For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Ramaphosa says women played pivotal role in country’s Covid-19 response; South Africa records 862 new infections and 31 confirmed new deaths; And, Senegal shuts schools amid violent unrest

Ramaphosa says women played pivotal role in country’s Covid-19 response

As the world observes International Women’s Day today, President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the role of women in the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in keeping with this year’s theme of women’s leadership and achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world.

Ramaphosa called on South Africans to acknowledge how far the country had come as a result of the role of women leaders, particularly in helping the nation through the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said since the coronavirus pandemic reached South Africa a year ago, the women of the country played a pivotal role in the country’s response. He saluted the resilience and bravery of women frontline workers, who worked to fight the pandemic.

However, he acknowledged that South African women still faced many challenges and argued that there could be no meaningful progress for women if society continued to relegate women to ‘traditional’ professions, occupations or roles, while it was mainly men who sat on decision-making structures.

South Africa records 862 new infections and 31 confirmed new deaths

South Africa recorded 862 new Covid-19 infections by Sunday, along with 31 new Covid-19-related deaths.

According to a statement by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, as of Sunday, the country recorded a total of 1 521 068 Covid-19 cases and 50 678 confirmed deaths.

The total number of healthcare workers vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol is 101 841.

Gauteng remains the most affected province with 26.7% of the total confirmed cases, which translates to 406 729 cases.

And, Senegal shuts schools amid violent unrest

Schools in Senegal will shut until March 15 after days of violent protests paralysed parts of the capital Dakar and are expected to continue next week.

At least five people have died in demonstrations sparked by the arrest on Wednesday of Ousmane Sonko, Senegal's most prominent opposition leader. It is the worst political unrest in years in a country widely seen as one of West Africa's most stable.

Sonko, who enjoys strong support among the young, was arrested after an employee of a beauty salon accused him of raping her. Sonko denies the allegation and says it is politically motivated.

Opponents of President Macky Sall have called for further protests on Monday.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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