SABC Joburg News Features
Interesting and thought-provoking news feature stories produced by the Johannesburg Radio News Team.
22
OCT
The National ProsecuThe NPA says more arrests are imminent in the Gau Health Department's R1.2 billion 2007 tender fraud
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says more arrests are imminent in the Gauteng Health Department's 1.2 billion rand tender fraud case. Four former senior government officials have been granted bail at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court, east of Johannesburg. The officials were arrested for alleged tender irregularities believed to have taken place in the Gauteng Health Department in 2007. They allegedly received kickbacks after awarding a lucrative contract to a private company. Pearl Magubane reports....
17
OCT
Domestic workers suffer abuse and sexual harassment in workplace - Study
A recent study has found that domestic workers suffer abuse and sexual harassment at the hands of their employers. The study -- commissioned by Hlanganisa Institute of Development in Southern Africa and Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance -- was conducted in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape in July and August. It found that the plight of domestic workers was heightened during the pandemic although sexual harassment they experienced has been ongoing. The study also found that domestic workers are often asked to perform sexual favours. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
15
OCT
GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY
The World Health Organisation, WHO, says one-billion people are at immediate risk of contracting COVID-19 due to lack of basic handwashing facilities worldwide. It says while hand hygiene is the first defence against the virus, millions of people do not have access to clean water and sanitation. In South Africa, government has acknowledged that it has failed millions of people who still do not have access to clean running water and proper sanitation during the pandemic. This emerged during the Global Handwashing Day commemoration webinar under the theme "Hand Hygiene for All". Thabile Mbhele reports...
12
OCT
COVID FOREVER
Health authorities have warned that we may have COVID-19 permanently. They believe while it may not be as widespread and claim many lives like it does now, it will become part of the seasonal diseases forever. Thabile Mbhele reports…
09
OCT
IMMUNITY COVID
South Africa has apparently failed to build sufficient herd immunity to be protected from COVID-19 infection. Health experts says densely populated areas may have built up localised immunity, but that's not enough to protect everyone in the country. In the early stages of the pandemic, health experts said at least 60 percent of the South African population would need to contract the corona virus to develop some immunity against it. However, so far only around 700-thousand people have tested positive for the corona virus in South Africa. Thabile Mbhele reports...
09
OCT
South Africa fails to implement policy to promote access to mental health
South Africa has failed to implement policy to promote access to mental health treatment in the country. That's the view of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday. This year's international theme is "Mental Health for all: Greater Investment, Greater Access". In a media briefing, experts took a critical look at shortcomings in addressing mental health in South Africa. Prabashini Moodley reports...
07
OCT
DISCOVERY HEALTH INFERTILITY
Discovery Health Medical Scheme will from next year cover the costs of infertility treatment for members on their elite schemes. This means they'll now pay for interventions such as in-vitro fertilisation. While this has been welcome by some stakeholders in the industry - they believe it's not enough for the millions of people battling with infertility. Thabile Mbhele reports...
06
OCT
The opening of borders will give small tour operators the much needed cash injection to help businesses survive
The opening of borders to international travelers will give small tour operators the much needed cash injection to help their businesses survive. Tourism minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane says the opening of domestic travel has provided a testing mechanism for the country and now they believe South Africa is ready to welcome international travellers. The resumption of inter-provincial travel has allowed many South Africans to tour the country and visit relatives or go on holiday in other provinces. Pearl Magubane reports...
06
OCT
Reggae music -- heritage status by the UN agency -- UNESCO
Reggae music continues to unite people while highlighting issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity. This is why the United Nations' cultural and scientific agency -- UNESCO -- added reggae music to its list of global cultural treasures two years ago. The South African reggae community says the music is a heritage they will continue to nurture with pride. Pearl Magubane filed this report...
05
OCT
SEX WORKERS
Calls are mounting for the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa. Sisonke Group a sex-worker led non-profit organisation advocating for the decriminalisation of adult sex work in South Africa, has called for more efforts to recognise this old-age profession. It is estimated that there are 156 thousand sex workers in the country however Sisonke believes there are many more who remain silent due to the stigma and discrimination they may face if they disclose what they do for a living. Sisonke National Co-Ordinator Kholi Buthelezi says they want sex work to be recognised like other jobs
30
SEP
South Africans begin to abandon COVID-19 health protocols
People's attitude to the Corona virus has changed since the move to lockdown level 1 and healthcare professionals are concerned. They say health protocols - wearing a mask, sanitising and social distancing - are being ignored and that it could lead to another surge in infections. They're particularly worried about big gatherings and festivities planned for December. South Africa has recorded more than 16-thousand Covid-19 deaths. Daily infections are on a downward trajectory but fears that irresponsible behaviour could change that, persist. Prabashini Moodley reports...
29
SEP
SEVERE LUNG DISEASE DUE TO COVID-19
Health experts warn that some patients may develop post COVID-19 inflammation of the lungs or post COVID pneumonia. They say they're already seeing patients with long-term lung damage as a result of the corona virus. However they're encouraged that a large proportion of the patients do eventually recover even if its many months after being cleared of COVID-19. Thabile Mbhele reports…
