South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Thursday 1 October

Stay informed and up to date with the latest news in South Africa by reviewing the day’s major headlines on Thursday 1 October.

It’s a new month and, with it, comes a new phase of South Africa’s risk-adjusted strategy to balance risks associated with coronavirus and livelihoods reliant on tourism. As the country opens international travel to and from low-risk destinations, tertiary education readies to welcome back all students to campuses as the country enters a ‘new normal’.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Thursday 1 October

South Africa reopens international travel: Here’s what you need to know

South Africa has reached in new, welcomed milestone in its fight against the coronavirus, with Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor detailing rules for international travel. For the first time in more than six months, South Africa’s borders will open to visitors after weathering the worst of the COVID-19 storm.

Addressing the media on Wednesday afternoon, ministers associated with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) detailed stringent regulations pertaining to international travel in line with government’s risk-based approach. Travel to and from low and medium risk countries — whose infection rates match or are lower than South Africa’s own — will be permitted. Only three airport — OR Tambo, Cape Town International and King Shaka — will service international travel and passengers will need to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test.

Additionally, travellers will need to provide the address of their stay on arrival and hold travel insurance which provides some protection against risks associated with contracting COVID-19.

Minister revealed that 57 countries had been listed as high-risk and, as such, travel to or from those regions would only be applicable for high-skilled visa holders. You can view the full list of prohibited countries, here.

All university students able to return to class

In addition to international travel reopening under Level 1 lockdown in October, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande has announced that universities are now permitted to accommodate learners at full capacity. Nzimande said:

“I am pleased to say that we are now in a position to welcome back 100% of our university students.”

Nzimande added that foreign students would be allowed to return in line with international travel regulations outlined by members of the NCCC, which includes a compulsory quarantine period if travelling from a high-risk region.

Nzimande announced that the all-out reopening of universities would align with stringent safety protocols, including social distancing and the wearing of face masks. Additionally, the minister noted that rooms could be filled to 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people indoors at a time.

At least 10 universities are expected to complete the academic year in 2020, four universities expect to finish in January 2021, while the rest will wrap up the curriculum in February and March.

State Capture breakthrough: Hawks swoop on six suspects

While many South Africans have become frustrated with inaction associated with the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, recent testimony before Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and subsequent arrests, have rekindled hope of legal accountability for those involved in the looting of public funds.

On Wednesday, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation — better known as the Hawks — arrested six suspects following testimony by businessman Edwin Sodi who has been connected to a dodgy Free State asbestos project worth R255 million.

Sodi was arrested, along with former Free State Human Settlements Department (FSHS) boss Nthimotse ‘Tim’ Mokhesi and former national human settlements director-general Thabane Zulu. The interprovincial operation, which was carried out in the Free State, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, has been hailed as the first example of stern action against those in political power emanating from the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General, Ace Magashule, has been accused of pocketing between R1 million and R10 million from the plagued Blackhead-Diamond Hill JV scheme. Sodi testified that Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, the Deputy Minister of State Security, Zizi Kodwa, and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Pinky Kekana had all received kickbacks associated with the dodgy tender.

Gauteng PPE corruption: Premier David Makhura strikes

The Head of the Gauteng’s Health Department, Professor Mkhululi Lukhele, has been placed on precautionary leave by provincial premier David Makhura. Lukhele is the latest high-profile government official to fall in the wake of a damning report, penned by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), into corruption involving the procurement and supply of personal protective equipment.

Lukhele joins Gauteng Health MEC, Bandile Masuku, on special leave pending the outcomes of multiple investigations. Gauteng was recently rocked by a damning PPE scandal, which uncovered dire procurement irregularities and nepotism associated with the awarding of a supply contract to the husband of presidential spokesperson, Khusela Diko.

Both Diko and Masuku are currently under investigation by the SIU while, simultaneously, subject to an inquiry by the ANC’s Integrity Committee.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently echoed sentiments issued by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who said that corruption involving funds meant for coronavirus relief efforts were tantamount to murder.

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HOROSCOPE TODAY

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