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

Making headlines: Ramaphosa told to lift cigarette, alcohol ban and move to Level 2 lockdown, Education Department says Minister's husband not involved in production of sanitisers for schools and, Mali protests resume as thousands call for president to resign

 

Ramaphosa told to lift cigarette, alcohol ban and move to Level 2 lockdown

The National Coronavirus Command Council and Cabinet have been advised to lift the ban on the sale of cigarettes and alcohol and move the country to Alert Level Two of the nationwide lockdown.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce his decision this week.

It has been reported that Ramaphosa chaired meetings of the NCCC and Cabinet on Tuesday where the overwhelming argument was in favour of fully reopening the economy.

This is in light of the fact that fewer confirmed Covid-19 cases have been reported daily. 

 

Education Department says Minister's husband not involved in production of sanitisers for schools

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has dismissed claims that her husband, Dr Mathole Motshekga, is involved in the production of sanitisers for schools.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said the allegations were "desperate and far-fetched lies that should he ignored".

The department also added Mathole Motshekga did not own or plan to own a factory that produces or supplies sanitisers or personal protective equipment to schools.

 

Mali protests resume as thousands call for president to resign

Thousands of people took to the streets of Mali's rainy capital Bamako on Tuesday renewing calls for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to step down despite international mediation efforts to resolve a political crisis.

Protests led by an opposition coalition called M5-RFP have raged since June, caused by contested local elections and perceived government corruption and incompetence.

Tensions escalated in July when police shot dead at least 11 demonstrators.

Keita had hoped that concessions to opponents, and recommendations from a mediating delegation of regional leaders would help stem the tide of disaffection.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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