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SAHPRA warns of increased brain tumour risk with specific contraceptive use
SAHPRA warns of increased brain tumour risk with specific contraceptive use
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has advised that the product information for medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) be updated to include revised safety warnings, including the risk of meningioma.
MPA is a synthetic oral and injectable form of the hormone progesterone and is used for birth control and the management of endometriosis-associated pain.
“It is also indicated in the palliative treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic endometrial cancer, renal cancer, and breast cancer in postmenopausal women,” the local watchdog explained.
MPA-containing products registered in South Africa are Depo-Provera, Provera, Petogen, Medroxyprogesterone Mylan, Sayana, Omrastoz, Trivina, and Triclogyn.
SAHPRA said it was informed by a holder of a Certificate of Registration (HCR) of regulatory action taken in Europe concerning products containing MPA, noting the potential risk of meningioma.
“The regulatory action, which entailed updating product labelling, was based on the results of two epidemiological studies conducted in France and the United States which observed an increased risk of cerebral meningioma with prolonged use of MPA.”
Meningiomas
Meningioma is a slow-growing tumour that develops in the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
The signs and symptoms of meningiomas vary depending on the tumour’s location.
“Meningiomas are the only brain tumour more common among women than men. Meningiomas tend to occur in middle-aged and older adults.”
The available evidence indicates that there may be an increased risk of developing meningioma in individuals taking MPA.
However, the occurrence of meningioma is expected to be very rare.
According to global reports, there have been 32 cases identified over a 20-year period from 2004 to 2024.
SAHPRA believes that the absolute risk of developing meningioma is low, especially considering the widespread use of MPA-containing products.
“Currently, no cases have been reported in South Africa. SAHPRA wishes to assure the public that the benefit-risk profile of registered MPA-containing medicines remains favourable. MPA is safe to use for its approved indications.”
Meanwhile, the increased risk of meningioma was also detected with prolonged use of medrogestone and promegestone, which are progestogens that can be used to treat menstrual irregularities and breast cancer.
However, SAPHRA said no medicines containing progestogens are marketed in South Africa at present.
Advice for healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals have been encouraged to provide counselling to patients about the side effects of MPA detailed in the product information https://pi-pil-repository.sahpra.org.za/.
It is also recommended that patients treated with MPA be monitored for signs and symptoms of meningioma under clinical practice.
“If a meningioma is diagnosed in any patient treated with MPA for a non-oncological indication, the use of MPA must be stopped, as a precautionary measure.”
Meanwhile, if a meningioma is diagnosed in any patient treated with MPA for an oncological indication, the need for further use of MPA should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis, considering individual benefits and risks.
Advice for patients
Patients should talk to a healthcare professional before taking or continuing MPA.
“It is important to use MPA for its approved indications and to follow the directions for use provided by healthcare professionals.”
Healthcare professionals and members of the public are urged to report any suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to the use of MPA and other health products to SAHPRA.
This can be completed through the eReporting link on the SAHPRA website https://www.sahpra.org.za/e-services/ or by filling out an ADR reporting form available on the SAHPRA website and emailing it to adr@sahpa.org.za.
Alternatively, reporting can be done via the Med Safety App, downloadable through Google Play or the Apple App Store. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/17/2025 - 13:51
261 views
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Deputy President delivers eulogy at former Minister’s funeral
Deputy President delivers eulogy at former Minister's funeral
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described the late democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education, Professor Sibusiso Bengu, as a “distinguished educator, diplomat and a servant of the people”.
The Deputy President was delivering the eulogy at Bengu’s funeral service held at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.
Bengu passed away in December at the age of 90 and was afforded a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
“Today we gather to pay tribute to a remarkable individual, Professor Sibusiso Bengu, a renowned revolutionary, an intellectual of his time. As a country, we have lost a distinguished educator, diplomat and a servant of the people.
“Professor Bengu has played a key role in shaping education and other social policies contributing to the transformation of the sector and most importantly, reversing the legacy of Apartheid education,” Deputy President Mashatile said.
Bengu played a key role in the transformation of South Africa’s education sector following the attainment of democracy and played a role in the transition of higher education in the country.
The Deputy President highlighted this as part of Bengu’s legacy.
“His skills, knowledge and contribution to various sectors of educations showed that he possessed the capacity to revolutionise education by dismantling the dreadful legacies of Apartheid.
“Thirty years later, our education outcomes are still improving – a testament to the profound impact of this icon. As part of President [Nelson] Mandela’s cabinet, he introduced many key pieces of legislation that shaped our education system.
“Among these are the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the policy recommendations of the National Commission on Higher Education which served as a guide for the government’s efforts to reconstruct and transform the apartheid higher education system,” Deputy President Mashatile explained.
The former Minister advocated for understanding the “connection between education and development”.
“We must continue to address challenges related to access to better education. An educated society has better prospects for a better future and breaking the shackles of poverty and injustices.
“Educated populations correspond with national economic growth and both directly and indirectly increase economic productivity.”
Beyond 30 years of freedom
The Deputy President said that as the country now moves beyond 30 years since the attainment of freedom and democracy, government was “going to invest in the speed of policy execution and implementation”.
“This is to ensure that the critical transformation policy contributions made by Professor Bengu are not undermined and that we continue to drive the change that we are pursuing in this sector.
“Our task is to ensure that the state, institutions of higher education, and the private sector will expand the ten growth sectors, which include finance, manufacturing, agriculture, business, and services, amongst others.
“Our goal is to create much-needed employment while also ensuring that many young people, women, and the most disadvantaged individuals have meaningful participation in the economy. We have also agreed that emerging from the 2024 elections, we are going to focus on growing an inclusive economy and reducing the cost of living,” he said.
Furthermore, Mashatile added, government is actively “investing in the building of a developmental, capable, and ethical state that has the capacity to transform society and redirect development to resolve the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality”.
The Deputy President passed his final condolences to the Bengu family on behalf of the government of South Africa.
“As we accompany our leader and brother to his final resting place, may we always remember how Professor Sibusiso Bengu's political efforts have been vital in furthering our democratic values and socio-economic development.
“His passion to promote equality and fairness has had a long-lasting influence on our society, and this should inspire us. To this day many South Africans, are still benefiting from his immense contribution, and for this we are grateful.
“Once more, on behalf of the government, let me extend our deepest condolences to Mama Funeka, his children and grandchildren, and the entire Bengu family.”
The Deputy President called on society to follow Bengu’s example and “strive for excellence in everything we do”.
“Let his example guide us and his spirit, inspire us to make a positive impact in our country,” he said.
Proceedings at the funeral included ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 13:11
15 views
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Mayor mourns five-year-old killed in Manenberg gang shooting
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Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the city mourns five-year-old Ameer Abrahams, who was shot and killed during a gang-related shooting in Manenberg, while on the way to a local tuckshop with his father on Monday.
“The city is today in mourning, together with the Abrahams family, following the passing of five-year-old Ameer. We feel the extreme pain as parents ourselves, and we stand with the family in demanding justice for this young life lost in such horrific circumstances,” Hill-Lewis said in a statement on Thursday.
Two other women reportedly sustained injuries in the same shooting.
Hill-Lewis has commended the swift action of the police, which led to the arrest of three suspects.
The Mayor said the city continues to offer its full support in the pursuit of justice for these shootings.
Member of Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security, JP Smith said the city would continue to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) and its Safety and Security Investigation Unit (SSIU) has passed on information received from Manenberg residents.
“The city stands ready to assist SAPS whenever requested for investigations into gang, gun, and drug crime through our investments in safety technologies, such as gunshot detection in the Manenberg area and others, CCTV, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, and eye-in-the-sky aerial surveillance,” Smith said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 12:30
18 views
Call for social cohesion to end gender-based violence
Call for social cohesion to end gender-based violence
The Minister in The Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has reiterated her call for social cohesion to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Chikunga’s call comes after another brutal murder of a woman by her boyfriend.
Aged 25, Shana Balie’s lifeless body was found in her boyfriend’s home in Wallacedene in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, on 26 December 2024.
Her family last saw her on Christmas Day.
It is alleged that Balie was beaten to death by her boyfriend, Jonathan Gewindt. Her lifeless body was found by the police buried in the backyard, where her boyfriend was renting.
Gewindt has since confessed to the killing and is expected to appear in Blue Downs Magistrate Court on Thursday.
Chikunga has strongly condemned Balie’s brutal murder.
Chikunga said the persistence of GBVF reflects deeply ingrained societal norms and structures that perpetuate male dominance, and reinforce misogyny, gender hierarchies and power imbalances within families and communities.
“This leads to female subordination and systemic inequalities that lead to violence against women and girls.”
The Minister maintained that addressing cultural and legal dimensions, is essential for fostering a just and equitable society in which gender norms do not perpetuate violence and inequality.
"We must act decisively to address not only the immediate instances of GBVF but also the structural, cultural, and systemic factors that perpetuate violence against women and girls. Our efforts must be centred on empowering women and fostering a society free from all forms of gender-based violence,” she said.
Despite the government's policy commitment to end GBVF, Chikunga said South Africa continues to experience the scourge and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) which stems from GBVF.
“The persistently high rates of GBVF victimisation and perpetration, despite existing legislative frameworks and policies, suggest the need for a comprehensive approach that does not only address the immediate instances of violence, but also includes a focus on women and girls to tackle the underlying structural and systemic factors that trap them in these circumstances,” Chikunga said.
The Minister is expected to visit the Balie family home on Thursday, to reaffirm her commitment to ensuring justice is served for the victim, and to provide further reassurance to the grieving family. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 11:47
47 views
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Merck Foundation CEO Announced the Best African Women Researchers and African Young Researchers
- Merck Foundation announced the winners of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards winners 2024, 5 Researchers from 5 different African Countries recognized under two categories - Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers.
- Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for new edition of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards 2025 to empower Women and Youth in STEM in Africa with special focus on ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive Care'.
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, announced the Winners of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024, in partnership with International Federation of Fertility Societies -IFFS, Africa Reproductive Care Society - ARCS, Manipal University and African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission to recognize African Researchers for their valuable research work and contribution to empowering women and youth in STEM in Africa with special focus on ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive Care'.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit - MARS expressed, “Since 2016, I have taken immense pride in recognizing the achievements of our MARS Awards winners. This year, we honor Six Winners in two categories: ‘Best African Women Researchers Awards' and ‘Best African Young Researchers Awards.'
These awards celebrate their significant contributions to research, particularly highlighting the efforts of African women researchers, who remain underrepresented in this field. Through the MARS Awards, our mission is to empower young researchers in Africa and to specifically encourage and support women researchers by enhancing their research capabilities and promoting their vital roles in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).”
The winners of ‘Best African Women Researchers Awards' and ‘Best Young African Researcher Awards' will be enrolled into research training at a premier research institute in India.
“And I am also very happy to share with you all that as promised, we provided an opportunity to our first-place winner of each category to attend the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary which was recently conducted in Tanzania, however, only Mr. Jules Irenge Mongane was able to attend it”, shared Senator Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people and has been transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with its partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, by providing 2080 Scholarships for doctors from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
The MARS 2024 Award Winners are:
Winners of “MARS Best Women African Researchers Awards” 2024
- Dr. Nompumelelo Lebogang Malaza, SOUTH AFRICA (First Position)
TOPIC: Association Between Biochemical And Epigenetic Markers With Glycaemic Control And Neonatal Outcomes In Diabetic Pregnancies
- Dr. Dorotheah Obiri, GHANA (Second Position)
TOPIC: Immune dysregulation in placental malaria and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Winners of “MARS Best Young African Researchers Awards” 2024
- Dr. Jules Irenge Mongane, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (First Position)
TOPIC: Association Between Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection And Tubal Factor Infertility In Bukavu, Democratic Republic Of Congo
- Dr. Christian Chassem Lapue, GABON (Second Position)
TOPIC: Epidemiology of helminthiases in women of reproductive age living in Lambaréné and its surroundings, Gabon
- Dr. Gebrhud Berihu Haile, ETHIOPIA (Second Position)
TOPIC: Incidence of neonatal mortality and factors influencing neonate survival in neonatal intensive care unit in Northern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
“I am also excited to announce the Call for Applications for the new edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024. This year, special focus will be again on “The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive Care,” added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit - MARS 2025 will have scientific support from African Union Scientific-Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC); African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).
Details for MARS AWARDS 2025
Abstracts are invited from final year African PhD students and young investigators involved in research related to either of the following topics:
1) Women's Health
2) Infertility and Reproductive Health
All applicants should be primarily based at African Research Institutes and Universities, although collaboration within Africa as well as outside is also welcome.
Last Date of Submission:
Applications can be submitted till 30th June 2025
How to apply:
Apply by clicking: https://apo-opa.co/406P6N1
Alternatively, the Applications and abstracts can be submitted via email to mars@merck-foundation.com, along with CV (including Name, Gender, Country, University/Hospital Name, Email address, Mobile Number) and the abstract document as an attachment.
Other Details:
- All Abstracts will be peer reviewed.
- Research Awards will be dedicated for two categories of Best African Women Researchers and Best Young Africa Researchers.
- Winners will be eligible for Research Training in a prestigious Research Institute in India.
- Top Winners will be invited to attend the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
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/422rSKr), X (https://apo-opa.co/425eC7X), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/40ogTKb), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4h62x6H), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3DKxNtP) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4h2Lt1q).
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.
Preliminary probe sheds light on Van Reenen’s Pass horror crash
Preliminary probe sheds light on Van Reenen’s Pass horror crash
The preliminary investigation into the horrific accident involving a truck and minibus at the N3 Van Reenen's Pass on Monday has revealed that the minibus taxi lost control and swerved toward the right oncoming traffic lane and collided with a truck head-on.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the initial stages of the investigation revealed that the truck driver was driving from Johannesburg towards Durban, whilst the minibus taxi was traveling from Durban towards Johannesburg.
“At the time of the collision, the truck was driving in the [right] lane southbound, whilst the minibus was driving in the [right] lane northbound. From the video footage obtained during this initial stage of the investigation, it is very clear that the minibus lost control and swerved toward the right oncoming traffic lane and collided with the truck head-on,” Duma said.
While the cause of the minibus losing control is unknown at this stage, Duma said they "strongly suspect" that the accident was due to heavy rainfall, speed, vehicle defect, or driver negligence.
He said the second phase of the investigation will focus on speed as the cause of the accident.
Duma also confirmed that a total of 17 people were declared dead on the scene of the accident, not 18 as initially reported. Only one passenger, a baby girl, survived, and is currently being treated in hospital.
“Based on the initial stages of the investigation, a taxi affiliated to Uncedo Taxi Association was travelling from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg. Seven men, three women, three boys and four girls [were killed in the crash].
“I requested the HoD (Head of Department) and the entire team to visit the brave little girl in hospital. We are comforted by the fact that she is recovering, [and] we thank health professionals for ensuring the provision of quality healthcare,” Duma said.
Duma has extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.
“At this stage, we wish to indicate that according to the owner of the minibus taxi, the families of the deceased have been identified and notified. Arrangements are being made by the owner and Uncedo Taxi Association for family members to travel to Ladysmith to identify their loved ones,” the MEC said.
Truck driver’s identity uncovered
The investigation has also discovered the identity of the truck driver – a 37-year-old Zimbabwean national.
“The truck belongs to Pangolin Logistics. We remain concerned about the fact that the driver of the trucking company contacted the owner of Pangolin Logistics before disappearing.
“We are asking ourselves many questions, [such as] who assisted him in disappearing from such a remote area at night?” Duma said.
Duma commended the dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate, including Emergency Rescue Services, and other key personnel who responded swiftly, as part of the rescue and cleaning up operation. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 01/08/2025 - 12:45
26 views
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Suspect in Ayabonga Mjilo murder case appears in court
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The case against restaurant manager, Mfanafuthi Kunene, who is accused of murdering 23-year-old former employee, Ayabonga Mjilo, has been postponed to 26 February 2025.
Kunene appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court for the first time on Monday.
The accused allegedly strangled Mjilo and buried her in a shallow grave in his yard in Inanda, Durban.
According to reports, Mjilo was last seen leaving a restaurant in Umhlanga in the early hours of Christmas morning with a male companion. After she failed to return home, a case of kidnapping was opened.
Kunene is facing charges of kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for swiftly arresting the suspect.
“Through meticulous police investigations, the suspect, identified as Mjilo’s manager, was apprehended.
“Evidence revealed that Mjilo had been taken to the suspect’s home in Amaotana, Inanda, where her lifeless body was discovered during the investigation.”
Ntuli expressed his heartfelt condolences to Mjilo’s family and friends during this tragic time.
“On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ayabonga Mjilo.
“Losing a young woman in such a brutal manner is a devastating tragedy. We stand in solidarity with the family as they mourn this heartbreaking loss, and we will continue to support them as they seek justice for Ayabonga.”
The Premier also emphasised the need for justice to prevail, as the ongoing scourge of violence against women and children continues to rear its ugly head in the province.
“The brutal killing of Ayabonga Mjilo is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in our mission to end gender-based violence (GBV).
“I commend the SAPS for their tireless efforts and urge the judiciary to impose the harshest possible punishment for such heinous crimes. KwaZulu-Natal has no place for individuals who commit these atrocities.”
The Premier called on communities, traditional authorities, izinduna (headmen), and amabutho (Zulu regiments) to partner with government in addressing the senseless killing of women and children in the province.
”Violence against women is an affront to our values of Ubuntu and humanity. This scourge demands collective action. I call on our community leaders, traditional authorities, and every citizen to unite in rejecting these barbaric acts.”
Ntuli stressed the critical role of traditional leadership and community structures in fostering a culture of respect, safety and protection for women and children.
He also highlighted the need for collaboration between government, civil society, and communities to create sustainable solutions and ensure perpetrators face justice.
”We must stand as one, with a united voice, to condemn these acts of violence and reaffirm our commitment to building safe, inclusive communities. This fight is not just for the government; it is for every one of us.”
The Premier urged the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to unfold while reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of GBV. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 11:35
309 views
Hlabisa commends Matatiele communities for safe return of initiates
Hlabisa commends Matatiele communities for safe return of initiates
The Minister of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, joined the community of Phamotse village in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, as they welcomed back home 114 initiates this past weekend.
The cultural and traditional event brought the community together in celebration, characterised by song and dance.
The Minister was accompanied by the Eastern Cape CoGTA MEC, Zolile Williams, as well as the leadership of the Matatiele Local Municipality and traditional leaders from the surrounding area.
Hlabisa applauded the safe return of the initiates, emphasising that this is "what is needed across the country".
“As we welcome the 114 initiates, we remember the families whose children were unable to return from initiation schools in the Eastern Cape.”
The Minister once again conveyed sincere condolences, on behalf of government, to the families that lost their children after at least 28 initiates died in the province.
Hlabisa stressed that the safe return of the 114 initiates meant it was possible for all initiates across the country to return to their homes safely.
“We should all be motivated to engage as stakeholders in finding a lasting solution that will ensure the safe return of our initiates. The safe return of initiates anywhere across the country confirms that our tradition and culture do not kill.
“We should use successes like the one we are celebrating in Matatiele today as an important case study to benchmark and learn from, as we practice this important age-old culture and tradition, which must be protected,” Hlabisa said.
He described the initiates who went through the rite of passage to manhood as the "pride of the tradition and culture".
“We should all come together and declare zero tolerance to the death of initiates. This means that going forward, it cannot be business as usual,” he stressed.
Hlabisa warned against those who continue to “disrespect” the cultural practice and disregard norms and standards, as contained in the Customary Initiation Act. He said they will face the full might of the law.
The summer initiation season unfolded within extreme weather conditions, as the South African Weather Services (SAWS) predicted a heatwave for the same period.
This meant that extra care had to be taken, including ensuring that all initiates were well hydrated.
The Minister commended the local traditional leader, Morena Tsheliso Lepheana, for his guidance during the time of initiation.
Hlabisa also encouraged the leaders to take a stand against various societal ills and protect women and children.
The MEC echoed the Minister’s words that to ensure safer initiation seasons, it will take the involvement of all role players and stakeholders.
The Minister will continue to engage with traditional leaders and other stakeholders on all issues around safe traditional initiation. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 09:48
267 views
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