Elderly South Africans receive the Covid-19 vaccine at the Munsieville Centre for the Aged, on Monday, as part of phase two of the vaccine campaign. Picture: Citizen.co.za/Michel Bega
As of Sunday 24 May 2021, the cumulative number of detected Covid-19 cases in South Africa stood at 1 635 465 with 2 894 new cases recorded in a day, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has confirmed.
30 more Covid-19 related deaths were reported, with 1 from Eastern Cape, 5 from Free State, 20 from Gauteng, 1 from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), 0 from Limpopo, 0 from Mpumalanga, 0 from North West, 0 from Northern Cape and 3 from Western Cape.
This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 55 802.
Recoveries now stand at 1,531,993 meaning South Africa currently has a recovering rate of 94.1%.
A total of 11 354 930 tests have been completed with 29 355 new tests conducted since the last report.
The total number of vaccines administered stood at under the Sisonke Programme is 480 665 while phase two of the which kick started last week has seen 167 318 people getting vaccinated.
Ismael Coovadia dies of Covid-19: He was ‘a dedicated and selfless cadre’ – ANC
The ANC has paid homage to former Israel ambassador, Ismael Coovadia, who died of Covid-19 on Sunday.
ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe described Coovadia as a “dedicated and selfless cadre”.
“This stalwart and veteran of our movement was a principled fighter for freedom and justice.
He will be remembered for rejecting a gift of 18 trees planted in his honour by the Israeli regime, on the basis that the trees were planted on occupied Palestinian land.
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“This rejection is consistent with his principled opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and the callous brutality that Palestinians are subjected to on a daily basis.”
Mabe said the ANC calls on South Africa’s people to follow the noble example of principle and solidarity as demonstrated by Coovadia.
“As the apartheid Israeli regime continues with its campaign of brutality and forceful removals of Palestinians from their land, the best tribute we can pay, in honour of this son of the soil, is for the international community to put relentless pressure on the Israeli regime to stop its campaign of systematic repression and ruthless brutality against the people of Palestine.”
Coovadia was an ANC anti-apartheid activist. A strong opponent of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, he once referred to Israel’s actions as a “replication” of apartheid.
Additional reporting by News24 Wire
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