By Annisa Essack

19:10:2020

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize and his wife May have both tested positive for coronavirus. He is now in self-quarantine at his home and is staying positive about his diagnosis. His wife has been admitted to hospital for observation and rehydration.

The 64-year-old minister said he was “feeling abnormally exhausted and as the day progressed, I started losing appetite”.

“My wife had a cough, was dizzy and extremely exhausted. Given her symptoms, the doctors advised that she must be admitted for observation and rehydration.

The Minister urged close contacts that include their family and members of his Health Ministry team to be tested and to isolate if required.

He also urged the rest of the country to continue wearing their masks, keeping a safe social distance as well as washing and sanitizing hands to avoid a second wave.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) in Parliament has sent well wishes to the Health Minister and his wife.

The ANC’s Nomfanelo Kota says Mkhize’s leadership was one of the reasons why South Africa has been able to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We further affirm that as a country under Dr Mkhize’s visionary leadership we have indeed made significant strides in the fight against this pandemic. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mkhize family during this difficult time as we wish them well.”