South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Thursday 22 July 2021

We’ve got the latest news stories and headlines in South Africa on Thursday 22 July 2021 to keep you up to date with what’s happening in our country right now.

It’s that time of the month when we speculate about whether we will see the country’s Level 4 lockdown regulations eased somewhat. There’s a fairly strong case for taking our foot off the throttle and dropping to Level 3. Gauteng was moved beyond its peak and infections seem to be dropping rapidly. However, other provinces seem to be heading towards their own peaks in the coming weeks. However, there are businesses crying out for the government to show them some mercy and open up the economy. It’s a tricky decision to make for the National Coronavirus Command Council which will be meeting on Sunday.

The current adjusted Level 4 regulations are valid until Sunday 25 July, after which we expect the president to either announce an extension of lift regulations. For now … it’s a waiting game.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Thursday 22 July

Will Level 4 lockdown be EASED this week? Here’s what the data says…

South Africa’s extended period of Level 4 lockdown is scheduled for review on Sunday 25 July. In just a few days, Cyril Ramaphosa will update the nation on whether the tough restrictions will be eased – or alternatively, extended further.

Is there a case for relaxing our current lockdown laws? Well, if the first indicator we look at is ‘new cases’, then there might be something to build on. For the past 14 days, the weekly average of daily infections has been declining. With Gauteng’s ‘fresh case rate’ dropping like a stone, national figures have improved too. But there’s a caveat…

“The national seven-day moving average of COVID cases has declined since 6 July 2021, largely because of the decline in Gauteng. The percentage of people testing positive however increased in the Eastern Cape, Free State, KZN, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and Western Cape, when compared to previous weeks.” | Dr. Harry Moultrie, NICD

Government says ALL recovered items will be destroyed, here’s why

Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefed the media on Tuesday on the government’s intervention to rebuild the economy, following the horrific riots and looting in KZN and Gauteng. She mentioned that R1.5 billion in stock was lost in KZN alone and so this begs the question, what then happens to all the looted items that were recovered by police? 

While recovered goods will be used for evidence in investigations regarding looting, they will also be destroyed, Ntshavheni said. She explained that if those goods have a chance to circulate, they will diminish the value of other goods. 

“The recovered goods will be destroyed and why you destroy them is because those goods if circulated in the markets, they diminish the value of other goods so we cannot afford to collapse the economy by circulating stolen goods so they have to be destroyed in line with police, it’s part of managing the goods that are in the country,” she said. 

“We cannot allow the circulation of recovered goods because it will destroy the economy. Imagine if your laptop that you bought for R8 000 becomes available in the streets for R1 000, what it will do to the economy of the country,” she added. 

Looting leader? Local ANCYL head allegedly arrested for ‘instigating riots’

A local leader of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) was allegedly arrested last week after he was accused of instigating deadly riots across KZN and Gauteng. Nhlanhla Hendry Nkosi works as Uthukela’s branch head for the ruling party’s sub-organisation, and an MP from the area has pointed an accusatory finger at his political rival.

Alf Lees is an elected representative of the DA. He’s also the head of the Uthukela Constituency, and more than most, he’s fairly clued up about what goes on in this part of the province. Lees says that a trusted source has leaked the information to him – but apparently, the ANC is remaining silent about the actions of a trusted cadre.

“The DA has learned from a reliable source that Nhlanhla Hendry Nkosi, apparently the Uthukela leader of the ANCYL, has been arrested for taking part, leading, and instigating the violence around Ladysmith. Given that Nkosi was allegedly arrested nine days ago, it is astounding that the ANC has not condemned the actions of its ANCYL leader.”

Former Ukhozi FM DJ, Ngizwe Mchunu to remain behind bars

Former Ukhozi FM DJ, Ngizwe Mchunu will remain behind bars for another week. Mchunu appeared before the Randburg magistrate’s court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody until his bail hearing in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg on 28 July 2021.

Mchunu was arrested after handed himself over to police at the Durban Central police station on Monday, 19 July following allegations of inciting violence and anarchy in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said Mchunu allegedly made utterances during a press conference in Johannesburg, and these amounted to incitement to commit public violence.

”Evidence that we have relates to utterances that he made during the press conference that he held. In terms of masterminding it, I am not able to comment at this stage because there is a wide range of investigations that are conducted which might lead to more charges being added,” he told IOL.

Watch | ‘Are you insured?’ – McLaren supercar mangled in N1 smash

Ouch, that’s gotta hurt… both physically and financially. One unlucky motorist endured an absolute nightmare on the N1 earlier today after they smashed their expensive McLaren into the central reservation. Treacherous conditions made the morning commute all the more difficult, and alas, this flashy supercar succumbed to the wild weather.

Traditionally, motor vehicles don’t come out as winners when they plough into concrete structures, and this incident was no different. A quick glance at the motor showed us a front end that’s completely mangled, with debris from the bumper and the bonnet scattered across the highway. The impact of the crash was notably severe.

However, no fatalities have been reported as a result of this crash on the N1. In fact, the only injury we are aware of is a bruised ego, belonging to the McLaren driver in question. Let’s just hope their insurance premium is water-tight…

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HOROSCOPE TODAY

Free daily horoscope, celeb gossip, and lucky numbers for Thursday 22 July.