# The American Lung Association’s 2025 State of the Air report reveals that approximately 156-million Americans, which is nearly half the population, are living in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. This marks an increase of 25-million people from the previous year, the highest in a decade. The report attributes the rise to factors […]
# The Kingdom of Lesotho has held a special Mass at the Our Lady of Victory Cathedral in Maseru to honour the late Pope Francis. The country is home to a significant Roman Catholic community. Queen Masenate Seeiso and prime minister Sam Matekane, who are both devout Catholics, attended the service and offered their condolences. Speaking to […]
# Many South African businesses are reportedly scrambling to reverse costly value-added tax system changes. This is after the government scrapped the 0.5-percent VAT hike. The reversal followed political backlash and coalition disputes, leaving firms that had invested heavily in compliance upgrades facing wasted expenses. News24 reports that small businesses, in particular, are hardest hit by the […]
# The South African National Parks has enhanced safety at Table Mountain National Park by deploying a helicopter from Kruger National Park. This aerial support is part of SANParks’ safety and security strategy, which includes the sea, air, and mountain teams. SANParks’ JP Louw says the helicopter serves as a visible deterrent and ensures a rapid response […]
# Cape Town teacher Suzanne van der Merwe swam eight kilometres from Robben Island to Big Bay in three-hours-and-26-minutes to raise funds for students in need. The Durbanville educator’s solo swim aimed to support learners at Hoërskool Stellenberg, where she teaches. Her effort has inspired the community to contribute towards educational initiatives for disadvantaged students. Van der Merwe […]
# A new United Nations report has warned that Indigenous Peoples who protect at least 80-percent of the world’s biodiversity continue to be sidelined in global climate action. Despite their deep environmental knowledge, they receive less than one-percent of climate funding and are often excluded from decision-making. Data shows that green projects, such as mining […]
# The 22nd edition of the highly popular Cape Town International Jazz Festival gets underway today. The festival kicks off with a free concert at Greenmarket Square before the main event takes centre stage atthe Cape Town International Convention Centre tomorrow and Sunday. The lineup for the festival includes Ari Lennox, Black Coffee, Igor Butman […]
# The University of Pretoria plans to revolutionise wound care in South Africa with 3D-printed skin. Researchers have created special scaffolds that fit each wound, helping burns and ulcers heal faster. These skin substitutes have been found to lower the risk of rejection, reduce infection, and they cost less. Patients have also been found to […]
# Following Pope Francis’s death, African cardinals are emerging as strong contenders for the papacy. Reuters reports that Ghana’s Peter Turkson, known for his advocacy on social justice and climate issues, and Congo’s Fridolin Besungu, recognized for promoting peace in conflict zones, are among the leading candidates. Their prominence reflects Africa’s growing influence in the […]
