having recorded at least 45 deaths.

The province was the first to report a Covid-19 case after patient zero was identified on 5 March.

By Saturday, the province had 1 498 confirmed cases, 806 recoveries, with more than 2.4 million people screened and more than 59 000 tests conducted.

MORE HERE:

Western Cape death tally rises to 156 - total cases now 9 246 with 3 521 recoveries

The Western Cape has recorded an additional nine coronavirus deaths, bringing the total in the province to 156. 

Premier Alan Winde said, as of 13:00 on Sunday, the Western Cape had 9 246 confirmed cases, with 5 569 active cases, and 3 521 recoveries.

Out of pocket and desperate, self-employed feel hit of extended lockdown

While the South African economy staggers under the weight of the country's prolonged Covid-19 lockdown, said to be one of the strictest in the world, ordinary people are feeling the pinch of income loss, with no prospect of a return to "normality" on the horizon for the foreseeable future.

For the self-employed - who in many instances fall between the cracks, not qualifying for UIF or other financial relief schemes offered to small businesses - the financial blow can be particularly hard.

Newzroom Afrika Cape Town staff test positive for Covid-19

Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) staff in Cape Town have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and quarantined at home.

The latest development comes days after the death of eNCA cameraperson Lungile Tom (45) on Wednesday.

The King William's Town police station was closed after officers tested positive for Covid-19. A community hall will now be temporarily used to continue operations.

In a statement on Sunday, the King William's Town police station said the Client Service Centre will be operating from the hall.

READ HERE:

South Africans cry with joy after landing back home

"It's good … good to be home," a South African said joyously on Sunday.

And then the tears fell, like rain.

James de Wet was one of several dozen South Africans, who arrived back home in an emotional touchdown at OR Tambo airport after a "rescue mission" flight down the length of Africa.

'We must unite and work together' - Mkhize speaking at funeral of Dr Clarence Mini

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has lauded President Cyril Ramaphosa as a consultative leader in the country's ongoing battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Speaking at the funeral of Dr Clarence Mini in Fourways on Sunday, Mkhize told mourners that Ramaphosa had been leading from the front during the crisis and was always ready to listen.

Liquor producers puzzle on how to ease alcohol ban

Converting bars into beer-collection points and staggering liquor-store opening hours: Just two of the proposals put to South Africa’s government by drinks makers desperate to lift a 50-day ban on alcohol sales.

Schools in Covid-19 hotspot areas could remain closed - report

More than 5 000 schools in areas regarded as Covid-19 hotspots in parts of the country could remain closed if Cabinet approves a new proposal by the Department of Basic Education, according to the Sunday Times.

The publication said the proposal, which was discussed on Wednesday with the National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations (Naisa), will see schools in Buffalo City, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay being treated as if they are on Level 5.

Covid-19 wrap | Madagascar reports first death, China warns of second wave, and Obama lets loose

The coronavirus has killed 311 959 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year, according to an AFP tally at 11:00 GMT on Sunday based on official sources.

There have been at least 4 647 986 officially recorded cases in 196 countries and territories.

Ramaphosa takes Level 4 lockdown in his stride

The president of South Africa is loving every moment of Level 4 liberation, it seems.

In Rosebank in Johannesburg on Sunday morning, Cyril Ramaphosa was spotted by several early morning walkers - in a potluck encounter captured by Sowetan editor Nwabisa Makunga.

Over 15k farmers to receive financial help from government

The department of agriculture and land reform says over 15 000 farmers have been approved to receive over R500 million from the Agricultural Disaster Fund.

This financial is aimed at ensuring that South Africa does not add food insecurity to its woes as the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has put more than half of the economy at a standstill.

DeafSA threatens legal action after comedian 'mocks' sign language interpreters

A Cape Town comedian has begged public forgiveness for spoofing a sign language interpreter during President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address to the nation.

This came after DeafSA threatened legal action.