Happening now: South Africans may be in for stricter lockdown regulations when President Cyril Ramaphosa takes to the podium to address the nation in this evening’s #FamilyMeeting.
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa’s address come’s in the wake of news of a new variant identified in SA, prompting calls for tighter regulations.
"Tonight I address you on quite a weighty matter."
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: Twelves days again I warned of a new deadly wave of infections.
During that time:
-infections were doubling
-deaths were up by 50%
-hospitals were barely coping
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: The Delta variant (found in 85 countries around the world) has now been found in 5 of our provinces.
-Eastern Cape
-Free State
-KZN
-Western Cape
-Gauteng
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: The Delta variants is more transmissible, more contagious and people previously infected are not protected.
"It may not be more severe but data shows infections in children may be more common in this variant."
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: Gauteng accounts for more than 60% of cases.
With the exception of Northern Cape and Free State, all provinces are experiencing a rapid spike in infections. We are gripped with a devastating wave.
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: In several provinces, healthcare facilities are stretched and buckling under pressure.
"The existing containment measures in place are not enough to cope with infections."
#FamilyMeeting |JUST IN: Ramaphosa has moved the country to alert level 4 of the lockdown for 14 days, effective from Monday.
-All gatherings are banned (incl political, religious, cultural)
-Funeral attendance limited to 50 mourners (night vigils, after tears remain banned)
-Public spaces (beaches, parks) remain open but not for gatherings
-Alcohol banned
-Travel in and our Gauteng for leisure purposes is banned (ban excl business, transit of goods)
-visits to congregate facilities restricted
-Restaurants only open for takeaways and deliveries
-Schools must start closing on Wednesday
-Contact classes at Universities prohibited (Res will remain open)
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: Efforts will be ramped up in Gauteng...
-Charlotte Maxeke will open asap
-Extra healthcare workers will be provided
-Extra beds will be made available
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: We have received 2.5 million more doses of Pfizer and J&J combined - this will help to ramp up our vaccine rollout in the coming weeks.
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: Vaccine registration for 50-59yr olds should begin 1 July and vaccination will follow 15 July.
He further warns about vaccine mis- and disinformation.
#FamilyMeeting |Ramaphosa: We are concerned when political parties launch personal attacks against some of our scientists.
"Sahpra acts in the interest of public health. It must be allowed to do its job without hinderance or political influence."
Happening now: The acting Health minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, together with a panel of experts, will provide an update on the country's response to the #COVID19 pandemic.
#COVID19 | Kubayi begins by giving a brief overview on the country's case load. Yesterday, more than 18,000 new infections were recorded.
-This is a 25.5% positivity rate
-Gauteng accounts for more than 11,000 of these cases
#COVID19 | JUST IN: Kubayi says a new variant has been identified by scientists during sequencing.
She adds the delta variant appears to be dominating the new infections recorded.
#EFFMarch We are live from Tshwane where the EFF will hold a #MarchToSaveLives protest. The red berets will march to SAHPRA offices demanding that vaccines manufactured in China and Russia be supplied in South Africa. Follow @JacaNews for the live updates.
Happening now: President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken to the podium to deliver the #SONA2021 before a hybrid sitting.
#SONA2021 | Ramaphosa briefly commemorates the release of the late former president Nelson Mandela from the Victor Verster Prison in Cape Town in 1990.
'It was clear that freedom was tangible.'
#SONA2021 | Ramaphosa likens the country's resilience to that of the fynboos.
"We have risen time and time again from the depths of darkness to herald a new day."
#TaxiViolence The Gauteng Provincial Government is now releasing to the public the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into Taxi Violence
#TaxiViolence MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo is releasing the report. He says they are pleased that this commission has concluded its work.
#TaxiViolence Mamabolo says the sector is riddled with a lot of violence. He describes the taxi sector as one that has the highest killings
Happening now: The Department of Public Enterprises and the liquidators of SA Express are appearing before the Select Committee on Public Enterprises and Communications. #SAExpress
#SAExpress| Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, deputy minister Phumulo Masualle and DG Kgathatso Tlhakudi are all absent.
DDG (Aviation) Nonny Mashika is present.
#SAExpress| One of the airline's appointed liquidators, Aviwe Ndyamara will give an update on the airline's status.
#OneSA | One South Africa Movement leader Mmusi Maimane is set to reveal the most pressing concerns raised by the people ahead of Thursday’s State of the Nation Address.
#OneSA | Maimane is to formally table these with President Ramaphosa in writing, alongside 10 key solutions he must consider when he addresses the nation
#OneSA | Maimane: In President Ramaphosa’s previous
four SONA’s as president he has followed his predecessor’s example, skimming over the deep structural challenges & instead, rolling out lofty promises & commitments that are out of touch with both reality & the general populous.