South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Tuesday fought off criticism against the Covid-19 lockdown, saying the measure has effectively stalled the exponential spread of the coronavirus.

With the lockdown, South Africa's healthcare sector has won time to prepare for the rising wave of infections and deaths, Mr Mkhize said.

The criticism comes at a time when the Western Cape province accounts for 60 per cent of the national cumulative cases, with cases increasing exponentially on a daily basis as compared to the rest of the country, Mr Mkhize said in a statement.

As of Tuesday, South Africa has recorded 17,200 confirmed Covid-19 cases, up by 767 from Monday, and 312 deaths, an increase of 26, said Mr Mkhize.

In the weeks to come, different areas will experience different levels of lockdown, according to Mr Mkhize.