African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League President Bathabile Dlamini has tested positive for COVID-19 and she has been hospitalised.
The 58-year-old former social development minister’s poor health coincides with reports that the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided to criminally prosecute her for perjury.
Allegations are that Dlamini lied under oath during her testimony at the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture.
The ANC on Tuesday night confirmed that Dlamini had tested positive for Covid-19 and was being treated in hospital..
“We wish Comrade Bathabile a speedy recovery,” said the ANC.
Calling for compassion the ANC said: “We ask all South Africans to show compassion and solidarity with those who are infected and to offer support to all families who have lost their loved ones due to Covid-19.”
The ANC added: “Comrade Bathabile’s courage and resolve to beat Covid-19 should inspire all of us to stand together against this pandemic.
“We also wish many other South Africans who are battling with Covid-19 well.
“We must continue to defend each other and protect one another.”
The ANC urged everyone to continue to practice basic health protocols and adhere to Covid-19 prevention regulations.
“We must continue to wear our face masks, practice good hygiene, observe social distancing and vaccinate as it is the right thing to do,” said the ANC.
“Vaccination will also allow our country to achieve the much-needed herd immunity necessary to ease lockdowns.
“It is only when we all work together that we can reduce the rate of transmissions and ultimately defeat this deadly coronavirus pandemic.”
