The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe and his wife, Nolwandle, have tested positive for COVID-19. The Minister received his results earlier today.
In a statement from the Minister in the Presidency’s office, this was Mantashe’s third round of tests since the outbreak was first confirmed in South Africa.
The couple is in isolation and the Minister will continue to work from home.
“The Minister remains committed to a course of ensuring the security of energy and petroleum products supply to society during this difficult period and beyond. The Minister has directed all members of his private office in government to also test.”
The Cabinet has wished the two a speedy recovery. “We extend the same well wishes to the thousands of South Africans and their families who are also battling coronavirus.”
South Africans have been urged to continue playing their part in observing the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) protocols of washing hands regularly, wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing.
MEDIA STATEMENT || MINISTER MANTASHE TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID19 pic.twitter.com/jDpyoUXo9E
— Nonceba Mhlauli (@NoncebaMhlauli) July 14, 2020
The couple joins a string of high profile South Africans who have tested positive for the deadly virus.
They include the Premiers of Gauteng, the North West and Western Cape.
Others have succumbed to the disease, including the ANC’s KwaZulu-Natal Spokesperson.
