Media Statement
As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 637 848.
| Province | Total cases for 24 May 2021 | Percentage total |
| Eastern Cape | 197 123 | 12,0 |
| Free State | 97 908 | 6,0 |
| Gauteng | 444 851 | 27,2 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 338 937 | 20,7 |
| Limpopo | 64 870 | 4,0 |
| Mpumalanga | 81 245 | 5,0 |
| North West | 73 398 | 4,5 |
| Northern Cape | 47 932 | 2,9 |
| Western Cape | 291 584 | 17,8 |
| Unknown | 0 | 0,0 |
| Total | 1 637 848 | 100,0 |
Testing Data
The number of tests conducted to date is 11 378 282. Of these 23 352 tests were conducted since the last report.
| Sector | Total tested | New tested | ||
| PRIVATE | 6 409 766 | 56% | 12 280 | 53% |
| PUBLIC | 4 968 516 | 44% | 11 072 | 47% |
| Total | 11 378 282 | 23 352 |
Deaths and Recoveries
Today, 72 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 6, Free State 21, Gauteng 7, KwaZulu-Natal 0, Limpopo 13, Mpumalanga 6, North West 0, Northern Cape 6 and Western Cape 13 which brings the total to 55 874 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 1 541 250 representing a recovery rate of 94,1%.
| Province | Total Deaths | Total Recoveries | Active Cases |
| Eastern Cape | 11 649 | 184 895 | 579 |
| Free State | 4 225 | 86 517 | 7 166 |
| Gauteng | 11 039 | 422 704 | 11 108 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 10 482 | 324 270 | 4 185 |
| Limpopo | 2 410 | 61 953 | 507 |
| Mpumalanga | 1 434 | 78 408 | 1 403 |
| North West | 1 844 | 66 576 | 4 978 |
| Northern Cape | 1 027 | 38 965 | 7 940 |
| Western Cape | 11 764 | 276 962 | 2 858 |
| Total | 55 874 | 1 541 250 | 40 724 |
Vaccination Rollout:
The total vaccinated under the Sisonke Programme is 479 768. These vaccinations were with the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine and are therefore completed vaccinations. As we indicated the teams undertook data verification processes over the weekend in preparation for the finalization of a public facing live dashboard. The number reflected today is a result of this process, which removed duplications and vaccinations assigned incorrectly to Sisonke.
The total vaccinated in Phase Two as at midnight today is 171 860. These vaccinations were with the first dose of Pfizer vaccine.
Dr. Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health
