South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday 8 April

Never miss a beat when it comes to the latest news in South Africa; review our wrap of headlines on Wednesday 8 April.

The coronavirus’ spread continues throughout South Africa, as government redoubles testing and containment efforts in order to avoid having to extend the lockdown period. Amid the uncertainty, President Cyril Ramaphosa has been forced to take a minister to task for allegedly undermining the lockdown laws.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Wednesday 8 April

Lockdown extension ‘likely’

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has confirmed that government is looking at the possibility of extending the nationwide lockdown — or, at the very least, holding some regulations in place – beyond the initial 21-days in order the curb the spread of COVID-19.

As the health department scrambles to increase its testing capacity, Mkhize has warned of a deadly ‘second wave’ of coronavirus infections which could lead to catastrophe if lockdown laws aren’t properly adhered to. Consultations with foreign experts, particularly from China, are likely to see government err on the side of caution.

Medical experts have also commented on the likelihood of a lockdown extension, noting that South Africa was entering its winter-flu season which, in addition to adding extra strain to the country’s healthcare system, could lead to confusion around COVID-19 symptoms and a rapid resurgence.

Number of coronavirus cases rise to 1 749

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa has risen to 1 749 – an increase of 63 from Monday’s figures. The death toll has also increased to 13.

While the comparatively subdued rise in numbers is, according to Mkhize, no cause for immediate alarm, concern around infections impacting healthcare workers has flustered government. In recent days, numerous clinics have been forced to shut their doors after nurses were found to be infected with COVID-19.

The most serious case involves St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban, which has confirmed 66 coronavirus cases; 48 of those relate to staff members. Mkhize said:

“The Provincial Department [of Health] is engaging the hospital, with a view to closing parts of the hospital down.”

The health minister added that tracing points of contact remained a priority and that officials were actively making headway in this regard.

Minister of Communications summoned before President Ramaphosa

Minister of Communications, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has found herself in hot water after a post on social media allegedly showed her defiance of lockdown laws. As a result, President Ramaphosa has summoned the minister to explain herself.

African National Congress (ANC) member and former Higher Education Minister, Mduduzi Manana, posted a photo of a ‘lunch date’ involving Ndabeni-Abrahams and others. The caption read:

“It was great to host a former colleague and dear sister Cde Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on her way back from executing critical and essential services.”

Although the image was quickly deleted from Instagram, the fallout was unstoppable. After being heavily-criticised on social media, calls for Ndabeni-Abrahams to be charged with violating the lockdown regulations were championed by the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Although both Ndabeni-Abrahams and Manana have attempted to downplay the incident, sources close to the matter say that President Ramaphosa is taking the alleged defiance extremely seriously and has ordered that the minister explain herself before him.

Crimes against women condemned

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has condemned the raping and murder of women during the national lockdown period.

This follows two reported cases of murder over the past weekend.

A Willowvale woman was found murdered in her home last Friday, with her 18-month-old baby lying next to her. It is reported that the 47-year-old woman was shot in her upper body.

In a separate incident a Grade 9 pupil that attends Aurora Girls’ High School from Dobsonville, Soweto, was raped and murdered while running an errand. Her body was found last Friday in a bush at eMndeni Extension in Soweto.

“We are shattered! This is saddening beyond comprehension especially during these trying times. I’m calling for immediate action against perpetrators of GBV. Men must stand up against GBV by saying violence against women and girls is unacceptable,” the Minister said.

She said women and girls are currently gripped by fear in their homes. (Source: SAnews)

CSA appoint Devnarain as first full-time Women’s Under-19s coach

Former Proteas allrounder Dinesha Devnarain has been appointed as the first full-time Women’s Under-19s coach by Cricket South Africa (CSA).

Devnarain will perform a dual role taking charge as the Women’s National Academy head coach alongside her position with the Under-19s.

CSA have given Devnarain a three-year contract and feel this appointment reflects their desire to strengthen the women’s game.

Devnarain, who has served as the assistant coach of the National Academy since 2017, will oversee the progress to the inaugural ICC Women’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place in Bangladesh, in early 2021.

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