Money and ageing: South African study shows cash grants help people live longer and have better memory function

Money and ageing: South African study shows cash grants help people live longer and have better memory function

By Molly Rosenberg, Indiana University; Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula, University of the Witwatersrand; Kathleen Kahn, University of the Witwatersrand, and Lindsay Kobayashi, University of Michigan Nearly half of South Africa’s 60 million people receive social grants, ranging from child support to pensions. The grants are designed to provide financial assistance to people living in poverty. The largest components of the South African social grant system were introduced, or expanded […]

February 7, 2024 8

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Namibia

FFF donates school uniforms worth over N.dollars 100 000

The Frank Fredericks Foundation (FFF) reinforced its commitment to school development in Namibia this week by donating school uniforms to nine schools as part of its ‘back-to-school initiative’ valued at N.dollars 100 000. Among the schools that benefited from the project is Opuwo Junior Primary School (OJPS) in the Kunene district, where 10 pupils received uniforms valued at N.dollars 10 000. The donation event at OJPS took place […]

February 7, 2024 11 2

Africa

Women fishers in Makoko, Lagos’s ‘floating slum’, are struggling as breadwinners: education and funding would make a difference

Makoko women fish traders waiting to buy fish from fishermen. Yasuyoshi Chiba / AFP / Getty Images Ayodele Oloko, University of British Columbia Makoko, a coastal fishing community in Lagos, Nigeria, was established by fishermen in the 19th century. It is considered the world’s largest “floating slum”. There are conflicting figures about its population but it is home to about a million inhabitants living in poor and informal housing built […]

February 7, 2024 8

Lifestyle

Zuleikha Mayat: South African author and activist who led a life of courage, compassion and integrity

By Saleem Badat, University of the Free State Few Indian South African women have achieved wider public recognition than author, human rights and cultural activist Zuleikha Mayat, who passed away on 2 February 2024. An honorary doctorate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal was just one of many awards bestowed on her during a life that spanned almost 98 years. Mayat was a remarkable pioneer, evocative writer, public speaker, civic worker, […]

February 7, 2024 6

Environment

Microplastics found in Nile River’s tilapia fish: new study

A fisherman on the River Nile. Khaled Desouki/AFP via Getty Images Dalia Saad, University of the Witwatersrand The Nile is one of the world’s most famous rivers. It’s also Africa’s most important freshwater system. About 300 million people live in the 11 countries it flows through. Many rely on its waters for agriculture and fishing to make a living. The Nile’s two main tributaries, the Blue Nile and the White […]

February 7, 2024 15

Environment

‘Healthy humans without a healthy planet is a logical fallacy’

A nomadic community preparing a meal in Ladakh, India. Image by Prabhu B Doss via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0). By Sonam Lama Hyolmo via Mongabay Dr. Sakib Burza says his fondest memories are climbing the majestic pine trees in the Kashmir Valley where he spent most of his childhood with his family. On a normal day, he would go trekking up the hills into the mountains above the tree line, watching over […]

February 7, 2024 16

Environment

From exporting coral to restoring reefs, a Madagascar startup rethinks business

Koraï divers prepare to install a frame housing young hard corals in the protected waters of Antsoha Island, off northwestern Madagascar. Image courtesy of Koraï. By Valisoa Rasolofomboahangy via Mongabay With coral cover declining in Madagascar, Koraï, a Franco-Malagasy startup, has shifted its focus to coral reef restoration from its predecessor’s specialization in coral export. Jeimila Donty, its founder and CEO, is part of a young “pro-climate” generation keen to […]

February 7, 2024 16

Lifestyle

Is your pet exposed to secondhand smoke? Here are the (serious) health risks

Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images Jacqueline Boyd, Nottingham Trent University Our pets share our homes, lifestyles, and sometimes even our food and beds. For many pets, this close contact with humans can include exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes and other air pollutants. This may have serious health consequences for our animal companions. So, how significant a risk is passive smoking for our pets and should we be concerned? Smoking […]

February 6, 2024 23

Namibia

Statement by His Excellency Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia, on the occasion of the official opening of the 9th session of the 7th Parliament

Honourable Professor Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly; Honourable Lukas Sinimbo Muha, Chairperson of the National Council; Her Excellency, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia; Right Honourable Saara Kuugongelwa–Amadhila, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia and Leader of Government Business in the House; Honourable McHenry Venaani, Leader of the official opposition; Honourable Members of Parliament; Your Lordship Peter Shivute, Chief Justice; Your Lordship Petrus Damaseb, […]

February 6, 2024 42