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

Making headlines: Alcohol industry tells govt to lift the ban and they will help with overburdened healthcare system, over 27 000 cases and 230 deaths among healthcare workers, but SA below global averages, and Public Protector probe report on Eastern Cape health facilities expected in 60 days

 

Alcohol industry tells govt to lift the ban and they will help with overburdened healthcare system

The alcohol industry and business representatives met with Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize on Wednesday, as government prepares to lift the alcohol ban.

Business Unity SA CEO Cas Coovadia said the industry explained to Mkhize in the meeting that they were willing to assist government in dealing with the burden on the public healthcare system.

They said they are willing to put money and resources to help ease the pressure on healthcare facilities.

Coovadia said while government stated that alcohol sales increased trauma cases and overburdened hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry had told government they were willing to assist with this.

 

Over 27 000 cases and 230 deaths among healthcare workers

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, over 27 000 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus with a death toll of 230 in the sector.

In a statement, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize revealed that, as of 4 August, a total of 27 360 healthcare workers were reported as having contacted the virus.

Of the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the healthcare sector, 21 333 (78%) cases were reported in the public sector, while 6 027 (22%) were from the private sector.

 

Public Protector probe report on Eastern Cape health facilities expected in 60 days

A report on the findings of Deputy Public Protector, advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, after her tour of four public healthcare facilities in the Eastern Cape will be concluded in about 60 days, says the Office of the Public Protector.

Gcaleka, her team of investigators and chief operations officer Charles Mohlaba went on a two-day visit to the Eastern Cape to investigate reports of crippled healthcare services at Livingstone Hospital and other health facilities in Uitenhage, Mthatha and Qumbu.  

According to Public Protector spokesperson Oupa Segalwe, the team was exposed to a "raft of systemic challenges which appeared to obstruct the efficient provision of healthcare services to the public".

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter[@PolityZA]