Third successive day this week where more than 300 positive cases were reported
THE NUMBER of Covid-19 cases in the Northern Cape has surpassed the 27,000 mark, while 437 deaths have been recorded in the Province.
The Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said that as of January 9, an additional 332 people have tested positive in the Province, bringing the cumulative total to 27,383 people.
He stated that this was the third successive day this week where more than 300 positive cases were reported in a day in the Northern Cape.
He indicated that the highest number of new cases was reported in the Namakwa District with 137 cases.
The Frances Baard District has the second highest number of new cases at 61, followed by the ZF Mgcawu District with 60, John Taolo Gaetsewe with 37 and Pixley ka Seme with 34, while three cases have not been allocated.
Mkhize stated that 12 additional Covid-19-related deaths were recorded, of which three deaths occurred in the last 72 hours.
“Nine deaths were reported in the previous month. With these new deaths, the Province’s total cumulative deaths due to Covid-19 complications now stands at 437.
“We convey our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of the departed.
“The number of total active cases stands at 3,415 in the Province.
“The number of recoveries slightly increased to 23,529 with a recovery rate of 87 percent.”
Meanwhile, speaking at the special provincial funeral that was held for celebrated Setswana musician Motlhwaahatshe Laaities Keupilwe in Takeng village near Kuruman on Saturday, Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul said that they were unable to give Keupilwe the send-off that he deserved due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“If we had not been confronted by the Covid-19 pandemic, we would have loved to bid farewell to the late Laaities in a manner befitting his stature and worthy of his contribution to the traditional arts. We will, when allowed to, erect a tombstone in his honour and conduct a proper memorial with all prescribed rituals and rights conferred to the deceased.”
Saul added that Keupilwe instilled a sense of pride in the culture and traditions of Setswana artists.
