Newsbreak

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel Transport Minister Barbara Creecy is pushing for a zero-tolerance drinking and driving law proposed through the National Road Traffic Amendment Bill. This after analysis has proven that drinking and driving largely contributes to road fatalities in the country. Therapeutic Manager for The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Rudhika Naidoo, says a ban on drinking and driving is welcomed, however work needs to be done to do the same with being under the influence of drugs while behind the wheel...

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel Despite many challenges the Matric Class of 2025 has bagged a historic national pass rate of 88% – making it the highest in the country's history. But, how did they do it? Top achievers, Yudhika Pragalath, Alicia Maharaj and Diya Hargoon provide insight into how they approached matric while Star College Durban principal, Ahmet Kayya, and deputy principal, Nurulan Khabsatar, explore the role school staff play in the academic success of learners...

By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - The passing of renowned journalist William Harper is a huge loss to the media industry in the country. That's according to a close industry colleague and Editor of the Sunday Times, S'thembiso Msomi. "Paddy" passed away peacefully on Saturday at the age of 58 after an illustrious journalism career which extended over several leading media houses. These included Independent Media, City Press, The Times and most recently, the Mail & Guardian, where he served as Political Editor. Msomi says Harper's dedication to journalism was unequalled...

By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - Sobriety and knowing your limits when it comes to alcohol consumption plays a huge rule in one's overall wellness. That's according to Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org, an organisation that champions youth wellbeing. In this week's Wellness Wake-Up, Thulo points out ways people can get their drinking under control and ultimately create a better 2025 for themselves...

By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - While many South Africans fear that their land will be taken away from them- land researcher Professor Ruth Hall from the Institute of Poverty, Land, And Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) at the University of the Western Cape says that is not the purpose of the Expropriation Act. President Cyril Ramaphosa's signed the Expropriation Bill into law last week. Act repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act 63 of 1975 and sets out how state organs may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons. Prof. Hall explains how the law will work...

By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - From denying transgender rights to banning the use of flags other than the national American one - US President Donald Trump has sent some strong messages in his first week in office. Author and activist Siya Khumalo says the rights Trump is stripping from one group means he could do the same to another group...

By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - The Indian Consul-General in Durban celebrated India's 76th Republic Day in KwaZulu-Natal at a special dinner and cultural event at the Kendra Hall last night. India Consul-General, Dr Thelma John David, commended the strong relations developed between India and South Africa in sharing knowledge, business and investment. Among the dignitaries in attendance were KZN Premier, Thami Ntuli, National Deputy Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Narend Singh and most important, the people of the Indian Diaspora based in the country. Dr David says as India celebrates 76 years of the adoption of the democratic constitution, diplomatic Tues with South Africa have yielded many benefits for the two BRICS nations...

By Newsbreak Talk's Shanell Daniel The implementation of the three-phased ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has begun after 15 months of war. The agreement includes a staggered release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a withdrawal of Israel's military to the outskirts of Gaza, an increase in humanitarian aid to the enclave, and the return of Palestinians to the remains of their homes. Roshan Dadoo, the Co-ordinator of the South African BDS Coalition and Danny Mofsowitz, Gauteng Chair of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies react to the ceasefire agreement...

By Newsbreak Talk Producer/Presenter Shanell Daniel It's time for the Class of 2024 to enter into the 'real world'. While some matriculants will focus their attention on academics, others remain unsure of what the future holds. Master Life Coach, Khaled Jassat, and Creative Professional Shika Bhudoo discuss what options are available for youngsters and how they can navigate this life-changing time in their lives...

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel - Schools face a great number of challenges including dilapidated infrastructure, a shortage of basic supplies, overcrowded classrooms, a teacher shortage and also inequalities that divide the education system. Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube addresses these concerns and shares the education sector's priorities going into the 2025 academic year...

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Bullying in the workplace is surprisingly common in South Africa and creates a toxic, volatile and stressful environment. But experts say that it's not always easy to identify certain behaviours as bullying - when they are often concealed behind professional fronts. Peter Kriel is the General Manager at the Independent Institute of Education. In this interview, he notes some red flags to look out for when determining whether a colleague's behavior is legitimately intended as support, or whether it's crossed over into bullying and needs to be addressed... 

The Inanda police station in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal recorded the greatest number of murders and rapes in the country between July and September this year. This is according to the latest quarterly crime statistics released this week by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. However, some serious crimes have shown an overall decrease in the province. These include the number of murders, rapes and robberies. Crime hot spots like Inanda and Ntuzuma in the Durban Metro and Plessislaer at Pietermaritzburg remain among the top 10 stations countrywide. These are also among the top 30 police stations countrywide when it comes to trio crimes - that include cash in transit robberies and truck hijacking. Dries Liebenberg reports...   

By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - International entertainment giants Round Room Live and Moonbug will launch a first-of-its-kind new show in South Africa - dubbed CoComelon LIVE: Sing-A-Long! The performance is set to tour internationally – with a special stop in the country from the 13th to the 15th of next month. Young children can catch their favorite teacher - Ms Appleberry - as she takes JJ and his friends on a Melon Patch Musical field trip at the Durban ICC. Debut host of CoComelon LIVE is Osman Osman... 

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Following the unpredictable climate conditions experienced in the eThekwini Municipality over the past few years, a group of civil society organisations have joined forced to create a guide for the Municipality to prepare the City and its people for future sever weather patterns. The collective called Durban Coalition, will launch of the 'People's Plan to the Right to Housing in the Age of Climate Change' at the Durban Botanic Gardens this morning. Formed in May 2022 in response to the April 2022 floods, the Durban Coalition has developed a program of action towards transforming the city into an inclusive and climate resilient place to live for all communities. Dr Kira Erwin from environmental justice organisation, groundWork says the plan took around 18 months to develop and is hopeful this could be a turning point for the City in terms of its response to disaster among other things...

By Newsbreak Talk's Taresh Harreeparshad and Shanell Daniel We discuss all things light at the biggest Diwali celebration in KwaZulu-Natal!Newsbreak Talk broadcasted LIVE from The South African Hindu Maha Sabha's Annual Durban Diwali Festival at Suncoast on Sunday. The festival runs from October 25-27 at the Suncoast parking site. We strolled the festival to bring you insightful interviews on what the festival has to offer, touching on Diwali outreach programmes and discuss the traditional Abhyangasnan (oil bath) during Diwali...

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel -  At just 16-years-old South African activist, Vernon Moodley, was exiled in Zambia in the early 1960s and ultimately died after a drowning incident in 1967. Over 60 years later, his family has found a sense of closure after Moodley's remains were repatriated to South Africa and laid to rest on home soil on Friday. This follows the successful repatriation of just 42 freedom fighters who were honoured by government in a ceremony at Freedom Park, in Pretoria. Speaking to Newsbreak Talk's Shanell Daniel, Moodley's sister, Veronica Ally, goes back in time and shares the family's turmoil after Moodley's exile and shocking death...

By Newsbreak's Salma Patel -  Rescue and relief efforts are continuing along the N3 Toll Route in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands and have now extended towards Harrismith in the Free State. Aid organisation - The Al Imdaad Foundation - is still on the ground assisting those commuters who are still stuck in their vehicles. Hygiene has now become an issue and the foundation is distributing packs for this. The foundation's Disaster relief manager, Abed Karrim, was also one of the commuters who was entrapped in the snow with two other colleagues at Nottingham Road. He says they are still assisting people along the N3...

By Newsbreak Talk's Shanell Daniel -  The N3 Toll Route has been closed from Estcourt in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands to Harrismith in the Free State due to heavy snowfall. This after the snowfall left motorists stranded in their vehicles and unable to move due to the thick snow on Friday evening. Newsbreak Talk gets an update on weather conditions and road traffic conditions is Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and other parts of the country that have been affected by the adverse weather conditions.  

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel -  President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (BELA Bill) into law at a public ceremony on Friday. However, he did press pause on two controversial clauses for three months. These include Clause 4 of the Bill which provides for a provincial head of education to override a school's language policy – that authority currently lies with School Governing Bodies (SGBs), and Clause 5 which provides for the provincial education department heads to control admission policies. Education Expert, Professor Mary Metcalfe, says the Bill is a step in the right direction for the education sector...

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel Tributes have been pouring in for liberation activist, corruption fighter, and democracy defender - Pravin Gordhan. The anti-apartheid struggle veteran and former Minister of Public Enterprises died at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, in Johannesburg, during the early parts of Friday morning. This after a short battle with cancer. Politician and close colleague to Gordhan, Maggie Govender, shares memories of his life and last moments surrounded by those he loved...

By Shanell Daniel This Heritage Month we explore the history of Indian-origin cuisine and whether or not young Indian-origin South Africans are moving away from cultural cuisine and towards western food. Author and researcher Jimmy Parthiben Moodley joins Newsbreak Talk along with founder of the Appetite Food Group, Imraan Omar and food vlogger Shah Omar unpack culture vs modernism...

By Newsbreak's Shanell Daniel 1894 was a turning point in the political history of the country as it marked the formation of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC). The NIC served as a forum for the protection of the rights of people of Indian-origin as subjects of Britain as Natal was on the verge of becoming a subject of white supremacy. In tribute of the 130th anniversary of the NIC, former member, Ravi Pillay, talks about the legacy of the NIC and the upcoming tribute celebration...

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - International relations expert, Professor John Stremlau believes U.S Vice President, Kamala Harris is a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming elections. Harris has picked up dozens of endorsements from members of Congress and key Governors across the country after President Joe Biden announced he will no longer seek re-election. Democrats have netted more than 100 million dollars in online donations in the 24 hours since Biden's exit from the race, indicating a strong belief in Harris. Professor Stremlau says while Harris is yet to be formally nominated, she has the skills set and projected support to outrun Republican Donald Trump in the race to November polls...

By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The entrepreneurship route is often touted as a huge source of employment and economic growth for the country. However, small businesses are at severe risk with over 75% of them faced with failure or bankruptcy. That's according to Vuyelwa Nyakaza, Managing Director of development firm - Sukume Consulting. She says although the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector contributes 39% to South Africa's GDP, the failure rate is between 50% - 95% depending on the industry. Nyakaza says it's therefore important that proper research and consultation is carried out by prospective entrepreneurs...

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Fresh from a trip to Johannesburg where her peer-to-peer workshop was extremely well received, 17-year-old Paetyn Naidoo is now in Durban to share her knowledge of coding. Interested in STEM subjects and computing from a young age, the American-South African has been studying in the U.S and is now on a mission to share her lessons learnt with South Africa's youth. This week she will host a presentation to both educators and learners at the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre in Chatsworth, south of Durban. Paetyn says it's important to prepare for the future by grasping the fundamentals of digital literacy...  

By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - A PhD project celebrating the Fordsburg Women's Group of the 80's - a civil society group of activists - is expected to be showcased during Women's Month. Entitled "Memory is a Weapon" the project will feature an exhibition, storytelling, biographies, a sari installation and fitness demos. Independent filmmaker and producer Firdoze Bulbulia says she co-ordinated the project to pay tribute to those women activists who fought for a better country...

By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - Although brain disorders are emphasised worldwide, neurological diseases are the second leading cause of death globally. That's according to the World Federation of Neurology. The startling statistic comes on the backdrop of World Brain Day that was commemorated yesterday. The Neurological Association of South Africa says neurological disorders are preventable through early detection and effective management. However, not all patients have equal access to early detection and effective management in the country. Dr James Butler, Executive Board Member of the Neurological Association of South Africa explains...

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Every July for the past four years, epidemiologists at the United States have noted a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations, an annual trend which has been dubbed "the summertime surge". Taking North America into account, Covid-19 rates are reportedly particularly high in Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada. In these western states, the number of positive tests reached 15.6% in the first week of July, a significant increase on the previous week. The investigations show that viral rates in wastewater are also on the rise once again. In this week's Medical Monitor, I find out more about this seasonal trend and what it means going forward... 

By Newsbreak Producer South Africa is witnessing a disturbing increase in the number of people being kidnapped, going missing and being used as a commodity. According to advocacy group - Missing Children South Africa, they say that the recent trends have seen an alarming increase which has fallen on deaf ears, urging people to remain aware around their communities for an increase in child abuse, kidnappings, and human trafficking cases. Criminologist and national coordinator Bianca Van Aswegen explains the seriousness of the situation...

By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Introducing Newsbreak's new feature: The Wellness Wake Up! This is a segment that focuses on tips and tricks to help you unlock your best health, mental and well-being potential. Now corporate experts say a good day starts the night before. But what happens when you keep hitting snooze on the alarm? Mentally Fit South Africa's Executive Business Coach Luc van der Hofstadt explains how snoozing your alarm in the morning disrupts your routine... 

By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - The Woodview Ratepayers Association, in Phoenix, north of Durban, together with other stakeholders are opposing a housing development on Viewhaven Drive. According to the Chairperson of the Woodview Ratepayers Association, Theo Pillay, there had been no prior consultation between residents and the eThekwini Municipality regarding the development - which is a Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D'MOSS) area. Pillay says the development is not in the best interest of the community and is calling for a complete stop to the development... NOTE: Newsbreak contacted the eThekwini Municipality for a response, however comment was not forthcoming by time of broadcast.

By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - Family and friends of Springbok captain, Salmaan Moerat's are celebrating the 26-year-old leading the national team to victory against Portugal at the weekend. Moerat is the first Springbok from a long line of national rugby players from Paarl in the Western Cape - and the first Muslim - to lead the side to victory in the democratic era. Moerat's Uncle, Marwaan, says the family are very excited that Salmaan is the 66th player to lead the Boks AND that the captain has the ability to lead the team to victory in a world cup match...

By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - A Career Fest will be held in Phoenix, north of Durban, next month to help guide learners in choosing career paths. The event, which is being hosted by the Rotary Club Phoenix, will take place on the 3rd of August. Thirty institutions and 35 working professionals will provide learners with insight into various careers and opportunities. Imantha Armugam, Vocational Services Director at Rotary Club Phoenix says learners of all ages are welcome as they aim to prepare learners for life after school...  

By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - The 45th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) stands head and shoulders above other festivals and is on par with some of the great. That's according to Chief Operations Officer of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Jackie Motsepe. The festival is presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is widely regarded as a leading film festival in Africa. The programme at this year's DIFF features 92 films from 50 countries across several continents. Motsepe says attendees have a lot to look forward to...

By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - If you do not need it, do not touch your retirement funds! That's the advice from financial expert Prem Govender. She was reacting to the Pension Fund Amendment Bill that was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This law now implements the Two Pot retirement system- which means one-third of retirement contributions will be split into a savings component and two-thirds into a retirement component. This will enable members of retirement funds to access their savings without having to resign. Workers in good standing can withdraw up to R30,000 of their pension fund savings- with the minimum being R2,000. Govender says while this could help as an immediate financial buffer- it will have a negative impact on your over-all retirement payout...

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Rural Healthcare advocates are calling on the Health Ministry within the Government of National Unity (GNU) to improve district health services in an effort to ensure better delivery to rural communities. Russell Rensburg of the Rural Health Advocacy Project, a division of the University of Witwaterstrand health consortium discussed this at length in a recent podcast hosted by the Hospital Association of South Africa (HASA). Rensburg says among the successes over the last decade is that of an increase in life expectancy following the rollout of treatment for people living with HIV. Rensburg believes while the National Health Insurance will take a long time to be implemented, it is in the best interest of South Africans at large. He says differentiated approaches to delivering healthcare for different population segments is also crucial for the country going forward...

By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Cast away with this week's Newsbreak Fishing Report, brought to you by KZN angler Sanjay Ramsarup...

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced last month that it would apply new rules to both Shein and Temu as of the 1st of July 2024, allowing parcels brought in by the Chinese retailers to be taxed the same as local clothing at 45% plus VAT. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said they would continue to clamp down on these retailers as the amount of tax losses they have incurred amount to some R3.5 billion. Donald MacKay is the CEO at XA Global Trade Advisors. He says while it's still up-in-the-air whether the move by SARS is justified, it is within reason...  Credits: SABC News Online

By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Latest on the location of the 2024 sardine run with fishing expert Adam Kamdar... 

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the Eastern Cape has launched a pilot programme of a new biometric identity verification system for social relief grants. This project aims to minimise fraud, especially against the beneficiaries of the Social Relief Distress (SRD) grant. The SASSA District Department in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro says this follows numerous complaints by beneficiaries that they have not received their payments, even though they have been approved. Professor Jacob Mofokeng from the Tshwane University of Technology says it time to embrace such projects if the country are to overcome these instances of fraud... 

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Non-Profit Organisation, Food Forward SA, will provide almost one-million underprivileged individuals with food hampers as part of Mandela Day celebrations today. The organisation which rescues food that would have otherwise gone to waste, is calling on South Africans to spend their 67 minutes helping to pack and distribute these hampers. Managing Director of Food Forward SA, Andy Du Plessis says the hampers will be packed with nutritious content in a bid to combat malnutrition in the country....

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Following the spate of natural disasters across the country, the Durban Film Mart will gather to discuss ways in which they can communicate the climate-crisis through film. Taking place from the 19th to 22nd of this month, the 15th annual Film Mart will include industry stakeholders from across the continent. Panel discussions, hands-on dialogues around potential strategies to effect change through film, brainstorming sessions, and networking opportunities for film industry participants creating content for this sector. One of the collaborators, Tiny Mungwe, explains the various films being featured which depict critical climate crises in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya....

By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) play a vital role in ensuring young people have economic opportunities in South Africa. That's according to Dr Amy Lloyd - the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Dr Lloyd is currently visiting KwaZulu-Natal as part of a programme to help improve practices at TVETs in the province. She explains how TVETs in KZN can benefit from specific models implemented at community colleges in the U.S.... 

By Newsbreak Producer Tracy Valaydham - A non-profit animal organisation at Phoenix, north of Durban was recently hit by a fire outbreak on their shared premises. The organisation says several trees surround the shelter and heavy winds in the KZN province ignited fires on two separate days. This left thier boundary fence, roofs and kennels severely damaged. Phoenix Animal Care and Treatment (P.A.C.T) Neeri Naidoo says they were facing an influx of animals to care for when the recent fire hit the shelter. It's now left them incapable due to them being under-resourced after the recent incident. Naidoo says they are appealing to pet lovers this Mandela month with a "sense of community and service" to give back...

By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Unemployed youth with a passion to work for the police force and serve the country in a more 'back-line online approach' have been encouraged to look out for vacancies as the South African Police Service (SAPS). This as SAPS launch a specialized social media monitoring unit to track down criminals lurking behind online profiles. This bold online stance comes into effect after investigations into the 2021 unrest in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, which claimed 350 lives. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe it's become a vital role of law enforcement - to monitor online channels and ensure law and order...

By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - Two South African entrepreneurs have developed an online platform to drive job creation by providing comprehensive educational support to students and career seekers. Study Start is an innovative online education tool that Jason Adriaan and journalist - Shahan Ramkissoon co-founded. The website offers personalised career recommendations, a directory of accredited qualifications, an education cost estimator, application assistance, detailed occupation insights, and access to previous Matric exam papers and solutions. Ramkissoon explains how the platform aims to contribute to societalchange...

By Newsbreak Producer Tracy Valaydham - Police say there has been a rise in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning since the start of the winter season. According to authorities, the use of "Imbawula" or coal stoves has led to an increase in the number of people losing their lives due to poor ventilation. South African Police Service spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says these so-called Imbawulas can be a fire hazard and cause respiratory problems. She says prolonged exposure to these pollutants can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis...

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - Non-Profit Organisation, "Outside the Bowl Africa" are planning to provide over one-million meals to underprivileged children across the country as part of Mandela day celebrations. The organisation says the meals will be highly nutritious as to keep children full for longer, while trying to combat malnutrition in the country. According to the General Household Survey by Statistics South Africa, about 15-percent or just over 9-million South Africans endured food insecurity in 2023. Outside the Bowl Executive Director, Loren Erasmus says such initiatives are in line with the teachings of the former president in looking after those who will be the future leaders of this country...

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund has urged South Africans to uphold Madiba's legacy by uniting together to protect children from the horrific abuses they often endure in South Africa. In the buildup to Mandela Day this week, the organisation held a Fun Walk for vulnerable children. CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo spoke about the success of the walk and why people need to come on board to support such initiatives... 

By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - Born Free's big cat sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape has been officially recognized by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). It is the first big cat sanctuary in South Africa to be awarded the accredited status by GFAS. Manager at Shamwari, Catherine Gillson says the size of space allocated to the predator cats and the close-to-natural environment created for them has led to this recognition. Gillson also explained the need for government to clamp down on unrecognized sanctuaries that are only operating for monetary gain...