This, as he and his wife, Dr. May Mkhize, both tested positive for Covid-19.

Mkhize last night took to his social media pages to announce that he on Sunday afternoon tested positive for the virus and is now in quarantine.

He confirmed he went to test after he experienced mild symptoms - including fatigue and loss of appetite.

The number of positive cases in the country now stands 703 793, the total number of deaths at 18 471, and the total number of recoveries at 634 543, which translates to a recovery rate of 90%.

The province with the highest number of positive cases remains Gauteng followed by KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and then the Free State.

Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi, as well as Defence Minister Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa- Ngakula are among the high ranking government officials who have so far recovered from the virus.

"Let us not dare regress. Whatever we do and wherever we go, we have to keep in mind that there remains a risk of a second wave. This virus only spreads through movement and contact of people. Therefore we must all play our part. We must protect ourselves and those we love" said Mkhize.

He added that he will use this quarantine period to rest and recharge "because our task to improve the health services of our country and the lives our people even post Covid-19 remains of paramount importance".

OFM News