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

Making headlines: DA and teachers' union take KZN Department of Education to task over Covid-19 'failures', South Africa receives additional ventilators from US and, South African banks approve more than R30.6bn in Covid-19 relief

DA and teachers' union take KZN Department of Education to task over Covid-19 'failures'

The DA has said that the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has been operating out of its jurisdiction with regard to early childhood development centres or ECDs.

DA spokesperson on education in KZN Dr Imran Keeka made reference to the ruling passed by the Gauteng High Court which states that ECDs will reopen with immediate effect. 

Keeka further explained that the DA had decide to write to the KZN Education and Social Development MEC Kwazi Mshengu seeking clarification on the reopening of ECD facilities.

Meanwhile the South African Democratic Teachers Union also raised concerns about the failure to supply PPE for Grade 6 and 11 learners.

South Africa receives additional ventilators from US

The US government through the US Agency for International Development, has delivered a second shipment of 100 ventilators to South Africa to assist with its national response to the coronavirus pandemic.

USAID will also train up to 10 000 critical care nurses and physicians and support supply chain assistance for oxygen therapy.

To date, the US government has committed over $41.6-million (R767-million) to South Africa’s Covid-19 response.

To date South Africa has recorded 205 721 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with 3 310 deaths.

South African banks approve more than R30.6bn in Covid-19 relief

Local banks have so far approved more than R30.6-billion in relief to individuals and businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the national lockdown imposed in response, the Banking Association South Africa said.

In addition, over R10.6-billion has been extended to distressed businesses under a Covid-19 loan guarantee scheme.

BASA managing director Bongiwe Kunene said cash flow relief for eligible individuals and businesses is critical to the preservation of jobs and businesses and to maintaining a functioning economy.

As at June 27, individual customers had received R18.26-billion in relief, with banks approving 82.7 % of applications for assistance, or 2.4-million out of 2.9-million.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter @PolityZA