| WTF ... CUTTING THROUGH FOOD LABELS FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE |
The quest for health and wellness is more than just a global industry estimated to be worth a minimum $5.6 trillion, at least for people who can afford to make choices about what they eat, it’s about aspiring to a life of quality. The luxury of choices, healthy living and longlevity are not necesarilly mutually inclusive as today’s lead story (below) points out. In fact, some lifestyle choices are decidedly bad for your health and compounded by our eating habits.
The corollary is a growing awareness of nutrition, food quality, and informed dietary choices in an increasingly complex food environment where ultra-processed products, misleading claims, and dense labeling often obscure rather than clarify health value. This challenge is amplified for families managing fussy eating children where convenience frequently competes with nutritional intent.
To help navigate the noise of food labeling noise and simplify decision-making, a new What The Food scanner - in an app - helps shoppers to decode complex food labels. The tool scans ingredient lists and generates a simple wellness score, highlighting positive, neutral, and concerning additives. It aims to simplify nutrition choices, addressing confusion around hidden sugars and additives, and helping consumers make faster, more informed decisions daily. A clear-cut case of digital tech putting food choices in our hands.
A healthy and happy weekend to all, and for those not cashing in on Tuesday’s public holiday, see you on Monday. Derek Albets (editor)
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| COMMUNITY CHEST SALUTES COMRADES AHEAD OF SUNDAY RACE |
The Community Chest team at the Comrades Marathon EXPO, (ltr) Ayanda Ntombela, Elaine Naidoo and Masabatha Maphela.
The Community Chest in Pietermaritzburg and Durban salutes the Comrades Marathon on the eve of Sunday’s race, marking nearly three decades as an official charity partner. The organisation says funds raised through the Race4Charity platform will support 7 845 children under age five across KZN’s early childhood development centres. The initiative focuses on nutrition, learning materials, trained educators and physical development support to strengthen school readiness.
The Community Chest thanks runners, donors and the Comrades Marathon Association for its backing over more than 30 years. It will also host refreshment stations and participate in the Expo, where its “Superhero Runners” complete the final stretch in red capes symbolising support for children.
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| TRAFFIC GUIDE TO EASE CONGESTION IN COMRADES UP RUN |
Come Sunday, and thousands of runners will come under starters orders in Durban before hitting the road to Pietermaritzburg to compete in the 2026 Comrades Marathon. It’s also a massive spectator event of course with hordes of fans, supporters and helpers lining the route. The finish venue is bound to be congested, as are the neighbouring roads leading to the Scottsville Race course. Click here for a detailed breakdown of traffic regulations, cut-off times and road closures,
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1964: Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison and spent 27 years behind bars.
Elsewhwere, in 2016, a gunman killed 49 people and wounded 50 years at Pulse, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Spare a thought for the young ones without choices, on World Day Against Child Labour. |
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QUEST FOR A LONGER LIFE BLIGHTED BY MORE CHRONIC ILLNESSES
A Discovery Health report indicates that members are living longer, with overall mortality rates declining by 5.6% over the past decade across a base of 2.7 million members. Younger adults aged 24–39 recorded a 16.3% decrease in death rates, while those aged 75 and older saw a 7.8% decline.
However, the burden of chronic disease continues to rise. More than half of members with chronic conditions are now managing multiple illnesses, and one in three members has at least one chronic condition. The top 10% of members with multiple chronic conditions account for 43% of total claims.
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health conditions drive 84% of chronic healthcare spending, with cardiovascular disease alone responsible for 53%. Mental health prevalence has increased by 80% among young adults, although hospital admissions for these conditions have declined by 11%.
While increased longevity reflects improved health outcomes, it also brings greater cost and complexity to care.
Experts emphasise that prevention, early screening, lifestyle changes, and earlier diagnosis are essential to easing long-term pressure on the healthcare system and ensuring sustainability. (Source: Daily Maverick)
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... AS MASKANDI MUSIC OFFERS A HEALTHY INTERLUDE
Researchers are increasingly exploring cultural and community-based interventions, including maskandi music, as a potential tool to promote healthier lifestyles and emotional wellbeing. Early evidence suggests that engagement with music may help reduce stress, improve adherence to physical activity, and strengthen the delivery of heart-health messaging in high-risk communities. However, robust clinical evidence remains limited at this stage. Health experts warn that cardiovascular disease could reach “tsunami” proportions by 2030, driven by rising rates of hypertension, obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity. Developing countries are considered most at risk due to weak prevention systems and late diagnosis. Advocates argue that combining cultural identity with health education could improve engagement and support long-term behavioural change in vulnerable populations, particularly if implemented at scale alongside conventional medical interventions. (Source: News24)
See below: Shrinking alcohol habits put producers under pressure |
R438 BILION CURRENT ACCOUNT SURPLUS AT 5-YEAR HIGH
South Africa’s current account surplus widened sharply in Q1.2026, reaching its highest level in five years as a stronger trade balance boosted external accounts. The surplus rose to 1.3% of GDP, from 0.7% in Q4 2025, supported by a wider trade surplus of R437.9 billion, up from R282.2 billion previously. Increased exports and favourable commodity prices underpinned the improvement. However, economists caution that rising global oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions could reverse gains in coming months by lifting import costs and placing renewed pressure on the country’s external balance. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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... AS 2.9% FACTORY OUTPUT SLIDE TEMPERS OPTIMISM
South Africa’s manufacturing sector remained under pressure in April, with factory output shrinking 2.9% year-on-year, following a revised 1.2% increase in March. The decline signals ongoing weakness in one of the economy’s key industries despite stronger mining performance. Statistics South Africa said the largest negative contribution came from the basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division, which fell 10.5% and shaved 2.1 percentage points off overall production. On a seasonally adjusted basis, manufacturing output declined 6.3% month-on-month in April. The figures reinforce concerns that a sluggish industrial sector could weigh on economic growth and employment prospects during the remainder of 2026. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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STRUGGLING HOUSEHOLDS TURN TO TWO-POT-WITHDRAWAL RELIEF
South Africans continue tapping retirement savings under the two-pot system, with financial services group Alexforbes processing about 220 000 claims in March 2026 alone. The surge highlights persistent financial strain on households facing rising living costs and debt pressures. Since the system’s introduction, millions of members have accessed portions of their retirement savings to meet immediate expenses. While the withdrawals provide short-term relief, retirement experts warn that repeated claims could significantly reduce long-term retirement outcomes. Alexforbes has urged members to balance current financial needs against the importance of preserving savings for retirement security. (SOURCE: News24)
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RESERVE BANK PROBES BETWAY IN BETTING BATTLE
The South African Reserve Bank has reportedly launched an investigation into betting giant Betway, intensifying scrutiny of a gambling industry that now handles more than R1 trillion in annual bets. An amaBhungane investigation alleges regulators are examining the movement of funds linked to the company’s operations and compliance with exchange-control regulations. The probe comes as South Africa’s online gambling sector experiences explosive growth, with sports betting accounting for the bulk of wagering activity. Industry turnover has surged from about R300 billion in 2019/20 to more than R1 trillion in recent years, prompting calls for tighter oversight and stronger consumer protections. (SOURCE: AmaBhungane).
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IDC EYES MAJORITY MOZAL STAKE TO SAVE SMELTER
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is exploring a potential acquisition of mining group South32’s majority stake in the Mozal aluminium smelter in Mozambique as efforts intensify to rescue the strategic operation. The plant, which contributes about 3% of Mozambique’s GDP, was placed on care and maintenance after soaring power costs undermined its viability. The IDC is reportedly engaging transaction advisers to conduct due diligence on a possible deal. A successful intervention could preserve thousands of jobs, protect regional industrial capacity and support economic stability, while offering a long-term solution to the smelter’s energy-related challenges. (SOURCE: BDLive)
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SHRINKING ALCOHOL HABITS PUT PRODUCERS UNDER PRESSURE
Alcohol producers are confronting a marked slowdown as consumers drink less, squeezing sales across global beer, wine and spirits markets. Industry data shows global alcohol consumption fell by about 1% in 2025, while younger consumers are increasingly opting for moderation or abstinence. Major producers have reported declining volumes, with beer and spirits sales particularly affected in key markets. The low- and no-alcohol segment, however, continues to grow at double-digit rates in many countries. Rising health awareness, economic pressures and changing lifestyles are driving the shift. Analysts believe the trend is structural, forcing producers to diversify product offerings and rethink growth strategies to remain competitive. (SOURCE: News24)
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EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK PULLS 0.25% RATE-HIKE TRIGGER
The European Central Bank has become the first major central bank since 2023 to raise interest rates, signalling renewed concern over inflationary pressures. Policymakers increased the benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, citing persistent price growth and stronger-than-expected economic activity across parts of the eurozone. The bank also increased the main refinancing rate to 2.40% and the marginal lending rate to 2.65%. The move follows an extended period of easing and policy stability among leading central banks. Financial markets are now reassessing expectations for interest-rate trajectories globally, with investors watching whether other major institutions follow suit. Higher borrowing costs could weigh on growth but are intended to keep inflation anchored near the ECB’s 2% target. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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WORLD BANK TRIMS GLOBAL GROWTH OUTLOOK TO 2.5%
The World Bank has cut its global growth forecast, warning that escalating geopolitical tensions and disrupted commodity flows are weighing heavily on the world economy. It now expects global GDP to expand by 2.5% in 2026, down from its earlier projection of 2.6%, marking the weakest post-pandemic trajectory since 2020. The downgrade reflects rising energy costs, with Brent crude projected to average $94 per barrel, about 50% higher than previous estimates. Inflation is expected to climb to 4%, while risks remain skewed to the downside if supply shocks worsen further. Emerging economies are especially vulnerable to prolonged income losses. (SOURCE: Bloomberg)
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CHINA STIRRING TARIFF, DATA CENTRE TROUBLES, CLAIMS OPENAI
China is using AI to foment dissent over tariffs and data centres, according to the owner of ChatGPT, OpenAI, which says state-linked actors and coordinated networks are deploying generative tools to amplify narratives targeting trade policy and infrastructure investments. The company warned that AI-generated content is being used to simulate grassroots criticism and influence online debate across multiple platforms. It added that such activity increasingly blurs the line between authentic public sentiment and automated messaging. OpenAI said it is monitoring misuse of its systems and working with partners to detect coordinated influence operations while improving safeguards against manipulation globally now. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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... AS CANADA CALLS TIME ON SOCIAL MEDIA, CHATBOTS FOR MINORS
Canada has introduced sweeping legislation aimed at restricting social media access for children under 16 and tightening oversight of artificial intelligence chatbots used by minors. The proposed law would require platforms to verify user ages more strictly and limit algorithmic recommendations for younger users. It also introduces new safety standards for AI chatbots, focusing on preventing harmful or inappropriate interactions with children. Lawmakers say the measures are designed to protect mental health and privacy in an increasingly digital environment. Tech companies could face significant penalties for non-compliance, while regulators will gain expanded enforcement powers to monitor online platforms effectively nationwide. (SOURCE: Reuters)
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It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Confucius |
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