A coalition of 15 NGO’s are pushing to introduce a Maternal Support Grant (MSG) in South Africa, which it argues could help put an end to child stunting and save South Africa’s public health system up to R13.8 billion annually. The Department of Social Development has been exploring the evidence and economic benefits of the grant since 2012, and the case for its adoption grew in urgency earlier this year, when President Cyril
Another attack on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff has been reported in Cape Town, after an EMS vehicle was hijacked in Khayelitsha on Monday. The Western Cape SAPS confirmed that Lingelethu West police are investigating the incident that occurred at a shopping mall at around 14:30. Spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, said a police report notes that armed suspects approached a 56-year-old woman and forced the woman into the EMS vehicle before driving off with her inside. According to the provincial Department of Health and Wellness, the employee was
The City of Cape Town says there is currently no confirmed intelligence pointing to a large-scale shutdown or civil unrest on 30 June, but they are taking a precautionary approach. Smaller marches have taken place in several suburbs in the lead-up to the supposed mass action, but these have been peaceful. The MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says the Directorate is actively monitoring the situation and the necessary operational plans
The civil society group, Forum for South Africa (FOSA), has criticised and voiced suspicion over the Police Ministry’s spending on security for the 30 June protests. Earlier this week, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced that R600 million would be spent on safety and security operations in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape, ahead of national anti-illegal immigration protests planned for 30 June. READ MORE: 30 June Protests: Security preparations costing the country R600 million
Langa library had to close its doors this week following vandalism just weeks after a R600,000 upgrade of the facility. The MMC for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, says the library was broken into at the weekend, and it appears that components of their CPUs and a significant amount of cabling were stolen. The facility has had to close while the full extent of the damage is assessed and repairs begin.
