Stay up to date with the latest news, views and analysis as the number of coronavirus cases in SA increases.
RESOURCES
CORONAVIRUS FAQs | All your questions answered (Updated for level 4 restrictions)
CORONAVIRUS IN SA | All the confirmed cases
Kieswetter: Coronavirus is a chance to reimagine SA economy, address past injustices
The Covid-19 pandemic has given South Africa an opportunity to reshape the economy in a way that addresses past injustices and ensures equal opportunities for all, according to Commissioner of the SA Revenue Service, Edward Kieswetter.
The commissioner was speaking during a webinar hosted by Investec, on the road to economic recovery. He weighed in on the nationwide lockdown, instituted on 26 March to slow the spread of Covid-19.
As the country gears up to lift restrictions on economic activity as in the move to Level 3 of the lockdown from 1 June, Kieswetter said it was important not to revert to restoring the "status quo". That would assume everything was right before Covid-19, when on the contrary, the pandemic has exposed the inequalities of society.
The National Coronavirus Command Council media briefing on the regulations relating to the Covid-19 Level 3 restrictions scheduled for today, 27 May 2020 at 12h30 and the briefing by the social cluster scheduled for 18h00 have been postponed.
Media will be advised on a new date and time in due course.
It takes most foreign-trained doctors months to register in SA. How did Cuban health workers do it in 3 days?
The Health Professions Council of South Africa was supposed to have reviewed the curriculum of some international medical schools to help foreign-trained doctors register faster in the country. Two years later, there is still no list and some doctors are sitting idle amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus morning update: Latest on cigarette ban, more on hotspots, and testing backlogs
Your latest coronavirus news: Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is sticking to her guns on the medical reasons for the cigarette ban; Covid-19 hotspots could remain at Level 4 as the country moves to Level 3 on 1 June, according to the health minister; and an expert gives us insight into testing backlogs.
'He was not just a number, he was a person' - Durban family's heartache after dad dies of Covid-19
Durban resident Anton Harman lived a good, normal life before he succumbed to Covid-19 after nearly a month on a ventilator in hospital.
43 more Covid-19 deaths bring South Africa's fatalities to 524, while infections stand at 24 264 and recoveries at 12 741, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Tuesday.
The minister said the country is now facing a challenge with the global shortage of testing reagents, but is doing everything to secure them from different suppliers all over the world.
TODAY'S MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT | Churches, mosques, synagogues resume under level 3 lockdown
South Africans are a people of deep faith, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a televised address to the nation. Here are some of the key takeouts that he announced:
Here is a wrap of our other big stories of the day:
Covid-19 testing stations to be opened at malls around Pretoria
The Gauteng Department of Health has partnered with Rebosis Property Fund and Faith Care Medicals to set up Covid-19 testing stations at malls owned by the company in the Pretoria area.
On Tuesday, the first mall-based testing station in Gauteng was officially opened by Health MEC Bandile Masuku, the CEO of Rebosis Sisa Ngebulana and the founder of Faith Care Medicals Faith Mabuza at Forest Hill City shopping centre in Centurion.
Here's how members of the public can now report allegations of wrongdoing by cops
In line with the Collins Khosa judgment handed down by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, the South African Police Service has added extra capacity its National Service Complaints Centre to enable the public to report allegations of wrongdoing by police officers during the lockdown.
The family of Khosa launched an urgent application after he was beaten to death, allegedly by members of the SA National Defence Force in Alexandra, Johannesburg, in March.
Mkhize on Glenda Gray matter: 'Let's leave the issue at that'
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize considers the Professor Glenda Gray matter closed and denied that academic freedom and freedom of expression are under threat.
Noting the fears expressed about the government clamping down on academic freedom, Mkhize said: "There is no basis to suggest any interference with academic freedom."
Dlamini-Zuma, Mkhize double down on cigarette ban
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stuck to her guns on the medical reasons for the cigarette ban during the Covid-19 pandemic, and denied being friends with self-confessed cigarette smuggler Adriano Mazzotti.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said it was not even worth debating the matter, and it could never be said that tobacco was an essential service.- Stay healthy and entertained during the national lockdown. Sign up for our Lockdown Living newsletter. Sign up and manage your newsletters in the new News24 app by clicking on the Profile tab.
Mayor of Engcobo in Eastern Cape tests positive for Covid-19
Engcobo local municipality mayor Siyabulela Zangqa has tested positive for Covid-19, the municipality announced on Tuesday.
Municipal spokesperson Sivuyile Myeko said members of the public, who had come into contact with Zangqa, should urgently go for screening and testing.
Correctional services official dies of Covid-19
A Department of Correctional Services (DCS) official in the Western Cape has died of Covid-19, the DCS announced on Tuesday night.
DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the 58-year-old had also been suffering from diabetes.
There is a 53% recovery rate, or 12 741 recoveries of the total cases.
While there is a global shortage of "testing reagents" and South Africa facing a challenge of testing, 9 214 tests were done in the past 24 hours.
"We are, however, continuing our efforts to secure these reagents from different suppliers all over the world," Mkhize said in a statement.
The Gauteng Department of Health has partnered with Rebosis Property Fund and Faith Care Medicals to set up Covid-19 testing stations at malls owned by the company in the Pretoria area.
On Tuesday, the first mall-based testing station in Gauteng was officially opened by Health MEC Bandile Masuku, the CEO of Rebosis Sisa Ngebulana and the founder of Faith Care Medicals Faith Mabuza at Forest Hill City shopping centre in Centurion.
READ HERE:
Churches, mosques, synagogues reopen 1 June – here’s what services will be like
"Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other recognised places of worship" will be able to reopen from 1 June, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday night, pre-empting a briefing from the government on the broader Alert Level 3 rules.
Ministers had been preparing to tell South Africans on Tuesday exactly what they will, and will not, be able to do when SA moves to Level 3.
That press conference was postponed to Wednesday, though, and no regulations have yet been published.
39 more Covid-19 deaths in Western Cape with confirmed cases now at 15 756
Another 39 people have died of Covid-19 in the Western Cape, which has seen the death toll in the province rise to 357, Premier Alan Winde announced on Tuesday.
Winde extended condolences to their family and friends.
Covid-19: Staffer tests positive at SABC's KwaZulu-Natal office
The SABC has confirmed a Covid-19 case at its KwaZulu-Natal office.
"The affected employee has been working on-site since the lockdown and is now under quarantine while being closely monitored," its acting spokesperson Mmoni Seapolelo told News24 on Tuesday.
As a result, the office has been closed and will be decontaminated on Wednesday and Thursday.
Here's how members of the public can now report allegations of wrongdoing by cops
In line with the Collins Khosa judgment handed down by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has added extra capacity its National Service Complaints Centre to enable the public to report allegations of wrongdoing by police officers during the lockdown.
The family of Khosa launched an urgent application after he was beaten to death, allegedly by members of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) in Alexandra, Johannesburg, in March.
Mkhize on Glenda Gray matter: 'Let's leave the issue at that'
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize considers the Professor Glenda Gray matter closed and denied that academic freedom and freedom of expression are under threat.
Mkhize and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma briefed the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday on the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gauteng schools may use soap, not sanitiser, as criminals target PPEs
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said his department is concerned about break-ins at schools and the subsequent theft of personal protective equipment (PPE).
As such, there is a possibility that schools in the province may, in the future, have to use soap, instead of sanitiser, for handwashing.
Hotspots could remain at Level 4, says Mkhize
Covid-19 hotspots could remain at Level 4 as the country moves to Level 3 on 1 June, with the possibility they could be moved to a hard lockdown if measures to curtail the spread of the virus fail.
This according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize who announced it to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa to lead call for national day of prayer and update on provisions for religious sector
President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the call for a national day of prayer through a televised broadcast at 19:30 this evening, 26 May 2020.
During the address, the president is also expected to provide an update on provisions for the religious sector following a meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) which considered the inputs made by the sector in recent consultations with interfaith leaders.
Ramaphosa's address will be broadcast live on television and radio and will be streamed live on a range of online platforms.
ICYMI: WRAP
These are some of today's headlines you may have missed.
Covid-19: Worcester Pick n Pay temporarily closes after employee tests positive
One of the three Pick n Pay stores in Worcester in the Western Cape was closed at the weekend after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
According to Netwerk24, on Saturday customers were greeted by a sign stating that the shop in High Street had provisionally been closed.
OPINION | Why releasing low-risk prisoners amid the Covid-19 pandemic is a good idea
Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola made the long-overdue announcement earlier this month that 19 000 low-risk inmates would be released from prison.
It is a bold and necessary step to save lives as Covid-19 threatens to wreak havoc in South Africa's overcrowded prisons, GroundUp reported.
Glenda Gray 'grateful for support' as SAMRC calls off investigation into her lockdown criticism
South African Medical Research Council president and member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) Professor Glenda Gray has expressed her gratitude after the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) on Tuesday cleared her for recent comments about government's Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
"I wish to thank the Board of the SAMRC for having acted with the requisite urgency in its deliberations over this matter, the findings of which I have noted with appreciation. I would like to assure the Board and colleagues at the SAMRC that I remain focused on the important work of the SAMRC," Gray said in a statement following the SAMRC's announcement.
Acting health DG Anban Pillay acted 'unconstitutionally' in Glenda Gray fight – top academics
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize should distance himself from the actions of his acting director-general Anban Pillay, who requested the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) to investigate its president Dr Glenda Gray, according to three top academics.
The article, published by the South African Medical Journal on Tuesday, called for level heads from the scientific community and government in an article titled "Freedom of speech and public interest, not allegiance, should underpin science advisement to government".
Social media posts that Wuhan 'repatriation pilot' died of Covid-19 untrue
Social media posts claiming that an SAA staffer who passed away on Sunday died of Covid-19 and was a pilot responsible for the repatriation of 112 South Africans from China in March are untrue.
News24 has spoken to various sources who have indicated that Nakedi Tebatso Ntshane, 39, did not die of coronavirus-related causes, nor was she a pilot during the repatriation of the South Africans back home on 14 March.
Covid-19: Another school in Cape Town hit by positive case during prep week
Parkvale Primary School in Valhalla Park is the second school in Cape Town to have a positive Covid-19 case among educators, the Western Cape education department said on Tuesday.
The case was recorded in the first week of teachers' return to school to prepare for the phased reopening this Monday for grades 7 and 12.
Covid-19: Potch Hospital's outpatient department closed after nurse tested positive
The outpatient department of the Potchefstroom Hospital has been closed and decontaminated after a positive case of Covid-19, the North West health department said on Monday.
A 59-year-old nurse at the hospital tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday. "The nurse is attached to the outpatient department of the hospital," health department spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said.
Coronavirus: Dlamini-Zuma, Mkhize double down on cigarette ban
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stuck to her guns on the medical reasons for the cigarette ban during the Covid-19 pandemic, and denied being friends with self-confessed cigarette smuggler Adriano Mazzotti.
Dlamini-Zuma and Health Minister Zweli Mkhize briefed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mkhize said it was not even worth debating the matter, and it could never be said that tobacco was an essential service.
Enter the News24 Covid-19 survey and stand a chance to win R5000!
Your answers will remain anonymous. At no point will your answers be attributed to any personal information.
Covid-19: Students union lobbies for repeat graduation ceremonies on Level 1 lockdown
While thousands of students have graduated in virtual ceremonies, some are lobbying for universities to organise traditional ceremonies under Level 1 of the lockdown so that they can "gather and celebrate", according to a student union.
South African Union of Students (SAUS) national president Misheck Mugabe said graduates, especially first-timers, deserved to walk across the stage and be capped by chancellors in front of a cheering crowd.
"Our position is that virtual graduation ceremonies must continue for now because gatherings are not allowed. Then later on when we move to Level 1, we push for a normal graduation. It's fair to allow those willing to redo it physically. Others will not be willing as they may have moved on with their lives."
Covid-19: IEC looking at postponing 2021 local government elections
The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is in consultation to possibly postpone next year's local government elections due to the Covid-19 pandemic, IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela told News24 on Tuesday.
Bapela said the commission had not yet made a decision on a possible date for the election, adding that they would consult political parties and various other stakeholders, including Parliament, the concerned government departments and the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB).
Earlier this month, IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo told the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs the MDB would first need to finish the process of evaluating the potential demarcation and re-demarcation of ward boundaries.
Coronavirus: International news
Covid-19 wrap | Indonesian army set to enforce measures, virus heightens heatwave health risks
The novel coronavirus has killed at least 346 296 people since the outbreak first emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 11:00 on Tuesday.
At least 5 507 700 cases of coronavirus have been registered in 196 countries and territories. Of these, at least 2 176 600 are now considered recovered.
Shared by the spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, Elijah Mhlanga.
Coronavirus: Dlamini-Zuma, Mkhize double down on cigarette ban
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stuck to her guns on the medical reasons for the cigarette ban during the Covid-19 pandemic, and denied being friends with self-confessed cigarette smuggler Adriano Mazzotti.
Dlamini-Zuma and Health Minister Zweli Mkhize briefed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mkhize said it was not even worth debating the matter, and it could never be said that tobacco was an essential service.
China's mask boom takes fabric away from nappy makers
China's ramp-up of mask production to counter the coronavirus outbreak has claimed unlikely victims - nappies, wet wipes and sanitary towels that are made with the same raw materials.
Manufacturers say textiles such as nonwoven fabric have been in short supply from being diverted to the more lucrative mask business, leaving producers of hygiene products high and dry.
Some firms have been forced to halve production or hike prices, with the industry expressing concern over the future of supply lines.
Mkhize responds to some of the questions from the last round posed to him by NCOP members, most of which fall under the ambit of Cogta, Mkhize points out.
After addressing the questions he could answer, Mkhize excuses himself as he is running late for a National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) meeting.
After the NCOP chief whip thanks the ministers and members for their contributions, the NCOP chair declares the session closed.
Covid-19: Potch Hospital's outpatient department closed after nurse tested positive
The outpatient department of the Potchefstroom Hospital has been closed and decontaminated after a positive case of Covid-19, the North West health department said on Monday.
A 59-year-old nurse at the hospital tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday.
"The nurse is attached to the outpatient department of the hospital," health department spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said.
Safety first: Sibanye-Stillwater vows to put employees before profits during pandemic
Sibanye-Stillwater may not return to 100% production even as restrictions ease, CEO Neal Froneman warned on Tuesday.
The mine – which is the country's largest industrial employer – will only ramp up to full capacity when it is satisfied that safety protocols have been fully observed, Froneman told shareholders at the company's Annual General Meeting.
Commercial gain would not be put ahead of employees' wellbeing, he stressed.
Clusters of coronavirus infections have been detected at several mines following the easing of lockdown regulations. In mid-May, Impala Platinum shut down its Marula Mine in Limpopo after finding several positive cases of Covid-19, while AngloGold shut down its Mponeng mine, confirming 164 positive cases.
WATCH | CTICC transformed into biggest dedicated Covid-19 hospital in Africa
Covid-19: Another school in Cape Town hit by positive case during prep week
Parkvale Primary School in Valhalla Park is the second school in Cape Town to have a positive Covid-19 case among educators, the Western Cape education department said on Tuesday.
The case was recorded in the first week of teachers' return to school to prepare for the phased reopening this Monday for grades 7 and 12.
Spokesperson for Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, Kerry Mauchline, confirmed that the school was closed and would reopen after the department's protocols, such as deep-cleaning, were followed.
Social media posts that Wuhan 'repatriation pilot' died of Covid-19 untrue
Social media posts claiming that an SAA staffer who passed away on Sunday died of Covid-19 and was a pilot responsible for the repatriation of 112 South Africans from China in March are untrue.
News24 has spoken to various sources who have indicated that Nakedi Tebatso Ntshane did not die of coronavirus-related causes, nor was she a pilot during the repatriation of the South Africans back home on 14 March.
Ntshane was a cabin crew member and was "training towards becoming a commercial pilot", said the airline. An acquaintance told News24 she went into quarantine after returning from Wuhan and was discharged with all the other people on the flight.
Acting health DG Anban Pillay acted 'unconstitutionally' in Glenda Gray fight – top academics
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize should distance himself from the actions of his acting director-general Anban Pillay, who requested the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) to investigate its president Dr Glenda Gray, according to three top academics.
The article, published by the South African Medical Journal on Tuesday, called for level heads from the scientific community and government in an article titled "Freedom of speech and public interest, not allegiance, should underpin science advisement to government".
Mkhize: "There's no need for any peer review, we will accept the statement by WHO. And there is no benefit to anybody's health that comes from smoking. That's it."
Mkhize says the real issue arose when the definitions of "essential services" were discussed. "Then again, you can never say tobacco is an essential service."
"There is no health benefit from smoking," Mkhize says emphatically. "The matter is in court and so we leave it at that."
Mkhize responds on the issues around smoking.
Mkhize: "The dangers of tobacco are well established. In courts, in South Africa, in the United States, in different parts of the world. And so I don't think people must come and argue here that there is any benefit you can get from smoking - there is none. So let's not argue that way."
Mkhize: "If people want to sell cigarettes, if people want to smoke, then let's deal with it on that basis, but let's not deal with it because we think there is something wrong if we say that tobacco is not good for anybody's health - it isn't."
Mkhize says if people want to debate the issue from the point of view of saying that they've got businesses and so on, that's a different matter.
On the question of people going hungry, Mkhize says it was something that was tabled at the first meeting when they were discussing prioritising lives and implementing the lockdown.
Mkhize: "...the president had then gone out to announce the package of social relief to help with additional support in terms of social grants, as well as the assistance to those who are unemployed, opening up UIF for those who were working, but were not able to continue with work, support for small businesses, and huge businesses..."
Mkhize says the response to the issues that were raised was basically a "balancing act".
Mkhize now responds to the round of questions posed to him by NCOP members.
Glenda Gray 'grateful for support' as SAMRC calls off investigation into her lockdown criticism
South African Medical Research Council president and member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) Professor Glenda Gray has expressed her gratitude after the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) on Tuesday cleared her for recent comments about government's Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
"I wish to thank the Board of the SAMRC for having acted with the requisite urgency in its deliberations over this matter, the findings of which I have noted with appreciation. I would like to assure the Board and colleagues at the SAMRC that I remain focused on the important work of the SAMRC," Gray said in a statement following the SAMRC's announcement.
"I also re-affirm my commitment to doing all I can to the best of my ability to contribute to the national effort against Covid-19 and remain at the disposal of the Minister of Health and the Ministerial Advisory Committee in this regard.
Coronavirus: International news
Covid-19 wrap | UK minister quits over Cummings lockdown trip, worldwide cases top 5.5 million
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government suffered its first resignation over the controversy surrounding senior aide Dominic Cummings' trip across country during coronavirus lockdown when Douglas Ross, a minister for Scotland, quit in protest on Tuesday.
"The reaction to this news shows that Mr Cummings' interpretation of the government advice was not shared by the vast majority of people who have done as the government asked," Ross said in a Twitter statement announcing his departure from government.