South Africa recorded 1 372 new Covid-19 infections by Thursday and 73 new Covid-19-related deaths, taking the confirmed death toll to 53 571.

According to a statement by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, as of Thursday, the country recorded a total of 1 562 931 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded the most confirmed active cases with 5 322, followed by the Western Cape with 4 780 and the Northern Cape with 2 892.

The recovery rate is 95% and 1 488 060 total recoveries have been recorded.

To date, 10 259 664 tests have been completed, with 43 550 tests conducted in the 24 hours to Thursday evening, Mkhize said.

Mkhize also reported a further 73 Covid-19-related deaths, of which 20 were recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, 16 in Gauteng, 13 in the Eastern Cape, eight in Limpopo, six in the Free State, five in the Western Cape, four in Mpumalanga and one in the Northern Cape.

This brings the total to 53 571 confirmed deaths.

"We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased," Mkhize said.