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A Free State scientist has developed a drought early warning system that integrates indigenous and scientific knowledge to help farmers withstand severe weather.

Climate change is rapidly impacting Africa but a dedicated and innovative scientist, Prof Muthoni Masinde (43) is doing her bit to help the continent withstand drought, using her ITIKI Drought Prediction Tool.

ITIKI, which is an acronym for Information Technology and Indigenous Knowledge with Intelligence, is a bridge that integrates indigenous and scientifi drought forecasting.

A group of Eastern Cape emerging farmers are set to expand their business by 85 percent within five years, after getting a contract to supply sorghum to the makers of Chibuku, a traditional sorghum beer.

Nondobo Agricultural Cooperative started growing sorghum in 2016 following a collaboration with LM Holdings (LMH), a black female-owned company. The partnership created a win-win situation, with Nondobo bringing funding and plenty of land to the table and LMH contributing an uptake agreement for the supply of sorghum.

The ancient profession of midwifery has evolved over the years to encompass more than just the delivering of babies – it also includes the antenatal care needed during pregnancy.

South Africa’s public health system has a comprehensive and efficient midwifery programme which ensures that babies are born healthy and in safe conditions. One of these is the midwife obstetric units (MOUs) programme which has invested in the provision of midwives.

The occupation of midwifery has traditionally been for women but there are a few wonderful male midwives, including a veteran of nearly 30 years.

Over the past 27 years, Joshua Mashiloane (57) has brought countless babies into the world.

He is one of few men who have entered the women-dominated field of midwifery and his love of babies and respect of women and the miracle of birth have ensured that his job is a constant joy to him.

The Sanitary Dignity Programme will have a lasting impact on schools and local communities.

At the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the pilot programme, additional learners in need of support were added to the beneficiaries' list.

A teacher at Nkonkoni Primary School in Umlazi, Sibongile Nxumalo, said the inclusion of her school in the programme is good news.

“Most of our learners come from underprivileged homes and are in desperate need of sanitary pads,” said Nxumalo.

 “Thank you for coming,” says Archbishop Tutu after casting his special vote.

Shortly after 10am on Monday morning, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu walked out of his front door in a jovial mood after casting his special vote.

With the aid of his walking stick, and with a local ward councillor and an official from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) alongside him, the Arch – with a wide smile on his face – waved at the media contingent that was parked outside his gate before blowing a kiss and walking back into his house.

Writer Adaeze Ogechi Ugwu from Pretoria, Gauteng is enjoying the accomplishment of being a published writer.

Her first book, “The Duck Who Thought It Couldn’t Swim”, was published last year before her 10th birthday by AuthorHouse, an international self-publishing company.

Ugwu is the publisher’s youngest author.

The book was written in 2015, when the then seven-year-old Ugwu was struggling to swim.

Gauteng parents and guardians take note – online applications for learners going to Grade One or Grade Eight in 2020 will open at 8am on 13 May and close on midnight on July 15 2019.

Parents can expect an easier application system, thanks to amendments to the newly introduced admissions regulations.

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said that the amendments seek to ensure equitable access to all learners regardless of class, race or language.

“The regulations also define new feeder zones that aim to overcome the apartheid geography,” he said.

Government is committed to Early Childhood Development (ECD), which is globally recognised as the most powerful investment in human capital that a country can make.

“If we are to break the cycle of poverty, we need to educate the children of the poor,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2018 State of the Nation Address (SoNA).

After 1994, substantial work was done both in the public domain and behind the scenes to change South Africa’s laws.

When apartheid officially ended with the first democratic elections in 1994, the single most important task for the newly elected government was to completely transform the legislative framework of the country.