Author: Tshegofatso Letsie

The Gauteng Department of Health has called on the public to use antibiotics responsibly as part of Antimicrobial Awareness Week, warning that misuse of medication is contributing to growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMR occurs when bacteria or viruses evolve to resist treatment, making infections harder to control and increasing the risk of severe illness and death. In a statement, the department urged residents to follow safety guidelines when using antibiotics. “Only take antibiotics prescribed by a qualified health professional. Never share or use leftover medication, avoid demanding antibiotics for viral infections such as…

The Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) has officially entered into a collaboration with the Greater Rustenburg Pastors Forum (GRPF) through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during a ceremony at the Rustenburg Civic Centre on Wednesday. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and promote partnership on issues of mutual interest, with the municipality confident that the initiative will encourage public participation in local governance and assist in tackling socio-economic challenges. “This exercise finds expression in Chapter 3 of the South African Constitution, which prescribes principles of cooperative governance and the importance of government engaging with civil society, including faith-based organisations,”…

As the world marks International Men’s Day under the theme “Celebrating Men and Boys: Nurturing the next generation and promoting positive masculinity,” the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has issued an urgent plea for society to create safe spaces where men can speak openly about mental health without fear or shame. Citing World Health Organisation data showing that 80% of suicides in South Africa are committed by men, SADAG warned that thousands are suffering and dying in silence because of outdated stereotypes that equate emotional vulnerability with weakness. “Behind every statistic is a father, brother, son or friend…

The City of Ekurhuleni Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, has vowed to leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of corruption allegations levelled against high-ranking officials of the City’s Metro Police Department (EMPD). The officials including suspended Deputy EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, were implicated in wrongdoing and various criminal activities at the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria. During a media briefing on Wednesday, Xhakazi revealed that a team would be assembled to investigate all the allegations coming from the commission. Another process that is expected to take place is the review of a total of 55 promotions that were made by…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says the national team will now turn its full attention to preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026. This follows Bafana’s convincing 3–1 victory over Zambia in a friendly match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday. Broos made it clear that he does not intend to schedule additional friendlies, arguing that further games could jeopardise the squad’s readiness for the tournament. “I don’t like to play two or three games before we go,” Broos said. “We’ve played…

The North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng has postponed the inquest into the alleged death and disappearance of anti-apartheid activist Nicholas Boiki Tlhapi to 2 March 2026. This follows a brief appearance by three persons of interest on Monday. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) provincial spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya, said the matter was delayed to give the individuals time to secure legal representation.“During today’s proceedings, three persons of interest appeared before the court and were informed of their rights to legal representation. The matter was postponed to allow them sufficient time to finalise their application for legal representation,” Gunya said. Speaking…

The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) has called on the South African government to declare Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide a national state of disaster ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit taking place on 21 November at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. Speaking at a press briefing in Germiston on Sunday, ANCWL Secretary General Nokuthula Nqaba said the organisation would continue to apply pressure until government takes urgent action.“Our government knows there is no women’s movement in South Africa, or on the continent, with our numbers and capacity to mobilise. We are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to make this decision…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has sharply criticised the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), describing it as financially inefficient and structurally redundant. Addressing a business gathering in Cape Town, Godongwana said that if the decision rested with him, he would “shut down NSFAS immediately,” arguing that the scheme adds unnecessary administrative costs to the higher education funding system. According to the Minister, NSFAS’s core function—transferring government funds to universities—could be executed more effectively through direct payments from the Department of Higher Education to institutions. “You don’t need that conduit,” Godongwana said. “Universities can deliver the required tasks without the additional…

YOU FM has officially cemented its position as the largest urban commercial radio station in the North West, reaching an impressive 500,000 listeners across traditional radio, digital platforms, and streaming, according to WhyFive’s BrandMapp 2025 report. The station’s exponential growth is driven by its relatable storytelling, authentic on-air personalities, and a distinct urban sound that resonates across age groups, cultures, and regions throughout the province. Managing Director Tebogo Mashego praised the vision of founder and chairperson Tebogo Pooe, who launched the station six years ago with a deep focus on research and understanding the needs of the North West audience.…

The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has expressed growing concern over the harmful effects of sports gambling on mental health, particularly among young South Africans. According to SASOP, what begins as entertainment is increasingly leading to serious mental health conditions such as depression, addiction, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviour. The organisation revealed that during the 2024/25 financial year, referrals for treatment among people aged 18 to 35 increased sharply from 787 to 2,034 cases. Data from helpline reports showed that 40% of callers said they could not stop gambling without professional help, 32% faced financial hardship, and 13% had…