According to the latest official figures, the number of active cases in the province dropped from over 93,000 on Monday to just over 66,000 cases in 24 hours.

Last year, more than 300,000 assistants were recruited nationally to start work from December to March this year as part of government's R7 billion project.

The province has the biggest education system in the country with over 6,200 schools.

The province still has the highest number of active COVID-19 cases in the country at over 93,000.

One of the deceased was based at the Inanda Seminary Marking Centre in eThekwini while another was at a marking centre in Estcourt, in KZN’s uThukela District.

The province’s Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu said that both public and private health facilities were under severe strain as they battled the highest number of active COVID-19 cases in the country.

Three other markers that were in close contact with the deceased at the Escort Marking Centre also tested positive.

KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala thanked residents for adhering to lockdown regulations, which he said allowed hospital staff to focus on other patients.

Her return was recommended by the African national Congress's provincial integrity commission following her appearance before it.

On Monday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the closure of beaches in some parts of the country and a ban of large gatherings across the country in a bid to slow the second coronavirus wave.

ANC KZN spokesperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela said that Gumede’s reinstatement was recommended by the provincial integrity commission following her appearance before it in October.

One of the most affected entities is the Road Traffic Inspectorate, which has more than 200 vacant positions and cannot operate a 24-hour shift system.

The site, which many environmental groups have described as a health hazard, has been linked to the emissions of toxic fumes and outbreaks of fires in the city.

The commission accused the municipality of violating the Constitution by mismanaging the site, which is seen as a human and environmental disaster.

Former mayor Zandile Gumede faces fraud, corruption and racketeering charges linked to a waste collection tender amounting to R430 million.

Nkosingiphile ‘Nkocy’ Majola founded the annual Ugu Fashion, Wine and Music Experience four years ago to showcase the talents of unknown creatives.

This means that the State will be expected to table the indictment, its forensic audit report, police dockets and all annexures relating to the matter at the next appearance in March.

Gumede and 17 others are expected to return to the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in connection with tender fraud at the eThekwini Municipality amounting over R400 million.