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

Making headlines: President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses cigarette controversy, 826 arrests in KZN since Level 4 lockdown began and, Taiwan sends doctors to Eswatini to fight coronavirus

President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses cigarette controversy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the controversy surrounding the cigarette ban, assuring South Africans that government was making every effort to advance the right to life and dignity.

He acknowledged government’s apparent turn around on the banning of tobacco sales and said while the decision was bound to be controversial, it was wrong to suggest that government officials were saying and doing “whatever they want” on the issue.

He said the current situation called for courage, patience, goodwill and trust between citizens and government.

826 arrests in KZN since Level 4 lockdown began

KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said on Monday that at least 826 people have been arrested since May 1 for not adhering to Level 4 lockdown regulations in the province.

He was speaking at a roadblock at the Marianhill Toll Plaza where drivers – including truckers – were stopped, screened and questioned on why they were entering the city.

Zikalala said he was happy with the screening and testing programme at all roadblocks.

He warned that Level 4 still meant the public had to show lots of restraint.

Taiwan sends doctors to Eswatini to fight coronavirus

Four doctors and a consignment of medical supplies arrived in Eswatini from Taiwan at the weekend to help in the fight against Covid-19.

Welcoming the doctors, Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini said Taiwan has always been a nation that comes through for Eswatini.

He said the world should recognise the health expertise of Taiwan, which has not only been extended to Eswatini, but to other countries as well.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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