Members of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department monitor compliance to lockdown Level 3 regulations on Thursday. (Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
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5m ago
The Covid-19 death toll has risen to 908 after 60 more people died - 53 of them from the epicentre, Western Cape.
The number of cases now sits at 43 434. There have been 23 088 recoveries.
Here are today's top stories
The SA National Defence Force has contradicted Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s statement which said the Collins Khosa matter was still being investigated. The SANDF said that the matter is closed, and will not be investigated further. The SANDF was cleared of liability in connection with an incident where Khosa during an altercation with members.
The concern around schools reopening has renewed, with unions again reporting that they are worried about schools’ readiness. After having been set to initially reopen on 1 June, schools reopening were postponed by a week, and are expected to open on Monday. Unions have claimed that, among other problems, some schools were still without requisite protective gear.
The Constitutional Court has denied One South Africa the opportunity to challenge the government’s decision to reopen schools at the country’s highest court. The movement, headed by former DA leader Mmusi Maimane, approached the ConCourt in the hopes of getting the court to order the government not to open schools for at least 60 days so that various challenges can be attended to.
The body of a South African medical student which is stuck in Cuba because of the lockdown will finally be repatriated in July. Sibusiso Qongqo, a fifth year student, died after a short illness.
After being left battered and bruised by the coronavirus pandemic, the rand is showing some signs of promise, and on Friday morning came below R17/$ for the first time since the lockdown, hitting R16.74/$.
Operations at the Cape Town harbour have stalled as workers began being sent home with suspected cases of Covid-19. There are 14 ships from Transnet docked at the harbour waiting to be offloaded.
Wanting to stock up on alcohol but can’t handle the long queues? We’ve got you covered. Business Insider compiled a comparison of the prices of popular drinks.
Stay informed with News24
Special report | Faces of lockdown
Talking point | Can I be with my child in a Covid-19 quarantine facility?
Stay safe | Advice for keeping safe in supermarkets, schools and on public transport
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
Rolling coverage | All the latest Covid-19 news in one place
- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay
The number of cases now sits at 43 434. There have been 23 088 recoveries.
Here are today's top stories
The SA National Defence Force has contradicted Minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s statement which said the Collins Khosa matter was still being investigated. The SANDF said that the matter is closed, and will not be investigated further. The SANDF was cleared of liability in connection with an incident where Khosa during an altercation with members.
The concern around schools reopening has renewed, with unions again reporting that they are worried about schools’ readiness. After having been set to initially reopen on 1 June, schools reopening were postponed by a week, and are expected to open on Monday. Unions have claimed that, among other problems, some schools were still without requisite protective gear.
The Constitutional Court has denied One South Africa the opportunity to challenge the government’s decision to reopen schools at the country’s highest court. The movement, headed by former DA leader Mmusi Maimane, approached the ConCourt in the hopes of getting the court to order the government not to open schools for at least 60 days so that various challenges can be attended to.
The body of a South African medical student which is stuck in Cuba because of the lockdown will finally be repatriated in July. Sibusiso Qongqo, a fifth year student, died after a short illness.
After being left battered and bruised by the coronavirus pandemic, the rand is showing some signs of promise, and on Friday morning came below R17/$ for the first time since the lockdown, hitting R16.74/$.
Operations at the Cape Town harbour have stalled as workers began being sent home with suspected cases of Covid-19. There are 14 ships from Transnet docked at the harbour waiting to be offloaded.
Wanting to stock up on alcohol but can’t handle the long queues? We’ve got you covered. Business Insider compiled a comparison of the prices of popular drinks.
Stay informed with News24
Special report | Faces of lockdown
Talking point | Can I be with my child in a Covid-19 quarantine facility?
Stay safe | Advice for keeping safe in supermarkets, schools and on public transport
FAQs | News24 answers all your questions
Checklist | These are the first symptoms
Rolling coverage | All the latest Covid-19 news in one place
- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay
14m ago
Wanting to stock up on alcohol but can’t handle the long queues?
We’ve got you covered.
As the mad rush for alcohol after two “dry” months starts to settle down - and amid harsh economic circumstances – South Africans are expected to become more price conscious as they buy their booze.
Read more here
We’ve got you covered.
As the mad rush for alcohol after two “dry” months starts to settle down - and amid harsh economic circumstances – South Africans are expected to become more price conscious as they buy their booze.
47m ago
Treatment drug 'shows no benefit', Trump says US 'doing really well' - International Covid-19 news
A major trial in the UK of hydroxychloroquine has found it has "no benefit" for patients hospitalised with Covid-19, researchers said on Friday, announcing they had halted tests of the drug.
US President Donald Trump asserted on Friday that his country has made it through the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.
And Brazil's death toll from the new coronavirus surpassed Italy's to become the third-highest in the world. The virus is taking a toll on Latin America.
About 53 000 people in England had the coronavirus in the last two weeks of May but less than a third of those who tested positive had symptoms, a study has said. This equates to about one in 1 000 people.
Pictured: The conductor of the Cascais & Oeiras Chamber Orchestra in Portugal, Maestro Nikolay Lalov, gestures while directing the musicians during a rehearsal. (Getty Images)
Read the wrap here
A major trial in the UK of hydroxychloroquine has found it has "no benefit" for patients hospitalised with Covid-19, researchers said on Friday, announcing they had halted tests of the drug.
US President Donald Trump asserted on Friday that his country has made it through the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.
And Brazil's death toll from the new coronavirus surpassed Italy's to become the third-highest in the world. The virus is taking a toll on Latin America.
About 53 000 people in England had the coronavirus in the last two weeks of May but less than a third of those who tested positive had symptoms, a study has said. This equates to about one in 1 000 people.
Pictured: The conductor of the Cascais & Oeiras Chamber Orchestra in Portugal, Maestro Nikolay Lalov, gestures while directing the musicians during a rehearsal. (Getty Images)
1h ago
Ramaphosa says he 'regrets' Collins Khosa death
The president says it is "to my deepest regret" that some people have lost their lives during the lockdown, allegedly at the hand of the authorities.
He called on the military and police to get to the bottom of these allegations.
"We will spare no effort in ensuring those responsible will face the full might of the law."
He said he was disappointed by the allegations because he told the authorities "not to treat South Africans as the enemy" when they were deployed to enforce the lockdown.
Ramaphosa is speaking at an online briefing on the ANC's anti-racism campaign, inspired by global protesting against the killings of black men in the US.
He said the attention on racism at the moment could be a "turning point".
Khosa died during a fracas with SA National Defence Force members. The members involved were, however, cleared of any liability.
More to follow
The president says it is "to my deepest regret" that some people have lost their lives during the lockdown, allegedly at the hand of the authorities.
He called on the military and police to get to the bottom of these allegations.
"We will spare no effort in ensuring those responsible will face the full might of the law."
He said he was disappointed by the allegations because he told the authorities "not to treat South Africans as the enemy" when they were deployed to enforce the lockdown.
Ramaphosa is speaking at an online briefing on the ANC's anti-racism campaign, inspired by global protesting against the killings of black men in the US.
He said the attention on racism at the moment could be a "turning point".
Khosa died during a fracas with SA National Defence Force members. The members involved were, however, cleared of any liability.
More to follow
2h ago
Covid-19: How to keep safe in supermarkets, schools and on public transport
Advice on reducing the risk of contracting Covid-19 for you and your family.
Lockdown is easing and schools are returning. But in some parts of the country the coronavirus epidemic is escalating.
It’s an anxious time, and there are likely to be multiple waves of outbreaks of Covid-19 over the next two years, unless a vaccine becomes available sooner.
3h ago
Covid-19: Distancing, masks - what a comprehensive review says about their effectiveness
In the first review of all literature available, researchers look at the efficacy of current protective measures against Covid-19. But what is the consensus?
The review takes a look at all published literature to inform the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the most effective safety measures.
Read more
In the first review of all literature available, researchers look at the efficacy of current protective measures against Covid-19. But what is the consensus?
The review takes a look at all published literature to inform the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the most effective safety measures.
3h ago
OPINION | When leaders fail to lead, the vacuum will be filled
There are times when the official leader of a country is rendered irrelevant by momentous events. To be irrelevant could be the outcome of many factors.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has to reclaim his leadership relevance on the Collins Khosa matter and take charge as a commander-in-chief, writes Mpumelelo Mkhabela.
3h ago
11 Gauteng teachers and a pupil test positive for Covid-19
Eleven teachers and a pupil have tested positive for Covid-19 in Gauteng, Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi told a weekly Provincial Command Council meeting on Friday.
Lesufi said they have also traced the contacts of all those who tested positive.
Story by Ntwaagae Seleka
Eleven teachers and a pupil have tested positive for Covid-19 in Gauteng, Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi told a weekly Provincial Command Council meeting on Friday.
Lesufi said they have also traced the contacts of all those who tested positive.
3h ago
PODCAST | ...ONE MORE THING: Jessie Duarte on racism, police brutality and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte talks about the party's new anti-racism campaign.
On Thursday, Duarte called on South Africans to wear black every Friday for three weeks to take a stand against racism.
One More Thing with Tshidi Madia
ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte talks about the party's new anti-racism campaign.
On Thursday, Duarte called on South Africans to wear black every Friday for three weeks to take a stand against racism.
3h ago
3h ago
Ramaphosa at opening of CTICC 'Hospital of Hope': We must pull out all stops for more beds
President Cyril Ramaphosa was in the Western Cape on Friday to inspect facilities in the province that has the most Covid-19 cases.
The president heard from Western Cape health department head Dr Keith Cloete the most dangerous comorbidities were diabetes and hypertension.
Story by Murray Williams
President Cyril Ramaphosa was in the Western Cape on Friday to inspect facilities in the province that has the most Covid-19 cases.
The president heard from Western Cape health department head Dr Keith Cloete the most dangerous comorbidities were diabetes and hypertension.
4h ago
President Cyril Ramaphosa toured the Western Cape on Friday to assess the province's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. He was welcomed by Premier Alan Winde at the Cape Town International Convention Centre where together they opened the doors to the new 'Hospital of Hope', a field hospital with 850 beds for patients with Covid-19.
4h ago
Schools opening under Level 3: ConCourt rejects Maimane’s urgent application to stop schools reopening
The Constitutional Court on Friday denied Mmusi Maimane’s One South Africa movement direct access, on an urgent basis, to challenge government's decision to reopen schools.
Maimane, in his papers, claimed the government was failing in its "constitutional" and "legal" duty to consult with organisations to ensure meaningful public participation.
Full story by Tammy Petersen
The Constitutional Court on Friday denied Mmusi Maimane’s One South Africa movement direct access, on an urgent basis, to challenge government's decision to reopen schools.
Maimane, in his papers, claimed the government was failing in its "constitutional" and "legal" duty to consult with organisations to ensure meaningful public participation.
4h ago
Covid-19 wrap: Global deaths pass 390 000, Australia bans anti-racism protest, vaccine alliance gets $8.8bn
The novel coronavirus has killed at least 390 868 people since the outbreak first emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 11:00 (GMT) on Friday.
Read more
The novel coronavirus has killed at least 390 868 people since the outbreak first emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 11:00 (GMT) on Friday.
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"We are not contemplating closing alcohol soon," says Ramaphosa, before urging people to "drink responsibly".
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President Cyril Ramaphosa says "a family meeting" - referring to his national addresses during Covid-19 - will happen "soon so that we can assess where we are".
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Covid-19: South Africa can ill-afford another Western Cape type outbreak, says Mabuza
Deputy president David Mabuza says other provinces cannot follow the trajectory of the Western Cape.
"I think that's the point where the Western Cape lost it, they did not trace contacts. The virus was spreading unnoticed and it just became a problem," said Mabuza.
By Tshidi Madia
Deputy president David Mabuza says other provinces cannot follow the trajectory of the Western Cape.
"I think that's the point where the Western Cape lost it, they did not trace contacts. The virus was spreading unnoticed and it just became a problem," said Mabuza.
6h ago
Defence Minister Mapisa-Nqakula got it wrong on Collins Khosa inquiry, report is final - SANDF
In a statement released on Friday, the ministry said that when the minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, told Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Defence that, in her opinion, there was no finalised report, she did so because she understood "that the investigation had been referred back by the chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and might be reopened for further investigation".
By Sheldon Morais and Azarrah Karrim
In a statement released on Friday, the ministry said that when the minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, told Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Defence that, in her opinion, there was no finalised report, she did so because she understood "that the investigation had been referred back by the chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and might be reopened for further investigation".
6h ago
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Schools opening under Level 3: Clock ticking for govt to respond to Maimane's ConCourt challenge
The government's attorney has until Friday to file a responding affidavit to the One South Africa (OSA) Movement's challenge to the reopening of schools.
Speaking to News24, OSA attorney Eric Mabuza said Ramaphosa's and Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga's legal representation had both requested an extension until Monday.
By Lizeka Tandwa
The government's attorney has until Friday to file a responding affidavit to the One South Africa (OSA) Movement's challenge to the reopening of schools.
Speaking to News24, OSA attorney Eric Mabuza said Ramaphosa's and Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga's legal representation had both requested an extension until Monday.
6h ago
Ships waiting to offload cargo, as Cape Town harbour staff hit by Covid-19
Transnet has just confirmed that the surge in Covid-19 cases has begun to affect operations at the harbour’s cargo terminals. An unspecified number of employees have been sent home to self-isolate while waiting for test results.
Read more
Transnet has just confirmed that the surge in Covid-19 cases has begun to affect operations at the harbour’s cargo terminals. An unspecified number of employees have been sent home to self-isolate while waiting for test results.
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The delegation will now take a break for lunch.
Later today, they will head out to the Red Dot Health Staff Transport Operation - an initiative to transport 6 000 healthcare workers to and from their places of work during the Covid-19 crisis in Cape Town.
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Ramaphosa is being taken through the facility by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and the provincial head of health Dr Keith Cloete.
7h ago
President Cyril Ramaphosa is now inspecting the facility, greeting healthcare staff as he moves in between the beds in the cavernous CTICC halls.
7h ago
Premier Alan Winde, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Zweli Mkhize stand for the singing of the national anthem as the CTICC facility is set to be open.
7h ago
Ramaphosa and his delegation are getting ready to officially open the field hospital in the CTICC, dubbed the "Hospital of Hope".
7h ago
RECAP: President Cyril Ramaphosa is inspecting Cape Town's new 850-bed field hospital in the CT International Convention Centre, due to be officially opened today.
Ramaphosa said he was grateful for the presentation showed to him on the province's plans, and expressed his concerns about the high number of cases in the Western Cape.
"The Western Cape is the epicentre of Covid-19 infections, and this concerns us deeply as leadership of the country, and it's for this reason we felt it necessary to come here," Ramaphosa said after the province presented its Covid-19 plans.
"We need to address this and I'm glad this presentation has identified a number of interventions we've embarked upon."
8h ago
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"This is a marathon," Ramaphosa says of the "war" that is Covid-19.
"We must not lose stamina," he says.
"We must not lose stamina," he says.
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Ramaphosa has said that money will not be an issue as they look to recruit more staff in the Western Cape, saying that government must pull out all the stops to save lives and secure beds.
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Ramaphosa also says the province needs to increase its bed capacity.
"We should never be found wanting. We are at war," he says.
"We should never be found wanting. We are at war," he says.
8h ago
"We are at war," says Ramaphosa, as he turns his attention to staffing challenges.
"Not having enough staff members is an excuse I'm not going to accept ... we can't sit back and be defeated by Covid-19 because we did not have enough staff members."
"Not having enough staff members is an excuse I'm not going to accept ... we can't sit back and be defeated by Covid-19 because we did not have enough staff members."
8h ago