Dr Anban Pillay, the acting director-general of the Health Department, has requested an investigation into the conduct of Dr Glenda Gray, the president of the Medical Research Council (MRC) in South Africa, claiming that she has “made a number of false allegations against government”. These concerns were described in a letter dated 21 May written […]

A woman who was forcefully arrested on Friday morning in a Cape Town suburb, has been released according to the South African Police Service (SAPS)… and the arresting officers have been issued with a stern warning. A video capturing the arrest went viral in South Africa, and was posted on Twitter by Murray Williams who […]

Locked in South Africans (#LISA) this morning (22 May) lodged papers at a Gauteng court requesting urgent court action against the South African government which is not letting all South Africans, who have jobs abroad, return to their overseas homes. Representing approximately 3,500 South Africans currently stuck in SA, the Home Away from Home organisation […]

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape says it is saddened by the passing of one of its colleagues, Thandi Mpambo-Sibhukwana MP. She was a dedicated Member of Parliament since 2014, who served at the NCOP and then moved to the National Assembly in 2019 to date. She served on the Portfolio Committee on […]

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has announced with “great sadness” the sudden passing of Professor Anton Stoltz, Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Hospital. In a statement, SAMA confirmed that Prof Stoltz’s death is non-Covid related. According to local […]

The number of Covid-19 patients at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town is doubling every five days, according to a doctor, one of several at the hospital that GroundUp spoke to. The hospital will not be able to cope unless something is done. “I expect there will be an excess of patients needing care even […]

South Africa has recorded 30 new COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total number of deaths to 369. The number of cases in the country has risen to 19 137. “We wish to express our condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and thank the health care workers who treated these patients,” said Health Minister, […]

South Africa’s top swimmers are in desperate need to get back into the water so they can resume their training for next year’s Olympic Games. The past eight weeks of dryland training is starting to take its toll. The University of Pretoria’s Kaylene Corbett, who had qualified in the 200m breaststroke for the Tokyo Olympics, […]

As the numbers of COVID-19 cases increase, South Africa has recorded its first death of an infant due to Coronavirus. According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, a two-day-old was born prematurely and had lung difficulties that required ventilation support immediately. “The mother had tested positive for COVID-19 and the child subsequently tested positive for […]

South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation has called on water users in Gauteng to use water responsibly. In a statement on Wednesday, the department urged water users to be cognisant that the Vaal Dam is responsible for supplying water to households and businesses. This follows a concern raised by the department over shrinking water […]

A second couple has died in South Africa after making up a batch of home-brewed drink to get round the country’s alcohol ban on buying or selling alcohol during lockdown. Western Cape couple Melvin Afrikaner, 54, and his wife Winnie, 50, were rushed to hospital on Friday after reportedly downing several bottles of potent home-made […]

It is around 2pm on a cold afternoon in Tsakane in Gauteng, South Africa. Two friends, Musa*, 12, and Thato*, 11, are trying to sell the last of the stock of cigarettes and rizlas which they hide in their pockets. They are not wearing warm clothes or masks, and they haven’t showered or had breakfast […]

South Africa’s COVID-19 cases rose to 17 200, with the Northern Cape which has the least number of infections in the country, recording its first death. “Regrettably we report a further 26 COVID-19 related deaths. This brings the total national deaths to 312,” Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said on Tuesday. On Tuesday, South Africa […]

With the sale of alcohol banned for over seven weeks, the illegal booze trade has mushroomed and prices rocketed. People who used to frequent shebeens in the southern Cape, say syndicates have stepped in and are charging exorbitant prices for conventional brands of alcohol. In response, people have started to brew their own liquor at […]

In Africa, the wildlife conservation industry has dealt with many a challenge, from political, economic, social, impacts of urbanization and even disease outbreaks. However, most of these challenges, have been contained to parts of the continent. Whereas with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we have experienced unprecedented challenges the world over… writes Dr Duncan […]

South Africa recorded its highest new infections since the Coronavirus outbreak, with 1,160 fresh cases in the last 24-hour cycle. According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is now 15 515, while three people succumbed to the COVID-19 related illness bringing the death toll to 264. Of the 264 […]

A majority of SAA unions have called for Business Rescue Practitioners (BRP) to resign and withdraw their legal advisors if they are not willing to categorically support the vision of a new national airline. The unions have also accused the BRPs of continuing the “looting of SAA as a national asset”. The unions are the […]

Children are suffering increasingly from preventable infectious diseases, including TB and measles, due to missed vaccinations. When a novel coronavirus now known as SARS-CoV-2 first entered the world stage on the heels of the Chinese New Year in January 2020, little was known about it and its impact on people, health systems and countries. This […]

While there is general scientific consensus that the novel coronavirus is of zoonotic origin and various groupings are advising that wildlife markets must be closed, the South African government has been putting forward legislation that could massively expand the wildlife industry to become mass meat suppliers to the world. Last year, the Department of Agriculture, […]

South Africans who have been forced into a state quarantine facility in Hong Kong have described the shocking conditions and accused the Chinese government of being racist and targeting them for being from Africa, whilst allowing citizens from higher risk areas like the UK and US the freedom to self-quarantine in their own homes. Vega […]

Some surfers in Kommetjie near Cape Town, South Africa, broke the nation’s lockdown regulations to have a morning surf… while others respectfully remained out of the ocean. Local residents’ opinions were split – some pointing out that by flagrantly disregarding the regulations it could result in them becoming more stringent or lasting longer; whilst others […]

Spaza shop owner in South Africa says ban on alcohol and tobacco has cost him R25,000. By Mosa Damane… “I think the government is violating the rights of smokers by banning cigarettes. It is my money and health and I have a right to decide when to quit,” says Veli Hlongwane from Maliwa street, Mzimhlophe […]

South Africa’s confirmed COVID-19 cases stood at 12,739 on Thursday night, with 19 more deaths recorded. “Regrettably we report a further 19 COVID-19 related deaths. This brings the total national deaths to 238,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize. The Minister expressed his condolences to the loved ones of those who passed on, while also […]

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, headed by well known Advocate Gerrie Nel, is currently investigating the recent incident in Chaka’s Rock, KwaZulu-Natal, involving a four-year-old child who was seen being manhandled by two officers in video footage that went viral around South Africa. AfriForum said in a press statement that the organisation is investigating the “unjust […]

The North West province’s Department of Health has suspended four senior officials over allegations of tender irregularities, one of which amounts to almost R11 million. Two suspensions relate to a building contract at the Mmbatho Nursing College, the other two to a security contract whose financial loss is still being calculated. Two senior officials, including […]