For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: Amnesty International urges 'zero tolerance' on mismanagement of SA Covid-19 funds, DA supports Ramaphosa’s phased lockdown plan and, Nigeria's Covid-19 cases rise to 981

Amnesty International urges 'zero tolerance' on mismanagement of SA Covid-19 funds

Global human rights watchdog Amnesty International has urged South Africa's government to ensure zero tolerance towards the misappropriation of funds set aside to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Executive director of Amnesty International South Africa Shenilla Mohamed said the coronavirus scourge had highlighted the critical need for access to adequate housing as well as safe and sufficient water and sanitation for all.

She said President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement that R20-billion would be used towards emergency water supplies and support for the homeless during a national lockdown to curb the spread of the virus was a welcome step.

DA supports Ramaphosa’s phased lockdown plan

The DA has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of the phased lifting of lockdown restrictions.

DA interim leader John Steenhuisen said it was encouraging to cooperate with government and be on the same page.

The DA also welcomed the President’s announcement that the wearing of facemasks will be required from all South Africans on public transport and in all public areas.

Nigeria's Covid-19 cases rise to 981

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has recorded 108 new cases of the coronavirus bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 981, with 197 recoveries and 31 deaths. 

Dr Osagie Ehanire, the minister of health, stated that the NCDC was testing about 600 samples daily and that efforts were ongoing to increase testing capacities as well as the accreditation of more laboratories. 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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