Author: Larson Thebe
The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, has warned that the effects of climate change are also having a significant impact on the health sector. Ghebreyesus was addressing a media briefing at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. “The climate crisis is a health crisis. “The effects of climate change on the atmosphere, polar ice caps and sea levels are serious and significant, but for many people, they are distant threats. “But the health impacts of climate change are not a theoretical risk for the future; they are here and now. “Climate…
The Department of Basic Education has announced a new pilot phase of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) that will create more than 20,000 employment opportunities while supporting literacy and numeracy development in South Africa’s early-grade classrooms. The pilot programme, which will run from January to March 2027, will be implemented in selected public primary schools across the country and will focus on Foundation Phase Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). Trained Education Assistants will work alongside teachers to provide additional classroom support and help learners improve their reading, writing and mathematics skills. According to the department, the initiative marks a shift…
Orlando Pirates booked their place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals after defeating a stubborn Sekhukhune United 1-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon. Despite dominating the match, the defending champions failed to add to their tally, as Sekhukhune’s defence remained compact and absorbed the pressure from the Pirates’ attack. Babina Noko’s backline was eventually breached in the 31st minute when Mpho Padime put Pirates ahead with a free kick from outside the visitors’ penalty area. Sekhukhune threatened to equalise, but their efforts failed to produce a goal. The Buccaneers also struggled to extend their lead despite creating…
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured the country that it is ready to administer special voting today and on Tuesday, ahead of the main elections on Wednesday. According to the IEC, a total of 2,655,067 voters have been approved for special votes. These cater for registered voters who may be unable to reach voting stations due to physical infirmity or disability, as well as those who may not be available to vote at their registered voting stations on Election Day. The commission has meanwhile deployed 127,000 electoral officials to facilitate home visits and voting station-based special votes. These officials…
The North West Department of Health has introduced targeted measures to improve medicine availability across healthcare facilities following a decline in provincial medicine stocks. According to the Department, medicine availability dropped from 84% to 81% during the second quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, largely due to stockouts and supply disruptions. The Department said it had prioritised the issue through a dedicated medicine availability turnaround strategy, supported by pharmacist-led interventions and regular progress monitoring. Recent figures from Bojanala District show some improvement. The availability of essential medicines increased from 78% last week to 80% this week. Epilepsy medicine availability also…
The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court has granted former head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Andrea Johnson, and former South African Police Service (SAPS) Deputy Head of Crime Intelligence, Feroz Khan, bail of R10,000 each. The two were arrested on Friday morning and face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, with Johnson accused of being an accessory after the fact, as well as defeating the ends of justice. Johnson is also facing a charge of contravening the National Prosecuting Authority Act 23 of 1998. According to the NPA, on 26…
Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns have booked their places in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals following convincing victories in their respective Round of 16 matches. Pirates defeated Milford FC 3-0 at Orlando Stadium, while Chiefs secured an identical scoreline against TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium. Sundowns, meanwhile, edged Marumo Gallants 1-0 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The Buccaneers dominated the encounter against newly promoted Milford, scoring all three goals before half-time. Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring before Tshepang Moremi netted twice to seal the victory. Despite the comfortable scoreline, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was dissatisfied with his…
The Department of Basic Education has urged schools, parents and communities to prioritise learner safety, wellbeing and support as the Class of 2026 continues its National Senior Certificate examinations amid high temperatures and adverse weather conditions in parts of the country. The department said it remained encouraged by the progress of the examinations and the commitment shown by learners, educators and examination officials. The appeal comes as some areas experience extreme heat, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, raising concerns about learner safety and potential disruptions to examinations. Department spokesperson Terence Khala urged schools, parents and learners to remain vigilant and take…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 510 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to KwaZulu-Natal to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) under Operation Prosper. The province has experienced violent anti-immigrant protests, resulting in the death of one foreign national, several injuries, vehicles being set alight and shops being looted in Durban. The SANDF personnel will assist the SAPS in maintaining law and order across KwaZulu-Natal, particularly following recent violence linked to a misinformation campaign concerning the Constitutional Court’s judgment on the Refugees Act. “The members of the SANDF will be on…
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Gauteng has warned that it will not tolerate any form of fraud or corruption by its officials. The agency made the remarks as it welcomed the dismissal of four officials found guilty of fraud and the unauthorised alteration of a beneficiary’s payment details. Two of the officials were based at the Pretoria and Soshanguve local offices, respectively, and were dismissed for dishonesty relating to the alleged processing and verification of a fraudulent social grant application involving a couple. Two other officials, based at the Fochville and Roodepoort local offices, were also dismissed…