AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
JACKSON MTHEMBU, the Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, has tested positive for Covid-19 and has gone into self-quarantine.
The presidency has announced that Mthembu took the tests after showing some symptoms. He has, together with those that may have come in contact with him gone into isolation.
Mthembu is the fourth member of the executive who has tested positive in the past week. He remains in high spirits and wishes all those who are also fighting the Coronavirus a speedy recovery.
“We once again urge all South Africans to play their part by continuing to regularly wash/sanitising their hands, properly wearing a face mask and practicing physical distancing at all times,” said Minister Mthembu.
Mthembu’s disclosure came just days after three deputy ministers serving in the South African government also tested positive.
The first is Boitumelo Moloi, the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, who has been hospitalised after testing positive and not feeling well.
The South African presidency announced that Moloi remains hospitalised, recovering well and confident that she will overcome the virus.
“All members of the office of the Deputy Minister who have come in contact with her will undergo self-isolation,” the presidency said in a statement.
Obed Bapela, the Deputy Minister for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has gone into self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
Bapela took his 4th test since the outbreak of the pandemic after showing some symptoms. He received his results on January 09 and went into self-quarantine.
The third deputy minister infected is David Mahlobo, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation.
Mahlobo received his results today January 07 and has gone into self-quarantine at home. All those who have been in contact with him will also self-isolate in their respective homes, the statement said.
In a statement, the presidency said: “ We once again extend our well wishes to all persons currently battling with the virus a speedy recovery. In the same vain, we extend our sincere condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones due to Covid-19.
“Let us all play our part by giving earnest support to those who are fighting this virus. In protecting ourselves, our families and communities, let us continue to observe all health protocols and regularly wash our hands, properly wear our masks and practice physical distancing. Together, we can beat the coronavirus.”
