Swine flu is one of the flu strains currently in South Africa. According to the NICD’s Senior Communications Manager, Vuyo Sabani, several strains of flu have been detected in the country. He says we are in the winter influenza season, which occurs annually.

Swine flu is one of the flu strains currently in South Africa

Sabani says this year’s influenza season includes cases of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, previously referred to as “swine flu”. “We are also seeing cases of influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B. Influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 is now recognised globally as one of the regular seasonal influenza strains that circulate each year, and management is the same as for other seasonal influenza strains,” he added.

Influenza season in the spotlight

What symptoms can you look out for? There’s a list of common symptoms. This may include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle and body aches, fatigue and runny or blocked nose. Sabani has, however, stressed that certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness or complications.

In this group, you will find pregnant women, older persons, young children, and individuals with underlying medical conditions such as HIV, TB, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or chronic lung disease. He has asked those in these high-risk groups to seek medical attention early if they develop flu symptoms, particularly if they experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, dehydration, persistent fever, or worsening illness.

Health authorities are monitoring the influenza season

The Department and the NICD have asked citizens and visitors to do their bit to stop (reduce) the spread of influenza. You can do this by practising prevention measures daily.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow.
• Stay home when sick to avoid infecting others.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated where possible

Annual influenza vaccination

According to a media statement from the NICD, the illness is mild to moderate for healthy individuals. It can be safely managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication. Sabani added that many people recover fully within a few days to a week, without requiring hospitalisation or antiviral treatment.

At the same time, the NICD continues to strongly recommend annual influenza vaccination. This is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation.

“Vaccination is especially important for vulnerable groups and healthcare workers,” added Sabani.

The statement concludes that weekly updates on influenza and other circulating respiratory viruses such as RSV, COVID-19, and pertussis are available from the NICD. It also states that the Department and the NICD will continue to monitor influenza trends through national surveillance systems.

Anti-immigration tensions in South Africa are escalating ahead of a planned nationwide shutdown on 30 June, with the government appealing for calm while warning that unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.

The shutdown is being organised by the anti-immigration movement March and March, which says all undocumented foreign nationals must leave the country by the end of June.

The group has staged marches in several cities, including Durban, Pretoria and Cape Town, where supporters recently marched through Bellville demanding tougher action against undocumented migrants.

In response to growing tensions, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster held urgent talks at the Union Buildings this week with ministers, security officials, political parties and protest organisers.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi stressed that South Africans have a constitutional right to protest, but warned against vigilantism, intimidation and criminal conduct. She urged organisers to notify authorities in advance so police can secure marches and protect both protesters and bystanders.

Meanwhile, International Relations spokesperson Chrispin Phiri condemned online abuse and warned against dehumanising migrants, saying structural economic problems cannot be solved by targeting foreign nationals.

No amount of cyberbullying will change the facts:

1. Irregular migration cannot be addressed by vigilantism. Law enforcement must address all matters of criminality, including the abuse of immigration laws.

2. Migration will happen, but it must happen within the confines of the…

— Chrispin Phiri 🇿🇦 (@Chrispin_JPhiri) May 25, 2026

Human rights organisations and civic groups have raised concerns that the rhetoric surrounding the protests is fuelling xenophobia and could trigger violence similar to previous anti-immigrant attacks seen in 2008 and 2019.

Stats, studies and facts contradict key claims behind March and March movement

While anti-immigration groups argue that undocumented migration places pressure on jobs and public services, researchers and migration experts dispute many of the claims circulating online.

Studies by the OECD and Stats SA have found no evidence that immigrants are the primary cause of unemployment, and recent Stats SA findings show that immigrant households contributed hundreds of billions of rand to the economy through income and spending.

The claim that foreigners are responsible for most violent crime also does not hold up under scrutiny. SAPS does not officially publish crime stats by nationality, but prison data showed foreign nationals made up a smaller percentage of prisoners than their share of the population.

There is also no evidence that South African hospitals are overcrowded due to foreign nationals. The fact is that the South African healthcare system struggles to provide sufficient medical care to any person, regardless of their nationality or status. There are reports that patients are turned away because they don’t possess South African identity documents.

The government has also rejected claims that it is failing to act on undocumented migration. Home Affairs operations and border enforcement have intensified over the past year, with officials reporting hundreds of thousands of deportations and expanded border security measures.

Police remain on high alert ahead of the planned shutdown, with authorities warning that any violence, intimidation or attacks on foreign nationals will result in arrests and prosecution.

With the Reserve Bank preparing for its latest interest decision, COSATU has urged the Monetary Policy Committee to avoid any increases.  

This is ahead of the announcement of the committee’s decision on Thursday. 

The trade union federation argues that the working class is already struggling with the current cost of living, especially with rising global oil prices and their impact.  

Further to this, fuel price increases were the biggest contributor to the 0.9% jump in inflation to 4% in April, from 3.1% in March.  

READ MORE: Statistics South Africa/Fuel prices lead inflation higher

“Consumers were dealt a painful fuel price blow in April. The index for fuel rose by 18,2% from March, the steepest monthly increase since the current CPI series began in 2008. Petrol prices were up by 15,2% and diesel by 35,4%… Motorists using diesel felt the most pain. The average price for a litre of diesel jumped from R21,28 in March to R28,80 in April,” read Statistics South Africa’s report on the April inflation figures.  

COSATU’s Matthew Parks said working- and middle-class families have had to struggle with this, reflected in increased taxi and bus fares, in addition to electricity tariff hikes.  

“Most workers are drowning in debt and borrowing simply to buy food, electricity and transport and service unaffordable debt levels.  Those fortunate to have jobs support seven relatives on average.  Many workers spend up to 40% of their already meagre wages on transport,” said Parks in a statement.  

He said increasing the repo rate would punish South Africans for something out of their control, noting that the rise in inflation “is solely due to the war in the Middle East and not domestic demand”. 

“There is nothing that South Africa can do to manage this geo-political crisis of anarchy.  Squeezing already struggling workers and consumers would make as much economic sense as decapitating a patient to resolve a migraine.” 

He added that an increase to the repo rate would “suffocate” an already struggling economy. 

“The economy has been stagnant at 1% for more than a decade.  Initial growth projections of an already weak 1.4% have been reduced by the International Monetary Fund to a depressing 1%, far below the 3% plus needed to tackle our single greatest national crisis, our 43.7% unemployment rate.” 

At the same time, Parks also called on the Treasury to consider a further extension to the fuel levy relief for the duration of the war. This is as relief to the levy is due to expire in July. 

READ MORE:  Fuel levy relief extended for May, with diesel levy reduced to zero – Smile 90.4FM

“The Reserve Bank must resist any knee jerk, textbook temptation to raise the repo rate.  This would be a devastating blow to workers, consumers, businesses and the economy, when we can least afford it.  It must exercise strategic patience, more so as peace negotiations to end the War take place.  The Reserve Bank must show solidarity with workers, the poor and the economy by rejecting any increase to the Repo Rate,” said Parks. 

Police are investigating a murder case after one person was shot dead at a well-known establishment on Marine Drive in Blouberg on Monday afternoon.

Emergency services, including Community Medics, Netcare911, ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd., Metro EMS Western District and the SAPS, attended to the scene just after 2 pm this afternoon.

Upon their arrival, police found the body of a 33-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds lying on his stomach. He was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. The police’s FC van Wyk says the motive is yet to be determined.

While the circumstances behind the shooting are still unclear, the Beach Boulevard Business Precinct has issued a statement, saying that the shooting appears to be isolated, involving a single victim, and that the victim was allegedly targeted.

The business grouping says no patrons, staff members, or bystanders were injured during the incident.

“While any act of violence is deeply concerning, early indications suggest that this was an isolated event and not a random act against the public. At this stage, there is no indication of any ongoing threat to residents, visitors, or businesses within the area, and the precinct remains safe.”

“The Marine Circle and Blouberg beachfront precinct continue to be one of Cape Town’s most popular and well-supported hospitality and tourism destinations, known for its vibrant atmosphere, reputable establishments, and active security presence. The safety and well-being of patrons, residents, and visitors remain a top priority for businesses and security partners operating within the precinct.”

They have extended their gratitude to Core Tactical Armed Response for their immediate reaction and assistance on scene, as well as SAPS and emergency medical personnel for their swift response during the incident.

The business group has also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculation on social media while investigations remain ongoing.

They conclude that normal operations within the precinct continue as usual.

Police have urged anyone with information to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Captain Jood Tieties on 079 894 1257.