MIL Africa Engine

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, National Priority Programmes, and the Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub (DIH), has developed South Africa’s first National Diabetes (HbA1c) Dashboard — a major step forward in tackling one of the country’s leading causes of death. 

The NHLS on Tuesday said the dashboard, which was developed through a multidisciplinary effort, integrates expertise from the NHLS Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW), National Priority Programmes, and the Department of Chemical Pathology at the University of the Witwatersrand. 

NHLS CEO, Professor Koleka Mlisana, said that it leverages NHLS laboratory data from across the country to deliver a near-real-time nationwide view of diabetes control.  

“This platform transforms how we use laboratory data from retrospective reporting to real-time action. It equips healthcare workers with the information needed to respond faster and improve patient outcomes,” Mlisana said. 

The NHLS said this comes amid growing calls from civil society for urgent, coordinated action to address diabetes, now widely recognised as a national health crisis. 

For the first time, the dashboard provides a near-real-time, nationwide view of diabetes control, using NHLS laboratory data refreshed within 48 hours. This enables clinicians and programme managers to identify high-risk patients earlier, monitor and control, and intervene more rapidly to prevent complications. 

“This dashboard represents a significant leap forward in how we use laboratory data to improve patient care. Innovation is central to the NHLS strategy and values, and this platform demonstrates our commitment to leveraging data to strengthen the health system,” the CEO said. 

The dashboard transforms how diabetes data is accessed and used. Previously, data was shared via monthly Excel-based reports, which required manual analysis and distribution across provinces, districts, and facilities, delaying timely intervention. 

The new dashboard eliminates these inefficiencies by offering live, continuously updated data, refreshed within 48 hours. 

This innovation also provides healthcare practitioners with immediate access to critical patient information, enabling faster clinical decision-making and more targeted interventions. 

Beyond clinical care, the dashboard strengthens accountability and system performance, allowing health authorities to monitor trends across provinces and target interventions where they are most needed This innovation positions the NHLS as a key partner in building a coordinated, data-driven, evidence-based national response to diabetes. 

It also supports the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2022–2027), with a target to ensure that 50% of diabetics on treatment achieve control. For the first time, South Africa has a dedicated diabetes surveillance system to assess levels of control in the public sector. 

“By providing near-real-time insights, we are empowering healthcare workers to respond faster, intervene earlier, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients living with diabetes across South Africa,” the CEO added.

The dashboard is accessible to healthcare practitioners across South Africa, ensuring that those on the frontlines of care have the tools they need to respond effectively and efficiently. 

This initiative reinforces the NHLS’ role as a leader in diagnostic innovation and its ongoing commitment to supporting the public health sector with cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient care and health system performance. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has reaffirmed that expanding meaningful employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors is fundamental to the realisation of freedom, dignity, and equality in South Africa.

In a statement, the department said that while the right to work remains central to inclusive development, enshrined in the Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, representation of persons with disabilities in the public service remains at about 1.2%, underscoring persistent systemic barriers.

To address this gap, government has introduced a Practice Note aligned with Circular 19 of 2026. The directive provides clear and enforceable measures aimed at progressively increasing employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector to 7% by 2030.

“The Practice Note requires departments to integrate targets into planning and budgeting, strengthen accountability of Heads of Department, and report on progress quarterly,” the department said.

It further directs departments to remove barriers to entry through accessible recruitment processes, ring-fence entry-level opportunities, and ensure workplace accessibility and reasonable accommodation. This includes dedicated budgets and defined turnaround times for support measures.

The department has called on all spheres of government, including State-owned entities, as well as the private sector, to intensify efforts by accelerating the implementation of employment equity targets towards 7% by 2030; embedding accountability and reporting mechanisms in institutional systems; ensuring accessible workplaces and the provision of reasonable accommodation; expanding inclusive skills development, internships and career pathways, and addressing discrimination, while shifting societal attitudes.

The department emphasised that the public sector must lead by example, with inclusion embedded in planning, budgeting, and performance systems, while the private sector is encouraged to recognise disability inclusion as a driver of innovation and sustainable growth.

“Employment is a key enabler of independence and dignity. Through the implementation of the Practice Note, government is moving from commitment to measurable action that will transform opportunities for persons with disabilities,” the department said.

The department added that it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to build an inclusive economy in which persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued Yellow Level 2 warnings for damaging winds and waves in the Eastern Cape.

The weather service said the damaging winds could result in localised damage to settlements and temporary structures, localised disruption to power and communications, as well as disruptions of beach/port activity in places along the coast between East London to Port Edward.

In a statement the weather service said the second warning for damaging waves could lead to “localised difficulty in navigation of small boats with a risk of some vessels taking on water and capsizing within a locality is expected in places along the coast between Tsitsikamma and Port Edward.”

In addition, the weatherman has issued a  Yellow Level 1 Warning for damaging winds and waves resulting in localised disruption of small harbours and/or a port for a short period of time, small vessels at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality, and difficulty in navigation are expected between Port Edward and Kosi Bay.

In addition, the weather service said very cold conditions are expected over the northern interior of the Eastern Cape.

For Gauteng and Mpumalanga, morning fog is expected in places.

“Morning fog in places, otherwise partly cloudy and cool but warm in the north,” said SAWS of Gauteng.
In Mpumalanga morning fog in the Highveld and escarpment is expected with partly cloudy and cool with isolated showers and rain in the east where it will be cloudy. – SAnews.gov.za

Government has noted with concern misleading reports suggesting that the National Freedom Day celebrations were disrupted after an individual briefly made his way onto the stage towards President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. 

“Government wishes to clarify that these reports are incorrect and may overstate the nature of the incident. At the time of the incident, the formal programme of the Freedom Day celebrations had already concluded, and proceedings had transitioned into a cultural performance segment, with an artist entertaining attendees,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

In a statement, the GCIS said the President, accompanied by dignitaries, was on stage engaging with the performance in a celebratory manner. 

“Members of the public, including a large number of children, were gathered in an orderly fashion outside the main stage area, awaiting an opportunity to greet the President.

“During this time, an individual, in a state of visible excitement, made his way onto the stage with the intention of greeting the President and the Minister. Security personnel responded swiftly, restraining the individual in line with standard protocol,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said.

It has since been established that the individual posed no security threat and did not attempt to cause harm. His actions were driven by enthusiasm and a desire to interact with the President and the Minister.

“Government further confirms that the official programme was not disrupted. Following this brief moment, the President proceeded to engage with members of the public outside the stage area, including the individual concerned, who expressed great joy at meeting the President,” said the GCIS.

South Africa commemorated National Freedom Day on Monday in the Free State.

READ | Government strengthening criminal justice system and rooting out corruption

–SAnews.gov.za

Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has announced a 4% wage increase for public servants.

The adjustment, effective from 1 April 2026, applies to employees on salary levels 1 to 12 and those covered by Occupation Specific Dispensations (OSDs). 

The increase gives effect to the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2025, which established a multi-year wage framework for the public service.

“The implementation of this 4% adjustment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the stability of our Public Service and the sanctity of collective bargaining. By honoring the ‘floor’ mechanism within PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2025, we are ensuring that even when inflation projections sit at 3.4%, public servants on salary levels 1 to 12 receive a deemed increase that provides a meaningful cushion against the rising cost of living.

This is not merely an administrative update; it is a deliberate act of support for the men and women who serve the citizens of South Africa every day,” said Minister Buthelezi in a statement.

The 4% cost-of-living adjustment is for the 2026/2027 financial year, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) said.

While the National Treasury projected the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2026/27 at 3.4%, the collective agreement includes a “floor” and “ceiling” mechanism.

“Because the projected CPI was below 4%, the resolution mandates that the increase be deemed 4%. The adjustment is a pensionable salary increase for all qualifying staff,” the DPSA said.

The directive specifically covers employees appointed under the Public Service Act, 1994. 

Certain groups are excluded from this specific circular, as their adjustments are handled by their respective Executive Authorities:
– Senior Management Service (SMS): Salary levels 13 to 16 will be addressed once the level 1–12 process is finalised.
– Sectoral Personnel: Employees under the South African Police Services Act, Employment of Educators Act, South African Defence Act, and Correctional Services Act.
– NPA Personnel: Those employed under the National Prosecuting Authority Act.

Beyond the standard salary scales, the circular addresses several other critical areas of public service remuneration:
– Pay Progression: Qualifying employees will receive pay progression for the 2025/26 performance cycle starting 1 July 2026.
– Interns and Developmental Programmes: Departments must ensure stipends for interns are adjusted to match the new salary scales effective 1 April 2026.
– Casual Workers: Hourly and daily rates for contract or casual employees must be calculated using a specific formula.
– Sessional Rates: Revised rates for healthcare and social service professionals (Nurses, Social Workers, Medical Officers, etc.) are included in the new appendices.

“Beyond the immediate salary scales, we are placing significant emphasis on the future of our workforce by ensuring that intern stipends and developmental programmes are adjusted in tandem with these new scales as we forge ahead in building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” said the Minister. –SAnews.gov.za