South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Thursday 12 November

Never miss a beat when it comes to the latest news in South Africa, be sure to check out what’s making headlines on Thursday 12 November.

As fears of a second wave of the coronavirus escalate, South Africa has opened up the countries to all travellers – provided they meet strict requirements. President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a nationwide address, announced an extension of the state of disaster, with updated measures to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The state of disaster has been extended by a month, until 15 December 2020.

The return to normal trading hours for alcohol sales was greeted with happiness by many, though stats have shown that this could results in higher casualty intake at public hospitals.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Thursday 12 NOVEMBER

Ramaphosa confirms state of disaster extension amid COVID-19 surge

Addressing the nation on Wednesday 11 October, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the national state of disaster would be extended by yet another month. The state of disaster, and the lockdown it facilitates, was due to end on 15 November, but will now extend until 15 December. 

Ramaphosa said that a number of outbreaks and surges in COVID-19 case reports – particularly in the Eastern Cape – has informed his decision to extend the state of disaster, and said that government is working closely with provincial leadership to put in place measures to stem the spread. 

Cyril Ramaphosa: 10 key takeaways from his address

While Ramaphosa touched on many issues on Wednesday night, one of the biggest announcement of all was that the National State of Disaster would be extended by a further month to 15 December 2020. While the rest of his speech focused largely on COVID-19 prevention, he did drop a few more bombs.

Here’s what else he had to say. 

International travellers can now visit SA – on these conditions

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the economic recovery has to occur across all sectors. He explained that level one regulations will be amended to restore normal trading hours.

He also confirms that we will finally see a lift on the international travel ban. Therefore, it’s now more important than ever for travellers to follow safety protocols to limit the spread of the disease.

Outgoing Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu dies

Outgoing Auditor-General of South Africa Kimi Makwetu has died on Wednesday 11 November 2020. 

“It is with great sadness and shock that we announce the passing of Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu this afternoon,” the office of the auditor general said. 

According to the statement, Makwetu passed away in hospital. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in June 2018.

“As the national audit office, we join the Makwetu family in mourning his death. We ask the public to keep in their thoughts as they come to terms with his passing and to give them the privacy and space to deal with his passing,” it said. 

“When they are ready, the family will share details of how they would like to honour their beloved husband and father,” it added. 

Ex-NMB Mayor Bobani dies after COVID-19 hospitalisation

The former Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Mongameli Bobani, has passed away on Wednesday evening. The UDM heavyweight ascended to the local leadership shortly after a provincial partnership with the DA collapsed.

The colourful character was often engaged in fierce political arguments with his opponents and was eventually removed from his mayoral role last year. The latest news we have on this breaking story is as follows:

• Bobani was hospitalised three weeks ago with COVID-19.
• His attorney Danie Gouws confirmed the news on Wednesday night.
• His legacy in Nelson Mandela Bay was contentious, but he was a champion amongst his followers in the UDM.

Brackenfell latest: School evacuated after bomb threat

The prickly atmosphere in Brackenfell, Western Cape was not eased on Wednesday, after a local school was evacuated over a ‘bomb threat’. The call was made just before midday, as teachers and learners fled to safety. This region has made headlines throughout the week, after protests against racism degenerated into violent clashes.

Senzo Meyiwa’s tombstone unveiled at KwaZulu-Natal cemetery

A tombstone for former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has been unveiled in KwaZulu-Natal.

The unveiling at the Mayville Heroes Acre cemetery comes more than six years after he was tragically shot and killed on October 26, 2014.

LATEST WEATHER FORECAST, Thursday 12 NOVEMBER

Take a look at weather forecasts for all nine provinces here.

LIVE TRAFFIC UPDATES FOR CAPE TOWN, JOHANNESBURG AND DURBAN

Stay one step ahead of the traffic by viewing our live traffic updates here.

HOROSCOPE TODAY

Free daily horoscope, celeb gossip and lucky numbers for Thursday 12 November.