Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The National Department of Health has announced an increase in medicine prices, effective from 1 October 2026. This marks the second Single Exit Price (SEP) adjustment for medicines in 2026. The adjustment will result in a uniform 2.88% increase in the SEP of all registered medicines listed on the national database as at 30 September 2026. Department spokesperson Foster Mohale explained that the 2.88% increase is intended to provide manufacturers with relief to sustain medicine supplies, while maintaining affordability for patients and medical schemes. “This extraordinary price adjustment applies to all medicines registered and listed on the national database as…
The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), a civil society organisation in the North West, has expressed strong support for renewed and strengthened crime prevention efforts aimed at ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country. The endorsement follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s National Address, in which he outlined the government’s renewed strategy to combat the abuse and killing of women and children. According to MRM Convener Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, effective crime prevention is key to creating safer communities. “Our hope and humanity must translate into well-knit, peaceful communities capable of rejecting lawlessness in all its manifestations. This can only be realised…
With South Africa’s Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, eligible voters are being urged to ensure they have valid identity documents ahead of polling day. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet has reminded citizens whose IDs have been lost or damaged to apply for replacements as soon as possible. Speaking during a briefing on Cabinet’s meeting outcomes in Pretoria, Ntshavheni said affected voters could visit a Home Affairs office or one of more than 450 participating bank branches to apply for an identity document. Voters have also been encouraged to apply for special votes. Applications are…
Gauteng Health urges improved adherence to prescribed treatments, emphasising that safe medicine use is vital for disease prevention and recovery. The department highlights that following treatment plans is especially important for individuals with chronic conditions such as HIV, TB, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and mental health disorders. The department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, encouraged the public to use medication responsibly. “Communities must take treatment as prescribed, store medicines correctly, safely dispose of unused or expired medication, and consult healthcare professionals whenever they have questions or concerns about their treatment,” Mabona advised. He also cautioned against sharing prescribed medicines among family and…
President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivering the keynote address on Heritage Day, announced that he will soon brief the nation on measures being taken to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. The announcement follows the recent spate of killings of women, whose bodies were discovered in the Ekurhuleni Municipality over the past few weeks. Addressing community members and officials in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, President Ramaphosa declared that violence against women is unacceptable. “Violence against women will not be part of the inheritance we leave to the next generation of South Africans. We must work together as South Africans to…
The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) has criticised Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube over delays in the implementation of the 2026 Foundation Phase National Catalogue. The catalogue was approved for implementation on 19 September 2026 following reviews of the procurement process. The Department of Basic Education said the reviews, which included an Auditor-General audit, an independent investigation and legal opinions, had found no fraud or favouritism and that there was no basis to cancel the catalogue. COSAS argues that the delays could negatively affect teaching and learning outcomes. COSAS Secretary-General Unesongo Matikinca has alleged that the suspension of the…
Police in Potchefstroom, North West, have issued an urgent call to parents and guardians to promptly file missing persons reports if they suspect their children are missing. The appeal follows the tragic rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl, whose body was discovered at the Sarafina Sports Grounds on 19 September 2026. In an exclusive interview with YOU FM, Ikageng Station Commander Colonel Mosimanegape Leie emphasised that swift reporting triggers an immediate police response. “When we receive the information, we open the file. We open an inquiry to react and check how we can best assist in finding the child,”…
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has opened applications for special votes ahead of South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections, scheduled for 4 November 2026. Eligible voters have until 12 October 2026 at 17:00 to submit their applications. Special voting will take place on 2 and 3 November, ahead of Election Day. According to the IEC, special votes fall into two broad categories. The first is a home-visit special vote for voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of a physical condition. If approved, an IEC official will visit the voter at their place of confinement, which…
Calls to South Africa’s 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre surged by 21% in September, following the discovery of 10 women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni. The Department of Social Development said the Command Centre received 6,782 calls between 1 and 16 September 2026, averaging 424 calls a day. This compares with an average of 350 calls per day during the same period in August. The increase became particularly pronounced between 13 and 16 September, when daily call volumes climbed to around 500. On 16 September alone, the centre recorded 589 calls, its highest daily total during the period under review. The department…
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has approved the 2026 Foundation Phase National Catalogue for Grades 1 to 3 textbooks, clearing the way for immediate implementation and provincial procurement. The approval follows a delay caused by procurement and compliance concerns surrounding the catalogue. Acting Director for Communications Terrence Khala said the catalogue had undergone a thorough evaluation process, including an Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) audit, an independent investigation and legal reviews by both internal and external counsel. According to Khala, the reviews found no evidence of fraud or favouritism, confirming the integrity of the process. The department said the…