By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in self-isolation, his department said on Wednesday, 03 June 2026.
In a brief statement, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (Dtci) said Tau had urged anyone who had recently come into contact with him to take precautionary measures and seek testing if necessary.
“Mr Tau is in good spirits and is currently in self-isolation,” the department said.
While COVID-19 variants and subvariants continue to evolve, the overall number of severe cases and hospitalizations remains relatively low compared to the peak of the pandemic.
Tau, whose last international trip was to the Netherlands for the World Hydrogen Summit in May, would have officiated at Thursday’s gathering where business leaders and senior government officials are set to focus on deepening economic cooperation between SA and Kenya.
The forum will be addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto.
Prior to contracting Covid-19, Tau had described the event as key to unlocking the full potential of trade and investment between the two countries.
Kenya is among South Africa’s top destinations, alongside Ghana and Egypt.
Total trade between South Africa and Kenya increased from R9.3 billion in 2016 to R10.5 billion in 2025, registering an average growth rate of 3.5% over the period.