Mazda Southern Africa said the programme began earlier this month and applies to all Mazda vehicles, irrespective of the vehicle's age. 

"We understand the important role that vehicles play in people's everyday lives. Supporting those who brave the front line every day, and contributing to their well-being, is something we are honoured to do at Mazda Southern Africa," said managing director Craig Roberts.

Mazda Southern Africa and its dealer partners nationwide are investing in this programme. Additional information, including a list of participating dealers and terms and conditions, can be found on Mazda’s website.

The Japanese automaker said as further assistance to all Mazda owners with vehicles that have a valid warranty and service plans, these plans will be extended. The extension period will depend on the duration of the lockdown, and Mazda owners can obtain individual details from dealer partners.

The number of confirmed Covid-19 infections in South Africa has increased by 698 to 11,350 in the past day, the health ministry said on Tuesday.

It is the highest daily increase of cases seen in the country yet.

The Western Cape continues to register the highest number of cases with 6,105, accounting for 53.8% of all cases nationally. It accounted for 484 of the new cases registered since Monday, and according to data supplied by the provincial authorities, more than 5,000 of the province's Covid-19 infections were recorded in Cape Town.

Gauteng has 2,014 and the Eastern Cape has the third highest number of cases per province with 1,504, the ministry said, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 1,394.

Nationwide, 369,697 Covid-19 tests have been performed, with 13,630 conducted in the past 24 hours.

The novel coronavirus has so far claimed 206 lives in South Africa.

The Council for Medical Schemes on Tuesday confirmed that its chairman, Clarence Mini, was among those who have died of complications linked to the virus.

However, there have been no new fatalities since Monday.

African News Agency