The family of late South African president Nelson Mandela is auctioning the anti-apartheid leader's personal belongings to help pay for a memorial garden being built in his honour. Among over 100 personal items are colourful Madiba shirts that Mandela wore on formal occasions, including to meet Britain's queen Elizabeth in 1998 and 2003.

Family of Nelson Mandela auctions his personal belongings

In another display of South Africa's weak state security, the African police has now rescued three government ministers held hostage by former military veterans demanding compensation for their roles in the struggle 30 years ago.

South African ministers held hostage by war veterans

South Africa will start vaccinating children between the ages of 12 and 17 next week using the Pfizer vaccine, the health minister said on Friday, as the country looks to ratchet up inoculations ahead of final year examinations.

In August, hundreds of South Africans formed long lines to get their COVID-19 shots when the government made vaccinations available to all adults to try to meet a target of inoculating 70 per cent&nbsp;of the adult population by December.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-covaxin-gets-emergency-use-nod-for-children-aged-2-18-years-420111">COVID-19: Covaxin gets emergency use nod for children aged 2-18 years</a>

"This service will start on the 20th of October to allow the necessary preparations on the EVDS (electronic vaccination data system) registration system and also other logistical preparations," Health Minister Joe Phaahla said.

Last month, South Africa's health regulator approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in children aged 12 and older, as the continent's worst-hit nation in terms of deaths and overall infections emerges from its third wave of the pandemic.

However, Phaahla said that on the advice of its vaccine advisory committee the government would only give teenagers a single shot of Pfizer's normal two-shot regime due to concerns that it may affect the heart.

"The timing of the second dose will be informed by further information on this rarely observed side-effect which has no permanent risk," Phaahla said of cases of transient myocarditis.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-jab-prevents-severe-virus-for-at-least-6-months-study-418358">Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study</a>

He added that the government was considering giving a booster shot to high-risk health care workers, who were the first to receive doses of the J&amp;J vaccine almost eight months ago.

The country's Medical Research Council has applied to the health regulator to consider approving a J&amp;J booster shot because of its potential to strengthen immunity among health workers.

"We will wait on the results of this application," Phaahla said.

South Africa will start vaccinating children between the ages of 12 and 17 next week using the Pfizer vaccine, the health minister said on Friday, as the country looks to ratchet up inoculations ahead of final year examinations.

South Africa will start vaccinating children between the ages of 12 and 17 next week using the Pfizer vaccine, the health minister said on Friday, as the country looks to ratchet up inoculations ahead of final year examinations. In August, hundreds of South Africans formed long lines to get their COVID-19 shots when the government made vaccinations available to all adults to try to meet a target of inoculating 70 per cent of the adult population by December. Also Read | COVID-19: Covaxin gets emergency use nod for children aged 2-18 years "This service will start on the 20th of October to allow the necessary preparations on the EVDS (electronic vaccination data system) registration system and also other logistical preparations," Health Minister Joe Phaahla said. Last month, South Africa's health regulator approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in children aged 12 and older, as the continent's worst-hit nation in terms of deaths and overall infections emerges from its third wave of the pandemic. However, Phaahla said that on the advice of its vaccine advisory committee the government would only give teenagers a single shot of Pfizer's normal two-shot regime due to concerns that it may affect the heart. "The timing of the second dose will be informed by further information on this rarely observed side-effect which has no permanent risk," Phaahla said of cases of transient myocarditis. Also Read | Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study He added that the government was considering giving a booster shot to high-risk health care workers, who were the first to receive doses of the J&J vaccine almost eight months ago. The country's Medical Research Council has applied to the health regulator to consider approving a J&J booster shot because of its potential to strengthen immunity among health workers. "We will wait on the results of this application," Phaahla said.

South Africa to vaccinate teenagers with single dose of Pfizer: Health minister

South Africa's anti-apartheid icon and Nobel peace price winner archbishop Desmond Tutu celebrated his 90th birthday. With a low-key church service at cape town's st. Geroge cathedral.

South Africa's anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu celebrated his 90th birthday

South Africa's largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance has apologized for the controversial election posters after it sparked anger for putting up election posters deemed racially inflammatory.

South Africa: Opposition makes about turn, removes racist posters

South Africa's largest opposition party, Democratic Alliance (DA) has sparked anger after putting up election posters deemed racially inflammatory in a town. This comes just two months after the country witnessed large-scale looting and arson which claimed over 300 lives.

South Africa: Posters put up by DA opposition triggered widespread anger

South Africa’s metalworkers' union on Tuesday began an indefinite strike seeking pay raises. The union has around 155,000 members working in various industries including auto-mechanics.

South African metalworkers are striking over low wages & unemployment

South Africa: Metalworkers are striking over low wages & unemployment

On the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, WION has visited the Tolstoy Farm. Watch this report for more details.

Gandhi's life in South Africa, WION ground report from Tolstoy Farm

Born in India, educated in England, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi travelled to South Africa in early 1893 to practice law and then he spent 21 years fighting against injustice, class division and oppression.

South Africa: Mahatma Gandhi spent 21 years fighting against injustice, class division & oppression

The South African President has highlighted the challenges faced by the African continent with regard to vaccine supply. He said that South Africa has not even reached the 10 per cent target that was set in May.

South African President highlights challenges faced by the continent with regard to vaccine supply

South Africa's embattled national airline on Thursday flew its first plane since March 2020 after emerging from bankruptcy proceedings.

Passengers on the South African Airways (SAA) flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town were greeted on their departure by singing and dancing airline staff.

Once Africa's second-largest airline after Ethiopian Airlines, SAA had survived for decades on government bailouts and was shedding routes even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

The government agreed in June to sell a 51-percent stake to a group of investors called the Takatso Consortium, opening the way to a potential injection of $200 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-wildfires-reach-edge-of-sequoia-grove-home-to-worlds-largest-tree-414101">Also read |&nbsp;California wildfires reach edge of sequoia grove, home to world's largest tree</a>

Even after a state bailout of more than $500 million&nbsp;and a restructuring of its debt, the airline only emerged from bankruptcy after slashing hundreds of jobs.

In addition to the domestic route that resumed on Thursday, SAA plans to begin regional services next week to Accra, Kinshasa, Lusaka, Harare and Maputo.

Chief finance officer Fikile Mhlonto said this week that the airline's fleet is down to six planes, from a previous 46.

SAA low-cost subsidiary Mango remains grounded and in bankruptcy proceedings.

South Africa's embattled national airline on Thursday flew its first plane since March 2020 after emerging from bankruptcy proceedings. Passengers on the South African Airways (SAA) flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town were greeted on their departure by singing and dancing airline staff.

South Africa's embattled national airline on Thursday flew its first plane since March 2020 after emerging from bankruptcy proceedings. Passengers on the South African Airways (SAA) flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town were greeted on their departure by singing and dancing airline staff. Once Africa's second-largest airline after Ethiopian Airlines, SAA had survived for decades on government bailouts and was shedding routes even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The government agreed in June to sell a 51-percent stake to a group of investors called the Takatso Consortium, opening the way to a potential injection of $200 million. Also read | California wildfires reach edge of sequoia grove, home to world's largest tree Even after a state bailout of more than $500 million and a restructuring of its debt, the airline only emerged from bankruptcy after slashing hundreds of jobs. In addition to the domestic route that resumed on Thursday, SAA plans to begin regional services next week to Accra, Kinshasa, Lusaka, Harare and Maputo. Chief finance officer Fikile Mhlonto said this week that the airline's fleet is down to six planes, from a previous 46. SAA low-cost subsidiary Mango remains grounded and in bankruptcy proceedings.

South African Airways resumes flights after bankruptcy

More than 2 months on, South Africa is still struggling to recover from its worst unrest in recent decades. WION's Kalden Ongmu visited one of the major riot-hit areas to get you this detailed report.

South Africa still struggling to recover after 2 months of riots over jailing of Jacob Zuma

Municipal polls are slated to be held in South Africa on November 1 and campaigning has begun for the same.

Municipal polls scheduled to be held in South Africa from Nov 1

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was out campaigning on Saturday in the Soweto townships for the ruling African National Congress ahead of local elections.

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is on the campaign trail in Soweto

On Friday, South Africa's top court rejected former president Jacob Zuma's application to rescind his 15-month-jail sentence for contempt of court.

South Africa's top court rejects Zuma's bid to overturn jail sentence

South Africa's highest court has denied bail application by South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma to rescind his sentence of 15 months in jail; he was held on the charges of contempt of court earlier and was sentenced to imprisonment.

South Africa: Top court upholds ex-president Jacob Zuma’s prison sentence

September is the international FASD awareness month. South Africa has highest number of FASD.

South Africa reports highest number of FASD cases

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to introduce a COVID-19 "vaccine passport" amid widespread skepticism of the jab in the continent's most affected country.

South Africa announces COVID-19 'vaccine passport' plans, eases curbs

Cape Town, the city built around the sea, is under climate crisis. The residents of this city are opposing the demolition drive near the coast.

Climate crisis hits South Africa's Cape Town

South Africa is one of five countries to participate in the global children's vaccine trial. The trial of China's Sinovac Biotech COVID-19 vaccine is a part of a global study. This study will focus on children in the age group from 6 months until 17 years.

South Africa starts trial of China's Sinovac vaccine

South Africa on Friday launched the main phase of a global COVID-19 vaccine study on children and teenagers led by Chinese maker Sinovac Biotech, with the first two participants jabbed in Pretoria.

The study aims at testing the efficacy of Sinovac's two-dose CoronaVac on 14,000 children, who are aged between six months and 17 years in Chile, Kenya, Malaysia, the Philippines, and South Africa.

South Africa, where vaccination has not yet been extended to under-18s, kicked off the study with two teenagers jabbed on the sunny campus of Pretoria's Sefako Makgatho Health Science University.

"We see a lot of milder and less severe disease in children, but they still remain susceptible," project director Sanet Aspinall told reporters at the event.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nine-in-10-afghans-are-not-consuming-enough-food-world-food-programme-412149">Also read |&nbsp;Nine in 10 Afghans are not consuming enough food: World Food Programme</a>

She further added, "They are... getting the infection and they are then able to transmit it to the rest of the population."

US manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have also undertaken the pediatric trials of their shots.

This has prompted several countries to green light them for children in varying age groups.

South African Medical Research Council president Glenda Gray urged the country to follow suit. "Delaying the inclusion of children in the Covid vaccine trials delays our ability to contain Covid-19," she said during Friday's event.

Also, over a third of South Africa's population is younger than 19.

The country has enrolled 2,000 participants in the study, carried out in collaboration with Sinovac's local partner Numolux Group.

South Africa on Friday launched the main phase of a global COVID-19 vaccine study on children and teenagers led by Chinese maker Sinovac Biotech, with the first two participants jabbed in Pretoria.

South Africa on Friday launched the main phase of a global COVID-19 vaccine study on children and teenagers led by Chinese maker Sinovac Biotech, with the first two participants jabbed in Pretoria. The study aims at testing the efficacy of Sinovac's two-dose CoronaVac on 14,000 children, who are aged between six months and 17 years in Chile, Kenya, Malaysia, the Philippines, and South Africa. South Africa, where vaccination has not yet been extended to under-18s, kicked off the study with two teenagers jabbed on the sunny campus of Pretoria's Sefako Makgatho Health Science University. "We see a lot of milder and less severe disease in children, but they still remain susceptible," project director Sanet Aspinall told reporters at the event. Also read | Nine in 10 Afghans are not consuming enough food: World Food Programme She further added, "They are... getting the infection and they are then able to transmit it to the rest of the population." US manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have also undertaken the pediatric trials of their shots. This has prompted several countries to green light them for children in varying age groups. South African Medical Research Council president Glenda Gray urged the country to follow suit. "Delaying the inclusion of children in the Covid vaccine trials delays our ability to contain Covid-19," she said during Friday's event. Also, over a third of South Africa's population is younger than 19. The country has enrolled 2,000 participants in the study, carried out in collaboration with Sinovac's local partner Numolux Group.

Sinovac begins global pediatric vaccine trial in South Africa

The population of Lions has risen in South Africa. A long time ago the number of lions had started declining due to habitat loss, which resulted in the need for conservation. The country has expanded parks so as to raise the animal number.

Lion population rises in South Africa

Today in History: South African PM assassinated, Jews asked to wear star, more

South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma, who is serving a 15-month sentence for contempt of court, has been granted medical parole because of his ill health.

South Africa's Ex-President Jacob Zuma placed on medical parole amid health speculation

South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma has been placed on medical parole, Department of Correctional Services confirmed.

"Medical parole's eligibility for Mr Zuma is impelled by a medical report received by the Department of Correctional Services. Apart from being terminally ill and physically incapacitated, inmates suffering from an illness that severely limits their daily activity or self-care can also be considered for medical parole," the department said in a statement on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africas-former-president-jacob-zuma-unable-to-pay-legal-fees-408332">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africas-former-president-jacob-zuma-unable-to-pay-legal-fees-408332/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Medical parole placement for Zuma means that he will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections, whereby he must comply with specific set of conditions and will be subjected to supervision until his sentence expires," the statement read.&nbsp;

The former President is serving 15 month prison sentence for contempt of court. On August 6, Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed Zuma was admitted to an outside hospital for medical observation.&nbsp;

South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma has been placed on medical parole, Department of Correctional Services confirmed. "Medical parole's eligibility for Mr Zuma is impelled by a medical report received by the Department of Correctional Services.

South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma has been placed on medical parole, Department of Correctional Services confirmed. "Medical parole's eligibility for Mr Zuma is impelled by a medical report received by the Department of Correctional Services. Apart from being terminally ill and physically incapacitated, inmates suffering from an illness that severely limits their daily activity or self-care can also be considered for medical parole," the department said in a statement on Sunday. WATCH | "Medical parole placement for Zuma means that he will complete the remainder of the sentence in the system of community corrections, whereby he must comply with specific set of conditions and will be subjected to supervision until his sentence expires," the statement read. The former President is serving 15 month prison sentence for contempt of court. On August 6, Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed Zuma was admitted to an outside hospital for medical observation.

South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma placed on medical parole

South Africa has declined a request to host Afghan refugees who have fled to Pakistan to escape the Taliban. The South African government has said that it is already accommodating a substantial number of refugees from other countries.

South Africa says unable to take in Afghan refugees

South Africa said it has declined a request to host Afghans who have fled into Pakistan to escape the Taliban, as it is already accommodating "a substantial number" of refugees from other countries.

The government said it had been approached "to consider receiving a number of Afghanistan refugees who have sought refuge in Pakistan."

"The request is that they be accommodated in South Africa en route to their final destinations," the foreign ministry said in a statement late Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-protest-in-afghanistans-herat-over-right-to-education-work-410216" hreflang="en">Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work</a>

"The South African government is unfortunately not in a position to accommodate such a request."

It said the country "is already home to a substantial number of refugees and is seized with addressing their needs.&nbsp;

"Most of them already benefit from the social assistance and free medical health programmes offered by our country."

The most industrialised nation on the continent, South Africa is a major destination for economic migrants from neighbouring countries and beyond.

The country also boasts one of the world's most progressive refugee policies, which helped attract more than a million asylum-seekers between 2007 and 2015.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-shows-off-its-might-by-carrying-out-parade-with-us-armys-weapons-410042" hreflang="en">Taliban shows off its might by carrying out parade with US army's weapons</a>

But the processing of their paperwork was backlogged even before the pandemic and most find themselves stuck in limbo after applications are rejected, according to rights groups.&nbsp;

The Taliban celebrated Tuesday after the last US troops left the country, ending 20 years of war.

The Islamists' return to power forced Western countries to evacuate their citizens and Afghans fear reprisals from the Taliban for having worked for the foreign forces in the country.

"In terms of international law, the well-being of the refugees is best served by remaining in the first country of arrival -- Pakistan -- pending their final destinations," the South African statement said.

Pretoria on Thursday said it had evacuated 35 of 36 South African nationals who had registered their presence in Afghanistan.

Uganda last week accommodated 51 Afghan evacuees.

The east African country said it would provide them with temporary refuge following a request from the US government to temporarily host "at risk" Afghan nationals and others who are in transit to other destinations.&nbsp;

South Africa said it has declined a request to host Afghans who have fled into Pakistan to escape the Taliban, as it is already accommodating "a substantial number" of refugees from other countries.

South Africa said it has declined a request to host Afghans who have fled into Pakistan to escape the Taliban, as it is already accommodating "a substantial number" of refugees from other countries. The government said it had been approached "to consider receiving a number of Afghanistan refugees who have sought refuge in Pakistan." "The request is that they be accommodated in South Africa en route to their final destinations," the foreign ministry said in a statement late Wednesday. Also read | Women protest in Afghanistan's Herat over right to education, work "The South African government is unfortunately not in a position to accommodate such a request." It said the country "is already home to a substantial number of refugees and is seized with addressing their needs. "Most of them already benefit from the social assistance and free medical health programmes offered by our country." The most industrialised nation on the continent, South Africa is a major destination for economic migrants from neighbouring countries and beyond. The country also boasts one of the world's most progressive refugee policies, which helped attract more than a million asylum-seekers between 2007 and 2015. Also read | Taliban shows off its might by carrying out parade with US army's weapons But the processing of their paperwork was backlogged even before the pandemic and most find themselves stuck in limbo after applications are rejected, according to rights groups. The Taliban celebrated Tuesday after the last US troops left the country, ending 20 years of war. The Islamists' return to power forced Western countries to evacuate their citizens and Afghans fear reprisals from the Taliban for having worked for the foreign forces in the country. "In terms of international law, the well-being of the refugees is best served by remaining in the first country of arrival -- Pakistan -- pending their final destinations," the South African statement said. Pretoria on Thursday said it had evacuated 35 of 36 South African nationals who had registered their presence in Afghanistan. Uganda last week accommodated 51 Afghan evacuees. The east African country said it would provide them with temporary refuge following a request from the US government to temporarily host "at risk" Afghan nationals and others who are in transit to other destinations.

Dale Steyn has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, closing the curtain on a 20-year career in which he became South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in tests and arguably the country’s greatest ever fast bowler.

Steyn retired from the five-day game in 2019 but had been available for limited-overs cricket and hoped to play at the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates later this year, though he had not featured in the team since February last year.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-release-of-tender-to-own-and-operate-ipl-team-409637">BCCI announces release of tender to own and operate IPL team</a>

"It has been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy and brotherhood. Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bittersweet, but grateful," Steyn said in a statement.

He took 699 international wickets, including a South African record 439 in tests, and is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers of his generation with extreme pace in his prime and the ability to swing the ball in both directions.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Announcement. <a href="https://t.co/ZvOoeFkp8w">pic.twitter.com/ZvOoeFkp8w</a>
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaleSteyn62/status/1432646209873891328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-bcci-expects-rs-5000-crore-windfall-as-base-price-for-new-teams-kept-at-rs-2000-crore-409629">IPL 2022: BCCI expects Rs 5000 crore windfall as base price for new teams kept at Rs 2000 crore</a>

Steyn would have taken many more wickets but for injuries later in his career, especially a shoulder problem that restricted him to only 11 tests after 2015. He featured in 93 in all, averaging 22.95 with the ball at a strike rate of 42.30.

He was a key part of the South African side that rose to number one in the test rankings in 2012.

Dale Steyn has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, closing the curtain on a 20-year career in which he became South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in tests and arguably the country’s greatest ever fast bowler.

Dale Steyn has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, closing the curtain on a 20-year career in which he became South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in tests and arguably the country’s greatest ever fast bowler. Steyn retired from the five-day game in 2019 but had been available for limited-overs cricket and hoped to play at the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates later this year, though he had not featured in the team since February last year. ALSO READ | BCCI announces release of tender to own and operate IPL team "It has been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy and brotherhood. Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bittersweet, but grateful," Steyn said in a statement. He took 699 international wickets, including a South African record 439 in tests, and is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers of his generation with extreme pace in his prime and the ability to swing the ball in both directions. Announcement. pic.twitter.com/ZvOoeFkp8w — Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) August 31, 2021 × ALSO READ | IPL 2022: BCCI expects Rs 5000 crore windfall as base price for new teams kept at Rs 2000 crore Steyn would have taken many more wickets but for injuries later in his career, especially a shoulder problem that restricted him to only 11 tests after 2015. He featured in 93 in all, averaging 22.95 with the ball at a strike rate of 42.30. He was a key part of the South African side that rose to number one in the test rankings in 2012.

'Bittersweet, but grateful': South Africa's Dale Steyn calls time on distinguished career

South African scientists have detected a new COVID variant. The new variant, C.1.2 has unusually high mutation rate.

South African scientists detect new COVID variant

In South Africa, a new potential COVID-19 variant of interest (VOI) has been identified.

Scientists from the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa first spotted&nbsp;the strain&nbsp;in May 2021 during the third wave of Covid in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warning-from-wuhans-bat-woman-new-covid-variants-will-continue-to-emerge-says-shi-zhengli-404383">Warning from Wuhan's 'bat woman': New Covid variants will continue to emerge, says Shi Zhengli</a>

Since then, the strain which has been assigned to the PANGO lineage C.1.2, has been&nbsp;detected in most of South Africa's provinces as well as in seven other countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania.

The variant is believed to have evolved from C.1,&nbsp;one of the lineages predominant during the first outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">SARS-CoV-2</a> in South Africa.

According to the study's abstract C.1.2 is associated with&nbsp;reduced neutralisation sensitivity,&nbsp;as well as having increased transmissibility.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lambda-new-variant-of-covid-19-that-is-affecting-29-countries-392308">Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries</a>

Compared to C.1, the new variant has undergone substantial mutations and is further away from the original virus detected in Wuhan than any other variant of concern (VOC) or VOI detected so far around the world. 
 
Study results indicate that C.1.2 develops 41.8 mutations per year. This is an approximately 1.7-fold increase over the current global rate and an approximately 1.8-fold increase over the original SARS-CoV-2 evolution estimate.

Alpha, Beta, and Gamma VOCs also emerged after a similarly short period of increased evolution. The researchers suggest that one event, followed by amplification in the number of cases, was responsible for the faster mutation rate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450">COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

Over half or 52 per cent of the spike mutations identified in C.1.2 have already been identified in other VOIs and VOCs. 
 
Moreover, the study found a consistent rise in the number of C.1.2 genomes each month in South Africa, rising from 0.2 per cent in May to 1.6 per cent in June and 2.0 per cent in July. Researchers noted this is similar to what was observed in Beta and Delta during early detection in South Africa. 
 
80 sequences matching the C.1.2 lineage are already listed on the open-access database GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data) as of August 20, 2021.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unvaccinated-teacher-infects-students-after-contracting-covid-19-409277/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
More study is needed "to determine the functional impact of these mutations, which likely include neutralising antibody escape, and to investigate whether it confers advantage over the Delta variant," says&nbsp;Cathrine Scheepers, from NICD.

These findings have been reported in a study that has yet to be peer-reviewed but is available on the medRxiv server.

(With inputs from agencies)

In South Africa, a new potential COVID-19 variant of interest (VOI) has been identified. Scientists from the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa first spotted the strain in May 2021 during the third wave of Covid in the country.

In South Africa, a new potential COVID-19 variant of interest (VOI) has been identified. Scientists from the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa first spotted the strain in May 2021 during the third wave of Covid in the country. Also read | Warning from Wuhan's 'bat woman': New Covid variants will continue to emerge, says Shi Zhengli Since then, the strain which has been assigned to the PANGO lineage C.1.2, has been detected in most of South Africa's provinces as well as in seven other countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The variant is believed to have evolved from C.1, one of the lineages predominant during the first outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa. According to the study's abstract C.1.2 is associated with reduced neutralisation sensitivity, as well as having increased transmissibility. Also read | Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries Compared to C.1, the new variant has undergone substantial mutations and is further away from the original virus detected in Wuhan than any other variant of concern (VOC) or VOI detected so far around the world. Study results indicate that C.1.2 develops 41.8 mutations per year. This is an approximately 1.7-fold increase over the current global rate and an approximately 1.8-fold increase over the original SARS-CoV-2 evolution estimate. Alpha, Beta, and Gamma VOCs also emerged after a similarly short period of increased evolution. The researchers suggest that one event, followed by amplification in the number of cases, was responsible for the faster mutation rate. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant Over half or 52 per cent of the spike mutations identified in C.1.2 have already been identified in other VOIs and VOCs. Moreover, the study found a consistent rise in the number of C.1.2 genomes each month in South Africa, rising from 0.2 per cent in May to 1.6 per cent in June and 2.0 per cent in July. Researchers noted this is similar to what was observed in Beta and Delta during early detection in South Africa. 80 sequences matching the C.1.2 lineage are already listed on the open-access database GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data) as of August 20, 2021. More study is needed "to determine the functional impact of these mutations, which likely include neutralising antibody escape, and to investigate whether it confers advantage over the Delta variant," says Cathrine Scheepers, from NICD. These findings have been reported in a study that has yet to be peer-reviewed but is available on the medRxiv server. (With inputs from agencies)

New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa

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