For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Health department to administer second Covid-19 vaccine booster shot for those 50 years and older; Ramaphosa says government will try to protect South Africans from rising prices, and urges corporations to assist; And, Tshwane ANC regional chair hopes to 'smoke peace pipe' with rivals

Health department to administer second Covid-19 vaccine booster shot for those 50 years and older

The national health department has announced that people aged 50 and older are now eligible for an additional booster shot of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

The additional booster will be available, as of today, to anyone in this age group who has completed at least 120 days or four months since receiving their last Covid-19 vaccination of either a Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Previously, South Africans were eligible to receive one booster shot after their primary vaccination of either one dose of J&J, or two doses of Pfizer.

Health department spokesperson Foster Mohale explained that the Pfizer vaccine has shown to be safe and effective for boosting immunity in older persons who remain at highest risk of severe disease and death from Covid-19.

Out of a total adult population of almost 20-million who have been vaccinated so far, more than seven million of them are aged 50 and older.

Ramaphosa says government will try to protect South Africans from rising prices, and urges corporations to assist

President Cyril Ramaphosa said that while government is investing to improve local capacity and supporting small-scale farmers to ensure food security, he is also urging corporations to ensure that consumers are not paying more than they have to for food.

Many South Africans are struggling with the effects of rising fuel and food prices as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. Both countries are major exporters to international markets of fertilisers, grains and oilseeds that are needed for a range of items including cooking oil.

Food inflation is at 6.2% with the price of basic food goods skyrocketing.  

To protect South Africa from the current and future shocks, Ramaphosa said food security was vital.

The Presidential Employment Stimulus has seen more than 65 000 smallholder farmers receive input vouchers and government is hoping to extend this to 250 000 more farmers.

Government is also providing subsistence farmers with fertilisers and equipment to produce food, and is helping South Africans to start their own food gardens.

And, Tshwane ANC regional chair hopes to 'smoke peace pipe' with rivals

Despite a tensely divided reception to his elevation to regional chairperson of the African National Congress Tshwane region, Eugene "Bonzo" Modise believes democracy has prevailed and that those unhappy with his election will rally behind him.

The former regional secretary of the ANC Tshwane region, won the fight to lead the ANC in the capital city. 

Modise's entire leadership slate won by a large margin at the regional conference, which saw hours of delays and threats of legal action. 

Modise beat out rival and former chairperson of the region Kgosi Maepa by obtaining 174 votes. 

Maepa managed to secure 84 votes.

Others elected alongside Modise included Frans Boshielo as deputy chairperson, George Matjila as regional chairperson, Sydwell Manana as deputy secretary, and Simphiwe Mbatha retained her position as treasurer. 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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