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Ramaphosa writes to ANC amid Covid-19 corruption, journalists receive award for pandemic reporting, and a spark of hope for Gauteng

Ramaphosa writes to ANC amid Covid-19 corruption, journalists receive award for pandemic reporting, and a spark of hope for Gauteng
Christi Nortier
By Christi Nortier
23 Aug 2020
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Over the weekend, all journalists who have reported on the Covid-19 pandemic were honoured with a prestigious award by the South African National Editors’ Forum. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has written to ANC members about a plan to tackle corruption as allegations of Covid-19 malfeasance mount. And Gauteng finally received some hopeful news.







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Amid the recent unearthing of Covid-19 corruption, President Cyril Ramaphosa has written a letter to ANC members asking for their help to root out the graft and make this a turning point for the party. He wrote that the country’s “anger and disillusionment” with this is justified and that the corruption is an “unforgivable betrayal”. He gave a detailed plan of action for the way forward. As Carien du Plessis writes, this may be the moment which shows that the party is facing a battle within itself too. In addition, as Stephen Grootes writes, this may mark the end of Ramaphosa’s time of governing by consensus.

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-08-23-end-of-cyril-ramaphosa-the-consensus-man/

On Saturday, all journalists who have been reporting on the Covid-19 pandemic received a coveted award – the Nat Nakasa Award. The South African National Editors’ Forum made the announcement alongside the release of a documentary commissioned to show the crucial role journalists play in society – pandemic or not. Watch the documentary below.

 

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Late on Friday, Gauteng received some good news – there has been a significant drop in Covid-19 infections in the province. The average daily infection rate has dropped from a high of 7,000 to just over 3,000. In addition, testing has not declined and hospitalisation has dropped. About 78% of special needs schools have reopened, while 99% of regular schools have reopened. As Zukiswa Pikoli writes, investigations into allegations of corruption in the health department will continue for the next 60 days. DM/MC

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