Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The Gauteng Department of Health has expressed concern over the increasing number of hypertension diagnoses among adults under the age of 45. The department observed World Hypertension Day on Sunday, 17 May, under the theme “Controlling Hypertension Together”. Spokesperson Steve Mabona provided an overview of the province’s hypertension statistics. “During the 2025/26 financial year, from April 2025 to March 2026, Gauteng recorded 69,125 new hypertension cases across the province. Of these, 26,088 cases were recorded among adults aged between 18 and 44,” Mabona explained. He also attributed the prevalence of high blood pressure to unhealthy lifestyle habits. “Contributing factors include…
The North West Provincial Government has expressed deep sadness following the death of former Premier Bushy Maape after a short illness. Maape, who served as Premier of the North West from 2021 to 2024, passed away in Johannesburg on Saturday surrounded by family and loved ones, according to a statement released by his relatives. Current Premier Lazarus Mokgosi paid tribute to Maape, describing him as a respected struggle veteran, disciplined administrator and ethical leader committed to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans. Mokgosi highlighted Maape’s contribution to stabilising governance in the province, particularly during efforts to lift Section 100…
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has sought to set the record straight after suggesting that the Constitutional Court judges hearing the case on challenges to the NHI Act are benefiting from private healthcare. This follows an International Nurses Day event in the Eastern Cape, where Motsoaledi reportedly cast doubt on the judges’ ability to rule fairly on the matter, saying: “They are beneficiaries of the same system that I am talking about, but they must preside over a judgement.” The Department of Health released a statement on Saturday, clarifying the Minister’s sentiments through an apology. “This reference was made by…
The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation says it aims to strengthen archive practices through museums as part of efforts to preserve the province’s heritage and historical records. The role of museum archives came under the spotlight during the commemoration of National Archives Week, held from 8 to 15 May. This year’s event was observed under the theme, “Archives for Justice”, with various activities taking place across the province. The commemoration aimed to highlight the importance of books, archives and different forms of art in recording and preserving South Africa’s diverse history. During an engagement held at…
Police have arrested eleven suspects linked to a drug operation uncovered at a manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Brakspruit near Swartruggens in the North West. The arrests stem from a joint operation involving the SAPS National Head Office Crime Intelligence, National Head Office Organised Crime Investigations, and a national team from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). According to SAPS findings, the suspects include four Mexican nationals, among them one woman. Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane attributed the arrests to intensified efforts to combat crime across the country. “The latest drug bust must send a…
The North West Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has welcomed the 2026 Initiation School Registration. The registration ran from the 2nd of February to the 10th of April, with compliance permits expected to be issued on the 12th of May before the schools commence on the 15th of May.PICC Deputy Chairperson, Andries Stemmer, says they used the registration period to conduct oversight visits at the schools.“We were able to uncover new challenges that were raised by the school principals. This gave us an opportunity to discuss measures of collaboration aimed at ramping up safety, prohibiting the operation of illegal initiation…
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has placed two of its officials on precautionary suspension over the alleged use of fabricated research in the Draft National AI Policy Following media reports highlighting issues with the policy’s reference list, the Department’s Minister, Solly Malatsi, withdrew the draft from public consultation. The Department’s Director-General, Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, announced the suspension of the implicated officials in a press release issued on Friday. “The precautionary suspension is with immediate effect, pending the ongoing investigation into the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. These revelations prompted an internal review to determine the facts. This initial…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections will be held on 4 November 2026. The announcement was made during his keynote address at the President’s Coordinating Council meeting in Boksburg on Thursday, ending months of anticipation over the official election date. The confirmation follows the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) voter registration weekend, scheduled for 20–21 June, as part of preparations for the polls. Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of voter turnout, particularly among young people, urging broader public participation. “As government, it will be our task to ensure a good turnout. The media will play a…
Lekompo musician, Lehlohonolo Chauke popularly referred to as ‘Shebeshxt’ or ‘Maburna’, has suffered another unsuccessful bail application. The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday dismissed the bid on alleged new facts presented by Chauke. The recent dismissal by the Polokwane Court marks Chauke’s third bail setback since his arrest back in November 2025. A statement released by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, revealed that he now faces a total of nine charges. “These include assault, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, malicious property damage and attempted murder. During the bail proceedings, the State presented by Senior Public Prosecutor…
Trade federation COSATU has expressed confidence that its tripartite alliance partners, the ANC and SACP, will respect the significance of the main 2026 Workers’ Day rally, set to take place on 1 May at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo. This comes despite recent tensions between the two parties following the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently of the ANC. During separate recent media briefings, the SACP reaffirmed its intention to pursue its electoral ambitions, while the ANC issued an ultimatum to members holding dual membership in both organisations. COSATU President Zingisa Losi told reporters on Wednesday that…