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

Making headlines: Africa hits one-million coronavirus cases, Cabinet approves cannabis law amendment and, Tourism Minister publishes amended Risk Adjusted Strategy

Africa hits one-million coronavirus cases

A million people across Africa have now been confirmed to have had the coronavirus, as health experts warn the peak of the pandemic has yet to hit the continent.

The sombre milestone, came more than five months after Egypt reported the continent's first confirmed case of coronavirus on February 14.

More than 21 000 people have so far died across Africa from Covid-19, while over 670 000 have recovered.

Cabinet approves cannabis law amendment

Cabinet has approved the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill of 2020 which decriminalises the private use of marijuana and determines the amounts people may legally hold in their possession.

In terms of the draft law, smoking cannabis in public remains illegal but consuming it in private is allowed. Adults may possess up to 600 grammes of the drug, or 1 200 grammes per household, for private use. The limit for public possession is 60 grammes.

The legalisation Cannabis has enjoyed the vocal support of finance Minister Tito Mboweni, who has said he is eager to unlock the economic potential of cultivation and believed it could contribute as much as R4-billion to the economy.

Tourism Minister publishes amended Risk Adjusted Strategy

The amended Risk Adjusted Strategy for Tourism Facilities, Services and Products has been announced by Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.

Guided tour operators, which includes overland safari vehicle operators, will now be permitted to operate in national parks from August 7, provided they have applied for a permit.

No permits have been renewed or issued since expiry of the previously issued permits on March 31.

Temporary permits are now valid from issue date to 31 October, and annual permits will be issued from November 1.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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