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Getting the flu vaccine and taking care of yourself by ensuring a healthy lifestyle are the two best ways to reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu this winter.

Getting your annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against flu and serious complications, says the Western Cape Delft Community Health Centre’s dietician, Tanja Venter.

She said you can also help your body to fight off infections by eating a well-balanced diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

With South Africa’s COVID-19 cases increasing ahead of the predicted fifth wave and cold winter months around the corner, government continues to urge the public to get vaccinated against the virus and stay up to date with their booster shots.

According to Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, on 25 April South Africa recorded a 137% increase in new COVID-19 cases, compared with the previous seven days, driven mainly by higher rates of infection in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

From The Union Buildings

The South African economy, like any other economy, cannot function, let alone grow, without efficient and competitive network industries. These industries – which include electricity, water, transport and telecommunications – are the arteries through which the oxygen of the economy runs.

The Mpumalanga province will host the third instalment of the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Izimbizo.

The Imbizo will take place on Friday, 20 May 2022, in the small town of Carolina in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality under the Gert Sibande District.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Ministry said the Mpumalanga Presidential Imbizo follows a series of successful episodes of the Presidential Izimbizo in both the North West and Free State provinces respectively.

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has committed to checking on the Global Fund Grant to ensure that it is implemented in a quality manner and that the country utilises the funding received efficiently.

Minister Phaahla said this recently while officiating the signing of the new Global Fund grant valued over R8.8 billion for the next three-year cycle for the country’s response to HIV and tuberculosis (TB).

“I urge our implementers to make South Africa proud and utilise the money accountably and effectively ensure that services are reaching the communities in need.

Government departments tabled their 2022/23 financial year budgets in mid-May. Vuk’uzenzele shares some highlights.

Higher education, science and innovation

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, announced a budget of R130.1 billion to be distributed between six programmes, namely administration, planning, policy and strategy, university education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), skills development and community education and training.

The first 1 000 days – from conception to the age of two – are the most important to ensure a child’s best growth and development.

Midwives – trained health professionals who help pregnant women and assist during labour, delivery and after the baby’s birth – are available at public hospitals to assist expectant mothers.

“As midwives, we do regular check-ups, such as urine, blood pressure and infection tests,” says Miriam Javan, a midwife at Kraaifontein Hospital in the Western Cape.

Close to 90% of the fires during South Africa’s winter months are caused by human negligence. This is according to Working on Fire spokesperson Ofentse Letswalo. 

Launched in 2003, Working on Fire is an Expanded Public Works Programme that is run by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Letswalo says the winter months have more fire incidents as people try to keep warm. Candles, open flames, braziers and dry winter grass increase the fire risk. 

In November 2020, the Constitutional Court extended the inclusion of domestic workers into the Compensation Fund and the new rules took effect in 2021. 

This means that domestic workers are now eligible for work-related injury, illness and death compensation.

“The Compensation Fund is there to assist workers if they are injured, contract a disease or die on duty. Domestic workers or their dependents can claim from the Compensation Fund,” says Compensation Fund Director for Communication and Stakeholder Management Hlonitshwa Mpaka. 

The South African Post Office (Sapo) will no longer pay beneficiaries of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant at its branches.

In a recent statement, the Post Office said this move will result in shorter queues at its branches.

“The new round of applications for the SRD grant has opened.  The application app now includes an option where beneficiaries can receive their grant from any Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers or USave merchant,” Sapo said.