Kempton Park Hospital, once a bustling hub of healthcare in Gauteng, now sits in eerie silence after being abandoned for nearly 30 years. What was once filled with life has turned into a ghostly reminder of what could have been, with its crumbling walls attracting curious explorers and vandals alike. Recently, the Gauteng Department of Health is looking for private partners to breathe new life into this forgotten space, hoping to transform it into a valuable community resource again. If successful, this revival could ease the strain on nearby hospitals and spark a wave of renewal in the area. The hospital’s journey from decay to revitalization embodies the spirit of hope and the potential for change in urban spaces.
In Observatory, electricity maintenance is a vital task that keeps the lights on and the community safe. As the sun sets, residents prepare for a brief power outage, a necessary step for upgrades and repairs. This moment brings neighbors together, sparking conversations and fostering a sense of unity. While the outage may be an inconvenience, it reminds everyone of the importance of reliable electricity and the hard work behind it, making the community stronger and more resilient.
At the 9th BRICS Energy Ministerial Meeting in Moscow, leaders focused on coming together for a brighter energy future. South Africa’s Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa emphasized the need for unity and the importance of using a variety of energy sources to support growth and sustainability. He highlighted that expanding BRICS membership could help tackle energy poverty and promote fair energy transitions. With a shared vision and collaborative spirit, BRICS nations are poised to make significant strides in shaping global energy policies.
Deputy Minister Narend Singh unveiled SANParks’ Vision 2040 at a lively event in Johannesburg, aiming to blend nature conservation with social fairness and economic growth in South Africa. This vision focuses on helping communities thrive while protecting the environment, highlighting the importance of working together for a brighter future. It promises to create economic opportunities and jobs while ensuring everyone benefits from the country’s rich natural resources. With the involvement of all stakeholders, Vision 2040 is a hopeful plan for a world where people and nature live in harmony, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future.
Johan Williams is a name that brings chills, as he carried out terrible crimes from 2012 to 2018, kidnapping, raping, and murdering vulnerable women in the Western Cape. He lured these women with false job offers, turning their dreams into nightmares. After being caught, he received eight life sentences, a sign of the horror he inflicted not just on his victims, but on their families and communities. His cruel actions reveal the deep social problems that make people easy targets, showing that we must fight to protect the vulnerable from such predators. The story of Johan Williams is a reminder of both the darkness that exists and the strength of those who seek justice.
In September 2024, South Africa celebrated China’s 75th anniversary, marking a strong friendship between the two nations. South Africa’s Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, spoke about their shared goals and the deep ties built since 1998, when South Africa embraced China’s One China Policy. Their partnership thrives on trade, with a whopping R692 billion exchanged in 2023, and rich cultural exchanges that foster understanding and tourism. As both countries look to the future, they are excited about new opportunities for growth and collaboration, showing that together, they can achieve much more than alone.
Rising cases of rabies in Cape Fur Seals in Cape Town are alarming beachgoers, with 24 confirmed cases since May 2024. Experts urge people to stay away from seals and report any unusual behavior. If bitten or scratched, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. Vaccinating pets is also very important to keep them safe. As World Rabies Day approaches, the city emphasizes the need for public awareness and safety when interacting with these coastal creatures.
Airlink is making air travel in Africa exciting by adding new flights! They now have daily flights from Johannesburg to Beira and a Saturday flight to Dar es Salaam. Plus, starting in April 2025, there will be direct flights from Cape Town to Gaborone. These new routes mean more adventures and easier travel for everyone, whether for business or fun. With Airlink’s expansion, exploring Africa is easier and more connected than ever!
On a heartfelt evening, South Africa welcomed back the remains of 49 brave liberation fighters who died far from home, honoring their incredible sacrifices for freedom. Families gathered at Waterkloof Airforce Base, filled with mixed emotions of sorrow and relief, as they finally found closure after many years. Minister Angie Motshekga delivered a moving speech, reminding everyone of the high cost of freedom these heroes paid. This repatriation is not just about returning remains; it’s a powerful step towards healing and remembering the struggle against apartheid. As South Africa moves forward, it promises to cherish and honor the stories of those who fought for a better future.
President Cyril Ramaphosa dreams of a united and sustainable world where everyone has a chance to thrive. Speaking at the G20 in New York, he emphasized the importance of working together to tackle big problems like inequality and climate change. With his upcoming leadership of the G20, he aims to put Africa at the center of global discussions, pushing for reforms that ensure fairness and support for the most vulnerable. His message is clear: through cooperation and bold action, we can build a better future for all.
South African business schools are shining on the world stage, with UCT’s Graduate School of Business and Wits Business School earning high praise. UCT GSB is now among the top 100 MBA programs globally, while Wits excels in specialized master’s degrees like the Master’s in Management. These schools are not just about business skills; they also focus on creating leaders who care about social issues. With their beautiful campuses and strong programs, they are preparing students to tackle future challenges and make a positive impact in their communities.
Minister Ronald Lamola’s speech at the G20 Troika meeting highlighted South Africa’s strong commitment to global cooperation and fairness. With a focus on themes like equality and sustainable growth, he outlined key priorities such as speeding up the Sustainable Development Goals, reforming financial systems, fighting climate change, and ensuring ethical mining practices. Lamola emphasized the need for the world to invest in development rather than conflict, aiming to uplift the Global South, especially Africa. His message resonated with a vision for a just and united world, echoing the struggles and aspirations of many developing nations.
The South African Post Office is in big trouble, facing a financial disaster known as “Day Zero,” where it might run out of money soon. Poor management and a failure to keep up with modern technology have left it struggling against faster, smarter competitors like Paxi and PUDO. As SAPO’s services slow down, customers are turning away, putting thousands of jobs at risk. Although all hope isn’t lost, the Post Office needs to act quickly, team up with other companies, and innovate to survive in a world that demands speed and reliability.
Jack was a sad dog who suffered alone, chained up and covered in ticks. Rescued by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, he received urgent surgery to remove a heavy chain and a painful growth on his neck. As he stepped into freedom for the first time, Jack showed the world his brave spirit and the power of kindness. His journey from pain to hope inspires us all to care for animals and fight against cruelty. Jack’s story reminds us that love and compassion can heal even the deepest wounds.
In October 2024, SASSA grants will see small increases for the Older Persons Grant, Disability, War Veterans, and Childcare Dependency Grants, while Child Support and Foster Care grants will stay the same. Many people are worried, as these unchanged grants struggle to keep up with rising costs of living. The slight increases might help a little, but they are not enough for families facing tough times. Personal stories, like that of Thandi raising her grandchildren and John, a war veteran, show the real struggle behind these numbers, highlighting the urgent need for more support.
Johannesburg faces a serious water crisis, with planned outages in early October for crucial repairs to the Honeydew reservoir pipe. This shutdown from 8 AM to 8 PM will affect many neighborhoods but is necessary to ensure better water service in the future. To tackle the high demand and waste, Rand Water has also introduced Level 1 restrictions, urging residents to conserve water by limiting gardening and cleaning activities during the day. The community is stepping up, sharing tips on saving water and coming together for local initiatives, showing that everyone can play a part in protecting this precious resource.