Thousands of Unisa students failed to write their online examinations last week after the system crashed. A number of papers were postponed after lecturers failed to upload examinations. Other exams went ahead with students answering questions but failing to upload the answers. The university, which was the only institution to forge ahead with online examination, hopes this week will be better.

The Covid-19 regulations that forbid the viewing of a deceased body by bereaved families have had a negative impact for Sigamlele family in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape and the Madlala family in Mthwalume in KwaZulu Natal. The bodies of their loved ones were mistakenly swapped by the mortuary. The bodies were transported from Western Cape to the respective families.

The department of basic education LAST NIGHT announced that schools will now re-open on the 8th of June 2020 for Grades 7 and 12. Learners were initially scheduled to report back at schools THIS MORNING. The department postponed, at the last minute, its briefing that was supposed to take place LAST NIGHT. Minister Angie Motshekga is now expected to brief the media at eleven o' clock this morning. Last Friday, teacher unions and national governing body associations unanimously expressed their position that the education system is not ready for the re-opening of schools.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the media has informed, stimulated debate and helped hold those in government accountable. Ramaphosa told editors during a virtual discussion with South African Editors Forum (SANEF) on the role played by media in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he will instruct Police Minister Bheki Cele to insure the safe return of South Africa journalist, Paul Nthoba who fled to Lesotho after being intimidated by police.

After days of peaceful protests across the United States following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis earlier this week, nights of rage followed in America this past weekend. Chaos ensued in several cities from the East Coast through the Midwest to the West Coast of the country as tens of thousands clashed with law enforcement officers to express their anger, leaving destruction in their wake. Mayors in two-dozen cities imposed curfews - the first time so many locations issued similar order since 1968 in the aftermath of Martin Luther King's assassination. Around 1500 arrests have taken place across the country.

The Restaurant Association of South Africa - RASA - has warned that massive job losses can be expected within the industry as the serving of sit-down tables remain prohibited under level 3 of the covid-19 lockdown. From Monday, the approximately 13-thousand sit-down establishments nationally, which employ around 500-thousand employees, can conduct their business for deliveries and collections only. Under level 3 regulations restaurants and taverns will now be allowed to also sell food and alcohol but only for consumers to take home. RASA CEO, Wendy Alberts says their recommendation to government for the full re-opening of restaurants has fallen on deaf-ears.

The Vaal Dam has dipped below the 50% mark for the first time in a year. The department of water and sanitation says Gauteng residents need to limit water use. The department says other dams that form part of the Integrated Vaal River System have also taken a knock.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says churches found violating the lockdown regulations under the alert Level Three will be closed down. All places of worship will be allowed to operate from the 1st of June subject to restrictions in accordance with alert Level Three of the national lockdown. They are expected among others NOT to allow more than 50 congregants. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the SABC at his Hyde Park home in Johannesburg, the president also said they are having discussions with owners of hotels and restaurants as they also want permission to operate.

The Gauteng Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Roads and Transport has expressed concern that thousands of train commuters in the province may be left stranded on Monday. Large numbers of people are expected to return to work when level three of the national COVID-19 lockdown comes into effect. The Committee says it was not satisfied with passenger rail agency PRASA's operational plans presented to it recently, indicating that Metrorail services would only cover parts of the City of Tshwane.

Whilst many religious groups are applauding government's decision to re-open places of worship from next week, the Jesuit Institute of South Africa is not impressed at all. The Institute says places of worship are not immune to the corona virus and churches do not need to open in order to practice their faith. Spokesperson of the Jesuit Institute South Africa, Father Anthony Egan says in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic,.. prayer, acts of kindness and service of neighbour can continue without gathering