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Secretary Blinken’s Call with South African Minister Pandor

Location: News

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa
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The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor today regarding the conflict in Gaza, including the need to protect civilian lives, ensure sustained humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and work towards lasting regional peace that ensures Israel's security and advances the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The Secretary reaffirmed support for Israel's right to ensure the terrorist attacks of October 7 can never be repeated. Secretary Blinken and Minister Pandor also reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-South Africa partnership and cooperation on shared priorities, including health, trade, and energy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa.

Read moreSecretary Blinken’s Call with South African Minister Pandor

Health dept receives multimillion-rand equipment from German Development Bank

Location: News

Health dept receives multimillion-rand equipment from German Development Bank

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has welcomed the multimillion-rand donation of mobile health clinics from the German Development Bank (KfW) in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Minister said the donation supports efforts by the South African government to strengthen the public health system.

“Today is one of the most exciting days for the National Department of Health and the provincial departments as we formally acknowledge the support we received from the German government, through the German Development Bank and the DG Murray Trust. 

“The governments of Germany and South Africa have enjoyed a very fruitful relationship across several departments for a while now,” he said on Thursday. 

Phaahla was speaking at the official hand over of the equipment at the Town Hill Hospital. 

The Minister was joined by the German Ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke, Deputy Health Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, leaders from local government and DG Murray Trust.

The donated assets, valued at R500 million, include specialised vaccine fridges, vaccine carriers, temperature monitoring devices, notebooks, tablets and mobile health clinics.

Phaahla said the 46 mobile clinics have contributed to changing people’s lives and that they have reached 1.9 million individuals with direct interpersonal interactions. 

“I will work with the MECs to sustain and maintain these assets when the funding ends in September this year.”

Phaahla said the mobile units operate in four provinces including Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and are operated by professional nurses, communicators and local mobilisers supported by the #KeReady youthful doctors. 

“These units are serving as the bedrock of our campaign to get closer to the youth community and highlight the challenges that face youth life,” said the Minister.

“We consider the Ambassador and his team as friends; friends who did not abandon us at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but stayed with us and provided support for specific vulnerable communities in the informal settlements.

“We thank you for the precise, strategic and tailored programmes you brought into our primary healthcare ecosystem,” he said. 

He told the attendees that today’s gathering was not just a celebration but an occasion to showcase the countries’ bilateral relationship and to demonstrate that their relationship was beneficial to both nations. 

“Our vision and objectives for the health sector have been expressed in many documents and on many other platforms.”

The Universal Health Access through the National Health Insurance (NHI), he said, was a vision South Africa strives towards, working with the private sector. 

“We are committed to this vision and the outcomes we envisage despite the huge setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He noted German’s specific targeted programmes, which are evidence-based and believes that will have an impact. 

The focus includes children who are reached through the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme, young people in hard-to-reach areas, community-led social mobilisation campaigns, strong monitoring and evaluation systems and cost-effective approaches. 

“Ambassador, we recognise that you give our people a hand to uplift them out of poverty, instead of once-off hand-outs which are not sustainable," said Phaahla.

He acknowledged the German government for its support during the COVID-19 response.

Phaahla expressed his gratitude for German’s forward-thinking approach, which he described as “precise and impactful”. 

“We will scale it up as we move forward and apply lessons learned to our programmes.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 01/25/2024 - 14:13

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Read moreHealth dept receives multimillion-rand equipment from German Development Bank

Why Is My Car Overheating

Location: MyPR

Expert Advice on Overcoming Car Overheating from Moreleta Service Centre Are you grappling with the common but distressing issue of a car overheating? Moreleta Service Centre, with its vast 25-year experience in the automotive service industry, addresses this prevalent concern by providing expert insights and practical solutions. Unraveling the Mystery of Car Overheating The rising …

Read moreWhy Is My Car Overheating

Electricity system performance ‘exceeding expectations – Minister Ramokgopa

Location: News

Electricity system performance 'exceeding expectations - Minister Ramokgopa

The health of South Africa’s electricity system is continuing to show improvement despite the continued implementation of load shedding.

This according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan on Tuesday.

“We have really turned the corner and I’m not suggesting that we have ended load shedding. I’m simply saying that we can see that there’s light at the end of the tunnel and this is not an oncoming train but it’s a system who’s health continues to improve and improve at levels that even exceeded our projections and expectations.

“With the average unplanned capacity loss factor [generating unit breakdowns], we were sitting at about 14 100MW and then it went to 13 000MW the past week but what is important is that it’s only on the 16th of January where were above 15 000MW…now today, we are at 12 700MW. That shows an area…that the team has invested in and we are beginning to see those returns,” he said.

The minister revealed that over the past two weeks, available capacity has “consistently” exceeded peak demand.

However, there are reasons that load shedding continues to be implemented.

The first of those is that at least 3000MW of available capacity is drawn from open cycle gas turbines “which are burning on diesel so we have reduced our consumption of diesel…so essentially it’s the true health of the system”.

“The second one is that…planned maintenance still is significantly high. We are hitting about 8000 to 9000MW of planned maintenance.

“Even with that scale of planned maintenance we still have a situation where we are able to keep load shedding at the levels of the worst, Stage 3 [or] oscillating between no load shedding to Stage 3 at the worst moment,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that work continues to be done in the area of partial load losses – that is, when generating units do not produce the full capacity they were intended to.

“The area that is receiving attention is the partial load losses of 6700MW. It is our collective view…that we can do much better here. Of course some of it is a function of us exceeding our license parameters, those are areas that require attention.

“So…the net message that I am conveying is that the system continues to improve. It has exceeded our expectation if the unit measure of the expectation is the unplanned capacity loss factor of 14 500MW…we are way below that by about 1000MW despite the fact that planned maintenance is sitting at 8337MW,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 01/23/2024 - 14:26

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Read moreElectricity system performance ‘exceeding expectations – Minister Ramokgopa

5 Natural Herbs for Improving Erectile Dysfunction: A Guide

Location: MyPR

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sex. While there are medications available to treat ED, some men prefer to explore natural remedies. However, it’s important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of herbal supplements for …

Read more5 Natural Herbs for Improving Erectile Dysfunction: A Guide

Zulu congratulates social grant beneficiaries for passing Grade 12 

Location: News

Zulu congratulates social grant beneficiaries for passing Grade 12 

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has praised the Grade 12 students, who benefit from Social Development services and have successfully completed the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

Of the 897 775 Grade 12 learners who wrote their NSC, 543 786 full-time learners were social grant beneficiaries, with 62 out of 110 social grant beneficiaries amongst the top performing learners in different categories, as awarded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). 

According to the department, social grant beneficiaries formed the largest number of learners who wrote their 2023 National Senior Certificate and 441 871 learners passed the NSC examinations which is an overall pass rate of 82.9%. 

About 202 156 received a Bachelor's pass, which gains them access to institutions of higher learning, with 160 326 distinctions.  

The Minister said that the child support grant formed the biggest grant type received by these learners, with the majority of them from KwaZulu-Natal, the second-best performing province after Free State.

The South African Constitution, through the Child Justice Act, also obligates the state to provide care and support services to children in conflict with the law, including educational opportunities. 

According to the data from the Departments of Basic Education and Social Development, 1 630 children in conflict with the law  registered for the 2023 NSC. 
 
“Providing educational opportunities for children in conflict with the law is a key element of rehabilitating and re-integrating them back into society. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (the CRC), which South Africa ratified in 1995, recognises the importance of education for children in conflict with the law,” Zulu said.  

The Minister detailed that the Social Development sector has been integrating the social protection administrative data system to ensure better coordination of services and tracking of health and educational outcomes for beneficiaries of various government services aimed at tackling child and adult poverty. 

She asserted that the linking and sharing of administrative data systems within the social cluster departments - Social Development, SASSA, Department of Basic Education, and NSFAS - ensure information is shared on the academic performance of social grant beneficiaries.

“One such success story of the benefits of linking and sharing of data systems was the agreement between Social Development and NSFAS on the exemption of social grants beneficiaries from the means test, a decision that has significantly bridged the higher education gap as it opened the doors of learning for many, regardless of their socioeconomic background,” the Minister said. 

Zulu emphasised that education has the power to break the cycle of poverty and transform lives. By accessing education opportunities at institutions of higher learning, she said, many social grants beneficiaries have succeeded in creating a better future for themselves and their families, thus breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and inequality. 

“The benefits of social grants extend beyond individual beneficiaries to broader society. Our government’s pro-poor policies such as our social assistance programme, no-fee schools, school nutrition, school uniforms, free health care including sanitary dignity packs have made significant impact over the past 30 years in reducing poverty by bridging the education gap for learners from impoverished backgrounds. We will continue to build on the success of these impactful interventions that have lifted many of our people out of poverty," Zulu said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 12:10

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Read moreZulu congratulates social grant beneficiaries for passing Grade 12 

South Africa concludes tough but productive trip to World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024

Location: News

National Treasury, Republic of South Africa
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South Africa's delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024 Annual Meeting in Davos used the platform to meaningfully engage investors, civil society, businesses and governments, and drove home the message that the country remains a top destination for growth and investment. The delegation was led by the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana and comprised of Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Mr Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mr Mondli Gungubele, and Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla, Brand South Africa, business executives, entrepreneurs and civil society leaders.

The overall WEF 2024 theme, Rebuilding Trust, underlined South Africa's continued role as a regional and global leader in the international community. Minister Godongwana said that South Africa's participation in global forums such as WEF Davos reinforced their belief in the value of multilateralism and the spirit of cooperation as a critical part of an overall strategy to lift economic growth. He added that countries stood to benefit from the common pursuit of a fairer, more inclusive, and representative global system.

The South African delegation tackled questions on the progress the country is making in economic reforms, particularly in areas of energy, transport and logistics, and fighting crime.

“We took the opportunity of the WEF Davos gathering to remind our partners around the world that South Africa has made tremendous progress in the past 30 years since we achieved democracy,” said Minister Godongwana. “Yes, we face a number of obstacles to achieving policy that balances fiscal sustainability, growth-accelerating reforms, and targeted spending on social services and infrastructure. We are forging ahead and making good progress.”

The Annual WEF meeting, which took place from 15 to 19 January 2024, offered South Africa's policymakers a genuine and rare opportunity to speak directly with a cross spectrum of stakeholders in global affairs, exchanging views on how to weather the rise in geopolitical and economic tensions that are shaping today's world.

Climate, technology, trade and multilateral cooperation were high on the agenda, as was South Africa's upcoming presidency of the G20 in 2025. In addition to its participation in the G20, the country is playing a key part in the expansion of the BRICS group, as well as the deepening of intercontinental economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at a panel on the BRICS in Expansion, which was inked in August 2023 at a summit in Johannesburg, Minister Godongwana stressed the importance the bloc is playing in reforming international decision-making bodies to better reflect contemporary power and economic realities.

“Although individual economic circumstances amongst BRICS+ will vary, there will be common interests that will allow the bloc to forge consensus on the urgency of sustainable economic development,” said Minister Godongwana. “The expansion will help the BRICS Group to be the voice of the global south.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Treasury, Republic of South Africa.

Read moreSouth Africa concludes tough but productive trip to World Economic Forum (WEF) 2024

Team South Africa returns from tough, productive WEF annual meeting – Treasury

Location: News

Team South Africa returns from tough, productive WEF annual meeting - Treasury

The South African delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting has returned back to SA, having driven home the message that the country remains a "top destination for growth and investment”.

This is according to a media statement released by National Treasury on Monday.

Team South Africa’s delegation was led by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and comprised the Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande; Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele, and Health, Dr Joe Phaahla.

Godongwana said the message to investors, civil society, businesses and governments is that despite the many challenges it faces, South Africa is making progress.

“We took the opportunity of the WEF Davos gathering to remind our partners around the world that South Africa has made tremendous progress in the past 30 years since we achieved democracy.

“Yes, we face a number of obstacles to achieving policy that balances fiscal sustainability, growth-accelerating reforms, and targeted spending on social services and infrastructure. However, we are forging ahead and making good progress,” he said.

According to National Treasury, the annual meeting – held last week in Davos, Switzerland – offered an opportunity for South Africa to engage world leaders on a number of issues.

“[It] offered South Africa’s policymakers a genuine and rare opportunity to speak directly with a cross spectrum of stakeholders in global affairs, exchanging views on how to weather the rise in geopolitical and economic tensions that are shaping today’s world.

“Climate, technology, trade and multilateral cooperation were high on the agenda, as was South Africa’s upcoming presidency of the G20 in 2025.

“In addition to its participation in the G20, the country is playing a key part in the expansion of the BRICS group, as well as the deepening of intercontinental economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 14:46

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Read moreTeam South Africa returns from tough, productive WEF annual meeting – Treasury

How to unlock a healthier, time-saving lifestyle with the LG Door-in-Door Side by Side Fridge with Uvnano™

Location: MyPR

Empower yourself in 2024 to prioritise your health and reclaim valuable time with the help of LG As we dive into the new year, it’s time to rethink our resolutions. Instead of setting lofty, vague goals, let us focus on achievable milestones that can transform our lives. Imagine a world where healthy eating and ample …

Read moreHow to unlock a healthier, time-saving lifestyle with the LG Door-in-Door Side by Side Fridge with Uvnano™

Head Concierge Deon Prinsloo bids Palazzo Hotel farewell after 15 years

Location: MyPR

This ends his 15-year-long career as head concierge and guest relations manager at the award-winning luxury hotel Deon Prinsloo worked as head concierge and guest relations manager at the Palazzo Hotel in Johannesburg for nearly 15 years and is leaving the hotel to pursue his long-term dream. Prinsloo has worked in the hospitality sectors locally …

Read moreHead Concierge Deon Prinsloo bids Palazzo Hotel farewell after 15 years

Well done to the Class of 2023

Location: News

Well done to the Class of 2023

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the unprecedented success recorded by the matric Class of 2023 is evidence of the determination and ambition of learners and of a nation that values its youth.

The President offered his warm congratulations and that of government to the matriculants and the extended support system of educators, parents, school governing bodies and health care providers who carried this cohort of learners through the COVID 19 pandemic when they were in earlier grades.

The 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) overall pass rate reached 82.9%, compared with 80.1% in 2022, and 76.4% in 2021.

This is an improvement of 2.8%, and 6.5% from the pass rates achieved by the Classes of 2022 and 2021 respectively.

In real numbers, 572 983 candidates passed the 2023 NSC exams.

As a percentage, the 2023 pass is the highest in the history of the NSC.

Similarly, Bachelor passes as well as passes with distinction produced by the Class of 2023 stand out as the highest in the history of NSC exams.

“The Class of 2023 has given itself and the nation great cause for pride and belief that our investment in education is the key to moving our country forward.

“The 2023 matric results show that we’re a nation that takes care of its young people and that our young people are taking care of their future through their resilience and their dedication to learning.

“The matric results are an irrefutable indicator of our comprehensive national development during 30 years of freedom and democracy. Our success in education must motivate us to achieve even greater things in all areas of our development,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 12:53

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Read moreWell done to the Class of 2023

Overcoming every challenge, Sue Martin is living her best life at Renishaw Hills!

Location: MyPR

The start of a new year is always a good time to work towards those goals that might have fallen by the wayside. And there’s nobody quite as inspiring as Sue Martin (62) to encourage others! Paragliding, parachuting, parasailing, bungee jumping, abseiling, and flying in an autogyro are just some of the activities Sue has …

Read moreOvercoming every challenge, Sue Martin is living her best life at Renishaw Hills!

Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire required in Gaza – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire required in Gaza - President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s unequivocal call for an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” in Gaza, Palestine.

The President on Friday delivered the country statement of South Africa during the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit being held in Uganda. 

The Israeli-Palestinian war erupted in October 2023 when militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel – killing at least 1200 people.

The Israeli retaliation on Palestine has been far greater with estimates that more than 20 000 Palestinians have been killed with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reporting the internal displacement of some 1.9 million people in Gaza.

“South Africa calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. We call for the release of all hostages and the resumption of talks on a just solution that will end the suffering of the Palestinian people. We further call for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access to allow for vital aid and basic services to meet the needs of everyone living in Gaza.

“As a consequence of the ever-worsening situation of the people of Gaza, South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to issue provisional measures ordering Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza. This is necessary to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the ongoing conflict lays bare the “inadequacy” of global governance organisations such as the United Nations (UN).

“South Africa recently made financial contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency and the UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] to support their humanitarian operations in Gaza and the broader Palestinian refugees. In addition, many ordinary South Africans and NGOs have mobilised resources to assist the people of Gaza.

“The conflict has again illustrated the inadequacy of the United Nations, in particular the UN Security Council, in maintaining international peace and security. We should establish a system of global governance that is fair and equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm,” he said.

World challenges

Fixing attention on the Summit, President Ramaphosa said the gathering takes place at a time when international challenges – “exacerbated by geopolitical dynamics and conflicts in various regions of the world” – are abound.

“The wars taking place in Ukraine and Palestine are causing grave humanitarian and health crises and contributing to international instability. The supremacy of multilateralism as embodied by the United Nations Charter and international law is being undermined exactly when it is needed most.

“At a time when the world appears to be once again divided between east and west, the Non-Aligned Movement should continue to assert its independence based on our common values.

“South Africa remains steadfast in advancing its non-aligned approach in the maintenance of international peace and security and advocating for inclusive dialogue and the peaceful political settlement of disputes,” he said.

President Ramaphosa called on the NAM to work together in pursuance of:

  • the right to self-determination of the peoples of Palestine and Western Sahara;
  • the lifting of the economic blockade against Cuba and unilateral sanctions against Iran, Venezuela and Zimbabwe;
  • reaffirmation of the inalienable right of access to nuclear materials, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes;
  • upholding the centrality of the UN Charter and international law in the peaceful resolution of conflict;
  • defeating the scourge of terrorism and its root causes; and,
  • the alleviation and eradication of poverty and underdevelopment.

“This interconnected world calls for a collective determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to address the economic, social, health and environmental challenges that every country faces.

“We need to give dedicated attention to the reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations. We must give meaning to the principle of sovereign equality of nations and ensure that the voice of the African Continent and the Global South is strengthened in the broader multilateral system,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 13:03

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Read moreImmediate and comprehensive ceasefire required in Gaza – President Ramaphosa

Hollywood Foundation Celebrates Entrepreneurship and Impact at the Bambelela Business Awards in Limpopo

Location: MyPR

The Hollywood Foundation, renowned for its commitment to Enterprise and Supplier Development, proudly hosted the third edition of the Bambelela Business Awards in Limpopo on January 18, 2024. This distinguished event served as a platform to recognise and celebrate the achievements of local heroes who have made a positive impact on the communities of Limpopo. …

Read moreHollywood Foundation Celebrates Entrepreneurship and Impact at the Bambelela Business Awards in Limpopo

LG Smart TVs Unlock Limiteless Entertainement And Personal Growth With Modern Apps

Location: MyPR

From Education to Casual Games, Art and Wellness, LG Smart TVs are delivering experiences filled with Enjoyment, Personal Growth and Excitement for All LG Electronics (LG) presented an array of new apps available on the company’s smart TVs to meet users’ individual preferences and interests. The extensive selection of services is convenient and easily accessible …

Read moreLG Smart TVs Unlock Limiteless Entertainement And Personal Growth With Modern Apps

Mchunu to guide Water Services Authority Summit

Location: News

Mchunu to lead Water Services Authority Summit

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu will lead a two-day Water Services Authority (WSA) Summit in response to the outcomes of the Blue and No Drop Reports and Green Drop Progress Assessment Report released in December 2023.

The summit will be held at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, from 18 - 19 January 2024.

Mchunu is expected to be joined by the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, as well as representatives from provincial and local governments.

The summit will be attended by representatives from the 144 Water Services Authorities across the country, and will deliberate and review the reports released by the Minister in December 2023.

The gathering will enable the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Cogta, together with the Water Services Authorities, to agree on what should be done to address the findings of the drop reports.

Action plans will be developed in various groups that will converge and look into critical performing municipalities, poor performing municipalities, average performing municipalities and excellent performing municipalities.

The summit will further discuss the following:

•            The implication of the 2023 No Drop, Blue Drop, and Green Drop results.

•            Identify the main causes of good and poor performance.

•            Identify the most important issues to be included in action plans to be developed by Water Services Authorities with poor and critical performing water supply and wastewater systems.

•            Exchange best practices, share lessons learned and identify areas of collaboration.

•            Identify various support mechanisms to assist the poor and critical performing entities.

•            Raise the profile of the quality of water and sanitation services by engaging and encouraging mayors to be ambassadors of change.

This comes at the backdrop of the release of the reports on water quality (Blue Drop), non-revenue water (No Drop), as well as a report on the state of waste water (Green Drop) in all Water Services Authorities in the country.

The Blue and No Drop Reports indicate that there has been a decline in drinking water quality and an increase in non-revenue water since the last reports were issued in 2014.

The Green Drop Progress Assessment Report also indicates an increased risk in the performance of municipal wastewater treatment systems.

The Blue, Green and No Drop Certification programmes are aimed at improving municipal drinking water quality, wastewater management as well as water conservation and demand management.

The programme is a transparency and accountability mechanism by government on the state of water and sanitation to ensure that all role players in the water sector are held accountable and the citizens are informed about the state of their drinking water quality, provision and how waste water is managed to ensure that their health and the environment are protected.

The regulating mechanism provides for the DWS to initiate corrective measures to address deficiencies identified during each assessment. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 01/17/2024 - 11:24

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Nutrition on the go: Quick and affordable lunchbox ideas for kids

Location: MyPR

Another school year is here, which means that parents and caregivers will be wrestling again with the age-old dilemma of what to pack in their kids’ lunchboxes. Finding the balance between healthy lunchbox items that kids enjoy and that don’t break the bank is an ongoing challenge for many. Luckily, Mbali Mapholi, Laager Tea4Kidz partner …

Read moreNutrition on the go: Quick and affordable lunchbox ideas for kids

South Africa: Travellers urged to be vigilant following detection of cholera in Limpopo

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of Government Communication and Information System
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Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has urged citizens to be vigilant and maintain personal hygiene as the country has recorded two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera in Limpopo.

According to the Department of Health, both cases are imported from Zimbabwe. 

The first case was confirmed in the Musina sub-district in the Vhembe District after a 43-year-old male patient tested positive and has since been discharged from Musina Hospital.

“The second case is a 27-year-old man, also from Zimbabwe, who presented at Helene Franz Hospital under Capricorn District Municipality, with a history of abdominal cramps, watery diarrhoea and vomiting that started on 11 January 2024,” the department explained. 

The department said this particular patient travelled to Zimbabwe on 9 December 2023 and returned to South Africa on 10 January 2024. 

According to the statement, the patient's health condition is stable and they are currently in isolation at the hospital.

“His contacts were identified, and the local outbreak response team has been activated to conduct further investigations and provide health education to contacts.”

The department said the country remains on high alert for possible imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe, which is currently battling the outbreak of the disease, which so far claimed over 200 lives. 

The department, in collaboration with the Border Management Authority (BMA), has since intensified health screening at the Beitbridge border post to mitigate the imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe. 

The Deputy Minister has since thanked suspected cholera patients for being honest with their travel history and fully cooperating with health officials.

He appealed to all those with a travel history to cholera outbreak areas to do the same to save lives and prevent further transmission to other people.

“We say to all travellers along N1 from Musina and other parts of the country, please avoid using known or suspected contaminated surfaces, especially in public places and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection,” said Dhlomo. 

All people who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without travel history to cholera endemic countries and areas, are also encouraged to present themselves to the nearest health facilities without delay.

The symptoms to look out for include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, dehydration and vomiting. 

The department has advised people to never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams or streams unless boiled or disinfected first. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Government Communication and Information System.

Read moreSouth Africa: Travellers urged to be vigilant following detection of cholera in Limpopo