We’ve got all the latest news stories and headlines in South Africa you really need to know on Thursday 3 February.
The Western Cape Health Department has issued a diarrhea warning after scorching conditions in the Western Cape have led to a noticeable increase in diarrhea, dehydration, and pneumonia in children.
It is most probably the first warning of its kind in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education in KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed that at least 46 children – and possibly as many as 85 – had to receive emergency medical treatment this week after consuming an illness-inducing batch of lollipops.
The primary school learners are believed to have purchased the toxic stock of confectionary on their way to school. Dozens of those affected complained about severe stomach cramps, whereas others were vomiting.
TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Thursday 3 February
Here’s why the Western Cape has issued a ‘diarrhea warning’
The very hot conditions in the Western Cape have led to a noticeable increase in cases of diarrhea, dehydration, and pneumonia in children.
It is most probably the first warning of its kind in South Africa.
Western Cape Government Health spokesperson Sandra Maritz said while the extremely hot weather can be intolerable, it is young children who often bear the brunt of it.
“The very hot conditions experienced in many parts of the Western Cape have led to a noticeable increase in the number of children brought to Western Cape Health’s facilities with symptoms like diarrhea, dehydration, and pneumonia.
Maritz said they usually see a spike in children treated for diarrhoeal disease from November to March.
“As we enter February, usually the hottest month, the Department is advising adults to be extra watchful over children. When your child has a runny tummy, he/she may have diarrhea.
“Unclean hands can spread viruses that cause diarrhea. During hot summer days, food can easily get spoilt. If eaten, this can also cause diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. As children can dehydrate very quickly, it can be life-threatening,” she said
Dozens of kids rushed to KZN hospital – after eating ‘toxic batch’ of lollipops
The Department of Basic Education in KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed that at least 46 children – and possibly as many as 85 – had to receive emergency medical treatment this week, after they consumed an illness-inducing batch of lollipops.
The primary school learners are believed to have purchased the toxic stock of confectionary on their way to school. Dozens of those affected complained about severe stomach cramps, whereas others were vomiting.
It’s understood the lollipops came from one vendor, and she is someone who has operated near the school for a while. However, the sweet produce gave these pupils very little to smile about.
Thankfully, there is one saving grace to this unpleasantness. Every child who reported to the hospital only showed mild symptoms, and none were kept overnight for further observation.
‘Domkop’: Shivambu TROLLED for questioning Zondo’s JSC interview
EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu is being taken to task by some Twitter users after complaining about Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo being interviewed last by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) for the Chief Justice post.
It’s no secret that Shivambu and other EFF leaders, including Julius Malema, are no fans of Zondo, having accused him of pursuing a political agenda.
Zondo is one of four people who are vying to become the Chief Justice at the Constitutional Court. The post was left vacant after Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng retired in October 2021.
The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) is conducting interviews for the coveted seat until Friday, 4 February 2022, after which President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce his pick.
Two paramedics shot at in KZN and rushed to ICU
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of a young man who fled after shooting two paramedics during an attempted robbery at KwaMashu Community Health Centre (CHC) in the early hours this morning.
KZN Health spokesperson, Ntokozo Maphisa said it is alleged that the gunman gained access into the Emergency Medical Services base (situated inside KwaMashu CHC) by scaling a 1.8m perimeter fence, at about 02h30.
When he confronted a paramedic and demanded a cellphone, the man resisted. A scuffle ensued and a 55 year-old paramedic was shot in the abdomen.
After hearing the gunshot, other paramedics and security officials rushed out and got engaged in another tussle with the gunman, who fired another shot, hitting the second paramedic, aged 58, in the chest.
PRASA audit exposes 3000 ghost employees and fake nationalities
From train collisions and their vandalisation, stolen infrastructure and now ghost employees, it seems the embattled Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) woes never end.
PRASA has revealed that since 2020 it may have been paying 3000 ghost employees registered as permanent on its system.
The entity’s new board held a media briefing on Tuesday to announce its plans to root out corruption.
During the briefing, board chairperson, Leonard Ramatlakane said there are employees who have been getting salaries that they can not account for and where they are. This was revealed by Operation Ziveze where employees were required to produce their qualifications and come with their supervisors in order to be paid their salaries.
“A skills audit revealed only 14 000 employees (even though the board was told the entity has 17 000) showed up with the necessary qualifications and confirmed their employment,” he said.