Deputy President David Mabuza has tested negative for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), the Presidency and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said on Sunday.

In a joint statement, Mabuza called on all South Africans to do their part to stop the spread of Covid-19.

“It is incumbent on all South Africans to stop the spread of this virus and minimise further the disruption this virus has caused to all of us. We must stand united as a nation as we confront this challenge, and are called upon to support all those infected and affected by this pandemic,” said Mabuza. 

He thanked South Africans for the care and concern they have conveyed to him and his family. 

The statement said that noting the public interest in Mabuza's Covid-19 status, the SANDF and his office resolved that it was in the public interest to assure all South Africans that he tested negative.

On March 24, Mabuza was in a meeting with traditional leaders and called on them and all South Africans to test for Covid-19 if they experience symptoms associated with the virus, his office said. 

"This includes instances where they may have recently travelled to an area with ongoing spread of the virus, or if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19. Deputy President Mabuza made this call having himself as a precautionary measure, tested on the advice of his physicians for having been in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19," the statement said.

"The Deputy President continues to take necessary precautions during this testing time, where the world and our country is doing all that is necessary to flatten the curve as we tackle this pandemic. Deputy President Mabuza would like to urge South Africans to adhere to the regulations that have been prescribed by health experts as well as lockdown regulations."

On March 23, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a nationwide 21-day lockdown from midnight on March 26, until midnight on April 16. In an address broadcast live on television, Ramaphosa said all people in South Africa would be compelled to stay at home, save for essential services such as health workers in the public and private sectors, emergency personnel and those in security services such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel and soldiers.