SAFTU boss Zwelinzima Vavi tests positive for COVID-19

The General Secretary of trade union federation, SAFTU, Zwelinzima Vavi has tested positive for coronavirus.

He had been suffering from flu like symptoms when he took the coronavirus test.

Reports say an initial test at the weekend came back negative and the trade union leader had a second test this week. That test has come back positive. Vavi is now self-isolating.

“Gosh comrades on the day I feel much better the lab called to say I tested positive for coronavirus! It’s mild but need self isolation at home! I will run it out, steam it out and just relax and observe all the rules!” – Zwelinzima Vavi.#sabcnews #Covid_19SA

— Bulelani Phillip (@BulelaniPhillip) April 2, 2020

He is one of at least six prominent South Africans who have contracted the virus. These include ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe, Netball South Africa’s Cecilia Molokwane and Springbok legend Danie Gerber.

COVID-19 screening 

A massive coronavirus screening is in progress in Heidedal, Bloemfontein, in the Free State.

This follows 76 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province.

The tracing of worshippers who earlier this month attended a religious gathering at the Divine Restoration Ministries is also continuing.

So far 85-year-old Pastor John Hlangeni from the Global Reconciliation Church in the city is the only person who has succumbed to the coronavirus.

Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize is expected to oversee the screening process later on Thursday.

At least 1 380 South Africans have so far tested positive for COVID-19 and five others have died.

There are at least 40 000 deaths globally.

Below is the timeline of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Africa:

The rural town of Msinga in KwaZulu-Natal is a hub of activity with locals ignoring government’s call to remain at home during the current 21-day lockdown. Shops are closed but street vendors are plentiful selling bread and vegetables on the side of the town’s main road.

Locals are gathered in tight groups, socialising. Groups of policemen wearing masks and gloves are walking through town but are not seen stopping to enforce lockdown rules.

Streets vendors say they have to make a living. This is all they have, this is how they make their income and unfortunately the coronavirus can’t take away their livelihoods.

They still need to come out here and sell some of their goods on the street and I this is what many of the people here are doing. Police officers have also started asking them to leave.

In this video below SABC reports that COVID 19 cases rise by 19 going to 1380: