insert_link Health / Medical Anti-vaxxers thrashed in court Illustration: Lisa Nelson By Tania Broughton via GroundUp Three non-profit companies have failed in their court bid to stop the government from making available Covid-19 vaccinations. They claimed “strange and unusual medical conditions”were experienced by some people who received the vaccine. Covid Core Alliance, Transformative Health Justice, and Free the Children - Save the Nation, supported by some doctors, wanted a final order compelling the Minister of Health, the acting director […] todayMarch 5, 2024 11
insert_link South Africa The Azanian People’s Organisation in SA calls on voters to exercise vigilance and discernment The Azanian People's Organisation in SA calls on voters to exercise vigilance and discernment as they navigate the political landscape. They criticise the lack of thought leadership, moral values, and rampant corruption, leading to an uninspiring vision for the future. Azapo’s spokesperson Jabu Rakwena challenges the narrative that there is no future beyond the current ANC government. Rakwena urges voters to look beyond and consider their long-term prosperity, when choosing […] todayMarch 5, 2024 23
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s AfriForum is threatening to take Rand Water to court over its decision to reduce water supply South Africa's AfriForum is threatening to take Rand Water to court over its decision to reduce water supply to several defaulting municipalities in a bid to recover funds owed to it. Affected municipalities include Emfuleni, Sedibeng and West Rand. Gauteng municipalities alone, owe the water utility two-billion-rand. AfriForum’s, Petrus Coetzee, says its legal team has sent an urgent letter of demand to Rand Water to stop this malpractice and see […] todayMarch 5, 2024 20
insert_link South Africa N Korea slams US / S Korea war drills North Korea is slamming war drills being held between the US and South Korea calling them rehearsals for attack. Operation Freedom Shield is a bilateral exercise being held for 11 days with the aim of deterring Pyongyang. Chris Gilbert reports. todayMarch 5, 2024 43
insert_link South Africa SANEF calls on the Competition Commission’s MDPMI to get Big Techs to compensate media for content The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) on Monday made an impassioned submission at the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI), initiated by the Competition Commission of South Africa (Commission), as the three-week inquiry kicked off in Pretoria on Monday 4 March 2024. SANEF, represented by chairperson Sbu Ngalwa, founding member Guy Berger, and legal representative, Michael Power, asked the Commission to strongly consider getting Big Tech to look […] todayMarch 5, 2024 31
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Higher Education, Science and Innovation minister says the country must not tolerate the growing culture of impunity South Africa's Higher Education, Science and Innovation minister, Blade Nzimande, says the country must not tolerate the growing culture of impunity on the part of criminal elements, and a blatant disregard for human life. Yesterday, he visited the family of the University of Johannesburg student who was killed in a crossfire in Braamfontein last week Thursday. The department's spokesperson, Veli Mbele, says the minister will contact Police minister, Bheki Cele, […] todayMarch 5, 2024 15
South Africa SA President Ramaphosa Highlights Advancements in Professionalizing Public Service In his latest weekly newsletter, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reported significant strides in the government's efforts to professionalize the public service. He emphasized the importance of the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill and the Public Service Amendment Bill, noting that they are instrumental in enhancing the functionality of the public service, reinforcing accountability, and promoting increased efficiency. The National Assembly has already passed both pieces of legislation, and they […] todayMarch 5, 2024
insert_link South Africa ANC Secretary General Addresses Corruption Concerns in Candidate Selection Process In addressing concerns over corruption within its ranks, Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary General of the ANC, revealed that the party is actively considering allegations against its members during the finalization of the candidate selection process. The National Executive Committee convened to conclude candidate lists for provincial legislature and Parliament ahead of the Independent Electoral Commission's impending Friday deadline. Mbalula emphasized that the NEC will thoroughly examine all names, taking into […] todayMarch 5, 2024 1
insert_link South Africa DA Urges Immediate Investigation into Alleged Cash Bribes Involving South African National Assembly Speaker The Democratic Alliance in South Africa is calling for a swift probe into allegations of cash bribes implicating the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. She is mentioned in an affidavit related to a corruption case against a Defence Force contractor, who alleges that Mapisa-Nqakula sought over two million rand in bribes during her term as Defence Minister. Mapisa-Nqakula, asserting her innocence, pledges full cooperation with the investigation. DA […] todayMarch 5, 2024 3