Visit North West University press office A powerful new chapter in South African nursing leadership began on 5 and 6 May 2026, when the National Department of Health and the North-West University (NWU) officially initiated the groundbreaking NurseLead programme – a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to empower current and emerging nurse leaders across the country. The programme is led by Prof Siedine Coetzee, the NWU National Research Foundation (NRF) Albertina Sisulu Research Chair in Nursing Science (SARChI), together with South Africa’s chief nursing and midwifery officer, Dr Mirriam Matandela of the National Department of Health. The NurseLead programme aims to empower and transform nursing leadership across South Africa through an innovative national education programme for current and emerging nurse leaders. The two-day collaboration workshop united top academics in nursing science with influential nursing practice leaders and experts. Representatives included the South African Nursing Council, the National Department of Health, Provincial Directors of Nursing Services, Hospital Nursing Directors and nursing managers across the country. What makes NurseLead truly groundbreaking is its collaborative approach. Top nursing science researchers teamed up with influential nursing practice leaders and experts to develop a cutting-edge curriculum tailored for current and emerging nurse leaders nationwide. Anchored in the National Department of Health’s South African Nursing Leadership Competency Framework (released July 2025), it bridges theoretical innovation with the realities of South African hospitals and frontline staff pressures – empowering leaders to thrive amid real-world challenges. “This is a dream come true,” said Prof Coetzee. “I first envisioned a national nurse leadership academy when I applied for my NRF SARChI Chair, but this collaboration has far surpassed anything I imagined. The passion, expertise and commitment around the table have been extraordinary.” The national education programme will be completed by the end of 2026 and thereafter piloted at hospital sites across South Africa. Dr Matandela describes the initiative as a significant milestone for both nursing education and healthcare leadership in the country. “This is indeed a great opportunity,” said Dr Matandela. “Nursing education and practice came together to share their experience in developing a curriculum that will produce nurse leaders who can function efficiently and effectively within health establishments facing complex challenges that require commitment, dedication and ethical decision-making.” She explained the programme places strong emphasis on clinical governance and leadership, identified as a critical component within the World Health Organisation building blocks for achieving Universal Health Coverage. According to Dr Matandela, the initiative also aligns closely with the 2026 International Nurses Day theme: “Our nurses, our future: Empowered nurses save lives”. “The collaboration between the National Department of Health and the NWU is attributed to the excellent engagement with a passionate and committed nurse academic, Prof Coetzee, who initiated the programme and actively engaged the National Department of Health,” said Dr Matandela. The shared vision of Dr Matandela and Prof Coetzee laid the foundation for a powerful national partnership aimed at developing responsible, accountable and responsive nurse leaders equipped with high levels of emotional intelligence, ethical leadership and the ability to build high-performing healthcare teams. “NurseLead represents an investment not only in nurses, but in the health of our nation,” said the leaders behind the groundbreaking initiative. They further emphasised that there could be no more fitting time to initiate the programme than during National Nurses Month and in the lead-up to International Nurses Day on 12 May – a global celebration of the invaluable contribution nurses makes to healthcare systems and society. • Follow the link to the published article here:

Framing climate change as a health crisis is twice as effective at shifting public attitudes and building support for climate action than traditional environmental messaging, according to a new international study. The research, conducted by the Climate Opinion Research Exchange (Core) for the Wellcome Trust, found that South Africans were particularly concerned about the impact on children, food and water security and maternal health. The study surveyed more than 30 000 people across Brazil, India, Japan and South Africa between September and October 2025. It used a randomised controlled trial to test 12 climate-health messages against four traditional climate messages. It found that public concern about climate change and support for government action increased twice as often when people were informed about its health impacts, compared with general environmental messaging. “A large majority of the public, over 80%, are concerned about climate change across the four countries and around three-quarters or more know that it is harming people’s health,” it stated.  “The public are keen for governments to do more on climate change and view taking action to prevent climate from harming public health as particularly urgent. Large majorities also support the vast majority of climate policies that the study asked about.”  Across the four countries, certain health themes consistently shaped opinion. Messages on extreme heat, food and water insecurity and children’s health had the strongest and most consistent influence. Regional responses varied. In South Africa, concern was driven most strongly by the impact on children, as well as food and water security and maternal health. In Brazil, mental health impacts and food and water insecurity resonated most strongly, while in India, air pollution and access to healthcare drove concern.  In Japan, respondents were most affected by messaging on extreme heat, air pollution, infectious diseases and risks to older people. Climate concern in South Africa was high. Overall, 87% of respondents said they were concerned about climate change, including 60% who were “very concerned”. Four in five South Africans recognised that climate change was harming people’s health, while 85% believed the government should do more to address the crisis — the highest level of support among the countries surveyed. Most respondents supported a range of climate policies linked to health protection. All the policies tested received support from at least 58% of respondents. In South Africa, the most popular measure was building more solar parks or solar farms, supported by 94% of respondents. This was followed by investment in public buildings that could be used during heatwaves and extreme weather events (92%), as well as expanding offshore wind (87%) and onshore wind (85%). Climate-linked extreme weather continues to affect communities across the country, including droughts, floods and heatwaves that have disrupted healthcare services, water systems and food supplies. Professor Ashraf Coovadia, the head of paediatrics and child health at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, said African children faced disproportionate risks from accelerating climate change. “Climate change in South Africa already means more extreme weather events — from severe droughts to floods — and these events disrupt water and sanitation systems, exposing children to diarrhoea,” Coovadia said. He added that flooding damaged health facilities and increased waterborne diseases such as cholera and gastroenteritis, while droughts worsened food insecurity and contributed to rising rates of child stunting. The study concludes that health impacts are a key driver of public concern and that framing climate change in these terms significantly increases support for government action. Lead researcher Dustin Gilbreath, a senior analyst at Core, said: “The data is clear — when the public finds out how the climate is harming our health, they want the government to do more. The data shows most of the public are already concerned about climate change and believe the government should take urgent action to prevent climate change from harming public health.” The report has been released before the upcoming World Health Assembly and amid growing global focus on climate-health links following initiatives at COP30, including the Belém Health Action Plan and the Climate Health Funders Coalition.

Political parties are urging National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to expedite the impeachment process, with the EFF and ATM wanting her to oppose the review application by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Former Hawks head Dr Godfrey Lebeya has refuted claims of interference in TRC investigations while revealing his attempts to strengthen his team's capacity to address historical injustices.

Residents in parts of Johannesburg face water interruptions this week and later in May, as Johannesburg Water carries out both planned and emergency maintenance work across Regions C, D and F. Region F residents face four-day supply disruption Johannesburg Water has warned residents across several eastern suburbs to brace for an extended water supply interruption later this month. The affected areas include: Kensington, Kensington South, Denver, Malvern East, Cleveland, Jeppestown, Malvern, and George Goch. According to Joburg Water, all streets in these neighbourhoods fall within the scope of the work. The interruption is scheduled to begin on 21 May 2026 at 7am and will run through to 24 May 2026 at 5pm. Johannesburg Water explained that the work is necessary ahead of structural repairs to a reservoir in the area. “Johannesburg Water will be conducting a dummy run for a period of four days prior to commencing with structural repairs inside the reservoir,” the utility stated. Despite the length of the interruption, the utility assured customers that supply would not be entirely cut off during this period. “Customers will be supplied through a bypass pipeline during the dummy run period,” Joburg Water said. The utility added that the work is expected to improve service delivery, ensure continuity of water supply and reduce water losses once completed. Further details regarding alternative water supply arrangements are still to be provided. Region C suburbs to lose water for 10 hours Residents in the western suburbs falling under Region C face a shorter but total loss of water supply on Wednesday, 14 May 2026. The interruption, attributed to planned pressure reducing valve (PRV) maintenance. This outage will affect: Allen’s Nek, Panorama AH, Little Falls, Strubens Valley, Radiokop and Radiokop AH, Poortview and Poortview AH, Ruimsig, Amorosa, Aanwings AH, Roodekrans 183-IQ, Willowbrook, and parts of Wilgeheuwel, with all streets in these suburbs affected. The shutdown is set to begin at 6am and will last until 4pm, leaving residents without running water for the duration. “Impact on customers: No water for a duration of 10 hours,” Joburg Water confirmed. The utility said the maintenance would ultimately benefit customers by improving service delivery and ensuring continuity of water supply. As with the Region F work, further details on alternative water supply options are still pending. Soweto suburbs without water overnight Residents of Region D across Soweto are facing a more urgent situation, with two unplanned maintenance operations running simultaneously. Both interruptions will begin on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at 6pm and are expected to conclude at 6am on 13 May 2026, leaving affected residents without water for 12 hours. The first emergency affects Doornkop North, where Joburg Water is carrying out a Rand Water meter replacement across all streets in the area. “Impact on customers: No water for a duration of 12 hours,” the utility noted. It added that alternative water supply details would be communicated in due course. The second unplanned outage affects Orlando East, Orlando West and Diepkloof, also covering all the streets in those areas. In this instance, Joburg Water is responding to a suspected leak. “Conduct investigations to identify the source of water leaks and undertake the necessary repair,” the utility stated as the reason for the interruption. As with the Doornkop situation, residents have been told the work will improve service delivery and water supply continuity, though further details on alternative water sources are yet to be confirmed.

A United States (US) transparency advocacy group has opened a temporary exhibition in New York with only one text on display: a print-out of all the files released by the US Department of Justice, roughly 3.5 million pages relating to financier and convicted sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. The Institute for Primary Facts, a non-profit organisation, opens a library archive of 3.5 million pages from the Epstein files, made available to the public, at the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room in Tribeca, New York City, on 8 May 2026. People will be able to view the files from 8 to 21 May, but access will be by appointment only. Picture: Edna Leshowitz / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP The library, dubbed “The Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room,” has bound all the documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act in 3 437 volumes, all numbered and organised on shelves. “The truth is hard to deny when it’s printed and bound for you to see,” reads the website for the Institute of Primary Facts, the Washington-based nonprofit behind the display. Those interested in seeing the files at the library in Tribeca can do so by registering online. A timeline of events is illustrated on a wall on the main floor where The Institute for Primary Facts, a non-profit organisation, opens a library archive of 3.5 million pages of the Epstein files that have been made available to the public at the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room in Tribeca on 8 May 2026 in New York City. Picture: Edna Leshowitz / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP However, due to errors by the Department of Justice in failing to redact the names of some of the victims included in the documents, the general public is not allowed to consult the files. The exhibit offers exceptions for some professionals, like journalists and lawyers. The pop-up also has a display on the longstanding relationship between President Donald Trump and Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors. The pair were friends for decades before they reportedly fell out in 2004 over a property deal, after which Trump reportedly denounced his former ally. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing after showing up repeatedly in the so-called “Epstein Files“. The Institute for Primary Facts, a non-profit organisation, opens a library archive of 3.5 million pages of the Epstein files that have been made available to the public at the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room in Tribeca on 8 May 2026 in New York City. Picture: Edna Leshowitz / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP “We’re a pro-democracy organisation, with the goal of educating the public using these kinds of sort of pop-up museums and other in-real-life experiences to help people understand the corruption in the United States, the dangers to democracy,” David Garrett, one of the creators behind the project, told AFP. Hundreds of lit candles representing victims of sex trafficking are placed in the centre of the main floor where the Institute for Primary Facts, a non-profit organisation, opens a library archive of 3.5 million pages of the Epstein files that have been made available to the public at the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room in Tribeca on 8 May 2026 in New York City. Picture: Edna Leshowitz / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP Garrett said he believes “there needs to be real public outcry” about how the Trump administration has handled the document release, with many accusing justice officials of covering up Trump’s ties to Epstein. “And what we attempted to do here was to create, or help to create, a public outcry to have real accountability,” he added. The exhibit is open to the public until 21 May.

The Orange River is roaring through Augrabies Falls National Park after a dramatic surge in water levels transformed the famous gorge into a powerful natural spectacle. A flow of 2 334 cubic metres per second was recorded on 11 May 2026, sending massive volumes of water crashing through the falls and creating hazardous conditions in parts of the park. In response, South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed several popular hiking trails as a precautionary safety measure. Popular hiking trails in Augrabies Falls National Park temporarily closed @unfiltered.diary Augrabies Waterfalls National Park #explorethenortherncape #augrabiesfalls #noordkaap ♬ original sound – mr_spakumeru According to SANParks, the closures are intended to protect visitors from flood-related dangers caused by the powerful river conditions. The affected trails include: The Gorge Trail – a well-known hiking route offering close-up views of the falls and river gorge, now inaccessible due to flood risks. The Klipspringer Hiking Trail – the park’s three-day wilderness trail, which has also been affected by high water conditions. The Dassie Interpretative Trail – a shorter educational trail that has been closed for safety reasons. The park noted that strong currents, slippery pathways and heavy spray from the falls have created dangerous conditions for hikers near the gorge. Park remains open to visitors Despite the trail closures, the rest of the park remains open and accessible to tourists. Main viewing points overlooking the falls are still operational, allowing visitors to safely experience the dramatic surge of the Orange River. The falls, whose name comes from the Khoi word meaning “place of great noise”, are currently living up to that reputation as the river pounds through the granite gorge below. The surge follows persistent rainfall upstream, which significantly increased water volumes flowing through the Orange River system. While flood conditions have disrupted some activities within the park, the dramatic scenes have also attracted visitors eager to witness one of South Africa’s most iconic natural landmarks at near full force. Officials are continuing to monitor conditions and have urged visitors to follow all safety instructions while exploring the park.  

The Western Cape continues to reel from a series of powerful cold fronts that have battered the province at the start of this this week in what has been one of the most severe storms in recent memory. Tragically, the storm has claimed at least five lives, with reports of fatalities caused by falling trees in Kenilworth and Genadendal, as well as a drowning in Klaarstroom. The cause of the other fatalities have yet to be confirmed, but in a SABC News interview, Western Cape Local Government and Environmental Affairs MEC Anton Bredell said “we’ve had five fatalities that were reported”. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has maintained an Orange Level 8 warning, but there is some good news on the horizon in terms of the forecast for the rest of the week. While scattered showers and cold temperatures will linger, the intensity of the winds and torrential downpours is forecasted to subside from Wednesday, allowing disaster management teams to begin full-scale mop-up operations. Residents are urged to remain cautious until the final warnings are officially deactivated. The structural toll is significant: Widespread flooding: Informal settlements in Khayelitsha and Lwandle have been submerged, affecting over 5,000 residents. Infrastructure: Numerous roofs have been blown off in areas such as Mitchells Plain and Wynberg, and major arterial roads remain impassable due to localised flooding and debris. School closures: All public and special schools across the province were ordered to close on Tuesday to ensure the safety of learners and staff. PICTURES OF THE WILD CAPE STORM #CapeStorm Wynberg pic.twitter.com/ViOF9bE0Gv— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) May 11, 2026 #CapeStorm – R44 North ===> Stellenbosch pic.twitter.com/7mjyLoG4Zo— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) May 11, 2026 #CapeStorm driving through the danger pic.twitter.com/mmzPyxU0cQ— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) May 11, 2026 #CapeStorm Ottery Road / M5 Highway: the usual #Flooding for this junction pic.twitter.com/oV9q3fnrKl— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) May 11, 2026 Lads at Port Control in the harbour just sent the wind speeds 😬 #CapeStorm pic.twitter.com/R2bEXF3YU5— Marty de Beer (@stellenmac) May 11, 2026 #CapeStorm Constantia Nek pic.twitter.com/yKalLuFlzP— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) May 11, 2026 #CapeStorm – Fallen Trees at multiple locations pic.twitter.com/6tf4iNwbY5— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) May 11, 2026 As received… Hermanus Mall this morning… pic.twitter.com/WwQRMOIk3U— riridiamond (@riridiamond7912) May 11, 2026 #WhaleCoastMall, #Hermanus. #Wind damage📷Curtis JI Bailey pic.twitter.com/lrI7AyHapl— ReenvalSA (@ReenvalSA) May 11, 2026 Clicks in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Windows blown out by the storm. #CapeStorm pic.twitter.com/60wkWENllv— Madeleine Fullard (@mfullard2) May 11, 2026 More videos being shared—This is apparently Kenilworth heading towards Mains Avenue #CapeOfStorms pic.twitter.com/Sn8Ut74KwX— 🤍💙✡️ NoDramaLlama until… (@No_Drama_Lama_) May 11, 2026 #CapeOfStorms 😲 pic.twitter.com/mAJBIB5tpj— Denver Jordaan 🇿🇦🚒🚑 (@denverjordaan) May 11, 2026 Cape of Storms… pic.twitter.com/upCes9UMJi— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 11, 2026 Thinking of every resident affected by today’s severe storm across the Western Cape 💙For emergencies, contact 112 from a cellphone. pic.twitter.com/PPWgtaRDIu— DA Western Cape (@WesternCapeDA) May 11, 2026 The public is strongly advised to: Monitor official weather updates and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service. Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and flooding. Never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges, or swollen rivers. Secure loose outdoor objects that may be displaced by strong winds. Exercise extreme caution along coastal areas and avoid fishing or recreational activities at seaduring the warning period. Provide adequate shelter, warmth, and protection for livestock and pets. Prepare emergency kits, including flashlights, batteries, warm clothing, blankets, and essentialsupplies. Community leaders and disaster management authorities For regular updates, keep an eye on the SA Weather Service website or follow SAWS’ official mediachannels.

Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub has compared voice’s decline to the same trajectory SMS followed into irrelevance.

With voice revenue falling and customer growth stalled, Vodacom is struggling to cash in on surging data traffic.