| HOWICK IN ALL-OUT BID TO LIFT TOWN OF THE YEAR TITLE |
Howick is pulling out all the stops in the town’s bid to be crowned the 2026 Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition. Howick is the KZN finalist in the 2026 edition of the popular competition and is calling on residents and supporters to help put the town and the KZN Midlands on the national map. To do this, SMS “HOWICK” to 33157 from 8 pm on Sunday, 12 July, until 12 noon on Friday, 17 July. SMSs cost R1.50 each, with up to 30 votes per cellphone allowed, using purchased airtime only. To encourage participation, prizes valued at R7 500 will be won in a daily lucky draw from 12–17 July. For more information, contact info@loveumngeni.org.za
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| MANDELA DAY PAINT-A-THON SETS SIGHTS ON ROBERTS ROAD BRIDGE |
Preparations are underway to set the scene for the KPCA Group's latest endeavour, to give the tardy Roberts Road bridge a fresh lick of paint.
The KPCA Group, together with lead sponsors Halls Retail and Talisman Hire, invites businesses, organisations and community groups to participate in the Mandela Day Paint-a-thon on Friday, 17 July, from 9 am to 3pm.
Volunteers will help repaint the 1.1 km Robert's Road Bridge railing and 128 concrete pillars by donating 67 minutes of service. Painting materials are supplied, while food and merchandise will be available for purchase. Teams of up to 20 volunteers can book 67-minute slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to wear company colours and help celebrate Madiba's legacy. Contact campaign manager Lara Edmonds on 084 587 0880 (WhatsApp) or at info@kpca.co.za
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| CALLING ON CITIZENS TO COUNT CRANES IN KZN DRAKENSBERG |
The National Crane Census from 24 to 27 July will focus on the KZN Drakensberg, the world's only region where all three of the country's crane species occur. Organised by the Endangered Wildlife Trust and International Crane Foundation, the citizen science survey aims to update crane numbers and distribution of Blue, Wattled and Grey Crowned Cranes via WhatsApp on 060 086 9053 by sharing the number of cranes, species and location.
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1991: South Africa signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
2019: The last Volkswagen Beetle rolled off the assembly line, ending an era that began in 1938.
Pick your delicacy on World Kebab Day or World French Fry Day. |
MANUFACTURING'S 4.3% SLUMP CLOUDS GDP, RATE CUT HOPES
South Africa's manufacturing sector contracted 4.3% year-on-year in May, underscoring mounting pressure on economic growth and complicating the Reserve Bank's next interest rate decision. The decline reflects persistent weakness across the sector, exacerbated by higher oil prices linked to Middle East tensions, rising input costs and subdued domestic demand.
Manufacturing remains a key driver of the economy, making the downturn a concern for second-quarter GDP prospects. With inflationary pressures still elevated despite slowing activity, policymakers face a difficult balancing act between supporting growth and containing price increases when considering future interest rate moves. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SALGA WANTS UNIFIED ACTION TO ARREST MUNICIPAL DECLINE
The South African Local Government Association (Salga) has urged all three spheres of government to work together to address the growing crisis facing municipalities, warning that fragmented interventions are failing to improve service delivery. The call follows National Treasury's decision to withhold July equitable share allocations from 69 municipalities, including seven in KZN, over persistent financial mismanagement. Salga says municipalities face mounting debt, ageing infrastructure, governance failures and labour challenges that require a coordinated national response. The association is also engaging unions and government departments to develop sustainable solutions that strengthen municipal finances, improve accountability and restore reliable basic services to communities. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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TELKOM BACKS AI FUTURE WITH R100 MILLION INSTITUTE
Telkom has committed nearly R100 million to establish the Telkom AI Institute, aimed at equipping South Africans with artificial intelligence and digital skills. Announced at the World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2026 in Geneva, the initiative forms part of the International Telecommunication Union's Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, which has secured more than $82 billion (about R1.35 trillion) in commitments from 149 countries since 2021. The institute will prioritise youth, small businesses and underserved communities with practical, job-ready training. The investment supports Telkom's Vision 2030 strategy to expand digital inclusion and prepare South Africans for an AI-driven economy. (SOURCE: Bizcommunity)
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SANRAL CEO WALKS PLANK OVER PROCUREMENT FAILURES
Construction industry analysts say they are unsurprised by Sanral CEO Reginald Demana's resignation, arguing procurement irregularities occurred under his leadership. Demana, who joined the roads agency in January 2023, will step down on 31 August 2026. Critics claim he failed to act decisively despite alleged board interference, while others believe he became caught in a "toxic" governance environment. Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage said Demana may have been set up to fail by the previous board but should still account for decisions made during his tenure. Sanral has begun recruiting a new CEO and will appoint an acting chief by 17 July. (SOURCE: Moneyweb)
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SPAR RECALLS AUGUST-DATED YOGHURTS OVER SPOILAGE RISK
SPAR has recalled a range of selected yoghurt products after identifying spoilage that could cause gastrointestinal illness. The precautionary recall covers fat-free, low-fat and double cream yoghurts with a sell-by date of 9 August 2026 and a use-by date of 12 August 2026. Customers are urged not to consume the affected products and to return them to any SPAR store for a full refund, even without proof of purchase. The retailer said the affected products have been removed from shelves while investigations continue. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. (SOURCE: News24)
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... AND BMW RECALLS 11 000 MODELS WITH STARTING PROBLEM
BMW South Africa has recalled almost 11 000 vehicles across its 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3 and X4 model ranges manufactured over the past decade after identifying a potential starter motor defect. The fault could prevent the engine from starting or cause it to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. Owners are urged to contact their nearest authorised BMW dealership or check whether their vehicle is affected by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on BMW's online recall checker. All inspections and required repairs will be carried out free of charge. (SOURCE: News24)
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SA PHARMACEUTICAL FIRM IN FRONTLINE OF EBOLA FIGHT
South African pharmaceutical company Xylomed Pharmaceuticals is preparing to begin clinical trials of a potential Ebola treatment after developing a molecule that reportedly prevents the deadly virus from replicating in the human body. If successful, the drug could become a significant breakthrough in the fight against one of the world's most lethal infectious diseases, which has caused repeated outbreaks across Africa. The candidate treatment now enters the critical testing phase to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in humans. The development also highlights South Africa's growing pharmaceutical research capabilities and its potential contribution to global infectious disease innovation and pandemic preparedness. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SOARING CANCER RATES HIGHLIGHT GLOBAL INEQUALITIES
Global cancer cases are projected to increase from 20.6 million annually today to nearly 35 million by 2050 unless countries accelerate prevention and improve access to care. The World Health Organization says cancer already causes almost 10 million deaths a year, or more than 26,000 daily. Regional inequalities remain stark. Asia accounts for 50.7% of global cancer cases and 56.5% of deaths, reflecting its large population, while Europe records 21% of cases despite representing only about 9% of the world's population. Many African countries experience lower cancer incidence but disproportionately high mortality because diagnosis and treatment remain inaccessible. Five-year breast cancer survival reaches 87% in high-income countries but only 42% in low-income nations, highlighting the urgent need for equitable healthcare investment and expanded universal cancer services. (SOURCE: WHO)
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SOUTHERN AFRICA STARES DOWN EL NIÑO FARMING THREAT
The US Climate Prediction Center says the developing El Niño is likely to become one of the strongest in more than 75 years, with an 81% chance of ranking among the most intense events since 1950 and a 97% chance of lasting into early 2027. For Southern Africa, a strong El Niño typically brings below-average summer rainfall, hotter temperatures and an increased risk of drought, water shortages, crop failures and veld fires, particularly across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. The phenomenon could also affect food production, push up food prices and place additional pressure on already constrained water and energy supplies.(SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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... AS CHINESE FLOODS UNLEASH PLAGUE OF SNAKES.
Severe flooding in China's Guangxi region has released at least 900 snakes, including venomous cobras, after breeding farms were inundated. Emergency teams have been deployed to capture the reptiles, while temporary medical clinics have been established to treat snakebite victims. One woman died after being bitten when floodwaters delayed her journey to hospital. Guangxi, home to about 30 million farmed snakes, is the world's largest commercial snake-breeding hub, supplying traditional medicine, leather and meat industries. The floods also submerged pig farms and damaged a zoo, where more than 100 animals escaped after enclosures were destroyed by the torrential rain. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.
Daniel Goleman |
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