By Grace Audu –
South Africa’s Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, has tested positive for COVID-19 as the Omicron variant spreads across South Africa.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, Mantashe tested positive on Saturday after experiencing mild symptoms.
“Minister Mantashe is in good spirits and is currently in self-isolation,” according to a statement.
This is the minister’s second positive COVID-19 test.
Mantashe’s positive tests followed those of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who tested positive after returning from a trip to West Africa. Since then, Ramaphosa has been isolated.
“Government urges all South Africans to vaccinate and remain disciplined in observing all COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure a safe and joyful festive season with family and friends,” notes a statement by The Presidency released on Sunday.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said on Saturday that 16,080 new COVID-19 cases have been identified in South Africa, which brought the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 3,292,609. There were 48 COVID-19 related deaths reported, bringing total fatalities to 90,345 to date.