By STAFF REPORTER

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in South Africa. This comes after the Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize announced on Tuesday that South Africa now has 35,812 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

North West Department of Health says the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province is 271. The province experienced an increase of 84 from previously reported cases. Also, a total of 74 cases which were previously allocated to Gauteng has been reallocated to the province.

Taung village recorded its first COVID-19 case on Sunday and that left many residents terrified. However, businessman and philanthropist, Tshidiso Moreane encourages people not to panic, but rather adhere to the national lockdown regulations.

“We urge every person to be confined to his or her place of residence, unless strictly for the purpose of performing an essential service, obtaining an essential good or service. Please, those who go out to collect a social grant, pension, or seeking emergency, life-saving, or chronic medical attention must adhere to the lockdown regulations.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is alive and knows no race, gender, colour nor boundaries. We know it is difficult, but remember that prevention is better than cure. We need to be safe at all times and also ensure that we maintain social distancing,” Moreane said.

The founder of Sphere Foundation and event organiser, Lebogang “Dj Sphere” Letebele shared the same sentiments. Letebele said: “Fellow South Africans, I would like to encourage all members of the society to cordially observe the rules and regulations of lockdown as we face this COVID-19 pandemic together as a country.

“Please, let us stay indoors and keep our social distance to minimize the spread of the virus. Let us all hold hands and fight this pandemic as we would know that united we stand, but divided we fall. Let’s keep our hands sanitized at all times too.”

Prominent entrepreneur, Lehlogonolo Motseeng who is the founder and owner of the popular food outlet, Moja Chicken said people should be responsible. Tloks Lepara as Motseeng is affectionately known in the showbiz said he was saddened to hear about the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Taung.

“Waking up with such bad news that there’s a case reported in my own hometown saddens me. I would like to plead to everyone back home to please adhere to the rules and regulations of the lockdown and comply.

“Our people should understand and accept that this is a new norm of living from now on going forward for a longer time. Please practice social distancing, wash your hands regularly, wear your mask when you leave the house, and doing that doesn’t only protect you but others. The kids are now going back to school and may we kindly protect them and keep on teaching them about this virus,” he said.

Meanwhile, the country was moved to the alert level 3 regulations of lockdown on Monday.

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On the eve of South Africa moving to lockdown alert level 3, the Health Department said on Sunday that the number of positive Covid-19 cases has risen to 32 683, with 1 716 new cases reported from the last 24-hour testing cycle.

The Department reported 40 more Covid-19-related deaths which brings the total of Covid-19 deaths to 683. There have been 16 809 recoveries to date, which translates to a recovery rate of 51.4%.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize extended condolences to the loved ones of the departed. He also thanked the health care workers who have been treating Covid-19 patients.

The country’s move to Level 3 of lockdown on Monday will see the re-opening of all economic sectors except those considered high risk. All retail outlets will be open with stringent health protocols in place.

Places of worship will also be open with restricted numbers.

The ban on the sale of alcohol has also been lifted.

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North West police are investigating two cases where husbands allegedly shot and killed their wives then turned the guns on themselves.

In the first incident, police were called to a house in Lerome village near Mogwase on Monday where a couple was found dead in bed, according to North West Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.

Police believe that the man may have killed his wife then stayed with the body for some time before killing himself as the woman’s body was on the point of decomposing while his was still fresh.

The next day, a 29-year-old man from Punodung Section in Phokeng allegedly shot and killed his 24-year-old wife then turned the gun on himself. The couple were married in February.

It is alleged that the woman had complained to her mother-in-law about her husband’s behaviour. The mother-in-law tried to intervene which angared her son  and led to an argument with his wife.

During the argument the man allegedly took out the gun and fatally shot his wife. He then turned the gun on himself.

The couple died at the scene and the man’s traumatised mother called the police.

“They were certified dead on the scene. The motive for the incident is unknown and investigations into both cases are under way,” Mogwabone said.

North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed shock over the incidents and urged members of the community to get professional assistance to resolve their personal disputes rather than resorting to violence.

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Rustenburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West on Sunday warned members of the public about alleged planned illegal activity in Kanana near Rustenburg.

The SAPS in the province has noted with concern a message circulating on various social media platforms notifying motorists and residents of Kanana about a so-called massive shutdown on Monday, June 1, North West SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said in a statement.

“The public is reminded that in terms of regulation 37(1) (level 3 of lockdown) of the Disaster Management Act 2002 (Act No 57 of 2002) all gatherings are prohibited except for faith-based institution, funerals, workplace for work purposes, an agricultural auction, and professional non-contact sports matches.

“All the law abiding citizens are therefore advised to respect the rule of law and not to participate in actions that are destined to undermine and challenge the authority of the state, especially during the lockdown where people are expected not to leave their residences unless it is under reasons or circumstances as stated herein above,” Mokgwabone said.

North West police commissioner Lt-Gen Sello Kwena warned the public not to use social media platforms to encourage, incite, and mobilise others to commit crime. He reiterated that the police would not condone any action intended to cause destruction of property, including essential infrastructure, and disruption of basic services and schooling.

“Thus, he is calling upon all members of the public to not only avoid being part of any action that is intended to undermine or challenge the authority of the state, but to work with the police by reporting those who commit crime,” Mokgwabone said.

African News Agency (ANA)

The country was left in a state of confusion on Sunday regarding the resumption of learning for Grade 7 and 12 learners after Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga postponed a much-anticipated address that was meant to provide clarity.

Instead the Department of Basic Education released a statement saying that the date on which learners have to report back to school is June 8, 2020.

“This whole coming week must be used for the proper orientation and training of teachers, the mopping and ramping of all supply chain matters, and final touches to the readiness of each facility for the arrival of learners,” the department said.

According to the statement released after the last-minute postponement of Motshekga’s press briefing from Sunday at 6pm to Monday 11am, the Council of Education Ministers met on Saturday to assess the state of readiness for the reopening of schools.

“CEM received a report from the consortium of service providers coordinated by the National Education Collaboration Trust on the External Evaluation and Monitoring of the state of readiness. Rand Water, as an Implementing Agent delivering water to 3 500 schools, also presented its report. The Heads of Education Departments Committee (HEDCOM) also presented its technical report.

“All three reports converged on the fact that a substantial number of schools would not be ready for the reopening tomorrow, albeit tremendous progress had been made by most provinces, which overall reflected 80% state of readiness.

“CEM was concerned that, in some provinces personal protective equipment for learners in particular, had not been received; and some schools had not been made ready for the arrival of teachers and learners,” reads the statement.

The Department said CEM then took decisions which have since been shared with teacher unions, school governing body associations, independent schools’ associations, the SA Human Rights Commission, Principals Association, SA National Association for Specialised Education, and other stakeholders and meetings took place in which they shared the outcome of the reports and the proposed course of action.

“CEM took informed decisions to have schools to continue to reopen on June 1, 2020, but with school management teams, teachers and non-teaching staff only arriving to prepare for the arrival of learners. Provincial and district officials should ensure that health, safety, and social distancing requirements, are strictly adhered to when teachers arrive.

“This whole coming week must be used for the proper orientation and training of teachers, the mopping and ramping of all supply chain matters, and final touches to the readiness of each facility for the arrival of learners.

“The date on which all learners have to report back to school, is the 08 June 2020.

“We have however received reports that indicate that some learners in boarding schools have already arrived. We urge the schools to continue with orientation of the learners in terms of the health and safety procedures that should be in place,” said the Department.

However, Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schafer said schools in the province would be open to receive learners on Monday.

“Following the national minister’s earlier announcements, we have pulled out all the stops as a province to ensure that we are ready for the arrival of learners tomorrow. Principals and staff have worked tirelessly to get all the health and safety requirements in place,” Schafer said.

“Given these preparations, and the enormous effort put in by teachers and non-teaching staff alike, it would be unfair to delay all schools from re-opening.

“There will also be some schools that do not receive learners tomorrow, either because they are not at a suitable state of readiness in terms of safety protocols, or they are closed for cleaning if there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 at the school. These schools will communicate with their staff members and parents of learners in this regard,” Schafer said.

Source: IOL