Gauteng experiences sharp increase in malaria cases and fatalities
via The Citizen2 min read
The Gauteng Department of Health has issued a warning regarding a significant rise in malaria cases and associated deaths across the province, urging residents to be vigilant and seek prompt treatment. Between January and December 2025, Gauteng recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths. However, in the first three months of 2026 alone, the province has already reported 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, a notable increase from 230 cases and one death during the same period in 2025. Health officials link this surge to increased travel during the festive season, with many residents visiting malaria-endemic regions and returning infected. Residents who have traveled to high-risk areas like Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi are advised to be particularly cautious. The department stresses that malaria is preventable and treatable, but delayed diagnosis can be fatal. Symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, especially after travel, warrant immediate medical attention. Preventive measures, including insect repellent and protective clothing, are also recommended. As World Malaria Day approaches on April 25, 2026, the GDoH is calling on residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families, while continuing to monitor the situation and strengthen public health interventions.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
A cabinet reshuffling is expected in the Limpopo provincial government, with Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba reportedly considering changes. Three Members of the Executive Council MECs are identified as potentially being removed: Jerry Maseko, MEC for sports, art and culture; Violet Mathye, MEC for roads and community safety; and Dieketseng Mashego, MEC for health. These three individuals did not secure positions on the ANC Limpopo provincial executive committee PEC at the party's 11th provincial elective conference, nor were they among the three co-opted members added to the PEC later. Allegations of betrayal, infidelity, and corruption have surfaced regarding those not making the cut. Party insiders suggest Maseko and Mashego are accused of having political disagreements with leaders in their region, while Mathye is criticized for not adhering to regional directives, particularly concerning the appointment of traffic officers based on merit rather than regional lists. Both the ANC Youth League and the South African National Civic Organisation SANCO in Limpopo have called for an immediate cabinet reshuffle to improve service delivery. However, the Limpopo provincial government spokesperson, Ndavhe Ramakuela, stated that no dates have been set for the reconfiguration of the executive council. The ANC in the province, through spokesperson Sebataolo Tonny Rachoene, affirmed that the appointment or adjustment of the Executive Council is the constitutional prerogative of the premier
Michael Currin, Deputy Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System GCIS, emphasized the crucial role of government communicators in shaping public understanding, building trust, and supporting effective service delivery. Speaking at the Mastering the Art of Government Communication course in Pretoria, Currin highlighted that communication can either stabilize or destabilize societies, particularly in an era rife with misinformation and disinformation. He cited the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war as examples where false information and narratives significantly influenced public behavior and geopolitical realities. Currin stressed that communicators act as a bridge between government and citizens and must uphold high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism. The course, a joint initiative by GCIS and the National School of Government, aims to professionalize government communication and equip officials with skills to operate in volatile information environments. Craig Jansen from the National School of Government noted that a pilot program in 2024/25 was successful, training approximately 100 officials, including Media Liaison Officers and Heads of Communication. The program is slated for official launch in May by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi.
Must ReadAlmost 18 months after food poisoning incidents led to the deaths of over 20 children, no one has been held accountable. Authorities attributed the deaths to organophosphates and poor food storage at spaza shops. While four individuals were arrested in October 2024, Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi clarified these arrests were for illegal chemical possession, not directly for the food poisoning. The Ministry of Police, in response to a parliamentary question from uMkhonto weSizwe Party's Htombenhle Mbele, stated that inquest dockets were opened for all 2024 deaths and similar child deaths since, and all remain under investigation. The ministry explained that an inquest court must determine responsibility before charges can be laid. Mbele urged the ministry to expedite investigations to reassure the public and ensure accountability. The ministry affirmed that progress would be communicated in collaboration with Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster partners, aiming to keep communities informed and uphold justice.
Must ReadSouth Africa faces a severe water crisis, attributed to systemic and institutional weaknesses at the municipal level, according to Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina. She clarified that municipalities, as Water Services Authorities, are constitutionally responsible for water supply, not the Department of Water and Sanitation. The crisis is exacerbated by inadequate maintenance, insufficient and non-ring-fenced budgets, and significant non-revenue water due to leaks, illegal connections, and poor management. Criminal networks, often referred to as the “water tanker mafia,” exploit these vulnerabilities, particularly where prolonged reliance on emergency water tankers creates opportunities for abuse. Governance failures, including the blurring of Water Services Authority and Water Services Provider functions within municipalities and the diversion of water revenues, further weaken accountability and financial sustainability. To address these issues, the government is implementing reforms. The Water Services Amendment Bill aims to clarify responsibilities, while the National Treasury has introduced a R54 billion performance-based Trading Services Grant for metropolitan municipalities, effective from the 2025/26 financial year. Access to this grant requires approved turnaround plans, ring-fencing of water revenues, and measurable improvements in service reliability. Joint law enforcement initiatives are targeting illegal connections and criminal activities. Additiona