SANDF to deploy more soldiers across the country as fight against COVID-19 intensifies

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says she believes that the 21-day national lockdown will yield positive results in slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

Some health workers are self-isolating in an effort to protect their families from coronavirus.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially deployed members of the South African National Defence Force to support the police throughout the 21-day national lockdown that will come into effect on midnight Thursday.

Dressed in SANDF uniform, President Cyril Ramaphosa is addressing the nation following his meeting with the National Command Council on the coronavirus situation in South Africa.

The Health Ministry says the number of positive novel coronavirus cases now stands at 927.

Community members at the Cato Crest informal settlement in Durban say they are worried about the coronavirus lockdown due to a water shortage in the area.

Homeless people around Johannesburg say they feel let down by government as the 21-day lockdown looms.

The City of Tshwane has assured residents that basic services will continue to be rendered during the 21-day lockdown.

As the country counts down to the national lockdown on Thursday, justice and security cluster ministers have once again urged the public to adhere to new regulations.

The Credo Mutwa Foundation has called on South Africans to join the Mutwa family in mourning the death of world renowned Sanusi, Sangoma and author Credo Mutwa.

Government officials have identified quarantine sites across the country as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases rises from day to day.

Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi says only 18 border posts will remain open from midnight on Thursday to allow for the transportation of goods.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all South Africans to pray on Thursday evening between 6 PM and 6:30 PM in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ministers in the Security Cluster say public transport including minibus taxis, trains and passenger flights will come to a virtual halt when the 21-day lockdown takes effect at midnight tonight.

Justice Minister Ronald Lamola says there have been 16 suspected coronavirus cases among officials at correctional centres across the country.

Speaking at a security cluster briefing on the stringent measures that will come into effect during the lockdown period, Ministers stressed the seriousness of the situation. 

Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Postal Services Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams says South Africans will be able to watch Easter services on Sunday through a channel on SABC and DSTV, as well as online.

About 800 homeless people in Durban are expected to be thrown a lockdown lifeline on Thursday, with the opening of the first facility to house them.

A man who tested positive for COVID-19 but ignored instructions to self-quarantine has been arrested for murder in KwaZulu Natal.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced some of its stringent measures in place to ensure that the Corporation continues to serve its public service of keeping the nation informed during the national shutdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Members of the National Command Council are briefing the media on the details of government interventions responding to the President’s address.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura says the province's dense population is making social distancing difficult to contain the spread of the Coronavirus in the province.

Hundreds of people are leaving Johannesburg to different provinces ahead of the 21-day lockdown which will start on Thursday at midnight.

Gauteng government is briefing the media with plans in place to be implemented during the national lockdown.

The world is paying tribute to renowned traditional healer, Credo Vusamazulu Mutwa who died Wednesday, aged 98.

Renowned Sanusi and traditional healer Credo Mutwa has passed away. The Credo Mutwa Foundation has confirmed the passing of the 98-year-old.

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize announced that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases have gone up to 702 cases.

Civic Organisation, Afriforum says a warrant if arrest has been issued against speaker of the national legislature Thandi Modise.

The North West Health Department says it has already started tracing people who may have been in contact with the five patients who tested positive for coronavirus.

An Activist from Women and Men against Child Abuse, Luke Lamprecht, says there is no proof that convicted rapist and former tennis star Bob Hewitt can be rehabilitated.