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

Making headlines: EFF wants South Africans to defy lockdown regulations; Schools to reopen July 19; And, Heatth Authority says it won't be influenced by any political party

EFF wants South Africans to defy lockdown regulations

The Economic Freedom Fighters is calling on South Africans to defy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Level 4 lockdown regulations until government provides a clear vaccination plan for the country.

The EFF’s statement follows Ramaphosa’s Sunday night announcement that the country would be placed under adjusted Level 4 lockdown, as the country deals with a spike in daily infections of Covid-19.

Aside from funerals, all social gatherings are banned under Level 4, including political and religious gatherings.

Travel in and out of Gauteng for leisure is prohibited, as is the sale of alcohol.

The EFF says without a clear plan that sources vaccines from all parts of the world including Russia, China and Cuba, Ramaphosa’s measures are not worth respecting.

Schools to reopen July 19

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga reiterated on Monday that schools will close for learners on Wednesday, while teachers and managers undertake an orderly closure of schools on Thursday and Friday.

Schools will reopen on July 19.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that the closure of schools and other educational institutions for the winter holidays will be brought forward as South Africa battles the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Public schools were originally scheduled to close on July 9 and reopen on July 26.

Schools designated as vaccination sites will remain open to continue with the vaccination programme.

And, Heatth Authority says it won't be influenced by any political party

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority has hit back against the Economic Freedom Fighters saying it will not approve vaccines based on political pressure.

The EFF issued a statement accusing the SAHPRA of being “captured” as it approves Covid-19 vaccines for use in South Africa.

The party led a march to the SAHPRA office on Friday – with thousands of supporters and in contravention of the Disaster Management Act – demanding that the authority approve the use of Covid-19 vaccines manufactured by Russia and China.

In a statement issued on Monday, SAHPRA CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete said the organisation does not favour applicants and that no vaccine would be made available until it met the regulatory requirements in line with the safety and well-being of the public.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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