COVID-19 WRAP | NSFAS needs R4.3bn more because of extended academic year

July 14 2020 - 21:15

SA passes UK's Covid-19 infections, with 10,000 new cases in 24 hours

SA recorded 10,496 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours, with the number of infections countrywide surging towards the 300,000 mark.

This took SA above the UK, in the process becoming the ninth worst-hit nation in terms of caseload.

Figures announced by health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize on Tuesday night reveal Gauteng recorded 3,357 new cases and continued to be the virus epicentre in SA. KZN also recorded more than 3,000 new cases.

July 14 2020 - 21:09

Gwede Mantashe tests positive for Covid-19

Mineral resources and energy minister Gwede Mantashe has tested positive for Covid-19.

His positive test was confirmed in a statement on behalf of cabinet on Tuesday night.

The minister's wife Nolwandle Mantashe also tested positive.

July 14 2020 - 19:29

Trauma cases leapt 62% when first booze ban ended, says Western Cape

The ban on alcohol sales introduced with the Covid-19 hard lockdown at the end of March immediately reduced trauma admissions at five key Western Cape hospitals by up to 50%.

When the ban was lifted on June 1, the number of trauma cases immediately leapt by 62%.

The statistics emerged on Tuesday in a Western Cape health department report that ended: “We would like maintain the firm recommendation that the alcohol ban be reinstated to minimise the impact on our health services in their ability to manage Covid-19 in the Western Cape.

July 14 2020 - 18:01

'Active case' graph in Western Cape begins to head in right direction

A key statistic in the Covid-19 pandemic in the Western Cape has begun to show a downward trend.

On Tuesday, active confirmed cases in the province were 15,160, with an average daily decline of 47 cases over the past 14 days.

Active cases have fallen 14% since they reached their peak of 17,612 on July 6.

July 14 2020 - 17:46

NSFAS needs R4.3bn more because of extended academic year

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) needs R4.3bn extra to cater for students this year because of delays brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This was revealed in parliament on Tuesday when NSFAS appeared in front of the higher education portfolio committee.

The estimated R4.3bn shortfall is to fund student allowances and would be needed if the current learning term runs until early next year, as expected.

July 14 2020 - 16:53

Long queues for Covid-19 relief grant

On Monday, social relief of distress (SRD) beneficiaries formed long queues at Redhill post office in Durban.

They complained about a lack of physical distancing and people jumping the queue, GroundUp reported.

Bonakele Mkhize, from Inanda, said she was so excited when she received an SMS confirming that the R350 grant she applied for a few weeks back had been approved.

July 14 2020 - 16:26

Covid-19 closes 13 KZN driving test centres

Driving licence and learner driver applications or renewals will have to take a back seat in KwaZulu-Natal for now as 13 driving licence testing centres (DLTCs) in the province had to be temporarily shut due to Covid-19 outbreaks.

The news was made public in a statement on Tuesday by the provincial department of transport.

July 14 2020 - 16:19

'New system' for daily Covid-19 stats - but health department mum on details

The department of health will be switching to a new system to release the country's daily Covid-19 statistics.

When asked why the ages of those who had succumbed to the virus was no longer being released daily, national health ministerial spokesperson Dr Lwazi Manzi revealed that a new system was in the works.

"We are switching to a new system because of the bigger numbers. They [the ages of the deceased] will come back," she said.

July 14 2020 - 15:58

Food Lover's store admits to charging excessive price for raw ginger

The Competition Tribunal has confirmed a consent agreement reached between the Competition Commission and Food Lovers Holdings whereby the firm agreed to stop excessive pricing for ginger sold at one of its stores.

It has agreed to donate essential goods worth R18,579 to an old age home in Randfontein.

While just over 20 consent agreements the commission has reached with companies in relation to excessive pricing have been for sanitisers, gloves and face masks since the coronavirus pandemic, the latest agreement is the first in respect of excessive pricing for a food product.

July 14 2020 - 15:00

Close SA schools until after the Covid-19 pandemic peak: Sadtu

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) on Tuesday called on the government to close schools countrywide until after the Covid-19 pandemic has reached its peak. 

The call was made following a special meeting by the union’s national executive committee to discuss the spread of the virus at schools.

July 14 2020 - 14:56

WATCH | ‘Cyril is not God!’ - South Africans react to second alcohol ban

President Cyril Ramaphosa banned the sale of alcohol for the second time on Sunday night, when he addressed the nation about the Covid-19 pandemic.

July 14 2020 - 14:50

It takes only 20 minutes to risk infection in a fully loaded taxi - even with a face mask

An expert has warned that commuters spending more than 20 minutes in a fully loaded taxi, without proper ventilation, are at risk of being infected with Covid-19 even if they wear a face mask.

In fact, if you spend more than 20 minutes in a taxi loaded to 100% capacity, you risk being infected with any contagious disease, Dr Angelique Coetzee, president of the SA Medical Association (Sama), told TimesLIVE on Tuesday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that taxis would be permitted to increase their capacity to 100% while undertaking local trips.

July 14 2020 - 14:30

What does it mean for a beauty salon to be Clean Touch Certified?

While salons have opened again, you might be hesitant to leap back into your favourite beauty therapist or make-up artist’s chair. Understandably so -  the spread of Covid-19 is at its height and it’s now more important than ever to be sure that the necessary precautions are being taken at any establishment that you choose to go to.

There’s nothing like a seal of approval to make you feel confident about purchasing a certain product or service, and the quality and safety thereof. That’s why Dermalogica has introduced a "Clean Touch Certified" seal for salon owners, barbers, nail technicians and skin therapists to display in store, provided of course that they’ve completed Dermalogica’s Clean Touch Certification course.

July 14 2020 - 14:20

Mlamli Mangcala discharged from hospital after Covid-19 battle

After spending several weeks in hospital, including four or five days on oxygen in an intensive care unit, former The Queen actor Mlamli Mangcala is back home and in high spirits.

The star was diagnosed with Covid-19 last month after struggling to breathe and when he was unable to walk.

He underwent treatment and was told he had developed bilateral pneumonia, in addition to Covid-19. He said he had lost more than 27kg because of the illness.

July 14 2020 - 14:02

WATCH LIVE | Sadtu to give feedback on reopening of schools amid rapid spread of Covid-19

The SA Democratic Students Union (Sadtu) will on Tuesday provide an update on the reopening of schools amid the rapid spread of Covid-19.

July 14 2020 - 13:11

Union calls on teachers, pupils to picket until Ramaphosa 'listens' and closes schools

The Educators Union of SA (Eusa) has called on teachers and pupils to picket from Tuesday to pressure President Cyril Ramaphosa to close schools as the number of Covid-19 infections increases.

The union said the teaching fraternity felt angry and betrayed by Ramaphosa because he did not touch on the issue of “escalating” Covid-19 cases at schools when he addressed the nation on Sunday evening.

“The president showed how much teachers, pupils and support staff at schools are disregarded by his government,” said union spokesperson Kabela Mahlobogwane.

July 14 2020 - 13:10

Painful delays for family of slain Tongaat teen as Covid-19 closes court

The family of slain Tongaat teen Andile Mbuthu are disappointed after the bail application of the six men accused of his murder was again postponed because of Covid-19.

The family did not even make it inside the courthouse when a court official on Tuesday told about 50 people waiting outside that it was closed because staff had tested positive for Covid-19. The matter had been set down for judgment on the bail applications.

“It is not safe for you inside. The court and the one across the street [Verulam family court] has been closed,” said the official.

Sources inside the court said that court orderlies from one floor in the building had tested positive.

July 14 2020 - 13:05 

'Taxi commuters must wear masks and keep windows open at all material times': Zweli Mkhize

July 14 2020 - 12:53

Zweli Mkhize: Just one week of alcohol ban will see 3,400 fewer hospital traumas

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced that a nationwide ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol would take effect immediately.

The decision has been met with mixed reaction from various sectors. Some have argued that this further imposes on their individual liberties while others have lauded the move as an important measure to alleviate pressure on our health-care system and curb the rate of gender-based violence in our communities.

For one to understand the decision, it is vital to assess the evidence of the social impact alcohol has in the South African context.

July 14 2020 - 12:52

IN QUOTES | Zweli Mkhize stresses opening of windows in taxis to limit spread of droplets

Health minister Zweli Mkhize has stressed the importance of opening windows in taxis to help limit the spread of Covid-19, despite cold fronts around the country.

During a social cluster ministerial briefing on Monday, Mkhize urged taxi drivers to keep air circulating by opening windows and enforcing the wearing of face masks while in transit.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that the taxi industry could operate at 100% capacity for short-distance and 70% for long-distance travel.

July 14 2020 - 12:50

'I don’t want to lie, the first day was difficult': 88-year-old beats Covid-19

“When they first told me that I was positive for Covid-19 and I was admitted to hospital I was shaken, but I told myself I would not give in to the virus. I would conquer it.” 

Those were the words of 88-year-old Port Elizabeth resident Kolekile (KK) Kwatsha, who recovered from Covid-19 after spending a week in Mercantile Hospital.

Kwatsha, from New Brighton, is among the 3,054 people in the city who, as of Saturday, had recovered from the virus, reports HeraldLIVE.

July 14 2020 - 12:47

Zimbabwe passes 1,000 Covid-19 case mark amid calls for alcohol ban

Zimbabwe’s Covid-19 cases have gone past 1,000 with a sharp increase in local transmissions.

The health and childcare ministry on Monday said positive cases stood at 1,034. Of the 49 new cases, 28 are returnees from South Africa and 21 are local transmissions.

One death was recorded on Monday, pushing the tally to 19. There are 343 recoveries.

Reacting to the latest figures, Zanu-PF legislator Justice Mayor Wadyajena said it was time for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to make “unpopular decisions”, such as banning sales of alcohol and cigarettes "because we are too poor to take chances".

July 14 2020 - 12:45

Egypt journalist dies of coronavirus after leaving prison: family

An Egyptian journalist arrested after appearing on the Al Jazeera network has died of the novel coronavirus, his daughter confirmed, days after he was released from detention.

Mohamed Monir, 65, had been arrested in mid-June and charged with "membership of a terrorist group, dissemination of false news and improper use of social networks".

His arrest, widely criticised by rights groups, came after he appeared on the Qatar-based satellite news channel.

Egypt labels the channel a mouthpiece for the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, a charge Doha denies.

July 14 2020 - 12:44

LISTEN | Voices from the front line in the war against Covid-19

As the coronavirus pandemic gathers pace in SA, pressure on the country's doctors has become intense.

Boitumelo Makaulule, who works in a government hospital, and Suhayl Essa, who does shifts in private clinics, shared their stories with Sunday Times reporter Paul Ash.

July 14 2020 - 12:24

Gauteng government responds to K.O's claims about 'violating' Covid-19 video

Rapper K.O has announced he intends to go ahead with a lawsuit against the Gauteng government after it allegedly repurposed an animated video clip that featured characters he believes resembles him and his former Cashtime crew without their consent.

The clip was used in a campaign to raise awareness around the Covid-19 pandemic.

K.O declared his intentions to take legal action against the provincial government on Monday after he saw the video clip shared by its official Twitter account, and said he felt "violated" by it.

He later took to Twitter to confirm the matter would be dealt with by his legal team.

July 14 2020 - 11:26

Uzalo’s Thuthuka Mthembu on her TV wedding in the times of Covid-19

Fans of hit SABC1 soapie Uzalo witnessed a wedding with a difference on Monday when the show's Nonka tied the knot with Sbonelo.

The handsome smooth-talker had managed to manipulate both Nonka, played by Thuthuka Mthembu, and Philile (Tee Xaba), into accepting his marriage proposals, causing some real drama.

Sbonelo is in love with both women and is not willing to let either of them go, much to the distress of many.

July 14 2020 - 11:20

'The lives of teachers, pupils, support personnel and the public matter': Sadtu

July 14 2020 - 10:39

Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai, daughter test positive for Covid-19

Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai has tested positive for Covid-19, her actor husband Abhishek Bachchan said Sunday just a day after he and his father, screen legend Amitabh Bachchan, were admitted to hospital with the infectious disease.

Their eight-year old daughter Aaradhya was also Covid-19 positive, he tweeted, adding that they were recovering at their home in Mumbai.

July 14 2020 - 10:32

Covid-19 immunity may disappear within months, new study finds

Patients who recover from coronavirus infections may lose their immunity to reinfection within months, according to research released on Monday that experts said could have a "significant" influence on how governments manage the pandemic.

In the first study of its kind, a team led by researchers from King's College London examined the levels of antibodies in more than 90 confirmed virus patients and how they changed over time. 

Blood tests showed even individuals with only mild Covid-19 symptoms mounted some immune response to the virus. Of the study group, 60 percent showed a "potent" viral response in the first few weeks after infection. However, after three months only 16.7 percent had maintained high levels of Covid-19-neutralising antibodies, and after 90 days several patients had no detectable antibodies in their bloodstream.

July 14 2020 - 10:30

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma defends Cyril Ramaphosa and amended lockdown regulations

Co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma came to the defence of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the amended lockdown regulations amid criticism after the reintroduction of a ban on alcohol sales and a curfew.

Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, Dlamini-Zuma said Ramaphosa's address on Sunday was an attempt to help SA overcome the coronavirus.

Ramaphosa announced amended regulations under level 3 lockdown, reintroducing a ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol “with immediate effect” and reimposing a curfew from 9pm to 4am. 

July 14 2020 - 10:27

Brazil's Bolsonaro fed up with quarantine, to take new virus test

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been in quarantine nearly a week after testing positive for the new coronavirus, announced Monday he plans to take another test as he "can't stand" being in isolation.

The result of the test, which is scheduled for Tuesday, "should be out in a few hours, and I will wait quite anxiously because I can't stand this routine of staying at home. It's horrible," Bolsonaro said in a telephone interview with CNN Brazil, from his official residence at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia.

Since the beginning of the crisis, the far-right president has dismissed the seriousness of the epidemic and criticised containment measures ordered by governors in Brazilian states.

July 14 2020 - 10:25

UK to make face masks mandatory in shops

The British government was on Tuesday to make wearing a face mask mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England from next week.

"The Prime Minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from July 24," said a statement from Boris Johnson's Downing Street office.

July 14 2020 - 09:10

WATCH | Chicken Licken has SA chuckling with latest ad featuring viral lockdown moments

Chicken Licken could give other notable chicken restaurant chains a run for their marketing money with its latest lockdown advert.

Dubbed the best one yet since the start of the lockdown, Chicken Licken's advert pokes fun at several of the hilarious incidents that have gone viral during the national lockdown.

The Soulful Nation advert features social media comedic sensation Tyson Ngubeni, who narrates why South Africans are “soulful” people.

July 14 2020 - 07:49

Ndlozi pokes holes at private health-care, arguing that Covid-19 will reveal its discriminatory elements 

July 14 2020 - 07:49

Forget the booze ban, celebs just want to know why children are still going to school

Mona Monyane, Rami Chuene and Simphiwe Dana are among the famous faces who have called on the government to look at the dangers of sending children back to school during the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that several restrictions would be put in place to try to curb the spread of the coronavirus in SA, including the reinstatement of a curfew and ban on alcohol.

While the ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol has social media buzzing with opinions, several celebs said it was now time for the government to address the risk children face when returning to school.

July 14 2020 - 07:26

South Africans opt for 'get in, get out ASAP' approach to shopping

For many South Africans, shopping habits have changed over the lockdown period — and most are looking to get in, get what they need and get out.

Many have dumped the practice of bulk buying, which surged in the days leading to the lockdown and the first few days into the lockdown period. Now shoppers are looking at simply getting what they need.

This is according to a study conducted by market research company Nielsen South Africa.

“The nature of South African shopping trips has shifted during the Covid-19 lockdown from an initial focus on bulk, stock-up shopping to everyday-needs shopping, which is up a significant 10 points from pre-Covid-19 levels, both online and offline,” said the company.

July 14 2020 - 07:24

‘Give us a break,’ say many as Mkhize tries to explain booze ban

Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says it’s inexcusable to clog beds with drinkers.

But South Africans are pointing to apparent double standards.