Health minister Archives - Voice of the Cape

Cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal possibly linked to police training college: Minister

The current Cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal could be linked to the police training college in the area after the first reported case was recorded at the college. Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, says a police officer who enrolled for a three-week course arrived at college on the 7th of May. He was rushed to hospital four days later after complaining of diarrhoea and vomiting. He was confirmed cholera positive on May 15 and […]

1 June 2023

Local

Vulnerable people should continue to take special care post-COVID-19: Phaahla

Health Minister Joe Phaahla says vulnerable people including those who have compromised immune systems, should continue to take special care even if COVID-19 is no longer a pandemic. He was delivering his Department’s Budget vote during a mini-plenary session in the Good Hope Chamber in Parliament. Phaahla notes the World Health Organisation’s recent announcement that the virus is no longer a public health emergency, as there has been a reduction […]

10 May 2023

Local

‘Situation reaches crisis point in health facilities amid Nehawu strike’

The Secretary of the Critical Care Society of Southern Africa, Professor Fathima Paruk, says that the situation has reached a crisis point. The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) has vowed to intensify its strike this week. Nehawu embarked on a nationwide wage strike a week ago. Health Minister Joe Phaahla linked at least four deaths to the strike. Professor Paruk explains, “What we can really see is that around […]

13 March 2023

Local

Health minister calls for calm after four measles cases detected in Gauteng

Health minister Dr Joe Phaahla on Monday called for calm and vigilance after government detected four cases of measles in Gauteng. These cases were found during routine surveillance activities aimed at detecting, investigating and responding to suspected cases of this vaccine-preventable disease. The department of health said in the last two weeks of May four suspected cases of measles were detected in Gauteng and confirmed through laboratory testing by the […]

7 June 2022

Local

Ramaphosa places Mkhize on special leave

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, on special leave. Mkhize is implicated in the issuing of a contract to communications company Digital Vibes worth R150-million. President Ramaphosa places Minister Mkhize on special leave In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, the Presidency said the special leave period “will enable the Minister to attend to allegations and investigations concerning contracts between the Department of Health […]

8 June 2021

Local

Health minister urges compliance to Covid-19 protocols amid resurgence in cases

Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, has warned that if people do not strictly adhere to Covid19 safety measures during the festive season, the country is likely going to face a second wave of infections. This as South Africa's number of new daily cases continues to rise - with 2 563 infections recorded yesterday. The total number of cases recorded since the start of the pandemic is 787 702. The Health Department […]

30 November 2020

International News

Turkey at second peak of coronavirus outbreak, health minister says

Turkey is experiencing the second peak of its novel coronavirus outbreak, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Wednesday, while the government announced new restrictions on weddings and other social gatherings as daily cases and deaths rise rapidly. Fatalities have jumped to their highest since mid-May, when lockdowns were in place, and new cases have risen to mid-June levels, at almost 1,600. Turkey mostly reopened the economy and lifted weekend and […]

3 September 2020

Local

Mkhize doubles down on keeping advice secret as scientists push for transparency

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize will not be releasing any of the more than 70 medical advisories drafted by the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19, despite calls from senior scientific advisors that it can only enhance public understanding of the pandemic. A significant number of MAC members have in recent times argued the advisories - which the government said it used to formulate policy and regulations - should be released […]

19 July 2020

Local

SA records first neonatal mortality related to COVID-19

South Africa has recorded its first neonatal mortality related to COVID-19 as cases increased to 18 003. In a statement, the Department of Health announced 27 more deaths, bringing the total national deaths to 339. Among those who died are a two-day-old baby and a healthcare worker. “Sadly, we have recorded the first neonatal mortality related to COVID-19. This was a 2-day-old baby that was born prematurely and therefore, had […]

21 May 2020

Health minister

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