The provincial Speaker, Ntombizanele Sifuba, confirms the decision follows a report that a staff member has tested positive for the Coronavirus. 

Whilst the provincial health department conducts contact tracing on all identified contacts, Sifuba confirms the Sitting of the house and Committee meeting will take place virtually until further notice.

She reminds all the MPLs that the virtual meetings will take place in accordance with all the relevant rules of the provincial legislature.

“We’ve taken this decision as part of minimising the risk associated with Covid-19, and to ensure the safety of all. We wish that our staff member can recover speedily and that the spread is curbed to bare minimum,” said Sifuba in a statement.

The closure of the provincial legislature comes days after the provincial government  announced the closure of several government buildings and police stations due to the Coronavirus. Amongst these were the Premier's OR Tambo Building.

OFM News/Release