By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The cholera death toll has risen to at least 20*. Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkhomo-Ralehoko, made the announcement in the Gauteng Legislature, where she was delivering her budget vote. The number of confirmed lab tests for cholera is standing at 29. About 179 patients showing symptoms for the disease have been given medical attention. The total number of hospitalised patients is standing at over 70. Community religious leader in Hammanskraal Moa-frika Wa Maila has blamed government for their lack of intervention and communication to stop the outbreak. Wa Maila says many residents are in a state of panic- because they are unaware of what to do. He says they are left in an impossible situation where they cannot afford to buy clean water AND loadshedding makes it difficult for them to boil available water...

*Unconfirmed reports suggest the death toll could have risen to at least 22 as of this morning.