U.S., Sept. 17 -- South African President Ramaphosa today updated his people on the State of the Nation in regards to the ongoing COVID-10 pandemic:

He said:

My fellow South Africans,

Exactly half a year has passed since we declared a national state of disaster in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

In that time, more than 15,000 South Africans have lost their lives to the disease, and more than 650,000 have been confirmed as infected. Our economy and our society have suffered great devastation. We have endured a fierce and destructive storm.

But, by standing together, by remaining resolute, we have withstood it. Two months ago, at the height of the storm, we were recording around 12,000 new cases a day. Now, we are on average reco...