South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday, 15 May

In the latest news in South Africa on Wednesday, 15 May, a case of Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, has been confirmed in Gauteng.

May 15, 2024 - 02:00
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South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Wednesday, 15 May

We’ve got the latest news stories and headlines in South Africa on Wednesday, 15 May.

Minister of Health warns the public to stay vigilant as a confirmed case of Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, emerges in the country.

A confirmed case of Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, has been reported in Gauteng. Here are the symptoms and everything you should know.

It has been more than a week since a building in George collapsed. The death toll at midday on Tuesday is 33.

Meanwhile, political parties believe President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law is the worst decision.

Lastly, SAPS Gauteng Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni has thanked community members who reported a police officer for driving a state vehicle while drunk.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Wednesday, 15 May

Health Minister alerts public to Monkeypox case in South Africa

The Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, is urging the public to remain vigilant following the confirmation of a laboratory-confirmed case of monkeypox disease, also known as Mpox, within the country. The case involves a 35-year-old male resident of Gauteng province who tested positive on 9 May 2024.

Initial testing was conducted by Lancet Laboratory and subsequently confirmed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), prompting immediate notification to the department.

Monkeypox/ Mpox- What symptoms should you look out for 

The Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, said a case of Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, has been confirmed in Gauteng.

According to Phaala, the case involves a 35-year-old male who resides in Gauteng and tested positive on 9 May 2024.

“The case was first tested by Lancet Laboratory, which was later confirmed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and immediately notified the department.” 

says Phaala.

He urged the public to be vigilant. 

Phaala added that Mpox is a rare viral infectious disease in humans caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).

George Collapse: Death toll now on 33 

It has been more than a week since a building in George collapsed. The death toll at midday on Tuesday is 33.

According to the George Municipality, 19 workers are still unaccounted for. 

“Rescue and recovery efforts have reached day eight ( following the incident at 75 Victoria Street. Rescue workers and other role-players have been on site of the collapsed building for 193 hours.” 

WATCH: SAPS charges cop for driving marked vehicle while ‘drunk’

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has charged a cop stationed at Etwatwa for driving under the influence of alcohol and negligent driving. 

A video circulating on social media platforms shows the SAPS member intoxicated inside a police-marked vehicle.

‘Capture of medical aid funds’: Reactions on signing of NHI Bill

There have been mixed reactions regarding the signing of the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law.

The Presidency confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa will sign the NHI Bill into law on Wednesday, 15 May at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.

LATEST NEWS: WEATHER FORECAST, Wednesday, 15 May

Take a look at weather forecasts for all nine provinces here.

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