insert_link South Africa Health experts say vaping has not been shown to be effective for quitting smoking Health experts say vaping has not been shown to be effective for quitting smoking. Instead, according to Wits University’s Guy Richards, e-cigarettes with nicotine are highly addictive. Statistics from the World Health Organisation show e-cigarettes have been banned in 34 countries. Speaking to eNCA, Richards called for urgent action to control e-cigarettes and protect children, as well as non-smokers. todayDecember 21, 2023 3
insert_link South Africa SA’s Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu says his department is planning to deal with ongoing water crisis SA's Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu says his department is planning to deal with ongoing water crisis that South Africa is facing by minimal negotiations with water service authorities. Mchunu made the comments during a water imbizo at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. The ministry’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi says some of the water problems experienced in some communities could have been easily resolved had local authorities stuck […] todayDecember 21, 2023 7
insert_link South Africa SA’s Health Department reiterates its plan to place medical graduates The SA Health Department has moved to clarify that it has plans to place medical graduates. This is to refute claims made by News24 that the government is failing to make progress when it comes to placements. Officials say they are concerned that information published is misleading medical interns and community service doctors. The department’s Luvuyo Bayeni confirmed that much progress has been made. . todayDecember 21, 2023 24
insert_link South Africa Western Cape police commissioner vows to get rid of officers who transgress Western Cape Police commissioner Thembisile Patekile has vowed to rid the provincial service of officials who transgress the law and departmental prescripts. Two police constables from Nyanga police station appeared in the Simon’s Town Magistrate’s Court today following their arrest as part of an investigation into illicit activities involving a taxi boss. Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa says they are accused of allowing a member of the public to make use […] todayDecember 21, 2023 19
insert_link South Africa The DA in the Eastern Cape is urging urgent action to ensure road safety The DA in the Eastern Cape is urging urgent action to ensure road safety this festive season, as the province’s roads face severe challenges. Potholes, fading markings and missing signage contribute to a dangerous environment, leading to numerous fatal accidents. According to the party, the province has allocated only 800-million-rand for road maintenance, falling short by three-billion-rand, with surfaced roads beyond repair. The DA’s Marshall von Buchenroder demands the promised […] todayDecember 21, 2023 2
insert_link South Africa More than 1300 workers remain underground at a platinum mine in North West of South Africa The National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa has confirmed that 1,349 mineworkers remain underground at Impala Platinum’s Bafokeng Rasimone mine in Rustenburg, North West. Among them, 669 workers are situated at the north shaft, and 680 are at the south shaft, refusing to surface after reporting for duty on Monday morning. The standoff between the workers and the mine revolves around several issues, including disputes over pension fund payouts, […] todayDecember 21, 2023 8
insert_link South Africa National Association of School Governing Bodies in South Africa is urging matriculants to openly discuss suicide The National Association of School Governing Bodies in South Africa is urging matriculants to openly discuss any thoughts of suicide while they await their matric results. General Secretary Matakanye Matakanye conveyed concern to Newzroom Afrika regarding the increased risk of suicide linked to the anxiety, fear, and stress surrounding the imminent release of results. Matakanye stressed the significance of parental support for their children during this stressful period, highlighting that […] todayDecember 20, 2023 22
insert_link Opinion Pieces What we don’t understand about China’s actions and ambitions in the South China Sea By Edward Sing Yue Chan, Australian National University In recent weeks, China’s activities in the South China Sea have raised more concerns in the region. Its ships have collided with Filipino vessels, fired water cannon at others and used sonar pulses close to an Australian ship, injuring its divers. The United States and its allies view this increasingly assertive behaviour as evidence China seeks to challenge the established maritime […] todayDecember 20, 2023 6
insert_link South Africa The Freedom Front Plus in SA criticises minister Lamola’s criminal justice system reform SA's Freedom Front Plus has vehemently criticized the recent proposal made by Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola aimed at restructuring the criminal justice system. The FF Plus characterizes this move as a desperate attempt by the ANC government to ensure its political survival. The party has voiced worry about swift legislative alterations driven by political ideology, which have often led to expensive cases in the Constitutional Court. Jaco […] todayDecember 20, 2023 4
