By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe (MP), has tested positive for Covid-19.
According to a statement issued by minister in the presidency Modli Gungubele, Mantashe tested positive on Saturday after experiencing mild symptoms.
“Minister Mantashe is in good spirits and he is currently in self-isolation,” reads the statement.
Government urges all South Africans to vaccinate and remain disciplined in observing all Covid-19 safety protocols to ensure a safe and joyful festive season with family and friends.
Mantashe’s positive Covid test comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa tested positive for the coronavirus last week Sunday.
Ramaphosa got tested after feeling unwell after leaving the state memorial service in honour of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier in the day.
“The president is in good spirits but is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force,” the Presidency said.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD),reported 16,080 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday that have been identified in South Africa, which brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 3,292,609. This increase represents a 28.8% positivity rate.