Category: News

World Mental Health Day focuses on mental health and substance abuse

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South Africa’s mental health system is currently facing an increasing challenge due to substance abuse, which is putting immense pressure on public health facilities, emergency services, and mental health professionals. 

This situation often leads to complex diagnoses that require multidisciplinary care.

The Department of Health said addressing substance abuse challenges necessitates enhanced prevention, rehabilitation, and health promotion interventions at all levels of the health system.

To this end, the department has decided to observe World Mental Health Day in 2025 by bringing together various stakeholders and individuals who share a common goal to improve mental health and address substance abuse issues. 

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October and serves as a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in good mental health.

The event will focus on sharing information, best practices, and providing feedback on the impact of current interventions, allowing for necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcomes.

Today, the department is holding a media and mental health stakeholder engagement session to discuss the burden of mental health in South Africa, including the leading contributing factors and recommendations for improving mental healthcare.

“Mental health conditions are among the leading causes of disability globally and also impose high costs on households, employers, and economies,” the department said. 

According to new data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than one billion people are living with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, most do not receive adequate care. 

“This has the potential to inflict huge human and economic tolls requiring a greater investment and action to scale up services to protect and promote people’s mental health.” 

The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, along with Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, and other provincial MECs for Health, will participate in a panel discussion on mental health.

They will be joined by representatives from key organisations, including Shenaaz El-Halabi from the WHO, Cassey Chambers from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, and Professor Solomon Rataemane, who represents the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health. 

Health professionals and individuals with lived experiences of mental health conditions and drug dependency will also contribute to the discussion.

This session is part of this year’s World Mental Health Day commemorative activities, which will be held under the theme: “Together for Mental Health.” 

This theme emphasises the importance of collective support and connection in promoting mental health, highlighting how collaboration fosters a sense of belonging.

“The theme also highlights the importance of stakeholders working together further to strengthen access to mental health services across the country,” the department explained. 

The WHO urges all countries to speed up the implementation of their action plans aimed at improving mental health for their populations. 

This includes integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and general hospital care. 

The department said the goal is to enhance access to care, reduce the treatment gap, combat stigma, and promote overall mental well-being.

The day will start with a walkabout in selected areas within the health facility to showcase some of the progressive interventions and investments that strengthen mental health and substance abuse service provision. 

The walk-about will also include interactions with frontline health workers who manage substance abuse patients, affected patients to better understand the challenges that they are experiencing, and to collaboratively find solutions. 

NSRI welcomes Starlink’s commitment to South Africa – a breakthrough for offshore rescue communication

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The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has welcomed recent news that Starlink plans to expand its operations and infrastructure investment in South Africa, signalling a potential breakthrough for maritime search and rescue communication.

The announcement, reported by TechCentral, outlines a R2.5 billion local investment and specifically mentions plans to work with the NSRI to equip rescue vessels with Starlink connectivity, a game-changer for sea rescue communication

South Africa’s coastline stretches nearly 3,000 kilometres, featuring large areas of remote waters. During rescues in such isolated locations, NSRI rescue crews, who are all unpaid volunteers and often operate beyond the reach of land-based or mobile networks, frequently face communication issues that can be limited or completely cut off.

Maintaining reliable communication between vessels and rescue bases, as well as with partner rescue services, is one of the biggest challenges in maritime rescue. Communication breakdowns can delay response times, hinder coordination, and increase risk for both rescuers and those in distress.

Starlink’s low-latency satellite network offers the potential to bridge this gap. The system will enable high-speed, stable broadband connectivity for NSRI vessels, allowing for live communication between crews and the NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre, wherever the rescue vessels are.

Connectivity that can save lives
Access to real-time voice, data and imagery from remote rescue zones would dramatically enhance coordination, navigation and medical decision-making. It would also improve crew safety by allowing continuous tracking of vessels and the transmission of vital situational information back to command teams on land.

NSRI Chief Executive Officer, Mike Vonk, said the progress toward bringing Starlink to South Africa represents an important milestone for marine rescue readiness.

“When our volunteers are operating far offshore in difficult conditions, every second of communication matters,” said Vonk. “Starlink’s technology will help ensure that our crews remain connected during the most complex and time-critical rescues, improving their safety and, ultimately, saving lives.”

Reliable satellite connectivity would not only support rescues but also strengthen crew training and coordination between rescue bases. It could serve as a communication platform for safety education and outreach in remote coastal communities, and as a resilient backup during terrestrial network outages caused by severe weather or infrastructure failures.

In 2024, the NSRI expressed its support for Starlink’s introduction to South Africa, recognising its potential to improve emergency communication nationwide. The renewed commitment brings that vision significantly closer to reality.

Looking ahead
“The NSRI’s mission has always been to save lives on South African waters,” added Vonk. “Reliable communication is central to that mission. The progress being made to bring Starlink to South Africa is encouraging, and we look forward to working with Starlink, government and local partners to integrate this technology safely and sustainably into our operations.”

As South Africa’s trusted maritime rescue organisation, the NSRI believes that improved connectivity at sea will not only strengthen national rescue capability but also enhance safety for all who live, work and travel along the country’s coastline.

Special Official Funeral to honour Ambassador Mthethwa

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi "Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.

The funeral service will take place at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

He was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, following 15 years in Cabinet where he served in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police; and Safety and Security. His tenure in the National Executive was preceded by a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

“On behalf of Government and the nation, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deepest condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.

“The President assures the families of the nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from today until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, 12 October. 

Mthethwa's body is currently enroute from France to South Africa.

Over 12 Million Jobless: South Africa Faces Unemployment Catastrophe

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South Africa remains trapped in the world’s deepest unemployment crisis, with over 12 million people unable to find work - and government’s piecemeal job schemes failing to make a real impact.

That’s according to the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) in its latest report, South Africa’s Unemployment Catastrophe: A Call for Urgent Action, which says economic growth and bold reforms are the only sustainable solutions.

CDE executive director Ann Bernstein said that for the past 17 years, about 1 000 people have joined the unemployment queue every day. While the labour force has grown by 42 percent in two decades, employment has risen by just 15 percent.

Bernstein said the collapse of Eskom and Transnet, a worsening fiscal crisis, corruption, and poor policy decisions have all strangled growth. “When an economy doesn’t grow, nor does the number of jobs,” she warned.

The report argues that programmes like the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Presidential Employment Stimulus provide only temporary relief and cannot replace structural reform.

The CDE says a labour-absorbing economy will require tough choices, including easing rigid labour laws, scrapping dysfunctional skills agencies, and cutting red tape for small and informal businesses.

Bernstein said an average growth rate of 4 percent could create around 400 000 jobs a year - but this would demand political courage. “The country needs leadership willing to confront vested interests and make the changes required,” she said.

“The choice is stark,” Bernstein added. “We can act with urgency and create a pathway to inclusive prosperity, or condemn another generation to joblessness. The time for reform is now.”

Comrades 2026: Winners to take home R925,000

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The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) this week officially launched the 2026 edition of the iconic ultramarathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The race will take place on Sunday, 14 June 2026. The launch, held at Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg, was attended by administrators, sponsors, athletes, government officials and media, and featured the unveiling of the 2026 race campaign, Ska Fela Moya – Setswana for Don’t Give Up. The slogan was selected from over 200 submissions from the running community.

A heartfelt tribute was paid to the late Cheryl Winn, the 1982 women’s winner and former CMA Chair who passed away three days earlier. Winn, regarded as the matriarch of the Comrades Marathon, devoted more than 30 years to the race and served on several CMA committees until her passing.

The 2026 Comrades will be an Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, covering roughly 87 kilometres. It will be the 50th Up Run and the 99th overall edition of the race, first held in 1921. Many athletes are expected to use it as preparation for the 100th centenary edition in 2027.

“The 2026 race promises to be another exciting chapter in the world’s greatest ultramarathon,” said CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo. “We are committed to ensuring a safe and memorable experience with enhanced support, medical, and safety measures in place.”

Ngcobo added that the slogan Ska Fela Moya perfectly captures the Comrades spirit: “Every runner faces moments of doubt, but the determination to not give up defines this race and our South African resilience.”

Entries and Fees
Entries open in stages from 27 October to 26 November 2025, capped at 22,000 runners. Green Number Club members and CMA Members may enter first, with general entries opening 3 November. Entry fees remain unchanged from previous years:

South African entrants: R1 200
Rest of Africa: R2 000
International entrants: R4 500

Runners can pay in one or two instalments via the Comrades website or app. The Comrades Runners’ Relief Fund will again assist up to 1,500 disadvantaged athletes with discounted entries.

Qualification runs from 9 June 2025 to 4 May 2026 and requires completion of a standard 42.2km marathon in under five hours. Substitutions will be accepted from 1 to 15 April 2026, following a withdrawal period from 16 to 30 March.

Prize Money and Charity Drive
Prize money has increased by 10% across all categories. Winners in both the men’s and women’s races will each earn R925,000, with additional incentives for breaking Up Run records. The total prize purse now stands at R8.19 million.

Since 1996, the Comrades AmaBeadiBeadi Charity Drive has raised over R84 million for charity. Runners are encouraged to support one of the six official charities in 2026: CHOC, Childline KZN, Community Chest, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, Rise Against Hunger, and SANParks Honorary Rangers.

“The Comrades Marathon is more than a race – it’s a symbol of hope and humanity,” said Ngcobo. “We challenge every runner to carry that spirit forward and make 2026 a record year for fundraising.”

Gauteng detectives secure over 1 200 convictions in three months

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Detectives in the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng have secured 1 208 convictions between 1 July and 30 September 2025, marking a substantial step forward in the province's ongoing fight against crime. 

According to the SAPS, a total of 178 suspects, aged between 20 and 62, were sentenced to imprisonment for various serious crimes.

“The Convictions included house robbery, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, shoplifting, malicious damage to property, assault, house breaking and theft, common robbery, assault GBH, illegal immigrant theft, rape, possession of suspected stolen property and culpable homicide,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units also recorded notable successes, securing 44 life sentences and a combined 637 years of imprisonment against 68 accused for crimes against women and children during the three months period.

The High Court on 8 September 2025, sentenced two accused aged 25 years, for their roles in terrorizing communities in Germiston, Elsburg, Vosloorus and Zonkizizwe. 

“The suspects were sentenced for house robbery, rape, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The accused were both sentenced to13 life imprisonments for rape, 150 years for robbery and housebreaking (10 counts of 15 years), 18 years for kidnapping (6 counts of 3 years), 5 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm, and 3 years for possession of ammunition," the SAPS said.

Some of the sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 13 life sentences and 165 years imprisonment for each accused.

In a separate case, a 36-year-old man was sentenced to two life terms for two counts of murder, three years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and eight years for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances. 

The sentences will run concurrently, and the offender was declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

He was found guilty on 11 August 2025 by the Pretoria High Court following a case reported at SAPS Lyttelton on 28 January 2025. 

The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has commended the detectives for their dedication and tireless efforts in securing these convictions.
 
"This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community in driving crime reduction initiatives forward," Mthombeni said.

Beloved Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Set to Steam Again After Nearly 20 Years

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After nearly two decades of negotiations and setbacks, the iconic Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is officially on track to return to the Garden Route.

Classic Rail and Outeniqua Choo Tjoe CEO, Alan McVitty, confirmed that all contracts have been signed and funding secured to rebuild the historic railway line between George and Knysna. The much-loved steam train will once again operate as a major tourist attraction in the region.

McVitty said the project will be completed in two phases - from Knysna to Sedgefield first, followed by Sedgefield to George - with the initial phase expected to take about 12 months.

“A Ceremonial Signature Event will mark this achievement, which has been made possible through collaboration between Classic Rail, local businesses and Transnet Freight,” he said. “Today isn’t an opening; it’s about sharing the good news that everything is finally on track.”

Locomotives are currently being repaired in Gauteng, while the carriages will be refurbished in George. A steam workshop is also planned along the route, and rolling stock will be road-hauled to the Knysna -Sedgefield section for the first phase of service.

McVitty added that the team is beginning by clearing vegetation along the line to assess where structural repairs are needed and to survey bridges as part of the engineering process. “Project and passenger safety is paramount,” he said.

Although it’s too early to start taking bookings, Classic Rail will share regular updates on social media and the official website. McVitty emphasised that community involvement and early support will be key to the project’s success.

“The rebirth of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe will boost tourism along the Garden Route and create sustainable local jobs,” he said. “Through collaboration with local businesses, everyone stands to benefit.”

Updates will be available at www.outeniquachootjoe.com and on Facebook at @ClassicRail.

Renew vehicle licence discs before holiday rush

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With the festive season fast approaching, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on motorists to renew their motor vehicle licence discs before finalising their travel arrangements.

“A total of 1 002 771 vehicle licences discs are set to expire at the end of October. A further 1 060 382 will expire in November, while 1 112 393 will expire in December,” the RTMC said on Tuesday.

The RTMC said it will be sending out SMS’s and email reminders to all motorists who are registered on the online renewal platform, reminding them to comply.

To register on this easy to use, convenient and affordable platform, motorists must log on online.natis.gov.za and follow the simple steps to upload their details.

According to RTMC, the platform has proven to be most popular with vehicle owners. 

“About five million vehicle licences have been renewed on this platform since its launch in 2022. An average of 7 908 daily renewals were processed on this platform in the past seven days.

“Clients from major banking institutions such as Capitec, First National Bank and Nedbank have access to the platform through their banking apps,” RTMC said.

The platform now offers motorists a safe service to pay their Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Enforcement Orders. 

This value-added service is intended to improve convenience and to enable users to save time by using a one-stop service for their vehicle licence compliance needs.

A relatively new offering on the platform is the online vehicle registration and change of owners. 
This offering is directed at motor vehicle dealers who deal with bulk transactions and require a fast, secure platform register vehicles.

More than 10 large motor vehicle dealerships have now registered and are conducting transactions on the platform daily.

A total of 120 230 change of ownership transactions were conducted on the platform from April to October 2025 with 78 239 registrations taking place in the same period. 

Cape Town’s Aviation Growth Soars, Driving Jobs and Economic Opportunities

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Cape Town’s booming aviation sector is helping to drive economic growth, create jobs, and boost trade, according to the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos.

New figures from Cape Town International Airport show that the city’s air travel industry continues to soar. In 2024, the airport welcomed over 10 million passengers and handled 75 000 tonnes of cargo. So far this year, domestic travel has grown by 8%, international arrivals by 5%, and cargo volumes by an impressive 56%.

From November to March, during the peak international travel season, Cape Town will be directly linked by 24 airlines to 30 destinations across 35 routes, with 228 flights every week. Vos said each connection represents much more than travel convenience — it brings jobs, supports local businesses, and strengthens the city’s economy. According to Cape Town Tourism’s Economic Value of Tourism Report, every 10 tourists create one job.

Vos credited the city’s success to strong collaboration with airlines and partners in the private sector. “These results don’t just happen; they are the outcome of hard work and sustained partnerships,” he said.

He also highlighted the success of the Air Access initiative, based within Wesgro, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The City funds and supports the programme through its Economic Development and Investment Department to keep Cape Town globally connected and competitive.

However, Vos warned that further infrastructure investment is essential to sustain this growth. “While Cape Town International Airport has rightly been voted Africa’s best in several categories, it has now reached the point where urgent upgrades are needed,” he said.

Planned improvements include expanding runway capacity, upgrading terminal buildings, and improving cargo handling facilities. Vos said he will continue engaging with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) to ensure these upgrades move forward.

“We will continue building on this progress, because every new connection in the skies above Cape Town fuels growth and opportunity on the ground for our residents,” Vos added.

Government committed to vulture conservation

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With the severe population declines of vultures over the past three decades, government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that vulture conservation remains a national priority.

According to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, this year alone, two mass poisoning incidents resulted in the deaths of hundreds of vultures.

“If these events continue unchecked, the loss of thousands of vultures could have devastating environmental and public health consequences,” the Minister said on Monday.

He therefore called on South Africans to play an active role in protecting these critically important birds.

The Minister’s remarks comes ahead of the Session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP9) to the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), which will take place in November 2025.

Vultures, once widespread across Africa, have suffered severe population declines over the past three decades. 

Many vultures die after feeding on carcasses laced with poison, amongst other threats, often left by poachers targeting elephants or rhinos, or by communities involved in human–wildlife conflict. 

This has far-reaching consequences as carcasses left to rot increase the risk of disease outbreaks, poor sanitation around rural settlements, rising stray dog populations, and greater incidences of human injuries and rabies fatalities.

South Africa is home to nine vulture species, seven of which have established breeding populations, and these vulture populations continue to face varying degrees of threats of extinction.

As part of government’s plan to protect vultures, the National Multi-Species Vulture Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) was published on 18 March 2024.

The plan is now being implemented through the National Vulture Task Force (NVTF) and its subcommittees.

“The desired state is to see all vultures fulfilling their essential ecosystem services through the achievement of a safe and secure environment in which all the components of a vulture’s life cycle are fulfilled.

 “This will be achieved through the reduction of the key threats facing the species (intentional and unintentional poisoning, interactions with energy infrastructure, habitat change), the improvement of stakeholder involvement, improving knowledge gaps and developing best practice guidelines for ex situ, or off-site, conservation action,” the Minister said.

Vulture Conservation Strategy

Through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa participated in a regional workshop convened by the Southern African Development  Community (SADC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and BirdLife International and the rest of the region in commemorating International Vulture Awareness Day in September. 

It was at this workshop that the SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) was also launched. 

The strategy and plan seeks to mobilise collective action among the 12 SADC vulture range states to address these complexities through coordinated conservation efforts, while emphasising stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision-making.

The workshop not only highlighted the ongoing threats to vultures, including poisoning, collisions, and electrocutions from energy infrastructure, and habitat loss; but also the opportunities for internal and cross border collaboration and cooperation to implement targeted actions, raise awareness, and strengthen legislation to secure the future of vultures. 

“South Africa is committed to the implementation of the SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035). Without decisive and coordinated action, several vulture species face the very real threat of extinction,” George said.
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