Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi has tested positive for Covid-19. This was announced by Cabinet Spokesperson Phumla Williams on Friday night.
Williams said Nxesi is in self-isolation and will continue to work from home. “This was the minister’s 4th round of tests to be conducted since the outbreak of the virus, and the first to return positive. All members of the office of the minister, who have come in contact with him will also undergo testing. The minister remains in high spirits and confident that he will beat the virus,” she said.
“Minister Nxesi is the fifth member of the Executive to contract the coronavirus, following Minister Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister Mantashe, Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu and Deputy Minister Nkosi Holomisa. Minister Mapisa-Nqakula and Deputy Minister Holomisa have since recovered and we wish our other colleagues, including Minister Nxesi, a speedy recovery,” she added.
The premiers of Gauteng, North West and Westerns Cape have also tested positive for the deadly virus which has claimed more than 4 000 lives in the country. Several MECs have also tested positive for the virus.
