insert_link South Africa Over 26 million South Africans get a social grant. Fear of losing the payment used to be a reason to vote for the ANC, but no longer – study By Leila Patel, University of Johannesburg and Yolanda Sadie, University of Johannesburg Social grants to reduce poverty feature prominently in the campaign promises of political parties in South Africa’s 2024 national and provincial general elections, set for 29 May. The country’s social grants system is one of the largest in Africa in terms of number of beneficiaries. Research shows that this has helped reduce poverty. […] todayMay 15, 2024 12
insert_link South Africa 18 Victims Identified in George Building Collapse Tragedy With19 Still Unaccounted for The S.A Victim Identification Centre and Forensic Pathology Service in George in the Western Cape, has completed the identification of 18 of the 33 deceased from last week’s building collapse. Nineteen construction workers are still unaccounted for. The George Municipality’s spokesperson, Chantel Edwards-Klose, says the 18 consists of seven from South Africa, five from Malawi, three from Zimbabwe two from Mozambique, and one from Lesotho: todayMay 15, 2024 25
insert_link South Africa South African political party warns on National Health Insurance Bill in its current form The ACDP party in South Africa says, the National Health Insurance Bill, in its current form, will lead to a collapse of the country’s health sector, and negatively impact economic growth. President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the bill into law at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today. ACDP’s, Marie Sukers, says none of the concerns of the health sector has been given due consideration, with public participation merely […] todayMay 15, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa S.A President, Cyril Ramaphosa says the ANC is cautious about forming a coalition government S.A President, Cyril Ramaphosa says the ANC is cautious about forming a coalition government due to the risk of instability as seen at the local municipal level. Polls have predicted that the ANC might fall short of securing over 50-percent of the national vote in the 29 May general elections. This would compel the ruling party to forge a coalition to hold onto power. Addressing the Progressive Business Forum in […] todayMay 15, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa Death toll in the ongoing rescue operation in the South African city of George has risen The death toll in the ongoing rescue and recovery operation after the building collapse in the South African city of George has risen to 33, with the Forensic Pathology Service confirming the identification of six victims. Nineteen people are still unaccounted for, while 12 are in hospital. The mission, now in its eighth day, has seen rescue workers and other stakeholders dedicating 193 hours to the operation. A cultural prayer […] todayMay 15, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa S.A’s Electoral Commission has authorised over 1.6-million special votes for the upcoming elections S.A's Electoral Commission has authorised over 1.6-million special votes for the upcoming elections. Chief electoral official Sy Mamabolo outlined that one-million special votes will occur at polling stations, and 624-thousand voters visited at home or in places of confinement. Gauteng leads with 335-thousand registered special voters, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 320-thousand. Mamabolo reiterates that special voting is scheduled for 27 to 28 May from 9 am to 5 pm, ensuring […] todayMay 15, 2024 10
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Health Professionals Collaboration is preparing a legal challenge against the National Health Insurance Bill South Africa's Health Professionals Collaboration is preparing a legal challenge against the National Health Insurance Bill. President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign the bill into law. Representing over 25-thousand healthcare workers, the organisation has expressed disappointment, citing ignored submissions and concerns about the bill's constitutionality and impact on patient care. Spokesperson Simon Strachan advocates for a sustainable and patient-centric healthcare system: todayMay 15, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa Christianity is changing in South Africa as pentecostal and indigenous churches grow – what’s behind the trend By Dion Forster, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Studies show that South Africa is one of only three countries in the world where religious participation has increased in recent years. The other two countries are Italy and the US. The 2022 Census data show that South Africa’s Christian adherence has once again increased. However, the kinds of Christianity that are growing, and those that are declining, tell […] todayMay 14, 2024 20
insert_link South Africa S.A Deputy International Minister calls for funds to repatriate George building collapse victim South Africa's Deputy minister of International Relations, Alvin Botes, is calling on the private sector to assist families who lost their loved ones in the George building collapse with funds to repatriate the deceased. Of the 81 workers who were on site when the collapse happened last week Monday, 32 have died and 20 are still unaccounted for. Botes says some of the deceased workers are fromzi Zimbabwe, Malawi and […] todayMay 14, 2024 33
