Cholera outbreaks are a common occurrence in areas with poor water quality and sanitation, and Hammanskraal is no exception. The government has acknowledged the gravity of this crisis and is taking swift action to mitigate its effects. However, a longterm solution to water supply and quality issues in the area is still being developed.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a dangerous condition that has been labeled as the “silent killer” due to its absence of visible symptoms. It is becoming an alarming trend in the City, with nearly half of the diagnosed patients being under the age of 45. This emerging pattern challenges the conventional belief that hypertension mostly affects older individuals. However, with appropriate measures, this condition is entirely manageable.
On May 17th, World Hypertension Day and during May 15th to 21st, Salt Awareness Week, the Department of Health along with its stakeholders come together to address the concerning issue of hypertension or high blood pressure and the harmful practice of excessive salt consumption. Hypertension has been dubbed the “silent killer” due to the lack of symptoms in most cases, making regular health screenings vital.
The Cape region is known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse marine life. Unfortunately, the southeasterly winds can carry disoriented turtle hatchlings to the shores of False Bay. To promote marine conservation, the Two Oceans Aquarium has created a guide to help beachgoers take appropriate action when encountering these creatures.
South Africa is currently facing an unexpected outbreak of mumps, a viral infection that primarily affects children between the ages of five and nine. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed the outbreak, which has highlighted the need for improved disease surveillance and access to vaccinations.
On a sunny afternoon in Sea Point, South Africa, Toby Finneran, a 31yearold triathlete and avid surfer from Farnham in Surrey, quickly transformed into a hero. While strolling along the Sea Point Promenade, Finneran noticed two distressed boys on the beach, pointing towards the ocean.
Over the last ten years, Cape Town has made impressive strides in addressing pet overpopulation, thanks to the combined efforts of local government and various animal welfare organizations. Through the sterilization of domestic animals, close to 15,000 animals have been sterilized, thanks to a total investment of over R6.3 million from the Community Services and Health Directorate.
Drug trafficking is a significant problem that affects countries globally, and South Africa is not immune to its effects. The South African government has taken measures to curb the spread of drugs within the country, and one practical approach is the creation of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The primary role of the SAPS is to maintain law and order in South Africa.
Honeybees play a vital role in maintaining the health of the planet’s ecosystem. They are responsible for pollinating a third of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. However, honeybees are facing numerous threats, such as habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, and disease, which have contributed to the decline in bee populations.
Muti killings have been a dark part of South Africa’s history for over a century, dating back to the early 1900s. This horrific practice involves the harvesting of human body parts for use in potions by traditional healers or sangomas. The belief is that these potions made from human body parts will bring luck, wealth, cure illnesses, and even protect against evil spirits.
South Africa is currently facing a severe infestation of German cockroaches due to the rising temperatures and increasing humidity caused by climate change. CropLife, a nonprofit organization that represents manufacturers and suppliers of pesticides, has identified the usage of unregistered pesticides for indoor use and inadequate hygiene practices as the leading factors behind this outbreak.
In a world where animals are sometimes oppressed, it is heartening to see that there are still people willing to put themselves on the line to help them. For example, in Woodstock, Cape Town, a dog was found chained and padlocked so tightly to a fence that he could barely move. Fortunately, Constable Rubashnee Naicker of the Cape Town Metropolitan Police Department, her colleagues, and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA were on hand to rescue the animal and bring the perpetrator to justice.
On a sunny Thursday in April 2023, two novice hikers found themselves lost and stranded while hiking on the back of Table Mountain in Cape Town. The pair had followed a “vague trail” down Porcupine Ravine towards Camp’s Bay, and after struggling to find their way back, they called for help. Fortunately, they were assisted by a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers from the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), who used a drone to locate and rescue them.
