South Africa’s Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has been admitted to hospital as he battles Covid-19, the government said on Tuesday.

“The Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr Thembelani ‘Thulas’ Nxesi (MP), was admitted to hospital last night (Monday) due to Covid-19. The minister tested positive for the coronavirus almost a week ago and has until last night been in self-quarantine at home,” said Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu.

“His admission to hospital comes on the advice of his medical doctors in order for him to have access to better medical attention and proper monitoring. Minister Nxesi is the second member of Cabinet to be admitted to hospital after Minister Gwede Mantashe. We wish both Minister Nxesi and Minister Mantashe well and a speedy recovery.” 

On Monday, the government announced that Mineral Resources Minister Mantashe had been admitted to hospital just days after contracting the coronavirus. Mantashe and his wife, Nolwandle, have both tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement, the government confirmed that Mantashe, 65, had been admitted to hospital while his wife continued to self-quarantine at their home.

On Monday evening, Mthembu said he could confirm that Mantashe was receiving medical care. The presidency said Mantashe had been advised by his doctor to seek admission to hospital.

"Today (Monday), Minister Mantashe was admitted to hospital on the advice of their family doctor for better medical attention and monitoring, while Mrs Mantashe will continue to self-quarantine at their home.

“We will continue to give the Mantashe family all the support they need during this time.

“We wish both Minister and Mrs Mantashe a speedy recovery from this invisible enemy and we are quite confident that they will emerge victorious against the coronavirus," Mthembu said.

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has also tested positive for Covid-19.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura, Job Mokgoro of North West, who has also been admitted to hospital, and Alan Winde of the Western Cape have all recently tested positive.

Deputy ministers who have contracted the virus include Deputy Minister for Social Development Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu and Deputy Minister for Justice and Correctional Services Patekile Holomisa.