By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The department of health said in a statement that the cumulative number of Covid-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 680 373.
This is an increase of 5361 new cases identified in the last 24 hours.
The department said a further 54 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported which brings the total to 56 765 deaths and the recoveries now stand at 1 567 635, representing a recovery rate of 93,3%.
Here is the static vaccine PDF document that will be posted daily on the website and can also be found on https://t.co/DtRnktOFDH june-2021/
The updated list of sites that are reporting vaccinations to the EVDS can be found at the following link:https://t.co/KQDnKqQd88 pic.twitter.com/bPwEGRgN1s— Department of Health (@HealthZA) June 3, 2021
Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa says he has spoken to health minister Zweli Mkhize about the serious allegations of wrongdoing involving the alleged looting of state funds by Mkhize’s close associates.
This after a scandal has erupted over the R150m contract awarded to Digital Vibes.
“I had a discussion with the minister and he is co-operating fully and completely on this matter. And what I can say to South Africans is that I am dealing with this matter and there is full co-operation from the minister.
“So let us allow this process to unfold and thereafter we will know what needs to be done,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa said the rule of law and the importance of due process had to be affirmed. This was the same principle that informed his approach to the recent allegations around Mkhize and the contracts awarded by his department.
These are serious and disturbing allegations and it is essential that they be thoroughly investigated by the Special Investigating Unit and any other appropriate authority, that these investigations be finalised without delay and that due legal process is followed.”
Ramaphosa said while it was disheartening to read on a daily basis about corruption allegations, it was also significant that much of what is in the public domain is a result of work being done by institutions like the SIU, the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority and the auditor-general, among others.
He said if SA’s economy was to survive, if its people were to be empowered and poverty to be defeated, the country needed to tackle corruption, fraud and mismanagement in every area of public life.
Ramaphosa said his administration had taken decisive measures to end state capture and fight corruption and was steadily and progressively turning the tide, strengthening law enforcement agencies, identifying wrongdoing and ensuring that action is taken against those responsible.