# As global pressure mounts to reduce plastic use, Plastics SA is calling for smarter, evidence-based solutions, not blanket bans. South Africa produces nearly 2.5-million tons of plastic a year. The country also boasts some of the highest mechanical recycling rates in the world for developing countries, with over 28-percent of post-consumer plastics being recycled […]
# The White-winged Flufftail, one of Africa’s most elusive and threatened birds, has been downlisted from critically endangered to endangered in South Africa. This comes as a result of significant advances in understanding the biology, breeding range, and habitat preferences of the secretive flufftail. BirdLife South Africa CEO, Mark Anderson, says that with Ethiopia having sufficient habitat to support […]
# The Wits School of Education has hosted its second annual event celebrating women shaping academia. Led by Professor Juliet Perumal, the event honoured researchers, students, and staff breaking barriers despite structural challenges. Awardees included Professor Eunice Nyamupangedengu, Dr Madira Thetso, Dr Ntsoaki Mokala, Dr Jenny Glennie and others. The event highlighted women’s collective power […]
# Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has welcomed the graduation and employment of 20 new peace officers in Bergrivier Municipality. The officers completed accredited training through the City of Cape Town’s Public Training College, qualifying as peace officers and traffic wardens. Marais urged them to build trust and safer […]
# The Western Cape Government has completed housing market studies for seven municipalities. These include Swartland, Saldanha Bay, and Knysna, as part of its second phase of research. The studies highlight severe affordability challenges, particularly in lower-income and entry-level housing segments, with demand far exceeding supply. Findings will guide targeted, evidence-based responses such as inclusionary […]
# The City of Tshwane is strengthening internal controls to prevent further sabotage of its power infrastructure. This follows the arrest of three officials accused of stealing a seven-million-rand transformer from the Laudium substation. The mayoral committee member for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi says corruption will not be tolerated. The city is investing […]
# A global study has linked air pollution to lung cancer-driving DNA mutations, particularly in people who have never smoked. Researchers found higher pollution levels correspond to more cancer-promoting mutations, including in the TP53 gene, commonly linked to smoking. The study, involving 871 lung cancer patients across continents, also found air pollution shortens telomeres, a […]
# A United Nations report shows the Horn of Africa is facing its worst drought in 70 years. This follows multiple failed rainy seasons in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. In Somalia alone, an estimated 43-thousand people died from drought-linked hunger in 2022. The UN also says drought has devastated both people and wildlife elsewhere in […]
# The UK is over halfway to a net zero carbon economy, with significant progress driven by cleaner energy and rising electric vehicle sales. Positive tipping points like cheaper, better electric cars show self-propelling change is possible. Yet, heat pump adoption remains slow, risking 2030 climate targets. Boosting demand, installer confidence, and making heat pumps […]
