We tested food apps in the townships, and you still can’t get Uber Eats or Bolt to deliver

Business Insider tested food delivery apps including Uber Eats and Mr D, and found that they will still not deliver to SA townships.

After lifting the ban on hot food sales, but limiting it to delivery only, the government had evidently hoped that food delivery aggregators would expand to cover more geographical – and socio-economic – ground, just as it encouraged online stores to deliver to a broader customer base.

'SA can't pull itself up by its bootstraps. There isn't money': Why global losses worry local experts

South Africa is likely to see long-term economic damage and "deep scarring" on unemployment numbers unless urgent reforms are implemented to attract foreign investment and improve ease of doing business.

This is because there simply isn't enough money available locally for the country's recovery to be driven by domestic consumption, according to Dr Morné Mostert, Director of the Futures Institute at Stellenbosch University.

Lockdown: Tavern owners happy alcohol ban lifted, but plead for assistance from suppliers

Tavern owners have expressed mixed emotions over the decision by the government to lift the ban on the sale of liquor.

Although they were excited with President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision, tavern owners have begged the SA Breweries and other suppliers for assistance. The lockdown has had a major impact on their financial situation.

Gauteng online applications for Grades 1 and 8 cut to one month due to lockdown

The Gauteng Department of Education's online application process to place pupils in Grade 1 and 8 for the 2021 academic year is set to open on 25 June.

The system usually remains open for three months, but will now only run for one month due to the coronavirus pandemic, MEC Panyaza Lesufi said. 

Coronavirus morning update: Minister 'understands' concerns over schools, but legal action threatened

Your latest coronavirus news: Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga says she understands the anxieties, concerns and fears around Covid-19 ahead of the phased reopening of schools on 1 June; but there is uncertainty over whether schools will be Covid-19 ready for next Monday's reopening, with one union already threatening court action.

Covid-19 wrap: Hydroxychloriquine trials suspended and over 344 000 deaths globally

Lockdown measures are finally eased in Spain's two biggest cities Madrid and Barcelona, where people can now meet in groups of up to 10 in their homes or in parks or on the terraces of bars and restaurants.

Beaches also reopen in parts of the country after months-long closures. Italy reopens swimming pools and gyms, Greece does the same with restaurants and cafes, while Ukrainians can again take the metro in capital Kiev for the first time in 10 weeks.

The most deaths are 133 in the age group 60 to 69, followed by 111 deaths of people in the age group 50 to 59.

There are no deaths for people between the ages of 10 to 19.

There are now two deaths in the age category 0 to 9.

A two-day-old baby succumbed to the virus on Wednesday when born prematurely and suffered lung difficulties.

There are now two deaths in the age category 0 to 9.

A two-day-old baby succumbed to the virus on Wednesday when born prematurely and suffered lung difficulties.

There are now 23 615 cases of Covid-19 after 1 032 new infections.

The death toll is at 481 and the recovery rate at 11 917, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced in a statement.

The Western Cape has an 18 000-test backlog for Covid-19, said Premier Alan Winde on Monday.

"We once again call on both the President and Minister [Zweli] Mkhize to move as quickly as possible to ensure that the [National Health Laboratory Service] is provided with the resources it so urgently requires and that testing across the country can continue unhindered," said Winde in a statement.

MORE HERE:

SA cities and towns must find sites for mass graves under new Covid-19 burial rules

South Africa's towns and cities should find suitable spots for mass graves, health minister Zweli Mkhize directed on Monday, in new regulations detailing how the mortal remains of Covid-19 victims should be handled.

“Should the death rate appear to exceed the capacity of available space to keep mortal remains, the government may intervene to facilitate mass burials," he said.

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) in KwaZulu-Natal says the extension for school staff to return to schools under Level 3 lockdown is not enough to prepare for the return of pupils.

"We believe Thursday is too soon. Also, what is not clear now is whether learners will still be expected to come back on Monday, 1 June," Sadtu KZN provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza told News24 on Monday.

26 cases of Covid-19 at Mediclinic Cape Town

Twenty-six people have tested positive for Covid-19 at Mediclinic Cape Town in Oranjezicht, the medical facility confirmed on Monday. 

The company said this was in spite of stringent measures taken to reduce the transmission of the virus at all of its hospitals.

SA's corruption fighters may be crippled as justice sector faces cash crunch over Covid-19

The fight against corruption may falter while the country deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, as a budget cut of R1.7 billion is being "bandied about" for the already perennially cash-strapped justice sector, and it could potentially cripple key corruption-busting institutions.

This is the picture that emerged after the Department of Justice and its entities – notably the corruption fighters, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Public Protector – appeared before the Portfolio Co

EXPLAINER | What the WHO says about smoking during Covid-19

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday evening announced that tobacco sales will remain prohibited, while liquor sales will resume when the country enters lockdown Level 3 at the beginning of June.

This came despite strident calls for cigarette sales to be permitted, and that the ban contributes to a growing tobacco black market in South Africa.

Reopening of schools: I understand the concerns, I am also a mother, says Motshekga

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga says she understands the anxieties, concerns and fears around Covid-19 ahead of the phased reopening of schools on 1 June.

"It's understandable, I am a mother as well. I know that, as parents, children are everything to us – I understand the anxieties, the concerns and the fears around Covid-19 because are dealing with something that we just do not know," she said on a television show - The Big Debate - on Monday.

We can’t allow Covid-19 to derail efforts to unite, develop continent - Ramaphosa marks Africa Day

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in Africa has exposed how far the continent still has to go before achieving its aspirations of a united and prosperous region.

Ramaphosa, speaking in his capacity as African Union chairperson, addressed Africa Day celebrations, held via virtual platforms across parts of the continent.

Only 10 people paid R350 unemployment Sassa grant during 'trial run'

The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has apologised for delays in making payments to beneficiaries of a R350 social relief grant meant for millions of unemployed during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The apology comes after the agency came under heavy criticism for only managing to pay 10 people so far during a trial run out of 2.6 million approved applicants.

A staff member at Hague Primary School in Delft in Cape Town has tested positive for Covid-19, the Department of Education said on Monday.

This comes as some teachers returned to schools on Monday in preparation for the return of Grade 7 and 12 pupils, who will going back to class first in a phased approach from 1 June.

Glenda Gray row: Academic body accuses health dept DG of 'abuse of power', actions are 'alarming'

Department of Health acting director-general Dr Anban Pillay "abused the power" of his office when he wrote to the chairperson of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) to recommend an investigation be launched into its president, Professor Glenda Gray, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) said on Monday afternoon.

WATCH | First look inside the CTICC as it gets converted into 850-bed field hospital

This is the first, exclusive view of hospital beds arriving at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) - for a new emergency field hospital.

On Cape Town's Heerengracht Street on Monday, long strings of new hospital beds were seen being wheeled into the CTICC.

'Anti-Christian attitude developing in SA' - ACDP leader warns of possible illegal church gatherings

It seems that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s failure to accede to requests from church leaders to allow small gatherings is the last straw for some, who say that, if forced, congregants will ignore the government and gather for praise and worship anyway.

During an address to the nation on Sunday evening, Ramaphosa said the whole country would move Level 3 of the lockdown on 1 June, which would see the resumption of numerous sectors of the economy.

Africa Day: Covid-19 has multiplied SA's hardships, but continent will rise - Thandi Modise

The Covid-19 pandemic has multiplied the socio-economic hardships in our country and magnified the disparities, National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise said as she introduced a virtual public lecture on Africa Day on Monday.

She said the disruption wrought by the pandemic was far from invisible - it had multiplied the socio-economic hardships in the country, and had magnified the existing disparities.

Ramaphosa asks Constitutional Court to reject DA's challenge of Disaster Management Act

President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed a notice with the Constitutional Court, opposing the DA's challenge of the Disaster Management Act.

The president is calling on the apex court to refuse the DA's application for direct access.

The government argues that Parliament, and not the judiciary, can devise mechanisms for oversight over the executive.

Your online booze delivery could take more than 7 days, as distributors scramble to get ready

Customers who placed orders for alcohol online might have to wait some time for their deliveries, as some sellers will only start processing orders from Monday, 1 June, when the country downgrades to Alert Level 3.

Some orders may take up to seven days to deliver, depending on where in the country you are based.

ICYMI: WRAP  

These are some of today's headlines you may have missed.

Covid-19: 'It's in your hands' - Ramaphosa calls on citizens to play their part

President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is now at risk of even more coronavirus infections as it prepares to gear down to alert Level 3 of the lockdown.

The president, in a prompt address at 19:00 on Sunday, warned that the only way to reduce the number of infections and deaths would be resorting to diligently and consistently observing hygienic practices.  

SAMRC board apologises for Prof Gray's comments, bars staff from speaking to media

The SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) board has apologised to the Ministry of Health and the Ministerial Advisory Committee for recent comments made by its president, Professor Glenda Gray, and says it will institute a fact-finding investigation into the "damage" the comments may have caused.

In a letter signed by chairperson Professor Johnny Mahlangu, seen by News24, the board says it will also bar Gray and other staff from speaking to the media until the matter of Gray's comments is resolved.  

Lockdown Level 3: No parent will be forced to send their child to school, reassures Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reassured parents they will not be forced to send their children back to school when on-site learning resumes for Grade 7 and 12 pupils on 1 June.

Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday evening, outlining that the country would be moving to Level 3 of the Covid-19 lockdown on 1 June. South Africa is currently at Level 4 of the nationwide lockdown.  

Dobson: Stormers to implement 'two-squad' training system

Stormers coach John Dobson says they will enforce a "two-squad" system to combat any possible positive Covid-19 infections once they return to training.

Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, it remains unclear when South African rugby teams will get the go-ahead to resume training but there has been plenty of planning going on behind the scenes.  

Move to Level 3 good news for CSA, Proteas

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is hopeful that a move to Level 3 in the national lockdown leaves the sport on track to return to the field as soon as possible.

While sports like rugby and soccer in South Africa have been hit particularly hard from an economical point of view as a result of the coronavirus - Super Rugby and the PSL have both been suspended indefinitely - cricket in the country is currently in the middle of its off-season.  

From 'too late' to 'reckless and senseless' - opposition parties react to easing of lockdown

From "too late" to "reckless and senseless", opposition political parties have reacted to President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of the easing of South Africa's Covid-19 lockdown from Level 4 to 3, with more concessions for citizens and additional sectors being allowed to operate.

On Sunday evening, Ramaphosa announced that sectors of the economy which were restricted under levels 5 and 4 would be allowed to open from 1 June after being shut since 26 March.  

SAMRC investigation into Glenda Gray is a 'witch hunt' - Adam Habib

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) board's decision to launch an investigation into its president, acclaimed scientist Dr Glenda Gray, amounts to a "witch hunt", Wits vice chancellor Professor Adam Habib has said.

Gray came under fire last week over comments to News24 in which she criticised some of government's lockdown regulations as being "unscientific" and, in some cases, being thumb-sucked.  

China says virus pushing US ties to brink of 'Cold War'

China said on Sunday that its relations with the United States were "on the brink of a new Cold War," fuelled partly by tensions over the coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 350 000 people worldwide and pitched the global economy into a massive downturn.

Fresh tensions between Beijing and Washington emerged as virus restrictions continued to shape and remake lives around the world, and in very different ways.  

Coronavirus: Another inmate dies at East London prison

Another prisoner at the East London prison has died of Covid-19, bringing the death toll at the country's correctional centres to three.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said in a statement all three deaths happened in the East London prison. DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the 50-year-old died on Wednesday.  

Lockdown Level 3: Squabble over 'tender' disrupts delivery of PPEs to some Gauteng schools

Two districts in Gauteng have experienced disruptions in the delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) to schools, Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says.

Lesufi visited Bryanston High School on Monday, where he conducted a visit to monitor its readiness and to give an update on the progress of schools reopening in the province.

He said most schools had already started receiving the PPEs, but that the two districts - Tshwane South and West - had experienced disruptions after "faceless" people claimed the tender had been given to Bidvest instead of them.  

Gauteng has 2 773 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 29 deaths 

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Gauteng sat at 2 773 as of Monday, with 1 899 recoveries and 29 deaths, the Gauteng Department of Health said.

Johannesburg still had the highest number of infections with 1 385 cases and 1 108 recoveries, followed by Ekurhuleni with 606 cases and 452 recoveries and Tshwane with 384 cases and 271 recoveries.

Meanwhile, production at an AngloGold mine in Gauteng has halted because of Covid-19, the department said. 

'Unfolding calamity' - Saftu threatens strike if public servants are forced back to work under lockdown Level 3

Two of South Africa's trade union federations have raised concerns over government's announcement that public servants must go back to work when the country gears down to Level 3 of the lockdown from next week, with the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) threatening mass strike action.

In statements released on Monday after President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation the night before, Cosatu, an ANC alliance partner, and Saftu have both called into question the government's preparations in the transport sector. 

Cosatu said the government and the transport industry had so far failed to present a proper and convincing plan to protect passengers.

Coronavirus: International news

Covid-19 wrap | Nearly 345 000 coronavirus deaths, outrage over British aide, Iran reopens shrines

The pandemic has killed at least 344 964 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year, according to an AFP tally at 1100 GMT on Monday, based on official sources.

The United States has recorded the most deaths with 97 722 fatalities. It is followed by Britain with 36 793, Italy with 32 785, Spain with 28 752, France with 28 367 and Brazil 22 666.

Belgium has the highest per capita death rate with 803 fatalities per million inhabitants.

Lockdown has stopped SA's flu season in its tracks - it's now several weeks late 

*South Africa’s lockdown seems to have stopped the winter influenza outbreak in its tracks.

*School closures and travel bans are likely to have prevented seasonal flu from taking hold.

*A mild flu season will help in the fight against Covid-19, but lifting lockdown could result in flu resurging.

Lockdown Level 3: Squabble over 'tender' disrupts delivery of PPEs to some Gauteng schools 

Two districts in Gauteng have experienced disruptions in the delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) to schools, Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says.

Lesufi visited Bryanston High School on Monday, where he conducted a visit to monitor its readiness and to give an update on the progress of schools reopening in the province.

He said most schools had already started receiving the PPEs, but that the two districts - Tshwane South and West - had experienced disruptions after "faceless" people claimed the tender had been given to Bidvest instead of them. 

OPINION | Africa Day: A continent united in its battle against Covid-19 

There are a few examples that show that African institutions of higher learning and many other organisations can play their part in collectively helping fellow Africans face the pandemic head-on, writes Dr Nico Elema.

The year 2020 will probably be remembered for how the Covid-19 pandemic was able to bring the world to a stand-still.

In recent history, other pandemics such as SARS (2002), H1N1 Swine flu (2009), and MERS (2012) did cause a global response and disruption, but it is probably fair to say that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a global response like never seen before, with terms such as "lockdown", "social-distancing" and  "the new normal" now part of our common vocabulary. 

As we celebrate Africa Day on 25 May, we are still in the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic.

To date, purely based on the number of cases, the epicentre has moved from China to Europe to North America, with many holding their breath contemplating the anticipated impact on Africa.

According to the World Health Organisation, Africa has, to date, reported 1.33% of all cases.

Donald Trump declared places of worship essential - evidence shows they're super-spreader hotspots 

*US President Trump designated churches and other houses of worship as essential services on Friday.

*There have been multiple reports of super-spreader events at US churches and synagogues, as well as a South Korean temple.

*During these events, an infected person passed the coronavirus to an unusually high number of others, sparking local outbreaks.

*The CDC warns that large indoor gatherings, particularly church events, can be potential disease hotspots.

Coronavirus: Another inmate dies at East London prison

Another prisoner at the East London prison has died of Covid-19, bringing the death toll at the country's correctional centres to three. 

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said in a statement all three deaths happened in the East London prison.

DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the 50-year-old died on Wednesday.

"The death of a 50-year-old inmate in East London on 20 May 2020 was confirmed to be Covid-19 related, with respiratory failure cited as a cause of death."

China says virus pushing US ties to brink of 'Cold War'

China said on Sunday that its relations with the United States were "on the brink of a new Cold War," fuelled partly by tensions over the coronavirus pandemic that has killed nearly 350 000 people worldwide and pitched the global economy into a massive downturn.

Fresh tensions between Beijing and Washington emerged as virus restrictions continued to shape and remake lives around the world, and in very different ways.

They muted celebrations by Muslims of the end of Islam's holy fasting month of Ramadan; and they produced a decidedly mixed picture on newly reopened US beaches, with masks common on some and drawing jeers on others.

One jam-packed pool party in Missouri, footage of which went viral, was a joyful bedlam of bodies just feet or inches apart from each other.

SAMRC investigation into Glenda Gray is a 'witch hunt' - Adam Habib

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) board's decision to launch an investigation into its president, acclaimed scientist Dr Glenda Gray, amounts to a "witch hunt", Wits vice chancellor Professor Adam Habib has said. 

Gray came under fire last week over comments to News24 in which she criticised some of government's lockdown regulations as being "unscientific" and, in some cases, being thumb-sucked.

In an interview with News24 on Monday morning, Habib described the response to Gray's comments by the SAMRC board as "disproportionate", "over the top", and warned of the chilling effect the entire saga would have on the scientific community.

ICYMI: 

WATCH | BELLVILLE RED ZONE: A look inside one of SA's top Covid-19 hotspots 

Reserve Bank running out of space to keep lowering interest rates – Kganyago 

The SA Reserve Bank has slashed the repo rate by 275 basis points this year to provide relief to indebted consumers and businesses as they navigate the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic. But the central bank is slowly running out of space to further lower interest rates in response to the crisis, says Governor Lesetja Kganyago.

Kganyago was speaking during a webinar on Sunday evening about the impact of Covid-19 on South Africa.

Responding to a question about whether the bank has done enough to cushion the pandemic's blow on the economy, Kganyago said buffers the bank had created in the past granted it greater leeway to respond by, for instance, cutting rates. 

Coronavirus: International news 

Covid-19 wrap | Domestic flights resume in India, cemeteries overflow in Yemen as virus deaths spike 

Domestic flights resumed in India on Monday even as coronavirus cases surge, while confusion about quarantine rules prompted jitters among passengers and the cancellation of dozens of planes.

India had halted all flights within the country, and departing and leaving for abroad, in late March as it sought to stop the spread of coronavirus with the world's largest lockdown.

But desperate to get Asia's third-largest economy moving again, the government announced last week that around 1 050 daily flights - a third of the usual capacity - would resume on Monday.

SA Rugby hopes to convince government with a return-to-play protocol 

The South African rugby fraternity is pinning its hopes on SA Rugby being able to convince government of a return-to-play protocol by the end of the week. 

Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night announcing that the country's lockdown will be downgraded to Level 3 from 1 June, sporting events are still prohibited.

Fundamentally, Ramaphosa's decree doesn't change the status quo.

Draft Level 3 regulations, leaked into the public sphere recently, suggested exceptions will only be made to athletes of non-contact sports.

Level 3: You can collect food from restaurants - and they want to sell alcohol too 

*From 1 June, collections and drive-throughs will be allowed at SA restaurants.

*Under Level 3, off-premises alcohol sales will also be permitted - and licensed restaurants want to be part of this.

*Restaurants do not expect a big boost from Level 3 sales - but a large part of the market, who can't afford delivery fees, are expected to buy staple meals from fast-food outlets now.

From 'too late' to 'reckless and senseless ' - opposition parties react to easing of lockdown 

From "too late" to "reckless and senseless", opposition political parties have reacted to President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of the easing of South Africa's Covid-19 lockdown from Level 4 to 3, with more concessions for citizens and additional sectors being allowed to operate. 

On Sunday evening, Ramaphosa announced that sectors of the economy, which were restricted under levels 5 and 4, would be allowed to open from 1 June after being shut since 26 March.

The president also announced the sale of liquor would be permitted "for home consumption only under strict conditions". However, the ban on the sale of tobacco products would remain in place under Level 3.