South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Thursday 9 July

Stay up to date with the latest news in South Africa; check out the headlines making waves across the country on Thursday 9 July.

As South Africa experiences a sudden surge in coronavirus cases — becoming recognised as a global hotspot — public officials are forced into isolation as infections creep closer to those in positions of political power. Meanwhile, the man accused of brutally murdering 28-year-old Tshegofatso Pule appears in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Thursday 9 JULY

Surging towards the peak: SA now a ‘global hotspot‘

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize painted a grim picture before parliament on Wednesday afternoon, revealing that the sudden surge of infections was indicative of South Africa nearing the peak. Averaging over 10 000 new daily cases, with a relative doubling rate considered to be one of the highest in the world, South Africa  is now considered a global hotspot.

Mkhize did, however, note that while the peak was still expected to occur in mid-August, revised projections indicated that there would be a lower need for ICU beds. This explanation comes amid fears that hotspot provinces, particularly the Eastern Cape and Gauteng, have failed to secure an adequate number of beds to deal with the influx of patients.

Mkhize’s remarks also coincide with Gauteng overtaking the Western Cape as the country’s coronavirus epicentre, accounting for 34% of confirmed cases.

Tshegofatso Pule murder accused back in court

Muzikayise Malephane, the man charged with the brutal murder of 28-year-old Tshegofatso Pule — who was found bludgeoned to death and hanging from a tree on 8 June, — will return to court today following coronavirus-related delays. Malephane was originally due to appear on 2 July but the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court was forced to close for decontamination after two court orderlies tested positive for COVID-19.

It’s been alleged that Malephane had been hired to kill Pule, who was eight months pregnant at the time of her murder. Malephane faces a charge of premeditated murder.

Western Cape Premier tests positive for COVID-19

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has tested positive for COVID-19 after developing mild flu-like symptoms on Sunday and went to test on Monday.

“I received a positive test result for COVID-19 this morning, and I am in self-isolation at home for 14 days.”

“I know I am at a higher risk of developing a more serious illness since I am type 2 diabetic and over 55 years of age,” he said, adding that he has been at home since he was sick.

He confirmed that he is only experiencing mild symptoms, which feels like a cold.

“However, given my risk category, I will be carefully monitoring my health to make sure that any change is picked up quickly.”

Winde said, however, he was still involved in all meetings to coordinate the province’s COVID-19 response. (Source: SAnews)

The call to protect jobs

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, African Union Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has encouraged the international community to protect working people against the rising tide of unemployment through universal social protection.

“We have to invest in people’s capabilities, in skills development, in lifelong learning, in workplace inclusivity and in advancing gender equality,” the President said.

Addressing the virtual International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s Global Summit on COVID-19 and the World of Work on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of transforming domestic policy frameworks to support the creation of decent and sustainable work.

“The whole world is in the midst of an unprecedented global crisis. But within it lies the seeds of opportunity to deliver greater economic security, equal opportunity and social justice for those who work, for those who have lost work and for those who are looking for work.

“As we strive to recover from this pandemic, let us continue to be guided by the spirit of solidarity and ensure that we put people and their welfare at the centre of all our efforts, and most importantly that all our responses to this pandemic leaves no one behind,” he said.

The President said the pandemic has given an added impetus for the goal of making workplaces more agile, more adaptable and safer. (Source: SAnews)

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HOROSCOPE TODAY

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