23 May 2021
As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 635 465.
| Province | Total cases for 23 May 2021 | Percentage total |
| Eastern Cape | 197093 | 12,1 |
| Free State | 97593 | 6,0 |
| Gauteng | 443846 | 27,1 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 338853 | 20,7 |
| Limpopo | 64851 | 4,0 |
| Mpumalanga | 81157 | 5,0 |
| North West | 73166 | 4,5 |
| Northern Cape | 47449 | 2,9 |
| Western Cape | 291457 | 17,8 |
| Unknown | 0 | 0,0 |
| Total | 1635465 | 100,0 |
Testing Data
The number of tests conducted to date is 11 354 930. Of these 29 355 tests were conducted since the last report
| Sector | Total tested | New tested | ||
| PRIVATE | 6 397 486 | 56% | 16 573 | 56% |
| PUBLIC | 4 957 444 | 44% | 12 782 | 44% |
| Total | 11 354 930 | 29 355 |
Deaths and Recoveries
Today, 30 deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 1, Free State 5, Gauteng 20, Kwa-Zulu Natal 1, Limpopo 0, Mpumalanga 0, North West 0, Northern Cape 0 and Western Cape 3 which brings the total to 55 802 deaths.
We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients.
The cumulative recoveries now stand at 1 539 395 representing a recovery rate of 94,1%.
| Province | Total Deaths | Total Recoveries | Active Cases |
| Eastern Cape | 11643 | 184 863 | 587 |
| Free State | 4204 | 86 296 | 7 093 |
| Gauteng | 11032 | 421 670 | 11 144 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 10482 | 324 238 | 4 133 |
| Limpopo | 2397 | 61 887 | 567 |
| Mpumalanga | 1428 | 78 267 | 1 462 |
| North West | 1844 | 66 363 | 4 959 |
| Northern Cape | 1021 | 38 849 | 7 579 |
| Western Cape | 11751 | 276 962 | 2 744 |
| Total | 55 802 | 1 539 395 | 40 268 |
Vaccination Rollout:
The total vaccinated under the Sisonke Programme is 480 665. These vaccinations were with the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine and are therefore completed vaccinations.
The total vaccinated in Phase Two as at midnight today is 167 318. These vaccinations were with the first dose of Pfizer vaccine.
Dr. Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health
