The journalist tested positive after coming into contact with two German tourists. SANEF says it understands that the public broadcaster took immediate precautionary steps on Thursday and shut down its operations in the region as all staff are working from home.

The forum further says it was informed by SABC's editor-in-chief, Phathiswa Magopeni, that the organisation is in contact with the journalist who is recovering at home.  

This case is the latest in the Northern Cape after a couple from Hartswater tested positive after contracting the virus while attending a church gathering in Bloemfontein in the Free State earlier this month.

SANEF says it was further informed that given the close proximity of news staff in the newsroom, the SABC then decided, as a precautionary measure, to close the office and have all staff quarantined and tested. 

"SANEF calls on all media organisations to make sure their staff are kitted with the relevant protective gear. Journalists and media workers are among the essential staff listed on government’s lockdown regulations and must be cautious when out reporting on the spread and containment of the virus, " it adds.

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