Category: Africa

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 9 and Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall over the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga for Monday and Tuesday. 

These weather conditions will also affect the extreme north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.

This is due to a persistent low-pressure system that is currently affecting the north-eastern regions of South Africa, bringing in significant amounts of rainfall.

The Orange Level 6 warning indicates a high likelihood of disruptive rainfall, with significant impacts including flooding of roads and settlements, and danger to life due to fast-flowing streams and deep waters. 

Major roads may be flooded or closed, and major disruptions to traffic flow could occur. 

The Orange Level 9 warning represents a medium likelihood of disruptive rainfall, with severe impacts, including widespread and dangerous flooding, the closure of major roads and bridges, significant damage to infrastructure and settlements, and an increased risk of injuries and danger to life, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

“Communities in affected areas should avoid flooded roads, rivers, or streams, as even shallow water can be dangerous, and never attempt to cross flowing water. Property, livestock, and belongings should be secured or moved to higher ground, and outdoor activities should be re-evaluated or postponed, especially in flood-prone areas. 

“It is important to stay indoors during heavy rain and thunderstorms, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions from local authorities and disaster management services,” the weather service said.

Residents should check on vulnerable family members and neighbours; prepare for possible evacuation by identifying safe locations and essential items, and take immediate precautions to reduce risks to life, property and livelihoods during this period of severe weather.

The public is urged to stay informed by regularly monitoring official SAWS updates and warnings via radio, TV, and social media.

The SAWS will continue to closely monitor this weather system and issue regular updates as conditions change. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa’s top matric achievers for 2025 have spelled out the key attributes required for academic excellence: a strong support system, hard work, focus and determination.

On Monday, 40 of the country’s top learners were celebrated as the cream of the crop for the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams – an achievement not to be taken lightly, as they wrote exams with at least 900 000 other candidates.

A learner, who had to lean particularly hard on her support system, is Simesihle Khuzwayo from King Bhekuzulu College in KwaZulu-Natal, who fell ill and was hospitalised during the school year.

“My teachers were very supportive and I would ask them questions even at 1am and they would answer. I would even chase after them in the staff room to get past papers or tests to do. But they were there for me and always told me that I can do it.

“My mother also looked for tutors for me. My twin sister would bring worksheets for me when I’m not at school and would tell me about assignments, and tasks that need to be completed. They were all very supportive,” she told SAnews.

The learner’s mother, Tholakele Bhutelezi, described the year as a “very difficult” one.

“I had to be strong in front of her but when I’d go to the bathroom, I’d just cry. There were times I’d have to leave her twin at home and go to the hospital.

“I was very worried about what would happen with her schoolwork and that she’ll miss out on a lot of content. But her sister would come with everything that she needed.

“But now, I am very proud and I just cried tears of joy now. I knew she would make it and I thank God,” Bhutelezi said.

Johannesburg-based Jeppe High School for Girls learner, Nchongatakor Besong, told SAnews that living a balanced life is key to achieving matric ambitions, while enjoying the final year of school.

“It was stressful, as expected. But overall, I think when you have a good support system, when you have a well-rounded life doing cultural activities and go out with friends, it helps.

“When you have a healthy outlet, you can properly focus on your academics as well,” she said.

Angie Ntuli, a learner from Phumzile Secondary School in Mpumalanga, added: “Matric was not easy at all. I realised that Grade 12 will not be an easy road. It needs one to have perseverance, to be disciplined and to not give up.

“It is through the support that I got from especially my mom, friends, family as well as my school teachers that I was able to make it as a top achiever”.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will announce the results of the 2025 National Senior Certificate exams from 6pm today. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa’s top matriculants should be celebrated not just for their results, but for the determined pursuit of excellence that drove them to the top of the 2025 Matric class.

This according to Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, who addressed the Ministerial Breakfast celebrating the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Class of 2025 top achievers.

Reflecting on a story based in Greek mythology about a man condemned to pushing a boulder up a hill, the Minister likened this toil to the one South Africa’s brightest stars endured.

“[This] story matters today because every learner we celebrate this morning knows something about pushing a boulder uphill: the late nights, early mornings, setbacks, pressure, self-doubt, and the quiet decision, again and again, to keep going.

“And today, we gather not just to celebrate the summit you reached, but the pursuit of excellence that brought you here,” Gwarube said.

She told the learners that their remarkable achievements stand as a testament to what hard work and determination can accomplish.

“You have not only passed; you have excelled. In doing so, you have expanded what is possible for yourselves, your families, and your communities. You have shown that excellence is not reserved for a privileged few, but is earned through discipline, resilience, and focus.

“But let me say this clearly: this moment is not the end of your journey. It is the beginning of a new climb.

“There will be other hills. Other boulders. Other moments when progress feels slow or setbacks feel heavy. Do not be discouraged when the climb becomes steep again. Remember what you have already proven that you can persevere, that you can adapt, and that you can rise,” she said.

A word of appreciation was spared for the support systems behind the learners and the teachers who travelled the journey with them.

“To the parents and guardians in the room: today also belongs to you, as much as it belongs to your children.

“Behind every high-achieving learner is a home that made sacrifices. A home that chose discipline over comfort, encouragement over despair. You carried emotional, financial, and psychological weight so that your children could focus on learning. You pushed your own boulders – sometimes silently, sometimes exhausted, often without recognition.

“To the teachers watching from classrooms, staff rooms, across the country as they prepare to receive learners Back-To-School: this celebration is yours too. Teachers are the quiet architects of excellence. You see potential before it becomes visible,” Gwarube said.

The learners are encouraged to carry forward the “curiosity, effort, humility and grit” that carried them through the exams.

“South Africa needs not only your intelligence, but your character. May you carry this lesson with you: that excellence is not only found at the top of the hill, but in the climb itself.

“Congratulations to each and every one of you. South Africa is proud of you. The future is brighter because of you,” Gwarube concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has called on the public to return products containing zinc picolinate and selenium, amid safety concerns related to children.

Furthermore, health professionals are requested to cease all distribution, selling, and/or dispensing, and remove all selenium and zinc picolinate-containing products intended for use in children from stores, storage facilities and shelves.

According to SAHPRA, zinc picolinate, at any supplemental dose, can cause side effects that include indigestion, diarrhoea, headache, nausea and vomiting.

“As the bioavailability of Zn from Zn-picolinate is variable due to multiple factors, the risk of side effects may be higher and unpredictable, and it is unsuitable as a source of elemental zinc supplementation in children.

“Selenium, when supplemented to children, represents a safety concern, considering the potential differences in selenium daily intake between different population groups. 

“While selenium intake is a viable requirement for children in areas of famine or dietary restriction, the potential adverse effects of selenium overdose are of concern when provided in general supplements/medicines intended for children,” the authority warned.

The products are marketed and sold, among others, as “immune boosters” for children, with the main active ingredients being zinc (when derived from zinc picolinate) and/or selenium.

These products are indicated for supporting the treatment of colds, flu, diarrhoea, and skin-related conditions, rendering the products in question medicines that require registration by SAHPRA.

“Any medicine sold that contains zinc picolinate or selenium intended for use in children does not qualify as a Category D (complementary) medicine. As such, their sale as a Category D medicine is illegal. 

“Therefore, with effect from the date of publication of this notice, all selenium and zinc picolinate-containing products intended for use in children shall be subject to registration as a medicine falling into Category A, as defined in Section 14(2) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965, and need to be submitted to SAHPRA for registration.

 “The sale of Category D (complementary) medicines containing Zinc picolinate or Selenium and intended for use in children must be withdrawn from the market within six (6) months of the date of this publication,” the authority said. – SAnews.gov.za