Here are some of our top stories:

North West Cogta MEC Gordon Kegakilwe dies after testing positive for Covid-19

North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gordon Kegakilwe has died, according to Premier Job Mokgoro.

In a statement, Mokgoro said Kegakilwe died following a "short and serious illness" and had tested positive for Covid-19.

EXPLAINER | What we know about plans to bring back Gauteng's hard lockdown

Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku has reportedly called on the National Coronavirus Command Council to reintroduce a hard lockdown in the province amid a spike in Covid-19 cases.

This follows statements by Health Minister Zweli Mkize last week that a hard lockdown "may become necessary" to curb the pandemic.

DA slams 'top secret' draft plan to put a command council in charge of municipalities

A plan in what appears to be a "top secret" draft document from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs proposes the centralisation of municipalities with a structure similar to the National Coronavirus Command Council in charge.

The DA unearthed the document, and the party's deputy spokesperson on cooperative governance Cilliers Brink likens it to a coup d'état.

Back to school: Angie Motshekga 'anxious' about her grandkids, but 'I have to accept it'

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has admitted that she is "anxious" about her grandchildren's return to school, but says she has to accept it.

Motshekga was interviewed by eNCA morning anchor Jane Dutton about the department's readiness to receive pupils in Grades 6 and 11 following a months-long lockdown.

Cape Town mosque uses booking system to ensure safe prayers during Covid-19

Watch here:

Parents barricade gates of Limpopo schools as more grades return to the classroom

Parents at some schools in Limpopo barricaded gates on the first day of the return of pupils on Monday because of lack of preventative measures against Covid-19.

News24 received reports from various areas, especially in the deep rural areas, where some parents used the first day after lockdown to demand improved infrastructure at the schools.

Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has promised harsh action against officials who fail to order personal protective equipment (PPE) and medication from the provincial pharmaceutical depot.

She issued the warning during her visit to a depot in Seshego, Polokwane, on Monday, after an outcry over shortages of PPE for emergency medical services personnel and medication for chronic illnesses at health facilities.

After a walkabout at the depot, Ramathuba said she was satisfied there were enough items required for healthcare available. She said there was enough to last up to three months.

Her visit also comes after the death of Limpopo-based veteran journalist Karen Venter.

Disaster Management Act: FF Plus court bid dismissed

The FF Plus' court bid challenging the constitutionality of the Disaster Management Act has been dismissed by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday.

The party's application was dismissed without costs, while judgment on some aspect of the relief was postponed.

Nearly 3 000 coronavirus cases at mines, with platinum workers bearing the brunt

A total of 18 mineworkers have so far died from Covid-19, with nearly 3 000 workers having tested positive for the virus, according to data released by the Minerals Council on Monday.

More than half of the deaths were in the platinum sector, which has seen the highest number of infections as companies ramp up production following the easing of lockdown regulations.

Gold mines, which have some of the world's deepest shafts, have reported six deaths, while no deaths have occurred in the coal sector.

Lechesa Tsenoli on claims about his death: 'The report of my death was an exaggeration'

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli can relate with the immortal words of Mark Twain, who wrote: "The report of my death was an exaggeration."

Covid-19 UIF fund fraud: 5 accused granted R 5 000 bail

The 25-year-old man accused of defrauding the UIF Covid-19 relief fund, to the tune of over R5.6 million, has been granted bail along with his four co-accused, who are family members.

Tshepang Phohole appeared in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, alongside his girlfriend, stepfather, sister and his brother in-law.

Paul Mashatile goes into self-quarantine after staffer tests positive for Covid-19

As the ANC's treasurer general Paul Mashatile mourns yet another tragic death in his family, he does so, going into self-isolation after a staffer in his office tested positive for Covid-19.

The ANC made the announcement on Monday, a day after announcing the death of his wife Manzi Mashatile and a week after he laid his mother to rest.

Presidency defends lockdown in case against gym owners

Permitting all activities that arguably affect or give full effect to various rights in the Bill of Rights would collapse the national lockdown.

That's according to the Presidency's director-general Cassius Lubisi, who defended government's decision to prohibit the re-opening of gyms and other fitness facilities under Level 3 lockdown after the United Gym and Fitness Facilities took government to court challenge the decision.

How to be polite while keeping your distance and socialising safely

Things like grabbing a drink with a friend can become a minefield. Are you comfortable with their level of distancing? Who have they been seeing? Is it safe to go to their home or to go to a patio restaurant? And how do you even begin to ask them all of these questions politely?

The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we work, how we relax, and - as restrictions begin to ease, for better or worse - how we interact with one another.

Springboks: Rugby Championship defence looking doubtful

Will the Springboks be uncontested Rugby Championship 2019 title-holders at the end of the 2020 calendar year? I believe that scenario, sadly, is drawing closer and closer to fruition.

Remember that the longer the gap between last playing activity - Super Rugby-proper came to a grinding halt in mid-March - and resumption of competitive rugby, the more time will be required to get players to required conditioning levels for the rigours of combat.

Cinemas, theatres and libraries can now reopen – here are all the new rules

On Monday, government gazetted the long-awaited rules that allow libraries, museums, cinemas and theatres to reopen.

Cinemas and theatres are only allowed 50 people at a time (excluding staff), and visitors must maintain a physical distance of 1.5m from each other.

Patrons’ temperatures will be screened before entry, and those with elevated temperatures will be refused access.

Back to school: Eastern Cape postpones return of Grades R, 6 and 11 as Covid-19 cases rise

Due to a high number of Covid-19 cases at schools, the Eastern Cape education department has postponed the return date for pupils in Grades R, 6 and 11.

The department confirmed on Monday that pupils in Grades R, 6 and 11, who were meant to return on Monday, would head back on 20 July instead.

EXPLAINER | What we know about plans to bring back Gauteng's hard lockdown

The Gauteng government reportedly asked the NCCC to introduce a higher lockdown level in the province due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. 

Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku has reportedly called on the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) to reintroduce a hard lockdown in the province amid a spike in Covid-19 cases.

This follows statements by Health Minister Zweli Mkize last week that a hard lockdown "may become necessary" to curb the pandemic.

Gauteng, the smallest and most populous province in South Africa, is set to overtake the Western Cape with most Covid-19 in the coming days. 

OPINION | Government's strategy needs to change to be successful in fight against Covid-19

With close to 200 000 (about 100 000 active) Covid-19 infections and 10 000 new cases daily, the South African government's strategy to curb infections will need to change. The projections, based on the application of the government's risk-adjusted strategy, and actual infections are growing further and further apart.

Threatening to go back to a Level 4, or even a Level 5, lockdown is not going to do the trick, and it doesn't appear that the president's appeal for behavioural change is being taken seriously.

Covid-19 lockdown: United Gyms takes govt to court in bid to get back on the treadmill

Rudolph van der Westhuizen, chairperson of United Gyms, filed an urgent interim court application, asking the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town to order President Cyril Ramaphosa and several other ministers to temporarily include gyms (health and fitness clubs) in the amended regulations under Level 3, 2 and 1 of the national lockdown, as well as to reopen the facilities under strict health protocols.

Back to school: 'We missed you guys,' Motshekga tells returning pupils

"Did you miss us? We missed you guys. Are you happy to be back?" Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga asked Grade 11 pupils at the Noordwyk Secondary School in Midrand, Gauteng, on Monday morning. 

Motshekga visited to several schools in the area to inspect their readiness to receive Grade 6 and 11 pupils, after 105 days at home owing to the coronavirus lockdown regulations. Grades 7s and 12s returned to school on 8 June. 

WATCH | Covid-19: Cape Town mosque uses booking system to ensure safe prayers

The Sulaimani Mosque in Goodwood, Cape Town, is using an online registry to keep track of how many congregants attend their Friday prayers.

The mosque was one of only a handful in Cape Town to reopen under lockdown Level 3. 

EXCLUSIVE | Government instructs SAFA to play 'overarching' role in PSL return

Minister of Arts, Culture and Sports Nathi Mthethwa on Sunday requested that the South African Football Association (SAFA) assume its expected role of ensuring compliance from Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams in their return to training protocol.

In an official letter seen by Sport24, Mthethwa requested that SAFA - the governing body that controls football in South Africa - "play an overarching role" in monitoring compliance during the resumption of all football activities.

Coronavirus-hit JSE companies halt billions in dividends – here’s how it will affect you

Sixty-five JSE-listed companies suspended dividends this year, and this number may grow.

This will impact investment growth from share investments, including from unit trusts and pension funds.  

SA schools brace themselves as more pupils start heading back

South Africa is set for the return of more pupils to schools on Monday as those in Grades 6 and 11, as well as some Grade R pupils, head back to class.

A new coronavirus strain is more infectious, but doesn't make people sicker - global study

A new strain of the novel coronavirus that's spreading from Europe to the US is more infectious than its predecessor, according to a new global study published in the journal Cell and first reported on by CNN.

A new coronavirus strain is more infectious, but doesn't make people sicker - global study

A new strain of the novel coronavirus that's spreading from Europe to the US is more infectious than its predecessor, according to a new global study published in the journal Cell and first reported on by CNN.

Lockdown: ConCourt dismisses case by Helen Suzman Foundation for direct access

The Constitutional Court has again dismissed an application for direct access in a challenge relating to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Coronavirus morning update: SANDF medics deployed to Eastern Cape, and latest on schools

SANDF medics join Cuban doctors to battle Covid-19 in Eastern Cape; and back to school for Grades 6 and 11, but only some Grade Rs.

The Covid-19 death toll has hit 3 199, while the number of cases now sits at 196 750.

The total number of recoveries is now 93 315 - a recovery rate of 47.4%.

Here are today’s top stories

Grades 6 and 11 will return to school on Monday - but the basic education department is only allowing schools which are ready to welcome back Grade Rs to do so. Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga told a briefing that many schools reproted not being ready for the little ones.

Members of the SANDF medical team have been deployed in the Eastern Cape to assist the province’s overwhelmed hospitals. More military workers are expected to be deployed in phases to the province. The province is currently dealing with its peak of Covid-19 cases.

Gauteng private hospitals are feeling the pressure of the increase in cases in the province, but say they still have capacity to deal with more. This comes as the province begins seeing the first stages of its peak Covid-19 case period. State hospitals in the province are also feeling the strain.

WATCH: 100 days of lockdown - in six minutes



In other news, nuns from a convent in the Eastern Cape have buried five of their fellow sisters who died from Covid-19. They have described how the ordeal has left them traumatised and unable to sleep.

Businesses, especially those in the tourism sector, are suffering without having their interruption cover paid out by their insurer. This has led to insurance company Santam being taken to court for allegedly not paying out claims for businesses being unable to continue during the lockdown.

Stay informed with News24

Special report | We remember those who died of Covid-19.
Talking point | Are lockdown divorce applications on the rise?
Back to school | Should you let your little one back to preschool before the pandemic is over?
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

Part of Spain back into lockdown following surge in cases

Spain's northwestern Galicia region on Sunday ordered the lockdown of 70 000 people amid fears of a fresh coronavirus outbreak, following a larger one in the northeast.

All residents of the town of La Marina will be unable to leave the vicinity and gatherings of more than ten people will be banned to limit the possibility of contagion.

The move came only a day after regional officials put 200 000 people back in confinement following a "sharp rise" in infections near the northeastern town of Lerida, near Barcelona.

Spaniards endured one of the world's toughest lockdowns for three months from March as the country suffered one of Europe's worst coronavirus death tolls - at least 28 385 - and more than 250 000 cases.

"At the moment... we have 106 positive cases, which presupposes a rise on the previous day of 21 cases," Galician regional health official Jesus Vazquez told a news conference.

"It is considered necessary to raise levels of restrictions to attempt to improve the outlook ... and isolate ourselves from the possibility of exponential growth which is what tends to occur in the case of community transmission which, here, has not yet appeared."

As a precaution the zone will be cordoned off for at least five days as authorities monitor the situation.At the national level, Spanish authorities see the pandemic as having been essentially brought under control but are monitoring some 50 instances where new cases appear to be latent.

- AFP

India reports record daily cases cases

India added a record number of coronavirus cases Sunday, as the world's fourth worst-hit nation opened a huge treatment centre with 10 000 beds in the capital to fight the epidemic.

The health ministry reported just under 25 000 cases and 613 deaths in 24 hours -- the biggest daily spike since the first case was detected in late January.

The surge took India's total tally to more than 673 000 cases and 19 268 deaths.

WRAP | Grades 6 and 11 to return - but not all Grade Rs, only 0.1% of returning pupils infected with Covid-19, plan for all to return laid out

The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, says that Grades 6 and 11 will return to school on Monday, as part of the phased reopening of schools - but only schools that are ready will be allowed to welcome Grade Rs. 

This comes after the department said that Grades R, 6 and 11 will return from Monday.

Motshekga said during a briefing that provinces not ready to welcome Grade Rs back on Monday must provide plans to take them back before the end of July. 

The department's director-general, Mathanzima Mweli said 2 592 755 pupils would have returned to school by the end of July. 

He said the department has five levels of criteria when it comes to phasing-in school pupils. 

From a presentation, it said the department is currently implementing level 3 - where Grades 6 and 11 return. Pupils with severe intellectual disabilities in Grades 1, 2, 3 and 6, and special care centres for pupils with profound intellectual disabilities in years 1-3 may return.Level 2 is where Grades 4, 5, 8 and 9 will return.

Pupils with severe intellectual disabilities in Grades 4 and 5 will also return at this point. This will be in August. By Level 1, all pupils would have returned. 

3 pupils die from Covid-19

Motshekga said 11 teachers and 4 non-teaching staff have died from the virus, and another three pupils who have reportedly died from the virus. she said, however, only about 0.01% of pupils have been infected. The majority of cases were in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng. 

She said there was no evidence just yet that schools have become "cesspools" for the virus, but the department was nonetheless cautious when it came to allowing more pupils to return. 

Motshekga said returning teachers, especially those over 60, are at risk because of comorbities. She said a selection of teachers have been allowed to work from home. 

School vandalism continues

Meanwhile, Motshekga said almost all provinces were repairing the schools which were vandalised during the lockdown. However, she said six more schools in Gauteng were vandalised this week, and a school was set alight in the North West. 

She added that the lockdown is having an impact on the lives of children. She said that research showed that children were going hungry without school feeding schemes, and many were unable to make use of learning materials as they have no access to the internet. 

She said that there have been social ills under the pandemic, like teenage pregnancy and dropping out. She adds that there was also a need to strengthen psychosocial support for staff and pupils. 

- Kerushun Pillay

While we wait for Motshekga’s address...

Here is a refresher on the latest developments on the phased reopening of schools

It was announced during the week that Grades R, 6 and 11 will return to school on Monday. This came after a meeting between the department and Education MECs from all provinces. Already, matrics and Grade 7s have returned to school.

But there was pushback in KwaZulu-Natal, whose provincial education department said it would not allow the return of Grade R pupils on Monday.

Meanwhile, in another development, an independent schools body wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa asking to allow all pupils to return to its member schools. The body said it has devised a plan for this kind of reintroduction, including physical distancing measures and temperature screenings.

Motshekga will address the nation at 16:00. It will be broadcast live on News24.

Coronavirus: SANDF medical team arrives in Eastern Cape to help overwhelmed hospitals 

The SA National Defence Force's (SANDF) Military Health Service has deployed doctors, nurses and operational emergency care practitioners to the Eastern Cape to help the province's overwhelmed public hospitals.

The military medical team was expected to touch down at Port Elizabeth International Airport on Sunday morning.

SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) spokesperson Priscilla Lengoasa told News24 more military workers were expected to be deployed in phases to the province.

She declined to disclose the total number of workers allocated to the Eastern Cape.