South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Obed Bapela, has tested positive for Covid-19.
“The Deputy Minister took his 4th test since the outbreak of the pandemic after showing some symptoms. He received his results today, January 9, 2021. As per the Covid regulations, Deputy Minister is in self-quarantine,” the presidency said in a statement.
“We wish Deputy Minister Bapela, his family as well as the thousands of South Africans who are battling the pandemic a speedy recovery.
“The Deputy Minister has urged all South Africans to play their part by continuing to observe all health protocols, like regularly washing/sanitizing hands, wearing a face mask that covers both nose and mouth and practicing social distancing at all times,” the presidency added.
Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa. Simon covers President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. government, the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington D.C. and New York City.