South African health department conducts contact tracing after confirming hantavirus deaths
via The Citizen14 min read
South Africa's Department of Health DoH has initiated contact tracing after confirming two hantavirus-related cases entered the country, one of whom succumbed to the virus. This follows a multi-country response by the World Health Organisation WHO after several cruise passengers died while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Three deaths have been reported in total, with one confirmed as hantavirus, and three others are ill. The deceased were Dutch nationals, including a 70-year-old man who died in St Helena and his wife who passed away in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. A third death occurred on board the MV Hondius cruise ship, which traveled from Argentina to the Canary Islands. A British national, who was medically evacuated to a private health facility in Sandton, has tested positive for hantavirus and is in critical condition. The DoH is collaborating with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases NICD and Gauteng health authorities to monitor individuals potentially exposed to the virus. The department emphasized there is no need for public panic as only two patients from the cruise ship have been within South African borders, and their transportation and hospitalization were privately arranged.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Must ReadMinister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated that South Africa cannot prevent other countries from issuing advisories to their citizens, emphasizing that the country's laws must be respected by all. She made these remarks during a media briefing on the outcomes of a recent Cabinet meeting, where immigration issues were a key topic. Several countries, including Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria, have issued advisories for their citizens in South Africa amidst protests against illegal immigration. Ntshavheni highlighted that undocumented individuals must comply with the law and pointed out the "hypocrisy" of some African countries that criticize South Africa while engaging in similar actions within their own borders. She also stressed the need to address illegal activities by foreign nationals, such as criminality, intimidation, and drug dealing, asserting that South Africans will not tolerate being undermined in their own country. Regarding Ghana's request for the African Union to discuss the protests, Ntshavheni affirmed that South Africa is prepared to explain the situation, maintaining there are no xenophobic attacks in the country. She condemned the spread of fake videos and images, stating they aim to damage South Africa's international reputation. Ntshavheni also dismissed claims that the government is not addressing illegal immigration, citing ongoing efforts like strengthening border management, accelerating deportations, and intensifying workplace inspections to en
Questions have arisen regarding former Midvaal mayor Bongani Baloyi's potential as the MK party's mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. Despite reports of a faction within the MK party supporting Baloyi for the role, his name was notably absent from the list of individuals announced to lead the party's election campaign in Joburg and other parts of Gauteng. On Wednesday, 6 May, the party's secretary-general, Sibonelo Nomvalo, stated that the regional task teams are intended to position the MK party as a viable political alternative for improving local government in South Africa. Political analyst Theo Neethling highlighted concerns about Baloyi's ideological consistency, given his political journey from the DA to forming his own party, Xiluva, and then joining the MK party. Neethling suggested that while Baloyi has a reputation for good governance, the MK party's populist and confrontational style might not align with his image. Another analyst, Andre Duvenhage, expressed little surprise at Baloyi's exclusion, noting that Baloyi might be too moderate for the MK party's radical approach. Duvenhage also indicated that while the MK party is unlikely to secure a majority in Johannesburg, a strong performance could make them a significant player in coalition formations after the elections.
A dispute has emerged regarding Ekurhuleni's electricity debt, with the ANC-led coalition government rejecting claims of a financial crisis, while the DA insists the situation is serious. DA member of the provincial legislature, Mike Waters, cited an Eskom debt figure of approximately R7 billion, suggesting a deepening financial problem. However, Ekurhuleni MMC for Finance, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, stated that the alleged figure is incorrect and does not indicate an immediate financial breakdown. Dlabathi clarified that most of the outstanding balance is current, with only about R1 billion being overdue, and that the city is not at risk of Eskom disconnections. He suggested the narrative around the debt lacks full understanding of the details. In contrast, Waters maintained that a written reply from the provincial Treasury confirmed Ekurhuleni owes Eskom R6.948 billion and that no action has been taken. He questioned how such a debt accumulated, raising concerns about the accuracy of reporting and the sustainability of the city's finances, and warned of potential electricity supply disruptions for residents and businesses. Dlabathi noted ongoing efforts to stabilize city finances, including campaigns to address non-paying businesses and residents. Simon Lapping, however, suggested the issue extends beyond a single figure, pointing to poor financial management, inflated prices, and incomplete projects, and questioned the accuracy of official financial reports.
Must ReadDeputy President Paul Mashatile expressed confidence that the ANC will "inevitably" win the 4 November local government elections, urging supporters to campaign with conviction. However, political analysts like Theo Neethling and Professor André Duvenhage suggest that the ANC's support is declining, with some surveys indicating it could fall below 30%. They predict the party will perform better in rural areas due to entrenched loyalties but will likely lose dominance in urban centers and major metros, necessitating coalition governments. John Molepo, an associate professor, views Mashatile's statement as a morale-boosting effort, acknowledging that polls show a decline in ANC support and an increase in coalition politics. Analysts agree that a return to the ANC's past dominant position is unlikely, and the party needs to address issues like corruption and candidate selection to improve its performance.