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As the world craves stillness, Africa’s premier design event answers with a theme built around sensory comfort, and the beauty of ease. Decorex Africa has long reflected how we live, and where we are heading next. For 2026, the continent’s leading design platform introduces The Soft Life, a theme that marks the next phase in …
Government offices are often closed due to lack of water in Centane
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies will host a roundtable with podcasters and key stakeholders on 24 March 2026 under the theme: “A Multi Stakeholder Dialogue on Podcasting: Legislators, Policymakers, Regulators, Podcasters, and Industry Stakeholders Charting Balanced Regulation for Sustainable Growth, and Strong Accountability”.
The roundtable comes amid the rapid growth of podcasting in South Africa, driven by increased smartphone usage, wider internet access and a dynamic creator economy. As podcasts continue to reach wider audiences across news, culture and community-focused programming, questions have emerged about how existing regulatory frameworks apply to on-demand audio content distributed over the open internet.
The committee Chairperson, Ms Khusela Sangoni-Diko, said that the engagement is intended to provide a constructive platform for dialogue between Parliament, regulators, creators, platforms and civil society.
“Podcasting represents one of the most exciting developments in South Africa's digital content ecosystem. It has opened space for diverse voices, languages and perspectives, while creating new opportunities for innovation and economic participation,” said Ms Diko.
She further said that the roundtable would help clarify how public-interest protections can be balanced with the need to nurture a growing creative sector.
Participants will include representatives from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, regulators, independent podcasters, digital platforms, legal experts, civil society organisations and academic institutions. Discussions will focus on how podcasts fit within the existing legal framework, possible co-regulatory models, mechanisms for handling complaints and measures to expand opportunities for local creators.
Ms Diko said that the committee hopes the engagement will produce clear and actionable outcomes to guide future policy considerations. “Our intention is not to stifle creativity, but to ensure that as the sector grows, it does so within a framework that supports innovation, protects the public interest and expands participation in South Africa's digital economy,” she said.
The roundtable is expected to produce a report outlining consensus points, areas for further work and recommended next steps for policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
By Merilynn Steenkamp, Managing Director, Southern Africa, Multi-Country Network, Roche Diagnostics Across South Africa, women play a central role in sustaining economic activity. They lead classrooms, staff hospital wards, run small businesses, work in agriculture, build enterprises and manage households. In many communities, they are the primary earners and the primary caregivers.1 In March, as …
In exactly one month’s time, the Bay of Hyères will once again become one of the global hubs of Olympic sailing. From 18 to 25 April 2026, the French Olympic Week Hyères – TPM (SOF) will welcome the world’s best sailors for the second stage of the Sailing Grand Slam, the leading international circuit for …
The Disciplinary process related to Harry Sheridan Red Card in the rescheduled Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 2 game against Edinburgh Rugby on Friday, March 13 has resulted in a three game suspension. After an act of foul play by Ulster Rugby player No 4 (Harry Sheridan), referee Federico Vedovelli showed the Player a Red …
Statement by Stephen Moore MP – DA Spokesperson on Water and Sanitation: Of the eight Metros, the ones which are failing are in such a dire state that National Treasury now has to intervene in how they deliver basic services. This is a damning indictment, that one arm of government must impose rules to force …
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has alerted consumers of a recall of certain Lexus LX500D vehicles distributed in South Africa by Lexus South Africa Motors. The recall affects LX500D-FSport and LX500D Overtrail vehicles distributed between 13 March 2025 and 16 January 2026, with approximately 110 units identified in the South African market. These vehicles are …
As Josh McKay sets his sights on playing for Scotland, he is preparing himself by taking a deep dive into his adopted country. The Kiwi-born full-back will become eligible for Gregor Townsend’s team under the five year residency rule this November having joined Glasgow Warriors in the autumn of 2021. As his surname suggests, the …
Cape Town – The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) recently hosted a Buyback Centre (BBC) and business management bootcamp in Khayelitsha, aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial capacity of glass collectors and increasing the number and sustainability of buyback centres operating across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Held at the Isivivana Centre in Khayelitsha, the workshop …
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) with Africa's First Ladies and Ministries of Health is continuing to build and advance cancer care capacity through their Cancer Access Program, with the aim to increase the limited number of Oncologists in Africa.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) explained, “At Merck Foundation, we are transforming cancer care in Africa by addressing one of its most critical gaps: late diagnosis and the shortage of trained specialists.
Together with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, we have strengthened cancer care capacity in the continent by providing 269 Oncology Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 African and Asian countries, significantly increasing the number of trained oncologists and developing the multidisciplinary cancer care teams. In several of these countries, there wasn't even a single oncologist. We are very proud that we are making history by training the first oncologists and first multidisciplinary cancer care teams in many countries like The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and many more.”
Merck Foundation in total provided more than 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialities.
“Merck Foundation remains committed to transforming the landscape of patient care in general, and cancer care in particular, leading Africa toward a healthier future,” Dr. Rasha Kelej further explained.
As part of their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation has to date provided 269 Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 countries as per the following:
Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of One year clinical training in most of oncology sub- specialties such as; Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Genital Urinary oncology, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, Oncology Nursing.
Moreover, Merck Foundation provides One-year and Two-year Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pain Management from reputed Universities in UK like University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.
The 34 countries include Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
According to WHO data (2022), Africa sees roughly 1.1 million new cancer cases and up to about 700,000 cancer deaths each year. Cancer mortality rates in Africa are much higher than in many other regions of the world, reflecting late diagnosis, limited access to care, and gaps in health systems. Therefore, Merck Foundation's oncology scholarships play a critically important role in strengthening cancer care capacity across the continent.
Dr. Rasha Kelej further shared, “Nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated when diagnosed early, and up to one-third can be prevented by reducing key risk factors such as exposure to radiation, certain infections, and lifestyle-related causes. To raise awareness about it, we have recently launched a children storybook and its adaptive animation film “Ray of Hope”, in partnership with African First Ladies. The story deals with childhood cancer and highlights the critical importance of early detection and access to well-trained cancer care teams capable of recognizing early warning signs.”
Read ‘Ray of Hope' storybook here:
Watch ‘Ray of Hope' animation film here:
Merck Foundation has also created awareness materials including awareness leaflets and videos on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.
Dr Judith Mkwaila, Merck Foundation Alumni from Malawi shares, “It was a great honor and privilege to be awarded the Merck Foundation Scholarship to pursue the Surgical Oncology fellowship training program at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, India. The fellowship gave me both, theoretical and hands-on training in complex oncological procedures for head and neck cancers, breast, upper gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. I was exposed to a multidisciplinary team approach in cancer care hence deepening my knowledge and skills in multimodality approach to cancer treatment for both curative and palliative purposes. Due to the knowledge and skills acquired through the training, I was able to start a General Surgical Clinic and become the First and Only Female Chief Surgeon at the Mzuzu Central Hospital. I am very thankful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity given to me to pursue this fellowship program and for continuing this noble cause of increasing access to high quality cancer care.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4bBoJVb), X (https://apo-opa.co/3N9Ttof), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3NxQXbj), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/41aXMTl), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4rGzqfk) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4shAvuW).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Low-income South Africans owe up to 8 times their income as debt becomes a tool for survival amid rising costs. Sebastien Alexanderson unpacks NDA’s latest consumer report. As of the 2025/26 financial year, debt levels among some South Africans have reached up to 28 times their monthly income, pointing to a widening gap between earnings …
Charmaine Shikuhele is not only a Jetour customer, but also the founder of the Jetour Ladies Club. Formed to inspire and motivate, both professionally and personally, this club is about connection – a community of women who want to encourage young girls and children that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. …
ABB Electrification is driving Africa’s transition to smarter, more sustainable cities through its suite of integrated technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, resilience, and connectivity across urban infrastructure. With rapid urbanisation placing new demands on power, mobility, and digital infrastructure, ABB’s smart city solutions offer a blueprint for sustainable development, from intelligent buildings and reliable …
As Global Money Week (16–22 March) shines a spotlight on financial literacy worldwide, millions of South Africans working in the gig economy face a very real challenge: income may be flexible, but financial planning still needs structure. From freelance designers and tutors to plumbers, drivers and digital assistants, gig work has become a lifeline for …
The distinctive iCAUR 03T electric SUV will launch in two derivatives, combining nostalgic design cues with modern technology and strong standard specification. The 03T arrives in South Africa in May 2026, blending retro-inspired SUV styling with modern electric innovation. Two derivatives will be available at launch (2WD and AWD), featuring 66 kWh and 70 kWh …
Statement by Mlondli Mdluli MP – DA Deputy Spokesperson on Trade, Industry & Competition: The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition to urgently convene a series of stakeholder engagements on the state of South Africa’s steel and scrap metal industries. The steel sector …
It started with a social touch rugby event in 2023, followed by an invite to try sevens with a club team in Hermanus, where amongst others, the Springbok Women’s Sevens also played in an invitational tournament, and that resulted in a brief call-up to train with them in Stellenbosch. In a blink, Maceala Samboya was …
Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha has surged to a career-best ninth position in the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings, while Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has returned to the top 10 among bowlers in the latest weekly update on Wednesday. Salman’s fluent knocks of 64 and 106 in the second and third ODIs at Mirpur have …
Statement by Chris Hunsinger MP – DA Spokesperson on Transport: The DA challenges President Ramaphosa to retract and correct his speech at Monday’s Transport Conference. The President has mistakenly endorsed Transnet to keep its stranglehold on managing and maintaining South Africa’s rail network. Transnet is a failed, broken entity that can never improve our national …
Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters shelter accommodates up to 60 women at a time, providing housing, meals and skills training
Pretoria-based custom bridal studio breaks down six key silhouettes and design movements South African brides need to know this year. PRETORIA, South Africa — Champagne Kisses, a bespoke bridal and formalwear boutique based in Pretoria, has published a new style guide exploring the wedding dress trends defining 2026 bridal fashion and how each one translates …
The rental of homes in decent neighbourhoods of Cape Town is becoming increasingly unaffordable to local residents.
The post AUNTY PAT’S BNB REGULATIONS: GOOD START TO ADDRESSING HOUSING UNAFFORDABILITY appeared first on For Good.
Minister Gwede Mantashe should give South Africans the facts about the state of our fuel reserves. Mineral and Petroleum Resources minister Gwede Mantashe has said there’s no need to panic about potential shortages of fuel caused by the war in the Persian Gulf. He gave that assurance at an oil and gas conference yesterday. But …