Daily news update: Covid-19 stats, Mkhize disbands Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19 and spotlight on Mosebenzi Zwane

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Covid-19 update: SA records 1,480 new cases and 29 deaths

Source: Health department

As of Friday, the cumulative number of detected Covid-19 cases is 668,529 with 1,480 cases identified, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced.

The country has also reported 29 more Covid-19 related deaths: 5 from Eastern Cape 5 from KwaZulu-Natal, 5 from Gauteng, 2 from Limpopo, 8 from Northern Cape and 4 from Western Cape. This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 16 312.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients. Our recoveries now stand at 599,149 which translates to a recovery rate of 89,6%,” said Mkhize.

Zwane was ‘unaware’ of requirements of his job as MEC, Zondo commission hears

Giving his testimony before the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday, former Free State human settlements MEC Mosebenzi Joseph Zwane claimed that he was unaware of the that the Housing Act specified the duties of his then-position in the R1 billion Free State housing project scandal.

Two witnesses claimed this week that Zwane had devised the unlawful appointments made in a 2010-2011 housing scheme, while he was still MEC.

KZN Health MEC says job market facing a shortage of healthcare professionals

KwaZulu Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu. Picture: Berea Mail

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu has said there is a shortage of some health professionals in the job market.

Simelane-Zulu was on Friday engaging with members of the public during her department’s Lunch Time Chat broadcast on social media.

Mkhize disbands Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has effectively disbanded government’s chief scientific advisory committee on Covid-19.

News24 has seen a letter sent to members of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19 on Friday, dated 21 September, in which Mkhize expressed his “gratitude and appreciation” for the commitment and dedication of members.

Video, pics: Landmine detection rat wins top UK animal bravery award

An undated handout picture released by UK veterinary charity PDSA on September 25, 2020 shows Magawa, an African giant pouched rat receiving a treat while at work detecting landmines in Cambodia. – The rodent has won the animal equivalent of Britain’s highest civilian honour for bravery on September 25, 2020 because of his uncanny knack of sniffing out landmines and unexploded ordnance. (Photo by Handout / PDSA / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO /PDSA “

“Unlike metal detectors, the rats ignore scrap metal and only sniff out explosives making them fast and efficient landmine detectors,” Cox said.

“This not only saves lives but returns much-needed safe land back to the communities as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.”

Mkhonto we Sizwe vets target ANC offices demanding removal of corrupt ANC members

Some members of the MKMVA outside the offices of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal

Holding placards stating: We are fed up! the time for talking is over, the organisation says there were policies in government which excluded black people.

This follows an alleged social media voice note which circulated this week threatening to blockade roads around KwaZulu-Natal. The call for a picket demanded action from the ANC to remove corrupt officials.

Zuma may have point with allegations against Zondo, says expert

POOL/AFP/File/Michele Spatari

The Jacob Zuma Foundation may have a point, attorney Nthabiseng Dubazana said, following a scathing three-page statement released by the foundation in defence of Zuma against what they deem to be an attempt to shame the former president.

Dubazana says issues raised in the document had some merit noting one allegation specifically identifying that Minister Pravin Gordhan had in one instance allegedly failed to file an affidavit.

VIDEO: Fans can’t get enough of Pearl Modiadie’s love story

Pearl Modiadie and her partner, whom Getty Images has identified as Nathaniel Oppenheimer | Images: Instagram (screenshots)

Fans of South African TV and radio presenter Pearl Modiadie can’t stop fawning over the fact that she and her partner, whom Getty Images has identified as Nathaniel Oppenheimer, recently welcomed their first child together.

The pair is believed to have started dating two or three years ago and their relationship has been flourishing in private bliss.

Charlize Theron giving scholarships to South Africans students

Image EPA: Charlize Theron

Through her organisation the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, (CTAOP), the actress has joined forces with Dior for the campaign which was announced this week.

Theron made the announcement via Instagram, saying she is “incredibly proud to be a part of the #DiorChinUp campaign alongside some of the most inspiring and impactful women in the world.”

Pirates striker set to join French club

Gabadinho Mhango. Pic: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

“There is interest, that is for sure. But whether Pirates have accepted an offer or not, I am not sure. But there are things that suggest they have. Their sudden signing of Terrence Dvukamanja (formerly with Bidvest Wits) means something and that could be that one of their foreign strikers is leaving. It could be Mhango or (Justin) Shonga,” said a source.

Bulls-Sharks preview: All eyes on Jake White’s new-look squad

Loose-forward Nizaam Carr was a star performer for Wasps in England before joining the Bulls during the Covid break. He will be out to make a big impression first-up on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

Jake White has assembled a very good pack, so if they can deny the Sharks at source then it will be tough for the visitors. But the Sharks are a fine attacking side, able to exploit any mistakes and defensive weaknesses offered to them by the Bulls. It should be a very good clash of styles.

Kia still not sure about a second generation Stinger

Facelift Kia Stinger

In what appears to be a confirmation of reports earlier this year and by caradvice.com.au last year, Kia Australia Product Planning Head, Roland Rivero, told motoring.com.au that a second generation Stinger is “still under study” and that the current first generation’s lifecycle could be extended further in order for Kia to make a decision about a successor.

Facelift Hyundai i30 unleashed with more poke and eight-speed dual clutch ‘box

Facelift Hyundai i30 N

Once again offered as a hatch or a coupe-styled fastback, the N builds on the updates applied to the standard i30 earlier this year by receiving a wider, Sonata inspired grille with N badging, new LED headlights with integrated V-shaped daytime running diodes, revised bumpers with so-called air curtains on the flanks of the front, standard 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres and in the case of the hatch, new LED combination taillights and quad exhaust outlets integrated into the tweaked diffuser.

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