MIL Africa Engine

A fire was reported on Tuesday morning at Lower Sabie Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, affecting the shop and restaurant. 

“The Ranger team and other staff members reacted quickly and managed to contain the fire before it could spread to other structures,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.

No injuries or fatalities were reported. The cause of the fire is still being investigated at this stage, and an update will be provided in due course. 

The restaurant and reception area are currently inaccessible for safety reasons. –SAnews.gov.za

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have expressed their deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the broader arts community, following the passing of multi-award-winning and internationally recognised thespian, Cynthia Shange.

“Shange was more than an actress – she was a cultural pioneer, a trailblazer, and a powerful symbol of African excellence at a time when the dignity and humanity of Black South Africans were systematically denied under apartheid,” Parliament said on Monday.

Born in Lamontville, Durban, she rose to prominence in the early 1970s, not only as a beauty queen but as a bold representative of Black identity and pride.

“Her historic achievement as the first Black woman to win a Miss South Africa title in 1972 was not merely a moment of personal triumph – it was an act of defiance against a brutal and dehumanising system. 

“At the height of apartheid, when Black people were excluded from mainstream recognition and representation, Shange’s presence on that stage asserted the beauty, worth, and humanity of Black women in a society that sought to erase them,” Parliament said.

For Black women in particular, apartheid oppression was compounded by patriarchal structures and entrenched gender stereotypes. 

“In this context, Shange’s rise was profoundly significant. She did not only embody beauty, but she also redefined it. She stood as a declaration that Black womanhood is powerful, dignified, and worthy of global recognition. Her success affirmed the importance of telling African stories, embracing African identity, and reclaiming narratives that had long been suppressed,” Parliament said.

Shange’s life and career spanned generations, and her influence extended far beyond the screen. 

She became a role model to countless women – particularly young Black women in the arts – demonstrating that it is possible to rise, to lead, and to shape one’s narrative despite systemic barriers.

“As the nation mourns her passing, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose, courage, and grace. Parliament conveys its heartfelt condolences to her children, including media personality Nonhle Thema, her extended family, and all those whose lives she touched.” –SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe have paid tribute to veteran actress, model and beauty queen Cynthia Shange, whose legacy spans decades of contributions to the country’s arts and culture, and to global representation.

They extended their heartfelt condolences to the Shange family, colleagues and the broader arts and culture community after she passed away at the age of 76.

McKenzie described Shange as a fearless pioneer who transformed the landscape of representation.

“Cynthia Shange was a barrier-breaker for black people and for women at a time when both were systematically excluded from global platforms. She stood where many were told they did not belong, and in doing so, redefined what was possible for generations to come. Her legacy is one of courage, dignity and unapologetic excellence,” the Minister said on Monday.

Born in 1949 in Lamontville, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Shange emerged as a pioneering figure during a period of deep systemic exclusion.

She rose to prominence in the early 1970s, making history in 1972 when she won the Miss Natal title and went on to become the first black woman to represent South Africa at the Miss World 1972 pageant. 

Her presence on the global stage during this period marked a defining moment for black South Africans and for women in public life.

Shange went on to build a distinguished acting career, with notable roles in Udlaliwe, Shaka Zulu, and Muvhango. Her performances resonated with audiences across generations and contributed meaningfully to South Africa’s creative identity.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the enduring significance of Shange’s journey.

“She broke barriers for black South Africans and for women throughout this country who saw in her a reflection of their own potential. Cynthia Shange carried the hopes of many and proved that talent, resilience and identity cannot be suppressed. Her life’s work will continue to inspire young women and creatives to claim their space in the world,” Mabe said. –SAnews.gov.za

By Nomxolisi Mashiyi

There’s a worrying belief circulating in some communities that transformer oil can be used to treat health conditions like rheumatic arthritis. While it may seem like a harmless home remedy, the reality is far more dangerous to human health and the environment.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has raised a strong warning against this practice, and for good reason. Transformer oil is not meant for human appllication. It is an industrial substance used in electrical equipment, and in many cases, it may contain toxic chemicals known as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) which are classified as forever chemicals. The PCBs would then leak into the environment (e.g. through wastewater) and cause negative environmental impacts. Beyond the severe risks to human health, the misuse of transformer oil also poses significant environmental threats. When transformer oil containing PCBs is spilled, disposed of incorrectly, or washed off the body into drains, soil, or water systems, these toxic chemicals are released into the environment. Since PCBs do not break down easily and can remain in soil, rivers, wetlands and sediments for decades. Once released, they spread silently through ecosystems, often far beyond the point of initial release or contamination. 

In aquatic environments, PCBs are absorbed by small organisms which fish feed on and thus PCBs build up in fish and other wildlife. This process, known as bioaccumulation, causes PCB concentrations to increase as they move up the food chain. As a result, birds, livestock, and people who eat contaminated food are exposed to high levels of PCBs.

PCBs are not just any chemicals, they are part of a group of substances globally recognised for their long-lasting and harmful impact on both human health and the environment. Even though their production was ceased decades ago in many countries, including in South Africa, they still exist in older electrical equipment and contaminated sites.

Research has shown that exposure to PCBs can lead to serious health problems. These include effects on the immune system, reproductive health, brain function, and hormones. Even more concerning, PCBs are considered possible cancer-causing substances. This is not something anyone should risk by applying contaminated oil to their skin.

Despite these risks, some communities continue to request transformer oil from municipal workers, believing it can heal certain ailments. This highlights a deeper issue – the spread of misinformation when it comes to health remedies. 

DFFE has continued to urge municipal officials to refuse to supply transformer oil to the public. Providing access to such hazardous substances for non-industrial use is not only unsafe but potentially life-threatening.

South Africa is already taking steps to eliminate PCBs as part of its commitment to international environmental agreements (Stockholm Convention). The country has regulations in place to phase out the use of these chemicals, and is working with municipalities to safely remove them from equipment. But these efforts can only succeed if the public also plays its part.

This is not just a government issue — it’s a public health issue.

Using transformer oil on your body is not a remedy – it is a risk – and a serious one. It is also important to remember that transformer oil is meant to be used in steel product such as a transformer and not a human flash. 

Transformer oil is an industrial insulating fluid designed for electrical equipment, not for human health. Even modern formulations that are free of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can still pose health risks as they have not been subjected to the controls by South African Health Products Regulatory Authority which oversees safety and registration of medicines and health products.

Communities need to rely on safe, proven medical treatments and consult healthcare professionals rather than turning to hazardous substances. At the same time, anyone distributing or promoting the use of transformer oil for health purposes should be reported to the relevant authorities.

Misinformation can spread quickly, but so can awareness. By understanding the dangers and sharing the facts, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. We call on you – members of the public – to work with the Department to spread the information about the dangers of using transformer oils to treat health related purposes. 

Our message is simple and clear: transformer oil belongs in machines – not on people!

*Mashiyi is the Acting Chief Director for Communications and Advocacy in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.