South Africa recorded 165 more Covid-19-related deaths by Tuesday, bringing the death toll to 18 028.

The fatalities have been reported in the following provinces: 31 in the Eastern Cape, 28 in the Free State, 50 in KwaZulu-Natal, 31 in Gauteng, five in Limpopo, four in Mpumalanga, five in the Northern Cape and 11 in the Western Cape.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said of the 165 deaths reported on Tuesday, 18 occurred in the past 24 to 48 hours: three in the Eastern Cape, one in Mpumalanga, two in Gauteng, two in the Northern Cape and 10 in the Western Cape.

"We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients," Mkhize said.

The total number of tests conducted to date is 4 433 952, with 15 534 new tests conducted since the last report.

Recoveries now stand at 625 574, which translates to a recovery rate of 90%.