Today is World Birth Defects Day, an annual event aimed at increasing awareness of congenital defects and how they affect families throughout the globe. Dr. Ushma Mehta, a researcher at the Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research and co-principal investigator at the Ubomi Buhle Birth Defects Surveillance Program, was gracious enough to chat with us in honor of this significant day.
The organization Ubomi Buhle, which translates to "beautiful life" in isiXhosa, uses extensive surveillance programs in a number of South African provinces to track, prevent, and treat birth abnormalities. A vision where every kid has the chance to live a beautiful, healthy life is embodied in their mission.
Knowing About Birth Defects: Birth defects are flaws in structure or function that exist from birth and can impact nearly every bodily part. They can affect a child's development, organ function, and outward look. They can be moderate or severe.
Early detection is essential because it enables timely intervention, which can greatly enhance the outcomes for impacted kids. When anomalies are found, Ubomi Buhle collaborates closely with medical facilities to improve detection capacities and guarantee the right referrals.
Impact on the Community and Support Networks
Supporting families impacted by birth abnormalities is another aspect of Ubomi Buhle's work that goes beyond observation and prevention. "For families, receiving a diagnosis can be overwhelming, Ubomi Buhle works to connect them with appropriate medical care, rehabilitation services, support groups, and educational resources to help them navigate their journey."
In order to guarantee that children with birth abnormalities receive the treatment they require to realize their full potential and that families have the means to do so, these support networks are essential.
Every Child's Life Is Beautiful
The promise of Dr. Mehta and the Ubomi Buhle team is embodied in their work, which aims to give every kid a beautiful existence despite any obstacles they may encounter. They provide a paradigm for managing birth abnormalities in environments with limited resources thanks to their all-encompassing approach to observation, prevention, and assistance. As we commemorate future Birth Defects Day, let's pledge to back these initiatives and help create a future where all children can flourish.
In the vibrant art scene of Cape Town, three extraordinary
artists are weaving together cultural heritage, personal narrative, and
environmental consciousness to create works that both honor tradition and push
boundaries. Under the banner of the Click Kollectif (deliberately spelled with
a "K" to pay homage to local Cape Town dialect and Afrikaans language
roots), Yunus Ogier, Reece Atkin, and Andrea Snell are reshaping what South
African art means in the contemporary world.
Yunus Ogier artistic journey spans continents, having
travelled from Cape Town to Indonesia and back again. His two-year art
scholarship in Bali proved transformative, exposing him to wood carving, batik
fabric printing, and deepening his understanding of abstract expression.
For Yunus, art serves as a meditative practice and emotional
release. Working with pen, marker, highlighter, and paint, he creates
predominantly abstract and figurative pieces that reflect his ongoing
exploration of identity and self-expression. His process is deeply personal yet
universally relatable—a visual navigation of lived experience that speaks to
broader themes of cultural connection and personal discovery.
Born and raised in South Africa, Reece Atkin has built a
unique artistic practice that celebrates the intersection of car culture and
indigenous heritage. His studies in automotive design in Japan provided
technical foundation for work that has evolved into a rich visual narrative
about South African identity.
Reece canvases immortalize cars that are far more than mere
vehicles—they're symbols of cultural pride and self-expression, particularly
within Black and Colored communities. By blending his technical expertise with
elements of his Khoisan heritage, Reece creates art that tells intricate
stories about history, identity, and community connection.
Andrea Snell approaches art through an entirely different
lens—one focused on eco-consciousness and spiritual transcendence. As an
eco-multidisciplinary artist, she transforms recycled materials into
thought-provoking pieces that comment on our relationship with the planet.
Andrea's journey into sustainable art began with something
as simple as her mother's discarded mascara. Today, she's a dedicated dumpster
diver, finding beauty and possibility in what others discard. Her intuitive
creative process produces vibrant works featuring silhouettes against
expressive backgrounds, each piece carrying messages about sustainability while
evoking deep emotional responses.
What makes the Click Kolletif truly special is their shared
commitment to community engagement and sustainable practices. These artists
don't just create for galleries—they envision transforming public spaces,
making art accessible to all, and using creative expression as a tool for social
change.
Their collaborative approach nurtures a creative ecosystem
that reflects the intricacies and beauty of South African life. By upcycling
materials and engaging with public spaces, they're not just making art—they're
modelling new ways of relating to our environment and to each other.
Each artist continues to evolve their practice in exciting
ways. Reece is exploring new integrations of car culture with indigenous design
elements. Yunus is pushing his abstract style into new territories of identity
expression. Andrea is expanding her eco-art practice while seeking innovative
ways to bring art into public spaces.
Together, as the Click Kollectif, they represent the dynamic
future of South African art—one that honors cultural heritage while embracing
innovation, sustainability, and community connection.
To follow the Click kollectif journey, find them on
Instagram @click_kollectif_cpt or contact them at clickkollectif@gmail.com.
In a recent discussion about the critical issue of bullying
in schools, experts from various sectors came together to share insights and
solutions. The panel included the spokesperson Bronagh Hammond from the Western
Cape Education Department (WCED), Attorney Pila-sande Mkuzo from the Equal
Education Law Center, and Sadia Southgate, registered counsellor with the
Health Professions Council of South Africa and founder of Authentically
Anchored
The Current State
of Bullying
The WCED said they had 11 officially documented reported
cases this year, though experts agree this number likely understates the true
extent of the problem. According to recent statistics, approximately 58% of
primary school learners are impacted by bullying. Many cases go unreported due
to fear of repercussions or lack of trust in the reporting system.
Forms of Bullying
and Their Impact
Modern bullying has evolved beyond traditional physical
confrontations. It now includes:
Social exclusion
Verbal harassment
Cyberbullying through social media
Physical assault
Distribution of harmful content online
Sadia Southgate highlighted that children as young as 8-10
years old are now reporting anxiety and depression related to bullying.
The psychological
impact often manifests in:
Decreased self-esteem
Depression and anxiety
Social withdrawal
Academic struggles
In severe cases, suicidal thoughts
Available Resources
and Support Systems that the WCED highlighted are:
A confidential hotline (0800454647) for reporting incidents
Counselling services with psychologists and social workers
Behavioural support centres for rehabilitation
Anti-bullying programs and initiatives
Challenges in
Addressing Bullying, several key challenges were identified:
Under-reporting of incidents
Limited access to counsellors in township and rural schools
Overcrowded classrooms
Social media amplifying the impact of bullying
Lack of parental involvement in some cases
Secondary victimization when reporting incidents
Recommended
Solutions, the experts proposed a multi-faceted approach:
School-Level Interventions
Implementing clear anti-bullying policies
Training educators in managing misbehaviour
Creating safe reporting mechanisms
Displaying contact information for support services
Incorporating positive affirmations throughout the school
Community
Involvement
Establishing neighbourhood watch-style systems for student
safety
Creating partnerships between schools and counselling
services
Involving parents in anti-bullying workshops
Preventive
Measures
Early intervention programs
Regular workshops for students, teachers, and parents
Integration of anti-bullying education into the curriculum
Promotion of positive behaviour through extracurricular
activities
A Call to Action
The experts emphasized that addressing bullying requires a
collective effort from all stakeholders - schools, parents, community members,
and students themselves. They particularly stressed the importance of stopping
the sharing of bullying videos on social media, as this causes additional
trauma to victims.
For those seeking help, multiple channels are available:
School counsellors and social workers
The WCED hotline
Equal Education Law Centre’s legal services
Mental health practitioners
Anonymous support services
Remember, creating safe spaces for our children requires
continuous dialogue and collective action. Whether you're a parent, educator,
or community member, you have a role to play in combating bullying and
supporting those affected by it.
Click on the link below to listen to the interview.
Uterine fibroids - a common condition affecting women
worldwide, yet many know little about these benign growths that can
significantly impact quality of life. Recently, fertility specialist Dr.
Waynand van Toner shared valuable information about fibroids, their symptoms,
and treatment options on Sakhisizwe Building the nation Bou die nasie.
Fibroids are benign growths that develop from the smooth
muscle and fibrous tissue of the uterus. According to Dr. van Toner, they
affect approximately 25% of women, with the incidence increasing to 40-45% by
age 40. While primarily a genetic condition, environmental factors can play a
significant role in their development.
"It's more common in women with high estrogenic
diets," explains Dr. van Toner. He notes that modern food production
methods, including hormones given to plants and animals and chemicals in
plastic containers, contribute to increased oestrogen exposure, which stimulates
fibroid growth.
Many women have fibroids without experiencing symptoms, but
the most common warning signs include:
Progressively worsening menstrual pain
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Infertility
Pressure on surrounding organs (bladder, rectum, ureters)
Palpable lumps in the lower abdomen
"Fibroid-related pain with menstruation normally gets
worse and heavier as the years go on," says Dr. van Toner. He emphasizes
that worsening period pain should never be ignored, as it could indicate
fibroids or related conditions like endometriosis, which co-occurs with
fibroids in about 70% of cases.
When women present with symptoms, doctors typically perform:
Clinical gynecological examination
Ultrasound to map the fibroids' size, location, and number
of fibroids.
Dr. van Toner describes a classification system that helps
clinicians document fibroid location within the uterus, which guides treatment
decisions. Not all fibroids require treatment - asymptomatic fibroids are often
monitored rather than treated immediately.
For women experiencing symptoms, several treatment
approaches are available:
Surgical Options:
Myomectomy - Removing fibroids while preserving the uterus
Can be performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive)
Through a Pfannenstiel incision (similar to a C-section cut)
Open surgery for very large fibroids.
Hysteroscopy - Using a scope inserted through the cervix to
remove fibroids bulging into the uterine cavity.
Non-Surgical Interventions:
Uterine Artery Embolization - An interventional radiologist
injects beads to block blood flow to fibroids (not recommended for women
planning future pregnancies)
Ultrasonic Ablation - For fibroids larger than 5cm
Radiofrequency Ablation - A newer technique using a small
needle to treat fibroids transvaginally.
Recovery timeframes vary by procedure:
Open surgery: approximately 6 weeks
Laparoscopic surgery: about 2 weeks
Ablative procedures: less than a week
While Dr. van Toner acknowledges these procedures can cause
pain, he emphasizes that modern pain management is effective. More importantly,
he notes that women who undergo treatment often experience significant relief after
fibroid have been removed.
"You'll feel like a new life is starting for you,"
he says about post-treatment outcomes, as both bleeding and pain typically
improve dramatically.
Dr. van Toner stresses the importance of early intervention:
"It's better to have it seen earlier than later because the later you go,
the more severe the surgery is and more difficult it is."
Young women should have gynaecological check-ups every 2-3
years, with frequency increasing based on specific health concerns. For those
with fibroids, regular monitoring helps track growth rates and determine the
optimal timing for intervention.
Uterine fibroids, while common, shouldn't be ignored. With
proper medical guidance and timely intervention, women can effectively manage
this condition and maintain their reproductive health and quality of life.
If you're experiencing symptoms that might indicate
fibroids, consult with your healthcare provider or a specialist in reproductive
health. Early diagnosis can lead to simpler treatment options and better
outcomes.
For further
information, contact:
Social Media: Dr
Waynand van Toner
Website:
www.drwynandvantoner.co.za
Hope fertility clinic
011 4634833
Click on the link below to listen to the interview:
Understanding CCMA:
Your Guide to Workplace Rights in South Africa
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration
(CCMA) plays a vital role in maintaining fair labor practices in South Africa.
In a recent interview, Western Cape Provincial Senior Commissioner Vusumzi
Landu provided valuable insights into how the CCMA protects both employees and
employers. Here's what you need to know:
What is the CCMA?
The CCMA derives its powers from Section 23 of the South
African Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair labor practices. Its
mandate includes:
Advancing economic development
Promoting social justice
Maintaining labor peace
Supporting workplace democratization
The commission handles various workplace disputes, including
unfair dismissals, unfair labor practices, discrimination cases, and monetary
disputes.
Working Hours and Breaks, the Basic Conditions of Employment
Act establishes clear guidelines:
Standard working week: 45 hours
Standard working day: 9 hours
Mandatory break: 1 hour after working more than 5 hours
Break time can be divided (e.g., two 15-minute tea breaks
and a 30-minute lunch)
Remote Work
Considerations, with remote work becoming more common, employees should:
Maintain availability during agreed working hours
Respond promptly to work communications
Inform employers about schedule changes
Document agreements and communications in writing
Leave Entitlements,
key points about leave:
Employees earn 1 day of leave for every 17 days worked
Leave must be taken within 6 months of accrual
Weekend days and public holidays don't count toward leave
days
Employees can't take leave during notice periods without
agreement
Public holidays falling within leave periods don't count as
leave days
Sick Leave, the CCMA
outlines these sick leave provisions:
36 days of sick leave over a 3-year period
Medical certificates may be required for absences longer
than one day
Some employers require certificates for Monday/Friday
absences
Extended sick leave may be available through company
policies or provident funds
Salary Reviews,
Regarding salary increases:
Not automatically guaranteed unless specified in contract
Minimum wage increases are legally mandated
Employees can negotiate through collective bargaining
Discrimination in salary increases can be disputed through
CCMA
Filing a CCMA
Complaint, when filing a complaint:
Written proof is required
The employer must be served with the same referral
Services are free of charge
For assistance,
contact:
Instagram: CCMA South
Africa
LinkedIn: CCMA South
Africa
TikTok: CCMA South
Africa
Email:
info@ccma.org.za
Phone: 0861 161 616
Remember, understanding your workplace rights
and responsibilities is crucial for maintaining a fair and productive work
environment. The CCMA is there to help both employees and employers navigate
labor relations effectively.
Domestic violence is often seen through the lens of women
and children as victims. However, a powerful new film, Silent Shame, aims to
challenge that perception by focusing on an often-overlooked group—men who
experience abuse. Created by Touched By Style, a community arts group, this
film explores the struggles men face when dealing with domestic violence and
mental health challenges.
Silent Shame tells the story of a devoted husband and
father who discovers that his wife is misusing their finances to fund her
destructive lifestyle. As he grapples with betrayal and emotional turmoil, He is forced to confront his own mental health struggles while fighting to
regain stability. The film dives deep into the psychological impact of abuse,
highlighting how societal stigma often prevents male victims from seeking help.
Men who experience abuse often suffer in silence due to
societal expectations of masculinity. Many fear judgment, disbelief, or even
ridicule if they come forward. Silent Shame aims to challenge these stereotypes
and create a broader conversation about domestic violence affecting all
genders.
Mental health is a crucial theme in Silent Shame. The film
not only portrays the emotional toll of abuse but also sheds light on the
challenges men face in accessing mental health support. By breaking down these
barriers, the creators hope to encourage more men to seek help and recognize
that vulnerability is not a weakness.
Click on the link below to hear the interview with Samantha.
In a world dominated by
screens, and fast-paced lives, the value of genuine human connection is more
vital than ever.
Community organisation MOT
(meaning courage in Norwegian), has launched a month-long campaign (17 February
– 17 March 2025) entitled ‘The Hello Campaign’ which centres around the MOT
core value of the Courage to Care, highlighting the importance of showing care,
kindness and understanding towards others and ourselves. It is focused on
building meaningful connections and the power of having open, heartfelt
conversations.
Bush Radio’s Sakhisizwe
programme spoke virtually to MOT’s country manager, Viola Manuel, who
highlighted the importance of greeting.
‘’MOT focuses on three
values - courage to live, courage to care, and courage to say no – the courage
to care we are given practical ways to show it in the simplest way. Many talk
about greeting and saying hello as a social etiquette. Greeting can boost your
mood, it gets rid of feelings of isolation, etc. There is a very important
social and psychological need for people to greet, but what has been happening
in our communities is the lack of greeting. Our kids noses are plastered in
front of a screen and we lost those social etiquettes that has important in
building a society.
‘’Our slogan is ‘Your
hello actually says so much more than you think.’ Last year we found incredible
report that people who have seen each other so much, but never greeted and when
they decided to speak to each other, it opened up an entire friendship,’’ added
Manuel.
She says people need to
greet more, as young people are often targeted as those who do not greet, but
many adults are guilty as well.
‘’I walk into so many
work places and malls, where they look at you but don’t greet you. Not even a
nod or verbal communication where they acknowledging you as a person I see. We
became so use to walking past each other and yet I find that if I nod, greet
and smile, people engage with you. It is a scourge of discounting people and
not being acknowledged and we must not forget by greeting, eye contact is the
simple thing to show you have respect.’’
Manuel says one should
not feel discouraged if one does not greet back.
‘’When you think of
greeting someone and have this fear, remember not everyone want to engage in
conversation with you. Majority of people don’t greet because they just don’t
greet.’’
‘’All we are looking
for in this ‘Hello Campaign’ is a greeting. It is just to show that we care and
being kind. The difference between the Hello campaign and other campaign is to
be brave enough to say hello, in whatever form – a wave, smile, or by greeting.
In a work place, where it is not promoted, many will think you are weird and
not greet back, but that is where courage comes in.’’
Manuel says even the
campaign is running for a month, she hopes that people will still greet
thereafter.
‘’If you do something
for more than 21 days, it becomes somewhat a habit. If everyone around you does
it, it becomes a habit. Those ‘hello’s’ opens up to new friendship.’’
For more on MOT’s
campaign, visit their social media platforms – MOT South Africa. Alternatively,
email info@mot.org.za or contact them on 021 696 6610
Click on the link if you want to hear more about the campaign :
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