Cape Town —
It's Here! - The National State of Disaster Ends
President Cyril Ramaphosa last night announced the end to the national state of disaster at midnight on April 5, 2021. The State of Disaster was implemented on March 15, 2020. This means that all regulations except a few transitionary ones - the wearing of masks in public except for outdoors, the keeping of a social distance, and rules for travellers from abroad who will need to show either that they are fully vaccinated, or produce a PCR test no older than 72 hours old. Those who do neither, will have to take a rapid antigen test at the border and, if positive, must isolate for 10 days. The president said that after 750 days the requirement for a National State of Disaster to be declared could no longer be met and that the powers granted to the government under disaster legislation "should be maintained only as long as they are absolutely necessary". Two other remaining measures will keep the R350 disaster grant flowing, and will keep expired driving licences valid. A final surviving regulation will keep the vaccine injury compensation scheme alive.
Fuel Hikes from Wednesday
Fuel hikes across the board, will be implemented from midnight on April 6, 2022 but the energy ministry maintains it could have been much worse if the fuel levy was not lowered. "Given these increases, 95ULP will now cost R21.96/l in Gauteng and R21.24 at the coast. The price cap for diesel in Gauteng is now set at R21.01/l and R20.39 at the coast", Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe announced on April 4, 2022.
South African Proteas Women Trio Selected In Cricket World Cup's Most Valued
Laura Wolvaardt, all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, and fast bowler Shabnim Ismail have been selected in the tournament's Women's World Cup Most Valuable Team. The ICC announced their line-up after Australia's thumping of England in Christchurch, New Zealand. Despite a semi-final defeat against England, South Africa had a great run with a wonderful campaign and brilliant performances from multiple players.
South Africa's Lloyd Harris Up on ATP Rankings, Ahead of Federer
Cape Town's Lloyd Harris, 25, has climbed the ATP list to Number 40. This places him four spots ahead of former World Number 1 Roger Federer of Switzerland, who dropped 18 places to 44th spot yesterday. Harris reached the last 16 at the recent Miami Open. He turned professional in 2015 and burst onto the big stage when, in August 2018, he qualified for his first main draw at a Grand Slam - the U.S. Open - through the qualifying rounds. Sports mad South Africa should watch this rising star.