At day three of the 15th BRICS Summit, the bloc’s expansion, welcoming Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, heralds a new phase of global collaboration and influence.



In a significant move that has captured global attention, the BRICS bloc is set to welcome new members for the first time since the adoption of South Africa in 2010, ushering in a chapter of expanded collaboration and shared markets. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are poised to become full members of the BRICS family, amplifying the possible leverage the bloc is able to implement globally, as well as increasing the entity’s capability as a counterbalance to the West.



“The world is changing,” commented South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in his closing remarks at the three-day BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. “New economic, political, social, and technological realities call for greater cooperation between nations. These realities call for a fundamental reform of the institutions of global governance, so that they may be more representative and better able to respond to the challenges that confront humanity.”



The expansion announcement was made by Ramaphosa, who chaired the summit. It represents a carefully deliberated and agreed-upon step signifying consensus among the existing BRICS members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – to broaden the bloc&#8217;s scope and deepen its collaborative efforts.



The BRICS grouping, which collectively represents a significant portion of the global economy, trade, and population, has garnered attention not only for its economic significance but also for its potential to shape international discourse and policy. The inclusion of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE extends this influence to regions that bring unique perspectives, resources, and challenges.



The invitations to join the bloc are particularly significant given the close relationship between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the West, for which BRICS has increasingly come to counterbalance. The expansion indicates a clear view for a multipolar world order characterized by equitable development, sustainable growth, and collective security. It is a testament to the bloc&#8217;s commitment to fostering cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, technology exchange, and cultural understanding. By embracing these new members, BRICS solidifies its role as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, even as the global geopolitical landscape continues to evolve.



This multipolar support was no clearer than in the addresses of China’s President Xi Jinping, noting the event&#8217;s historic significance; “The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation. It will bring new vigor to the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the force for world peace and development.”



President Vladimir Putin too gave a closing address via video call.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, a key player in the BRICS partnership, emphasized the expansion&#8217;s significance in his address; “India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organization.” Modi highlighted that the inclusion of these nations is a symbol of openness, inclusivity, and cooperation that extends beyond national boundaries. This sentiment resonates with the BRICS ethos of mutual respect and the pursuit of common goals for the betterment of all member nations.



The BRICS expansion holds the potential to foster economic growth, innovation, and the sharing of best practices among member nations. It is anticipated to enhance trade ties and investment opportunities. This enlargement positions the BRICS bloc as a resilient and collaborative force, capable of influencing economic outcomes and promoting stability.



Beyond the economic realm, the expansion offers an avenue for constructive dialogue on pressing global issues. By incorporating nations from different regions, the BRICS bloc can diversify its perspectives and responses to challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and geopolitical tensions. The inclusion of nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE brings a heightened focus on Middle East dynamics, allowing for enhanced dialogue and understanding.



Of note regarding the attempts at the bloc&#8217;s expansion are the inclusion of offerings of membership of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have long-established relationships with the West, with which the Russian Federation and China find themselves opposed with the war in Ukraine and trade conflicts, respectively.



As the world watches this expansion unfold, it&#8217;s worth noting that BRICS is not merely an economic or political grouping but a lever of global diplomatic influence.

Brics Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa August 22-24, 2023

New Name For BRICS? Summit In South Africa Unveils Newer Members In The Bloc

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been cleared by the country&#8217;s reserve bank in the ongoing Phala Phala scandal, ruling that there was no contravention of exchange control regulations based on the available information. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) revealed its findings in a short release posted on its website today.



The Phala Phala scandal, as it has become known, involved a police report filed by South Africa&#8217;s former Head of State Security against the President, alleging that an undetermined amount of undeclared foreign currency was stolen from Ramaphosa&#8217;s game farm in early 2020, and that the President failed in his duty to report this crime.



The origin and purpose of the money, as well as its conformation with currency exchange laws, have all been the subject of investigation and have placed immense strain on the career of the President, almost leading him to resign his post in late 2022.



The money was alleged by the President to have been proceeds from a game sale by his farm, later identified as $580,000 for a prize bull, paid by Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa.



After the initial theft, Ramaphosa is alleged to have briefed his head of security, Major General Wally Rhoode, on the incident. Rhoode then reportedly proceeded to conduct an unsanctioned investigation, tracing the suspects of the theft in both South Africa and Namibia, before allegedly paying them off.



SARB’s exculpation of Ramaphosa comes after an independent report compiled by a retired judge, as well as a parliamentary vote for Ramaphosa&#8217;s impeachment, which failed to pass late last year.



Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka also absolved Ramaphosa in her own report in June of this year, which was widely panned by opposition parties and is currently the subject of a court challenge.



However, of note in the Reserve Bank&#8217;s media statement is that no violation of exchange controls for the transaction were found due somewhat to a technicality – namely, that since the goods, in this case, the bull for sale, were not actually delivered, no transaction took place, and thus no finding regarding a contravention could be made.



&#8220;SARB has concluded that the transaction in question was subject to conditions precedent which were not fulfilled, and therefore there was no legal entitlement… to the foreign currency,” continued the press release.



While the report is yet another in a long line of investigations that have left President Ramaphosa in the clear, it will likely remain a strong topic of discourse as the country prepares for both the BRICS summit this week and a hotly-contested general election next year.

CHOGM London 2018 – Day 2

South African Reserve Bank Clears President Ramaphosa in Phala Phala Scandal

Africa’s secret weapon in the global energy race – green hydrogen. The continent has the potential to flip the script, transitioning from a fossil fuel consumer to a green energy titan.



The global energy transition has a burgeoning champion – green hydrogen. Often overshadowed by solar and wind, this renewable resource is increasingly crucial for a sustainable future.



The current global hydrogen market is over $130 billion. The World Bank predicts an annual growth of over 9%. Although the surge is likely niche until 2030, the growing demand for renewable energy means that green hydrogen could accelerate rapidly thereafter. Regions with low-cost markets and abundant renewable resources, like Africa, become attractive production markets.



The principle is straightforward. Use renewable energy sources to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The result? A fuel source that releases only water upon consumption. The applications are limitless, from powering cars to heating homes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-green-hydrogen">What is green hydrogen?</h3>



At its core, green hydrogen is simple. It’s hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element, produced environmentally friendly. But how do we make it, and why does it matter?



Green hydrogen is generated via electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. But for the hydrogen to be ‘green’, the electricity must come from renewable sources, like wind or solar power. The only byproduct is oxygen, a harmless gas we breathe every day.



In contrast, most hydrogen produced today is ‘grey’ or ‘blue’. It’s derived from fossil fuels, mainly natural gas, and the process releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas. Green hydrogen represents a shift away from this environmentally damaging status quo. However, green hydrogen faces challenges. Currently, it accounts for less than 1% of all hydrogen production. The main obstacle is the production cost, which is not yet competitive compared to grey or blue hydrogen. Most green hydrogen is used in energy-intensive industries like steel and chemical manufacturing.



The path to economic viability for green hydrogen lies in a combination of technological advancements, increased global development investment, and legislative commitments. These factors are expected to make green hydrogen a serious market contender in the coming decades.



Africa is fast becoming a frontrunner in the green hydrogen race.



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59195 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“FROM SOLAR TO BIOGAS, FROM WIND TO BATTERY STORAGE, THESE INVESTMENTS ARE LEADING ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT GROWTH INDUSTRIES IN OUR COUNTRY.&#8221;
<cite>—South African President Cyril Ramaphosa</cite></blockquote>
</div></div>



Blessed with an abundance of sunlight and wind, Africa is ideally positioned to exploit green hydrogen’s potential. Groundbreaking projects are taking shape across the continent.



From the ambitious SA-H2 venture announced recently in South Africa to a green hydrogen initiative between Namibia and Botswana, these projects signal profound economic opportunities for job creation, growth, and sustainable development.



The Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA), established in 2022, emphasizes Africa’s competitive edge due to low production costs. Masopha Moshoeshoe, Green Economy Specialist at the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency of South Africa, stated in a press release issued by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on the launch of the alliance: “Green hydrogen has the potential to marry South Africa’s significant mineral endowment with its significant renewable revolutionize its energy sector. The SA-H2 fund, which aims to establish a hydrogen ecosystem in South Africa, is at the forefront of this exciting transition.



The $1-billion fund was announced in June as part of a joint effort between the Netherlands, Denmark and South Africa.



“From solar to biogas, from wind to battery storage, these investments are leading one of the most important growth industries in our country,” said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the announcement in Pretoria.



Blended finance is a key concept underpinning this project.



Andrew Johnstone, the CEO of Climate Fund Managers, explains to FORBES AFRICA that it refers to the strategic use of public



or philanthropic funds to mobilize private sector investment in sustainable development. In the context of SA-H2, this means bringing together private and public funding to make projects economically viable.



“They (the funds) act as a “spark” to ignite and mobilize belief, technology, and other forms of capital,” says Johnstone.



“The SA-H2 project should be seen as part of a larger effort across the region to leverage blended finance for sustainable energy development.”



The project is financed by a combination of different forms of capital, each with a different return requirement. This includes donor capital, commercial capital, and guarantees. By bringing these diverse sources of funding together, the project achieves a lower average cost of capital.



Johnstone explains, “Blended finance means in this context&#8230; to bring in capital in defined proportions in pursuit of a low average cost of capital.” Notably, this blended finance model also allows



for differential risk sharing. If a project underperforms, certain investors may not receive a return, thus sharing the risk in a structured and agreed-upon manner.



Once a project is up and running, it has an obligation to repay its funders, whether those are lenders through equity or energy loans, or others through dividends. Johnstone describes this repayment as a “waterfall”, with those who took the least risk and accepted a lower return being repaid first.



It’s important to highlight the transparency and regulation of these funds. They operate similarly to companies, are regulated by appropriate bodies, and are overseen by advisory boards and investment committees populated by investors or independent representatives. This governance structure ensures a high level of oversight and accountability.



Another key aspect of the SA-H2 project is the co-existence of different funds. The development side of the project is planned with public contracts and equity funds in mind. This co-existence helps redefine what “bankable” means in the context of these projects, potentially accelerating the implementation process.



These blended finance projects aim to create scalable, replicable, and improvable markets, serving as a catalyst for broader change in the energy sector.



South Africa’s SA-H2 initiative is not alone in its ambition.



Namibia is also making significant strides in the green hydrogen sector.



Noteworthy is a project in the Tsau Khaeb National Park, near Lüderitz, with the Namibian government proactively confirming a 24% equity stake in this $10 billion project, almost equivalent to the country’s gross domestic product.



This initiative, led by Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, is gaining momentum with several key partners signing a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the necessary infrastructure for Namibia’s green hydrogen production ambitions.



“Namibia is perfectly positioned to produce low-cost green hydrogen and ammonia for domestic and international markets,” said Frans Kalenga, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Mines and Energy of Namibia on Namibia’s joining of the AGHA, in a press statement. “[It] provides a platform for us to collaborate with neighboring countries. AGHA’s report reaffirms the potential, and provides important recommendations on how we can work together to unlock the extraordinary potential.”



This potential is estimated to generate 15,000 jobs during the direct construction of the project, and a further 3,000 created permanently when the project is fully underway.



Namibia’s Vice President Nangolo Mbumba acknowledged the global transition toward green hydrogen, as well as the country’s abundant natural resources and landscape assisting in the suitability of its development as an industry.



“We are now approaching new fields of economy. Everybody is talking about green hydrogen. Three-four years ago, even the pronunciation was not known,” he said, speaking during the Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa in Botswana in April. “People need energy, and plenty of it,” he continued, acknowledging the international collaboration, local training and investment in education to develop the skills needed for green hydrogen initiatives.



“If we succeed, we will produce enough energy for the whole region of southern Africa,” added Mbumba.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Policy and profitability</h3>



A confluence of factors is propelling the growth of green hydrogen in Africa. The continent’s abundant natural resources, particularly sunlight and wind, provide an ideal setting for green hydrogen production. Escalating global demand for clean energy is creating opportunities for African nations to emerge as green hydrogen exporters. Moreover, policymakers are increasingly recognizing green hydrogen’s potential in achieving climate goals and fostering sustainable development.



The advent of green hydrogen presents a substantial opportunity for job creation across the African continent.



With Africa positioned as a potential global exporter of green hydrogen, the sector could become a significant contributor to the continent’s GDP. Moreover, the revenues generated from green hydrogen exports could be reinvested into local communities, improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare.



An analysis by McKinsey on behalf of AGHA identified a possible increase in GDP for member countries of between $66 billion and $126 billion by 2050, as well as up to 4.2 million new jobs as a result of green hydrogen investments.



The potential offers a pathway for nations to build a more resilient future, mitigating economic risks tied to unpredictable oil and gas prices. By developing a green hydrogen industry, nations could foster local technological innovation and enhance their manufacturing capabilities.



This prospect could shift Africa’s role in the global energy landscape, transitioning from a net importer of fossil fuels to a significant exporter of clean energy.



However, the promise of green hydrogen is not solely economic. It also offers a sustainable solution that addresses the pressing issues of economic development and climate change simultaneously.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Green Hydrogen is a tool for survival</h3>



As the world stands on the brink of a pivotal moment in its fight against climate change, green hydrogen emerges as a powerful ally. As a clean, carbon-free source of energy, green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in various sectors, leading to a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.



In Africa, where climate change threatens both people and ecosystems, investing in green hydrogen will not only enable nations to contribute to global emission reductions but also helps them build resilience against climate change impacts at home.



Even though Africa is responsible for only a fraction of global carbon emissions, the continent is actively taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint.



Green hydrogen can play a significant role in these efforts, replacing carbon-intensive fuels across the economy and leading to substantial emission reductions.



Moreover, exporting green hydrogen to other continents could further reduce global carbon emissions, enhancing Africa’s contribution to the global fight against climate change.



Renewable energy has been identified by many African countries as a key element of their climate change mitigation strategies. Incorporating green hydrogen into these strategies could hasten their progress towards achieving climate goals.



By offering a means to store and transport renewable energy, green hydrogen could solve one of the significant challenges of the energy transition: the intermittency of wind and solar power. This could facilitate a more extensive and efficient use of renewable energy, driving further emission reductions.



At the heart of the global energy transition, green hydrogen stands out as a beacon of hope. This renewable resource, making waves in the energy sector worldwide, has found a promising home in Africa. The continent, blessed with abundant wind and sunlight, is quickly gaining recognition as a potential global leader in green hydrogen production.



Pioneering projects across the continent signify Africa’s commitment to embracing green hydrogen.



Yet, the narrative of green hydrogen extends beyond economics. It is a tale of resilience and innovation in the face of climate change. Looking ahead, it’s clear that green hydrogen could reshape Africa’s energy landscape, transforming the continent from a net importer of fossil fuels to a major exporter of clean energy. Such a transformation could not only stimulate economic growth but also enhance Africa’s influence in global energy and climate policy discussions.



For Africa, the opportunity is now. It’s an opportunity that calls for further research, investment, and policy support, for the sake of the continent and the world.

Aerial view of hydrogen tank terminal at sea

The Rise Of Green Hydrogen In Africa

South Africa is confirmed as the host country for the 15th BRICS Summit in August, featuring Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, however, the event will not be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which alleviates the complex diplomatic challenge faced by South Africa in enforcing an arrest warrant against him.



South Africa&#8217;s readiness to welcome leaders from influential nations has been demonstrated through diligent preparations and consultations. The decision not to arrest President Putin, who faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) indictment for war crimes in Ukraine, has posed a conflict of interest for South Africa, being a member of the ICC. The country&#8217;s historical relationship with Russia, particularly its support for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) during apartheid, adds further complexity to the situation.



To navigate these challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa has engaged in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting South Africa&#8217;s active diplomacy in addressing this delicate matter. The focus is on finding a balance between enforcing the arrest warrant and maintaining important diplomatic and trade relations with Russia and other non-aligned countries such as China.



In an announcement by South Africa&#8217;s Presidency Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, it was confirmed that Putin will not be attending the BRICS summit. Instead, Russia will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This “mutual agreement” avoids the need to enforce the arrest warrant and eases the diplomatic quandary for South Africa.



“President Ramaphosa is confident that the Summit will be a success and calls on the nation to extend the necessary hospitality to the many delegates who will arrive from various parts of the continent and the globe” said Magwenya in a statement issued today.



The decision not to arrest Putin raises questions about South Africa&#8217;s non-aligned status in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As a signatory to the ICC&#8217;s Rome Statute, South Africa is obligated to follow the court&#8217;s rulings, including arrest warrants. However, not arresting Putin could strain relations with the United States, adding to the already tenuous diplomatic landscape.



The South African government has taken diplomatic actions to navigate this complex situation. Previous discussions with China have been initiated to explore the possibility of a change in the summit&#8217;s venue. Ramaphosa&#8217;s talks with Jinping also focused on an African-led peace proposal for Russia and Ukraine, demonstrating South Africa&#8217;s commitment to finding peaceful resolutions.



The BRICS alliance holds significance for South Africa, fostering investment, economic cooperation, and financing through institutions like the New Development Bank. However, maintaining positive relations with the US is crucial, as South Africa benefits from tariff-free trade under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which generates substantial annual revenue.



Allegations of arms sales to Russia have strained the AGOA agreement and could have domestic implications. South Africa&#8217;s position is not entirely clear, and decisions made in the coming weeks will have far-reaching implications for the country&#8217;s global standing and economy. Balancing international justice, historical relationships, trade ties, and membership in BRICS is a delicate task that South Africa must navigate to maintain its diplomatic equilibrium.

President Putin Meets Attends Forum By Agency For Strategic Initiatives In Moscow

Putin will Not Attend BRICS Summit, Alleviating Complex Diplomatic Challenge For South Africa

Yesterday saw two votes of no-confidence discussed in South Africa’s Parliament, one against President Ramaphosa himself and the other against his Cabinet, with both ending unsuccessfully, one on procedural grounds and one failing to pass a sitting vote.



Attempted votes of no-confidence in South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his cabinet ended in chaos yesterday, with speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula withdrawing one motion from the order paper and another failing to pass a vote amidst what turned out to be a tumultuous seating of the country’s National Assembly in Cape Town.&nbsp;



The African Transformation Movement (ATM) had lodged a vote against President Ramaphosa, alleging that since he came to power, government’s irregular spending and state-owned entity corruption had increased, with ATM having sought a secret ballot. ATM leader Vuyolwethu Zungula declined to have the party’s motion against Ramaphosa move forward, as the party is still attempting to obtain the ability for the vote to be performed by secret ballot through the courts.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“No Member of Parliament may reflect on any case [before the court],” said Zungula during the Parliamentary session. “There is ongoing litigation… There is no way in which we can still proceed with this vote.” &nbsp;



The speaker ruled that the matter would not be proceeded on in Parliament, but instead be pushed to the programming committee to rule on whether it should proceed. National Assembly’s programming committee threw out ATM’s motion this morning, enabling other parties to introduce further motions, but as of now is removed from the Parliamentary roll.&nbsp;



The drama of the day was further magnified by a no-confidence motion in the Cabinet filed by major opposition party the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) John Steenhuisen, citing corruption and lack of energy reform as primary motivations. Several dozen DA members protested outside of the Parliament building, demonstrating in support of the motion.&nbsp;



Steenhuisen had earlier urged MPs to put South Africa first during the vote, stating “Not one of these ministers here would last a day in the private sector, where results matter and accountability is still a thing.”&nbsp;



Another main opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), found themselves unlikely allies with the DA, voting for the motion alongside the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) and the ATM.&nbsp;



&nbsp; Despite recent factional battles within factions of the African National Congress (ANC) in parliament, particularly between pro-Ramaphosa and Radical Economic Transformation (RET) factions, ANC MPs were almost universal in voting down the motion, summarily defeating it.&nbsp;&nbsp;



&#8220;Honourable members, the outcomes are as follows,” concluded Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli. “There’s one abstention, 131 yes, and 231 no. The motion is therefore not agreed to.&#8221;&nbsp;



With two strong votes of no confidence being discussed, both in President Ramaphosa and his Cabinet, as well as yesterday’s Parliamentary session devolving at times into conflict and confusion, Ramaphosa was unfazed. When pressed yesterday on whether he was concerned about the motions during a speech at the 17th National Union of Mineworkers (NUMSA) national congress, Ramaphosa responded: “I am not a Member of Parliament and in Parliament they do all manner of things and I am an observer.”&nbsp;

Interview with South Africa’s President Ramaphosa

South Africa’s ANC Sees Off Motion Of No Confidence  

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for COVID-19 amidst a rising fourth wave of infections in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;



South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for COVID-19 and is receiving treatment for mild symptoms, according to a press release issued by the Presidency.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &#8220;The president is in good spirits but is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force&#8221;&nbsp;said Minister of the Presidency&nbsp;Mondli&nbsp;Gungubele. &nbsp; &nbsp; Ramaphosa reportedly began feeling unwell after having attended the state memorial service of former South African President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier in the weekend. Ramaphosa had also recently been on a tour of four West African states, where the delegation had been tested regularly, including on their return to South Africa.&nbsp; &nbsp; However, the presidency has encouraged all persons who had contact with Ramaphosa during the memorial service to watch for symptoms and get tested.&nbsp;



“Today’s proceedings in Cape Town were undertaken in compliance with health regulations pertaining to hand hygiene, the wearing of face masks and social distancing… President Ramaphosa says his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure” said the presidency in a statement.    The President is now in isolation and has handed over his duties to Deputy President David Mabuza for the week – Ramaphosa’s positive results coming amidst a striking fourth wave of infections in South Africa and the recent discovery of the Omicron variant, with 18 035 new daily cases recorded as of Sunday, and an additional 19 840 retrospective cases which had not been previously counted in daily totals previously.* *An earlier version of this story erroneously reported the new daily total number of cases as 37 875, which included both the daily cases and retrospective cases together &#8211; the article has been corrected to reflect these separately.

TOPSHOT-SAFRICA-HEALTH-VACCINE-VIRUS

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tests positive for COVID-19

Topline



South African president Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation this evening following the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic with the new variant, Omicron. In his address, Ramaphosa has called for countries who have imposed travel bans on southern Africa to immediately rethink their decision; the South African cabinet has moved to not place the country in a hard lockdown.



Key Facts



Ramaphosa called on countries that imposed travel restrictions on South Africa to lift the “unjustified, discriminatory” bans before further economic damage is caused.



“We are deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from a number of southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant. This is a clear and completely unjustified departure from the commitment that many of these countries made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month,” he said, announcing that South Africa would stay on lockdown alert level 1.



The travel bans imposed by certain countries are in the wake of the B.1.1.529 variant, known as Omicron, first identified and reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by South Africa on November 24. According to WHO, the epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of the Omicron variant. The first known confirmed Omicron infection was from a specimen collected on November 9.



Although the country has seen cases rise from 2% to 9 % in less than a week, Ramaphosa noted that the reason behind keeping South Africa at alert level one is the country does have “tools” to protect citizens from the variant. These tools include improving the vaccination process because “vaccines do work, vaccines are saving lives”.



“Vaccination is also vital to the return of our economy to full operation, to the resumption of travel and to the recovery of vulnerable sectors like tourism and hospitality,” Ramaphosa reiterated.



“In taking the decision not to impose further restrictions at this stage, we considered the fact that when we encountered previous waves of infection, vaccines were not widely available and far fewer people were vaccinated. That is no longer the case.”



This is why the president said he was dismayed by other countries across the globe taking the



“unjustified” choice to ban southern African countries from traveling here and vice versa.



“They pledged at that [G20] meeting to restart international travel in a safe and orderly manner, consistent with the work of relevant international organizations…” Ramaphosa said. “The G20 Rome Declaration noted the plight of the tourism sector in developing countries, and made a commitment to support a ‘rapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector’.”



Countries that have already banned travel from South Africa&nbsp;



Multiple countries across the globe have imposed a travel bans from most countries situated in southern Africa. The restrictions applies to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.&nbsp;



United Kingdom&nbsp;&nbsp;



The South Africa government stated in a press release on November 26 2021, that they noted the&nbsp;temporary&nbsp;ban&nbsp;on&nbsp;all flights from the Southern parts of Africa, including South Africa from entering the UK due to the new variant.&nbsp;&nbsp;



While they respected the decision, the Department of International Relations&nbsp;and Cooperation said they do feel the ban&nbsp;“seems&nbsp;to have been rushed as even the WHO&nbsp;is yet to advise on the next steps.”&nbsp;



Minister Naledi Pandor said &#8220;Our immediate concern is the damage that this decision will cause to both the tourism industries and businesses of both countries.&nbsp;



European Union&nbsp;



Also&nbsp;on Friday the European Union had reportedly also moved to&nbsp;ban flights from southern African countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;



According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-26/eu-proposes-to-halt-air-travel-from-southern-africa-over-variant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg,</a>&nbsp;The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control labeled the strain as a “variant of concern,” its most severe category.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Other countries that have reportedly imposed travel bans to countries in southern Africa:&nbsp;&nbsp;



<ul><li>USA&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Seychelles&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Japan&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>France&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Singapore&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;</li><li>Germany&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Canada&nbsp;</li><li>Australia&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;</li><li>Turkey&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Sri Lanka&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>The&nbsp;United Arab Emirates&nbsp;</li><li>Thailand&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Brazil&nbsp;</li><li>Gautemala&nbsp;</li></ul>



Crucial Quote  



Ramaphosa has called upon countries imposing travel bans on the southern African region to urgently reverse the imposition before any further damage is done to the economy and to the livelihoods of people. 



“These restrictions are unjustified and unfairly discriminate against our country and our Southern African sister countries. The prohibition of travel is not informed by science, nor will it be effective in preventing the spread of this variant. The only thing the prohibition on travel will do is to further damage the economies of the affected countries and undermine their ability to respond to, and recover from, the pandemic”&nbsp;

Federal Health Minister Spahn travels to South Africa

‘Prohibition Of Travel Not Informed By Science’, Says Ramaphosa Calling Out Countries Imposing Bans On Southern Africa

WORDS By Chanel Retief PHOTOS By Yeshiel Panchia



TOPLINE: For the past two days, South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa has met with leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly. In his meeting, he told leaders that the government is intensifying its efforts and working in partnership with civil society to stem public violence affecting various parts of South Africa.



Key Facts



● South Africa has been mired in lawlessness and civil unrest since Saturday night following the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma. Though believed to be under the banner of #FreeZuma, Ramaphosa on Sunday told the nation that these were also “opportunistic acts of criminality”.



● According to a statement released by the presidency this afternoon, leaders of political parties have characterized the situation in the country as an attack on the democratic order. Furthermore, they believe that this unrest requires a multifaceted response in the long-term as it has already affected unemployment and poverty in South Africa.



● The riots have left businesses in disarray, either looted, vandalized, and/or destroyed across parts of<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1eDx6D_PEhXr9YIzIjWfw6ZXKFs_wiZ5D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng province</a>s. 



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● Ramaphosa on Monday in his address warned that if the unrest continued, the situation could lead to food insecurity as well as to an overwhelming of public health systems. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, some stores across South Africa witnessed long queues and empty shelves with disrupted supply chains. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The stockpiling has started. Long queues in grocery stores. It’s a mess! <a href="https://t.co/0EGzjwSwNV">pic.twitter.com/0EGzjwSwNV</a>&mdash; Nathi Ndamase (@nathi_ndamase) <a href="https://twitter.com/nathi_ndamase/status/1415260694761594884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Bread expires quickly though&#8230; And if you&#39;ve had frozen bread before you know how whack it is. Stockpiling bread doesn&#39;t make much sense tbh 🤷🏾‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/pJ2E0lLz20">https://t.co/pJ2E0lLz20</a>&mdash; I&#39;m hungry dawg (@CtrlAltDivine) <a href="https://twitter.com/CtrlAltDivine/status/1415346437689430021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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● This also includes some retail stores that specialize in selling medication, such as Clicks, which have been forced to close “some stores until further notice for the safety of our staff and customers”.



● “The looting and destruction of property are alarming,” said Busisiwe Mavuso, Chief Executive Officer of Business Leadership South Africa, in a statement. “This is inflicting further damage to the economy which is already at stretching point because of lockdown restrictions.”



● This has also affected the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in KZN and Gauteng as inoculations at some centers have had to be suspended due to the riots. “This will have lasting effects on our ability to consolidate some of the progress we were already witnessing in our economic recovery,” Ramaphosa said on Monday.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-photos">In Photos</h3>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-2-of-5-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51833" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-2-of-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-2-of-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-2-of-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-2-of-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-2-of-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



A young boy lies dead as his family mourns besides his body after he was allegedly shot by taxi association members supporting police in Vosloorus, Johannesburg, 14 July 2021. This was during the course of a conflict between the police, taxi association members and looters of a nearby mall. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-3-of-5-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51834" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-3-of-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-3-of-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-3-of-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-3-of-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-3-of-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



A shopping center stands completely looted and destroyed in Vosloorus, Johannesburg, 14 July 2021. Looters ravaged the center over the last few days, which saw three people killed. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-4-of-5-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51835" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-4-of-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-4-of-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-4-of-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-4-of-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-4-of-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



*Moande, a store owner, stands in front of his looted and destroyed shop in Chris Hani Mall in Vosloorus, Johannesburg, 14 July 2021. Over the last few days, his shop has been destroyed, his stock looted, and he stated that he will have to lay off the workers he previously employed as he closes down. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-5-of-5-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51836" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-5-of-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-5-of-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-5-of-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-5-of-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14-July-2021-Forbes-5-of-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Taxi association members gather men they allegedly caught looting outside Chris Hani Mall in Vosloorus, Johannesburg, 14 July 2021. Many of the association members turned out to defend the malls, with at least one dead, attributed to their use of live weapons. Police did not interfere in any of their actions. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia



This is a developing story and FORBES AFRICA will provide updates.

14 July 2021 Forbes (1 of 5)

Panic Buying, Political Meetings And The Pain Of Business

President Cyril Ramaphosa deploys the SANDF and calls to restore order in South Africa after looting, vandalism and violence leave 11 dead and many injured.



Just a day after addressing the nation about strengthened Covid-19 lockdown restrictions until July 25, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa was back on TV screens again “with a heavy heart”, this time on the government’s response to the public violence and unrest currently ravaging parts of the country.



The vandalism, looting, riots, “political protests” and “anarchy” over the last three days have led to the army being called in to “protect property and safeguard social and economic infrastructure”, as the president stated in his address on Monday evening, July 12.



“As the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), I have today authorized the deployment of Defence Force personnel in support of the operations of the South African Police Service (SAPS).”



The protests, sparked by the arrest of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court last week, began in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Zuma’s homestead where he is currently incarcerated at the Estcourt Correctional Centre. The civil unrest saw an estimated <a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/current-affairs/2021/07/11/south-africa-protests-and-unrest-grow-over-zuma-arrest/">$7 million in damages with over 30 trucks set alight.</a> The protests continued in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, in places such as Soweto, Jeppetown and Alexandra.



Social media has been agog with dramatic scenes of the state of affairs: videos of people running into shopping centers, malls, and/or shops being destroyed and/or vandalized. Many experts, politicians, and citizens, including the president, questioned if these protests were really under the banner of the #FreeZuma campaign.



“What we are witnessing now are opportunistic acts of criminality, with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft,” Ramaphosa said. “There is no grievance, nor any political cause, that can justify the violence and destruction that we have seen in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.”



So far, over 11 people have been declared dead due to the unrest; 166 suspects have been arrested in KZN and 323 suspects arrested in Gauteng concerning these incidents.



“Many South Africans are at this hour counting the cost to their livelihoods and property, to their shops and businesses, to their safety and security. Many more South Africans are feeling anxious and afraid,” Ramaphosa added in his address.



“This means that our sick cannot get medication from pharmacies, food does not reach supermarket shelves, and health workers cannot go to work.”



The incidents of the last few days have disrupted the country’s ongoing Covid-19 vaccination drive that had been gathering momentum.



With the number of Covid-19 cases still surging, the cost of these protests on the economy may be dire.



<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-12/rand-slumps-with-south-african-riots-spreading-amid-covid-surge">Bloomberg</a> reported that South Africa’s rand collapsed to “its weakest level” against the dollar due to the unrest. The rand declined as much as 2% and was 1.7% weaker at 14.4681 per dollar by today heading for its weakest level since April 30.



“The victims of the violence that is unfolding now are the workers, the truck drivers, the business owners, the parents and families of those who have lost their lives, who have done nothing wrong,” Ramaphosa added.



This is a developing story and FORBES AFRICA will provide updates as the story progresses.

Durban shopping centres and businesses looted over the weekend

Continued Riots And Anarchy In South Africa, The Military To Help Police

TOPLINE: It did feel like some form of “normalcy” would be on the horizon after overcoming the second wave in South Africa. However, with the new Delta variant of the coronavirus, South Africa will now move to adjusted lockdown alert Level 4 for the next 14 days. Calling this a “weighty matter”, and with grave seriousness, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday evening that the country is now seeing a “massive resurgence of infections”.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">Key Facts</h3>



<ul><li>The president said: “As much as we had hoped this pandemic would pass quickly, we know the reality to be vastly different. There may be uncertainty over the trajectory of the pandemic, but there is one thing that is certain.”</li><li>It was further noted that the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the third wave of Covid-19 is underway on the continent. African Union member states have also reported over 5.2 million cases and over 138,000 deaths from Covid-19. </li><li>This third wave, known as the Delta variant, was first detected in India at the end of March 2021. Currently, Delta can be found in 85 countries.</li><li>The Delta variant has now been detected in five of the nine South African provinces, namely the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.</li><li>The epicentre of this current fierce wave is Gauteng, which now accounts for more than 60% of new cases in the country.</li><li> Ramaphosa stated he was unsure of how long this wave would last as the first wave (July 2020) lasted 15 weeks and the second wave (January 2021) lasted nine weeks. “We don’t know how long this one will last, but indications are that it could last longer,” he said.</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-changes-in-restrictions">Crucial Changes in Restrictions</h3>



<ul><li> All gatherings – whether indoors or outdoors – are prohibited. These include religious, political, cultural and social gatherings.</li><li>A curfew will be in place from 9PM to 4AM, and all non-essential establishments will need to close by 8PM.</li><li>The sale of alcohol, both for on-site and off-site consumption, is also prohibited. This is a change from alcohol being allowed to be sold between 10AM and 6PM from Monday to Thursday.</li><li>Due to the rise of infections in Gauteng, which the president called “a burden”, travel in and out of the province for leisure purposes is prohibited. This does not include work, business or commercial travel, transit through airports or for the transport of goods.</li><li> Restaurants and other eateries will only be permitted to sell food for take-away or delivery.</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">Crucial Quote</h3>



“The tried and tested public health measures that have been in place remain our best chance at fighting this pandemic. They are not complicated, difficult or expensive. Whatever inconvenience they may be to us, they are certainly better than becoming seriously ill and needing hospitalization&#8230; the situation has gotten worse,” the president said.

Tightened Restrictions With Devastating Delta Variant In South Africa

TOPLINE A new partnership hopes to help South Africa make Covid-19 vaccines within a year using mRNA, the breakthrough technology behind the highly effective Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as the country faces another deadly surge of cases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h3>



The “technology transfer hub” hopes to “scale up” the production of an existing mRNA vaccine in South Africa with the help of biotech companies, mRNA experts and public health agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African CDC,&nbsp;<a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/4yTwCkR64qtZYAWyi21Z5s?domain=worldhealthorganization.cmail19.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the WHO announced Monday</a>.



The partnership does not yet have an agreement with a vaccine manufacturer, though it has spoken with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, as well as smaller companies with vaccines in development, said WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan.



With a “tried and tested” vaccine, the hub could be making vaccines “within 9 to 12 months,” said Swaminathan, but would take longer with a vaccine still in development.&nbsp;



South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the hub will “make sure that it benefits the entire African continent,” but did not say how vaccines it makes would be shared with other countries.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND&nbsp;</h3>



South Africa and India have pushed the World Trade Organization to waive intellectual property rights for vaccine technology so that developing countries can produce Pfizer, Moderna and other vaccines instead of waiting for wealthy countries to sell or donate surplus vaccines. Countries including the U.S. and Britain, both home to vaccine manufacturers,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dw.com/en/rich-countries-block-india-south-africas-bid-to-ban-covid-vaccine-patents/a-56460175" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have blocked the waiver</a>. President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/biden-says-plans-back-wto-waiver-vaccines-2021-05-05/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said in May</a>&nbsp;he supported a waiver, but it is unclear how wide of a waiver the U.S. supports or whether other wealthy countries will sign on. Instead, the U.S., U.K. and other leaders at the G7 summit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57461640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pledged in June</a>&nbsp;to donate 1 billion vaccines to poorer countries.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h3>



1% That’s how many South Africans have been vaccinated,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.yahoo.com/safrica-set-host-vaccine-tech-083957118.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to&nbsp;AFP</a>, while the country has more than one in three of cases in Africa and is “facing a third wave which seems to be more severe,” Ramaphosa said Monday.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h3>



<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-21/south-africa-plans-covid-19-vaccine-technology-transfer-hub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Africa Plans Covid-19 Vaccine-Technology Transfer Hub</a>&nbsp;(Bloomberg)



<a href="https://news.yahoo.com/safrica-set-host-vaccine-tech-083957118.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SAfrica set to host vaccine tech transfer hub</a> (Yahoo News/AFP)



By Graison Dangor, Forbes Staff

South African President Ramaphosa visits the Mashatile family home to offer condolences

WHO: South Africa Could Make Covid Vaccine Within A Year

Topline: South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the nation on Sunday evening on developments in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In his announcement, the president said that the country would be moving to alert level 2 from Monday.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">Key Facts</h3>



<ul><li>When last the president addressed the nation, two months ago, it was to mildly put in place restrictions for the Easter weekend in April.</li><li>The president told the country on Sunday that this move to alert level two is urgent and necessary. It is about beating the third wave before it reaches it peak, Ramaphosa said. He further warned that the increase in daily cases is following the same trajectory as it did at the start of the previous two waves. This is a concern as in other countries the consequence of allowing the virus to spread unchecked was calamitous.&nbsp;</li><li>South Africa has seen an increase of 31% positive cases this week and 66% increase on the week before that. This is mostly due to the increasing number of social gatherings where people are not observing essential health protocols.&nbsp; Free State, Northern Cape, North West and Gauteng have reached the threshold of a third wave of infections.</li><li>“We are advised that a positivity rate of over 5 per cent is a cause for concern&#8230;It may only be a matter of time before the country as a whole will have entered a third wave,” he said.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-changes-in-restrictions">Crucial Changes in Restrictions&nbsp;</h3>



<ul><li>The hours of curfew will start at 11pm (as opposed to midnight) and end at 4am.</li><li>Non-essential establishments like restaurants, bars and fitness centres will need to close by 10pm.&nbsp;</li><li>All gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 100 people indoors and 250 people outdoors.&nbsp; This includes religious services, political events and social gatherings, as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places.</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccine-update">Vaccine Update&nbsp;</h3>



<ul><li>At the start of May,&nbsp; South Africa started its second phase of the country’s three-phase vaccination program.&nbsp;</li><li>When phase one began on 17 February, South Africa wanted to reach 1.25 million healthcare workers will be vaccinated in total, with 500 000 vaccinated by mid-May and the remaining approximately 600 000 vaccinated during phase 2 of the vaccine rollout.&nbsp;</li><li>Phase two is about prioritizing around 16.5 million South Africans based on age and other vulnerable sections of the population.</li><li>Ramaphosa stated that more than 67% of health workers have been vaccinated. Over the last two weeks, over 480,000 people have received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine as part of the public vaccination campaign. In total so far&nbsp; over 960,000 people in South Africa have received one vaccine dose</li><li>“As the African continent, we are pushing ahead with efforts to expand our vaccine manufacturing capacity with a view to being self-sufficient in vaccine production. We are also part of the global effort to ensure that all countries have access to sufficient vaccines as a matter of urgency,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">Crucial Quote</h3>



“However, we need to delay the increase in infections for as long as we can to allow more of our most vulnerable citizens to be protected,” the president said in his address to the nation. “Every week that we delay the peak of the third wave allows us to vaccinate hundreds of thousands more people, and may well save their lives.”

South Africa “Urgently” Moves Back To Alert Level 2

Topline: With declining Covid-19 hospital admissions and deaths, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke on Sunday evening to announce the country’s move from Lockdown Alert Level 3 directly to Alert Level 1 and some crucial changes to public restrictions.



Key Facts



<ul><li>Friday, March 5, will mark one year since the first case of coronavirus was reported in South Africa. This comes just as the country has hit over 1.5 million cases and nearly 50, 000 people have died from the fatal virus.&nbsp;</li><li>“So much has changed in our country and our lives. But the spirit of our people has not changed. You have endured the greatest hardships, but you have remained resolute, united, and hopeful,” Ramaphosa said on Sunday evening.</li><li>The president further noted the “dramatic decline” in infection rates recently, thus the decision of the government to reduce the lockdown level to one.&nbsp;</li><li>Moreover, admissions to hospital and deaths “have fallen significantly and continue to decline steadily”. In the week that has just passed, the country recorded just under 10,000 new infections. Ramaphosa believes that the decline is due to a combination of public health measures, changes in social behavior and accumulating immunity in those who became infected in the communities.</li></ul>



Crucial Changes In Restrictions



<ul><li>The hours of the curfew will now be from midnight until 4AM.</li><li>Gatherings will be permitted, subject to limitations on size. These include religious, social, political, and cultural gatherings. However, the maximum number of people allowed at any gathering is 100 people indoors and 250 outdoors. Furthermore, night vigils and nightclubs are still not permitted.&nbsp;</li><li>The sale of alcohol is now allowed as normal however not during the hours of curfew.&nbsp;</li><li>The 33 land border posts that have been closed throughout this period will remain closed, while the other 20 will remain open. Only five airports, OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka, Kruger Mpumalanga, and Lanseria airports, will be open for international travel.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Crucial Quote



“This pandemic has taken much from us, but it has not taken our strength, our courage, or our sense of solidarity as a people,” Ramaphosa said. “It has not dampened our spirit or weakened our resolve. Our uniquely South African spirit has allowed us to remain steadfast in the face of an unprecedented threat, and which will continue to inspire us as we chart a path to recovery.”

SAFRICA-HEALTH-VIRUS

A Year With The Virus, South Africa Moves From Alert Level 3 to 1

Topline: A more placid Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday evening. Only three weeks ago, the South African president had banned alcohol sales and closed borders at the peak of the second wave of the pandemic. In his address, he also presented a clearer picture related to Covid-19 vaccines, having personally received the first batch that landed earlier in the day.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Good morning 🇿🇦. President <a href="https://twitter.com/CyrilRamaphosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CyrilRamaphosa</a> will receive the country&#39;s 1-million doses of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine, AstraZeneca, today. The first consignment of the vaccine will target frontline workers. Read more: tps://bit.ly/3cuFJQa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineforSouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineforSouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://t.co/ssmuds8thH">pic.twitter.com/ssmuds8thH</a>&mdash; South African Government (@GovernmentZA) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernmentZA/status/1356116939299577859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">Key Facts</h4>



● On February 1, South Africa watched as an Emirates flight carrying the first consignment of Covid-19 vaccines arrived at OR Tambo International Airport with one million AstraZeneca doses. In addition to that, another 500,000 doses are expected to arrive later this month, also from the Serum Institute of India. The country has also secured 12 million doses in total from the global COVAX facility, which has indicated that it will release approximately 2 million doses by March. Johnson &amp; Johnson will commence with the delivery of 9 million doses by the second quarter of 2021.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The first consignment of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine touched down on South African soil today. Working together, we can beat the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccinesforSouthAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccinesforSouthAfrica</a> <a href="https://t.co/0H7349fALP">pic.twitter.com/0H7349fALP</a>&mdash; South African Government (@GovernmentZA) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernmentZA/status/1356291010939248646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



● Ramaphosa also announced, as the African Union (AU) Chairperson, that through the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team of the AU, one billion doses of the vaccine have been secured for the entire African continent.



● “Seven hundred million of these will come from the global COVAX facility and 300 million have been facilitated by the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team,” Ramaphosa said in his address.



● The president has reiterated that no one will be forced to take the vaccine against their will.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-easing-of-restrictions">The Easing of Restrictions?</h4>



● Alongside news regarding the distribution of vaccines in South Africa, the president also announced the easing of restrictions put in place on January 11.



● “We are pleased that across the country, most people are adhering to the restrictions we have had to impose and are diligently observing the basic health measures needed to prevent infection,” Ramaphosa said.



● The country will stay at Alert Level Three of the lockdown but the following changes will be made to the restrictions:



○ The curfew will now be from 11PM to 4AM.



○ However, establishments will need to close by 10PM to allow customers and staff to return home by curfew.



○ Faith-based gatherings will be permitted, but may not exceed 50 people for indoor venues and 100 persons for outdoor venues.



○ Public places such as beaches, dams, rivers, parks, and public swimming pools will be reopened.



○ The sale of alcohol by licensed premises for off-site consumption will be permitted from Mondays to Thursdays, from 10AM to 6PM.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">Crucial quote</h4>



The president was happy to report that South Africa has recorded the lowest daily increase in infections since the beginning of December last year.



“In fact, the average rate of new infections has been steadily coming down over the last three weeks, indicating that we have now passed the peak of the second wave,” Ramaphosa said.

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Topline: In yet another “family meeting”, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday evening that the country would stay on alert level 3. In addition to regulations put in place, the South African government has chosen to close all 20 land ports of entry. 



Key Facts.&nbsp;



<ul><li>Land ports of entry will be closed until February, 15 for general entry and departure. These will include the six busiest border posts; Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Oshoek, Ficksburg, and Kopfontein.</li><li>This decision has been made as a way to reduce congestion and the high risk of transmission as South Africa has reported nearly 190, 000 Covid-19 cases since the start of 2021. The country has also recorded more than 4,600 Covid-related deaths so far this year.</li><li><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/current-affairs/2020/12/28/south-africa-in-grave-danger-ramaphosa-implores-adherence-to-safety-protocols-as-country-moves-again-to-lockdown-level-3/">Alcohol sales</a> are still not permitted, however, curfew times have changed slightly from 9 pm to 6 am to 9 pm to 5 am. </li></ul>



The Government Vaccine Strategy&nbsp;



Part of South Africa’s strategy is to identify priority groups that need to be vaccinated as the country receives them throughout the year. This will be done in phases.&nbsp;



<ul><li>Phase 1- the first batch of vaccines will be prioritized around 1.2 million front line health workers.</li><li>Phase 2- When more vaccines arrive, South Africa will prioritize essential workers such as teachers, police, municipal workers, and other frontline personnel. People in institutions like old age homes, shelters, and prisons, people over 60 years of age, and adults with co-morbidities will also be prioritized in this phase. The country plans to reach 16 million people at this stage.&nbsp;</li><li>Phase 3&#8211; With increased manufacturer supplies, the country will then vaccinate the remaining adult population of approximately 22.5 million people.</li></ul>



Crucial Quote&nbsp;



“But, if we are to realize our aspirations for the year, we must unite to overcome the grave, persistent, and deepening coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic in our country is now at its most devastating,” Ramaphosa said during the live broadcast. “The number of new infections, hospital admissions, and deaths is higher now than it has ever been since the first case was recorded in our country in March 2020.”

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