Recreational fishing is now allowed under Level 3 lockdown - here are SA's best locations

Under South Africa’s Level 3 lockdown conditions, permit-holding recreational fishers are once again free to wake up at dawn and wade tentatively into gurgling waters.

Fishing at the Maswiri Dam. (Tim Hulme)

EFF to challenge SANDF report that clears members of wrongdoing in Collins Khosa death

The EFF will challenge the outcomes of an investigation by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) which cleared its members of wrongdoing in the death of Collins Khosa, Julius Malema said on Monday.

Gauteng farm school closed after mayor discovers there is no water for pupils

School opened for pupils attending Ramusukula Secondary School on Monday, despite there being no water on the school's property.

'More screening machines needed' - Olievenhoutbosch pupils express concern on first day back

Excitement, anxiety and fear were evident on the faces of Olievenhoutbosch Secondary School Grade 12 pupils on Monday as they returned to class after being away for just over two months when schools were closed due to the Covid-19 national lockdown.

Olievenhoutbosch Secondary School Grade 12 pupils' first day back. (Sesona Ngqakamba, News24)

Tobacco group to argue Dlamini-Zuma overstepped powers in banning sales of cigarettes

The Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association is set to argue that Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has overstepped her powers in banning the sale of cigarettes under the nationwide lockdown, saying she does not have the authority to pick and choose what items be banned as a precautionary measure.

Coronavirus: 55 schools in Western Cape report cases, 30 schools in Gauteng

The Western Cape says 55 schools have been affected by cases of Covid-19 in the province, while 30 schools in Gauteng have reported cases.

HIV testing system created by porn industry could help Hollywood resume production

California is set reopen on June 12, which means that the studios of Hollywood can call "action" on film and TV production once again.

Recovered: Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari given the Covid-19 all clear

Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari has fully recovered from the Covid-19 virus, the Soweto giants confirmed on Monday.

(Ben Motshwari pic from Gallo Images)

Western Cape will need help from other provinces to fight Covid-19, says Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was impressed with preparations in the Western Cape to contain the coronavirus, but it was clear assistance beyond the Western Cape was necessary.

Declared coronavirus cases top seven million globally: AFP

Declared coronavirus infections topped seven million globally, some two thirds in Europe and the United States, according to an AFP tally of official figures at 07:00 GMT on Monday.

At least 7 003 851 cases have been officially recorded around the world, including 402 867 deaths, and Europe is the hardest-hit continent with 2 275 305 cases and 183 542 deaths.

The United States has recorded 1 942 363 cases and 110 514 deaths since the outbreak first emerged in China late last year.

The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organisation, probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.

Many countries are testing only symptomatic or serious cases.

- AFP

'I did a little dance' - PM Jacinda Ardern declares victory as New Zealand clears last Covid-19 case

New Zealand lifted all domestic coronavirus restrictions on Monday after its final Covid-19 patient was given the all-clear, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealing she danced around her living room when told about the milestone.

Cyril Ramaphosa | 'Don't be alarmed, be prepared' as coronavirus cases and deaths will rise faster

During the course of this coming week, we can expect that the total number of cases will pass the 50 000 mark. Sadly, we are also likely to record the 1 000th death from this devastating disease, writes President Cyril Ramaphosa in his weekly newsletter.

From President Cyril Ramaphosa:

The lockdown was not only necessary but it has also given us all time to adjust to living with the virus. Various surveys show that South Africans have come to know a lot about the virus and are taking the necessary precautions to prevent its spread.

I have been pleased to realise that a high percentage of South Africans wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with other people and wear face masks whenever they go out in public. I should however say that social distancing in public places is still a major challenge for us.

We need to focus our attention on ensuring that we adhere to social distancing practices because it is through close contact between people that the virus will be spread.

From President Cyril Ramaphosa

Most people will have noticed that the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in South Africa has been rising fast.

More than a half of all cases since the start of the outbreak were recorded in the last two weeks. During the course of this coming week, we can expect that the total number of cases will pass the 50 000 mark.

Sadly, we are also likely to record the 1,000th death from this devastating disease.

Don't worry if you live next to a quarantine site - Gauteng health dept

The Gauteng Department of Health says it would like to assure residents living next to a coronavirus quarantine site does not place the community at risk of being infected.

'It's not a one-size-fits-all recovery': Surviving the coronavirus

As the number of people in the country infected with - and dying of - the coronavirus continues to soar, many South Africans live with the daily fear of the disease entering their households.

I spent 2 weeks wearing a face shield instead of a mask, and I'm never going back

Homemade face masks are uncomfortable, sweaty, difficult to breathe in, difficult to talk in, fog up glasses, and require regular washing.

Cape Town Covid-19 vaccine trial comes under fire from activists

The small study looking to repurpose an old TB vaccine could help add to a growing field of science that asks, can you really reprogramme your immune system?

OPINION

Adriaan Basson: If all black lives matter to the ANC, what about Collins Khosa's death?

On the same day that the ANC, South Africa's governing party, launched its Black Friday campaign against racism and state brutality, the defence minister added insult to the injury of the family of 40-year-old Collins Khosa.

Being one of eleven people who have allegedly died at the hands of police officers or soldiers during South Africa's lockdown, Khosa has become the local equivalent of George Floyd to rally the cry that black lives matter (BLM). 

Predictably, the ANC's Black Friday campaign was met with anger and disbelief from South Africans who correctly asked the governing party whether it shouldn't clean its own house first. 

SA gears up to reopen schools as Motshekga pleads for no unnecessary visits 

Schools around the country are gearing up to welcome back Grade 7 and 12 pupils under new health protocols, and with the increased foot flow, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has requested unnecessary visits be kept to a minimum.

Motshekga briefed the nation on Sunday afternoon about the plan for schools to finally reopen on Monday after a stop-start process to get them prepared to fight Covid-19.

She announced on Sunday 95% of schools were now equipped with the necessary equipment, while plans were afoot for pupils at the remaining 5%.

Coronavirus morning update: 'Sleepless nights' over schools - but 95% now ready to reopen

Your latest coronavirus news: The green light has been given for grades 7 and 12 to return to school on 8 June, with 95% of schools ready to reopen after a "momentous effort".

Mpumalanga records first Covid-19 death as toll rises to 998

Mpumalanga has recorded its first Covid-19 death as current cases neared 50 000 and deaths creep closer to the 1 000 mark.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize released the daily statistics on Sunday evening, which saw an increase of 2 312 infections, taking the number of cases to 48 285.

Covid-19: The big wave is coming

It is only a matter of time before the rest of South Africa reaches the surge in Covid-19 coronavirus cases currently being experienced in the Western Cape, experts warn.

Epidemiologists, as well as experts in infectious diseases and vaccinology, spoke to City Press this week.

All agreed that a change in social behaviour was the only way to halt the increasing speed at which the virus was spreading.

Over 95% of schools has some sort of water supply.

Deadline for the option home schooling has been extended to September in Gauteng.

Online learning can't be a solution for Gauteng only but for the country, says Lesufi.

Parents can choose the best options for their children, there are four options to choose from.

66 staff from 55 different schools have been infected in the Western Cape.

95% of schools ready to reopen after 'drastically improved' mop-up week - Motshekga

The country's basic education system has put in a momentous effort - and is now ready to open.

This was announced on Sunday by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga - giving the green light for grades 7 and 12 to return to school on Monday.

No visitors are allowed at schools say Motshekga, this includes parents and the media.

"This is a humble request," she says.

Gauteng has almost 155 nurses available for schools.

GPs mainly in township areas will start at schools before going to their surgeries.

The amount, and quality of PPEs is an issue faced by the department in the province although all schools have PPEs.

2089 in schools are catering for Grades 12 and 7 - 2078 of them are ready.

Vandalism and water and sanitation are the main reasons other schools aren't ready to open.

30 schools have staff who have tested positive of Covid-19. The list of these schools will be posted on the department's website.