Author: Tshegofatso Letsie

The National Department of Health has urged the public not to panic over noticeable changes in the packaging, colour or appearance of some medicines supplied at public healthcare facilities, stressing that the changes do not necessarily indicate a shortage. The department has reassured patients that medicines with different packaging or appearances remain safe, effective and suitable for use, provided they have been supplied through approved channels. Department spokesperson Foster Mohale explained that public healthcare facilities source medicines from suppliers that meet strict regulatory and quality requirements. Where multiple approved suppliers provide the same medicine, patients may receive products from different…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Lekgetho as the new head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), in accordance with Section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996. The appointment takes effect from 1 September 2026. Lekgetho has served as Acting Head of the SIU since February, following the departure of Advocate Andy Mothibi, who was appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). The Presidency said Lekgetho’s permanent appointment is expected to provide greater stability at the SIU and strengthen the institution’s ability to fulfil its mandate. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the SIU’s primary…

Eskom’s financial recovery is gaining momentum, with the power utility reporting a second consecutive annual profit and a significant improvement in its financial performance for the 2026 financial year. Profit after tax doubled from R14 billion to R30 billion for the year ended 31 March 2026, reflecting what the utility describes as the impact of improved operational performance, tighter cost discipline and its broader turnaround strategy. The stronger financial position gives Eskom greater capacity to reinvest in critical areas, including grid expansion, electricity distribution, coal fleet reliability and its Eskom Green initiatives. These investments will be important as South Africa…

The South African Postbank has urged the remaining SASSA gold card holders to migrate to black cards before the 31 August deadline. Postbank reminded beneficiaries that the migration deadline will not be extended beyond the set date. More than 1.8 million recipients have successfully replaced their cards since the migration process began in 2025, leaving fewer than 80,000 beneficiaries who still need to make the switch. Most of the outstanding beneficiaries are in KwaZulu-Natal (20,000), the Western Cape (17,000), the Eastern Cape (15,000) and Gauteng (14,000). Postbank Chief Commercial Officer Thami Cele urged beneficiaries not to delay, saying additional operational…

The 2026 Banking on Women Colloquium, organised by the Centre for Women and Gender Studies (WDBT) at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), focused on promoting practical change for women. The purpose of the event, which brought together prominent scholars, businesswomen, community leaders and economic experts, was to recognise the legacy of former First Lady Zanele Mbeki, her lifetime of work and her dedication to improving the lives of women, as well as to mark the 35th anniversary of the WDB Trust. Mbeki’s vision and advocacy work have inspired women and opened doors for them to strive for financial independence and self-reliance.…

The Gauteng Department of Health has reminded eligible individuals to attend all scheduled appointments to receive the required Lenacapavir injection doses. Clients are required to return for a one-month follow-up visit and thereafter every six months for subsequent injections. The Department announced that it has received an additional 28,593 initiation packs of the HIV prevention injection, which are currently being distributed to approximately 133 healthcare facilities across the province. According to the spokesperson, Steve Mabona, this will expand access and strengthen efforts to curb the spread of HIV. “This latest consignment brings the total number of initiation packs received to…

Rising temperatures across Gauteng have increased water consumption, prompting the provincial government to urge residents to use water sparingly. Provincial Government Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said increased water consumption is causing storage levels in reservoirs and towers to fall, even though pumping systems are operating at full capacity. “The Gauteng Provincial Government has noted with concern the continued rise in water consumption across the province. The three metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng together use approximately 70% of the water supplied by the bulk provider, Rand Water. “The rising demand is affecting the system’s ability to keep up with consumption. As a result,…

A whistle-blower’s tip helped authorities uncover and thwart an alleged plot targeting a senior official in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has praised the whistle-blower for coming forward, saying the information may have prevented the loss of lives. According to the minister, the alleged plot was linked to the official’s refusal to approve questionable contracts. After receiving the information, the department acted swiftly to investigate the allegations. Law enforcement agencies subsequently conducted a threat assessment and provided the targeted official and her family with protection. Minister Kubayi thanked law enforcement authorities…

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has vaccinated more than 1.3 million animals against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) since launching its mass vaccination drive in March. FMD vaccination drive boosts livestock sector confidence in North West The North West’s vaccination of more than 1.3 million animals against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) offers a measure of relief to the province’s livestock sector, which has faced significant risks from the outbreak. With more than 80% of the provincial target herd vaccinated, the programme could help reduce the risk of further livestock losses and limit disruptions to farmers,…

Former North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi has been formally elected as the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature. Motsumi becomes the eighth person to hold the position and, notably, the first former Deputy Speaker to ascend to the role. During Tuesday’s vote in Mahikeng, Motsumi secured 25 votes, defeating EFF candidate Matshidiso Botswe. In her maiden speech, Motsumi pledged to prioritise the interests of the people above political considerations, in line with constitutional values. “Oversight is not hostility. Accountability is not an act of opposition, and scrutiny is not disrespect. A strong Legislature does not weaken government —…