South Africa recorded 744 new Covid-19 infections by Monday and 21 new Covid-19-related deaths, taking the confirmed death toll to 53 757.

According to a statement by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, as of Monday, the country recorded a total of 1 567 513 confirmed Covid-19 cases.

As of Monday, KwaZulu-Natal recorded the most confirmed active cases with 5 569, followed by the Western Cape with 4 974 and the Northern Cape with 3 326.

The recovery rate is 95% and 1 490 876 recoveries have been recorded.

To date, 10 355 196 tests have been completed, with 18 130 tests conducted in the 24 hours to Monday, Mkhize said.

Mkhize also reported a further 21 Covid-19-related deaths, of which 10 were recorded in the Eastern Cape, four in the Western Cape, three in Mpumalanga, two in the Free State, one in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.

This brings the total to 53 757 confirmed deaths.

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