Gwede Mantashe, the Mineral Resources Minister has been hospitalised after he was tested positive for COVID-19.

This was revealed by the Government on Monday.

GWEDE MANTASHE HOSPITALISED

However, the minister was admitted to hospital on Monday, while his wife continues to isolate at home.

Government revealed that this was on the advice from the family doctor.

In a statement issued out by Jackson Mthembu, the Minister in the Presidency, it read thus:

“Today, Minister Mantashe was admitted to hospital on the advice of their family doctor for better medical attention and monitoring, whilst Mrs Mantashe will continue to self-quarantine at their home.” 

We will continue to give the Mantashe family all the support they need during this time. We wish both Minister and Mrs Mantashe a speedy recovery from this invisible enemy and we are quite confident that they will emerge victorious against the coronavirus.”

– The Presidency

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe, has been admitted to hospital on the advice of the family doctor for better medical attention and monitoring after testing positive for Covid-19 last week. https://t.co/y2x98EONEk

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) July 20, 2020

CABINET HIT HARD BY COVID-19

Since Mantashe was being diagnosed with COVID-19, he had been carrying out his duties from home. The diagnosis was made on his third round of tests since the pandemic broke out.

The Minister had urged all members of his private office to get tested.

The Presidency said on Tuesday that:

“The Minister remains committed to a course of ensuring the security of energy and petroleum products supply to society during this difficult period and beyond.” 

– The Presidency

Mantashe is among a number of government officials to have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks. Others include Thulas Nxesi, Employment and Labour Minister and his Defence counterpart, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who has since recovered.