President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested negative for the novel coronavirus.
There will be no jogging, dog-walking or sale of alcohol, during the government-imposed 21-day lockdown, says Police Minister Bheki Cele.
A former attorney in the Free State has appeared in court for allegedly defrauding a law firm of more than R16m.
The National Sea Rescue Institute said it was ready to respond to emergencies during the countrywide lockdown starting at midnight on Thursday.
South Africa now has 709 confirmed cases of Covid-19, up from 554 cases the previous day, health minister Zweli Mkhize said on Wednesday. The rise represents a 28 per cent day-on-day change, compared with the previous 38 per cent day-on-day increase.
South African health care company, Netcare announced on Tuesday it has deployed highly effective germ-destroying robots at its healthcare facilities, as one of the measures to prevent the spread of infections.
The number of Covid-19 cases in South Africa now stands at 554 as more tests returned positive overnight.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced measures to mitigate the impact of the virus on the economy from mild tax breaks, solidarity fund and increase support for small businesses, the informal sector, and vulnerable workers.
The South African National Defence Force will be deployed to help other law enforcement agencies enforce a 21-day country-wide lockdown.
