Lockdown: It could take 3 years to catch up on work cut from 2020 curriculum - Angie Motshekga

The basic education department anticipates that it will take about three years to catch up on parts of the curriculum that won't be covered this year due to the widespread impact of Covid-19, according to Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.

The minister was speaking in Lethlabile in the North West, on Tuesday where she visited two high schools to monitor the return of Grade 12 pupils after they were on a week-long break from 27 July until 3 August.

Covid-19 wrap: Global cases top 18.35m, Latin America passes 5m and Germany already in 'second' wave

Keeping you up to date on the latest novel coronavirus (Covid-19) news from around the world. 

More than 18.35 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 693 958 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

ALSO:

- Russia reports more than 5 100 new coronavirus cases

- US adds 46 321 Covid-19 cases in 24 hours - Johns Hopkins

- Germany already dealing with second coronavirus wave - doctors' union

Booze and cigarette bans ‘risk creating cynicism and division’ says Pick n Pay chair

The ongoing prohibition on alcohol and tobacco is hurting Pick n Pay's bottom line, its chairperson told shareholders on Tuesday, but they are also important when it comes to recovery.

The booze and cigarette bans "more than any other decision taken by the government during this pandemic" are the ones that "risk creating cynicism and division that we cannot afford"," said Gareth Ackerman at Pick n Pay's annual general meeting.

Covid-19 corruption: ANC caucus 'deeply embarrassed' by 'barbaric behaviour'

The ANC's parliamentary caucus has said it is deeply embarrassed by the "barbaric behaviour" of corruption related to Covid-19 national disaster funds.

In a statement issued late on Monday night, ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina said: "Impunity seems to be [the] order [of the] day when the rate of infections is rising and essential workers continue to experience shortages within hospitals regarding availability of personal protection gear."

'Vaccine nationalism': Is it every country for itself?

If a Covid-19 vaccine gets the green light, the concern is that supply and allocation in this pandemic will echo the last - when rich nations bought up the available supply.

It's dog eat dog in the world of Covid-19 vaccines.That's the fear of global health agencies planning a scheme to bulk-buy and equitably distribute vaccines around the world.

Masks, hand sanitiser mark Lions' return to non-contact training

A new set of protocols greeted the Lions players as they returned to non-contact training over the past week.

Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen was excited to get his charges back to training after the Covid-19 enforced lockdown as franchises around the country work towards a restart of rugby once government gives the go-ahead.

Lockdown: Anxiety fills Gauteng schools, but principals determined to sail through uncharted waters

Schools in South Africa continue to sail uncharted waters as the country grapples with rising Covid-19 infections across all nine provinces. 

While anxiety is evident among some teachers as they swim through the storm, there is also a sense of determination and hope as schools strive to complete the curriculum and see pupils passing their grades.

Western Cape's PPE tender report reveals R38 million paid to one company

- R38 million was paid to a construction consortium to supply surgical masks to a Western Cape government department.

- The provincial government has released a list of companies awarded PPE contracts.

- The Western Cape health department has, so far, spent over R250 million on PPE.

INFOGRAPHICS | As SA reaches 500 000 Covid-19 cases, key indicators show early signs of decline

The rate at which Covid-19 cases are increasing daily in the country has for the first time, since the beginning of the outbreak in March, started declining, according to official, reported data.

Coronavirus morning update: Call for 'devastating' booze ban to be lifted, and cigarettes mystery

The alcohol industry calls for lifting of the 'devastating' booze ban; and Namibia should have a huge pile of cigarettes - mysteriously, they are nowhere to be found.

Here are some of our top stories:

KZN social development officials suspended, criminal case opened over R30m PPE procurement

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development has opened criminal cases and suspended a number of high-ranking officials over the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as blankets and soup.

"The MEC for social development, Nonhlanhla Khoza, has announced the suspension of officials implicated in the procurement of blankets and PPE," a statement said.

National Assembly speaker to consider DA, EFF's proposals to deal with corruption

National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise is considering requests from the DA and EFF to hold the executive accountable for alleged corruption relating to Covid-19 relief measures.

Cyril Ramaphosa | Profiting from a pandemic is like a pack of hyenas circling wounded prey

The act of trying to profit from the Covid-19 pandemic while people are dying is the act of scavengers, writes Cyril Ramaphosa.

WATCH | Washed away: Boxes of PPE found drifting in a river near Centurion

Eastern Cape Health MEC's staffer gets bail after being caught with liquor in a state car

Eastern Cape Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba's office messenger Ayanda Matinise was released on R5 000 bail by the King William's Town Magistrate Court on Monday after he was arrested for transporting liquor in a state vehicle on Saturday.

Mkhwebane's office sees 'rapid surge' in Covid-19-related complaints

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane's office has said over the last four months it has seen a rapid surge in the number of complaints received in relation to Covid-19 response initiatives.

These include complaints relating to the R350 social relief of distress grant programme, irregularities in the procurement of personal protective equipment and the awarding of a quarantine camp tender.

There are now 516 862 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country and 8 539 deaths, health minister Zweli Mkhize said in a statement on Monday.

"Regrettably we report 173 new Covid-19 related deaths: 20 from Eastern Cape, 37 from Gauteng, 12 from KwaZulu Natal, 31 from Western Cape, 28 from the North West and 45 from Mpumalanga," he said.

The number of recoveries currently stands at 358 037 which translates to a recovery rate of 69%.

Over 18 million infections worldwide, 690 363 deaths

The pandemic has killed at least 690 363 people worldwide since it surfaced in China late last year, with more than 18 million people infected, according to an AFP tally at 18:00 GMT on Monday based on official sources.

The United States has the most deaths with 154 944, followed by Brazil with 94 104, Mexico 47 746, the United Kingdom with 46 210 and India with 38 135 fatalities.

Covid-19: Ceres pupils quarantined at school hostel cleared, released

The 60 Ceres Secondary pupils, who were quarantined at their school hostel after four tested positive, have been released after no new Covid-19 cases were reported at the school. 

According to the Western Cape education department, teaching and learning for Grade 12s went smoothly after all the pupils were officially released from the school hostel which was used as a quarantine site. 

260 lockdown 'land invasions' and counting for City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town has dealt with 260 incidents of alleged illegal land occupation between April and July's lockdown, the Western Cape government said in a plea to the police and military for help to stave off "highly coordinated and sophisticated" incidents.

This comes as shacks are erected amid violent clashes with law enforcement authorities, and new settlements, with names such as "Covid Village", emerge to reflect the complexities of the situation during the coronavirus pandemic.

South African Breweries cancels R2.5 billion in plant upgrades due to alcohol ban

South African Breweries has pulled the plug on billions of rands in planned operational investments in South Africa due to the impact of the alcohol ban.  

On Monday, the Ab InBev-owned alcohol producer announced it had cancelled R2.5 billion in capital and infrastructure upgrades for 2020 and is reviewing another R2.5 billion for 2021. 

R125m Diko tender was not going to benefit amaBhaca, charge King Madzikane's grandchildren

The proceeds of a controversial R125 million personal protective equipment (PPE) tender awarded to presidential spokesperson Khuselo Diko's husband, Thandisizwe Diko, by the Gauteng health department would not have benefited the amaBhaca community, fellow royals have said.

This according to a group calling itself the great grandchildren of Inkosi uMadzikane who was the king of the amaBhaca nation.

We don't have to choose between lives and livelihoods, pleads Distell

Brewing and beverage group Distell has slammed the ongoing ban on alcohol sales, saying the damage is "immense" and that the damage outweighs the benefits.

The ban punishes "licenced, compliant" traders while allowing a thriving illicit market, it added in a statement issued on Monday morning.

Have you tried to quit? SA to take part in a big tobacco survey ahead of planned new restrictions

SA is due to take part in the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) for the first time next year. Between March and May, more than 11 000 households will be surveyed on their tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke, attempts to quit, and awareness of anti-smoking campaigns.

GATS is used to compile an "atlas" of smoking and anti-smoking measures around the world, with coverage of some 60% of the global population. That did not previously include South Africa.

Washed away: Boxes of PPE found drifting in river near Centurion

A passerby stumbled on a heap of personal protective equipment floating in the Hennops River, near the Irene country club in Centurion, on Sunday morning. 

"Do something with this, president, please," the man says in the video.

Development Bank of Southern Africa sees profits falling on Covid-19

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has warned that full year profits will fall as the lender expects some of its clients to struggle as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

The state-owned bank expects profits to be lower for the year to end-March "due to the bank adjusting for the estimated effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the performing loan portfolio by increasing expected loss provision," it said in a statement on Monday.

Mkhwebane's office sees 'rapid surge' in Covid-19-related complaints

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane's office has said over the last four months it has seen a rapid surge in the number of complaints received in relation to Covid-19 response initiatives.

These include complaints relating to the R350 social relief of distress grant programme, irregularities in the procurement of personal protective equipment and the awarding of a quarantine camp tender.

Second wave of relief fund applications 'to be advertised' - Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu

The department of Sports, Arts and Culture has set aside R77 million for the second phase of their Covid-19 relief fund for artists and athletes. Of that amount, R11 million is being ring-fenced for contribution towards the partnership with the Department of Small Business Development.  

The time frame for applications is yet to be established, said deputy minister Nocawe Mafu.

"The second wave of applications for [the] relief fund will be advertised. Practitioners will be given two weeks from date of advertisement to apply as communicated," she said during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday.

To date, R61 million has been disbursed to beneficiaries. The department received 5 322 applications in the categories of sport, digital, as well as arts, culture and heritage. 

Through the adjudication and appeals processes 4 602 applications were recommended.

The partnership with the Department of Small Business Development to jointly set aside R22 million was explained by Minister Nathi Mthethwa as "a response to a plea from the Cultural & Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) for the Craft, Design and Visual Arts sectors towards relief amid the Covid-19 pandemic."   

A Memorandum of Agreement will be entered into on how the funds will be administered, he said. 

Covid-19 wrap: Global cases pass 18.14m, UK to roll out 90-minute tests, US 'new phase' warning

Keeping you up to date on the latest novel coronavirus (Covid-19) news from around the world.

More than 18.14 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 688 080 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

ALSO:

- US adds 47 508 Covid-19 cases in 24 hours - Johns Hopkins

- Top coronavirus advisor warns US in 'new phase' of pandemic

- Britain to roll out millions of 90-minute coronavirus tests

Cyril Ramaphosa | Profiting from a pandemic is like a pack of hyenas circling wounded prey

Dear Fellow South African, 

Corruption during a national disaster is a particularly heinous type of crime, and perpetrators are going to be dealt with decisively and harshly.

It is difficult to understand the utter lack of conscience that leads a businessperson who has heeded the call to provide lifesaving supplies during a devastating pandemic to inflate the price of a surgical mask by as much as 900%.

KwaZulu-Natal records highest number of new Covid-19 cases overnight

The highly-populated east coast province now also ranks as the third highest in total cases in the country, jumping ahead of the Eastern Cape.

KwaZulu-Natal's Covid-19 numbers took over new cases from Gauteng on Sunday recording a higher share of new infections for the day, the provincial Department of Health said on Monday.

Emerging-market rebound hangs in balance as economies struggle

- The coronavirus shows no signs of subsiding, which will have economic impacts in August, says an economist.

- Efforts by central banks to boost economies in developing nations, may even be reaching their limits.

Emerging-market stocks and currencies are within touching distance of erasing their pandemic-fueled losses of 2020. Too bad the virus is still running riot, economies are shrinking and central banks are getting low on firepower.

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Champions League ready to resume, at long last

After an enforced hiatus of almost five months, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League resume this week in order to clear up the last remaining business in a troubled season.

Both competitions were frozen in March as the coronavirus pandemic took hold across the continent, and while European football's governing body acted swiftly to move Euro 2020 back a year, for a long time it was unclear how it would manage to complete its two landmark club competitions.

Gambia government officials ravaged by Covid-19

Health authorities in the former British colony of some two million people have recorded 498 coronavirus cases to date, with nine fatalities since its first case was reported in March.

Three ministers in Gambia's government have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said, days after the West African nation's president went into self-isolation.

Joburg is a coronavirus hotspot – but you can still walk the streets on a (small) guided tour

- You can't cross provincial boundaries for fun, but tour guides can operate and host walking tours.

- Some operators in Johannesburg aren't open yet, but you can take small-group tours of the likes of infamous Ponte City.

- Also still on offer are walking tours of the city.

Booze ban: SAMRC professor hits back at alcohol industry critics of lockdown law

A coalition of alcohol producers say a review of a report which government is said to have used in deciding to ban sales during lockdown was found wanting.

The alcohol industry coalition - which includes major producers such as SAB, Distell, Heineken and Pernod Ricard - recently released a statement on a review that identified that the report on alcohol-related trauma contained several data and statistical limitations due to the lack of complete information, making the robustness of the research uncertain.

Public Protector inundated with Covid-19 related complaints

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s office has over the last four months seen a rapid surge in the number of complaints of conduct and service failure relating to the pandemic.

In a statement released on Monday, the Public Protector's office said service failure allegations account for a lion’s share of the grievances, with many people having approached the office to complain about what they deem unreasonable grounds for declining their applications for the R350-a-month special social relief of distress grant.

Other matters being investigated include alleged tender irregularities in the awarding of a Quarantine Camp tender in Mpumalanga; allegations of irregularities in the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education; and allegations that a lodge being used as a quarantine site in the Eastern Cape is owned by a member of the executive council.

This is a developing story.

Coronavirus morning update: Govt admission on smokers, and latest on PPE corruption claims

The government has admitted "smoking populations were less likely to be infected" with the coronavirus; and Gauteng govt tight-lipped on latest PPE tender corruption claims.

With 213 new Covid-19 deaths, South Africa now has 8 366 fatalities.

There are 511 485 coronavirus cases after 8 195 new infections have been recorded.

The recovery rate stands at 347 227 or 68%.

Covid-19: Gauteng's Sunday figures not released due to delay in validating recoveries

Gauteng's Covid-19 figures for Sunday could not be released as the recoveries were still being validated, the provincial government has said.

"As part of ensuring the reliability of the statistics released to the public, the Gauteng Department of Health from time to time audits its data," spokesperson for Health MEC Kwara Kekana said in a statement on Sunday.

"This is part of the data harmonisation process. The team is currently validating the data for recoveries and, as such, we will not be releasing today's daily stats," she said.

Gauteng govt tight-lipped on latest PPE tender corruption claims

The DA is calling for a parliamentary debate in which President Cyril Ramaphosa must answer for the widespread Covid-19 tender corruption involving high-ranking ANC officials.

In a letter to National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise, DA interim leader John Steenhuisen said South Africans have learned of corruption scandals involving those linked to the governing party.

Nokuthula Nkosi* is a public hospital administration worker recovering in a private hospital after contracting the Covid-19 coronavirus at her workplace.

“Here is a clerk who comes to the ward fully dressed in PPE [personal protective equipment],” Nkosi said in disbelief.

This is something new to her as she has not seen it happen before at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, which is one of the designated Covid-19 treatment hospitals.

Hundreds protest in Joburg against government's response to Covid-19

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of central Johannesburg to the Gauteng legislature on Saturday.

The protest was to highlight government failures in response to Covid-19.

The protest was divided into groups to ensure physical distancing and marshals were sanitising people's hands, GroundUp reported.