Strove — a brand-new benefit for Maverick Insider members
What if supporting our journalism meant more to you than just relying on a trusted news source and came with real, tangible rewards (maybe not as tangible as seeing a corrupt minister removed from office, but hey, it's close enough).
A huge part of Daily Maverick's mantra is that journalism should help you navigate life, make better decisions and have richer conversations. And because we want everyone to benefit from our work, our journalism will always remain free.
But now we're offering you something extra for your support.
We're bringing Maverick Insiders a brand-new benefit: exclusive, free access to Strove, the leading wellness and rewards app that pays you back for healthy habits.
Why Strove?
Strove isn't just another app. It's your digital wellbeing companion. Track your movement, join fun challenges, meditate, get personalised nutrition advice and be rewarded for every step you take (literally).
Every healthy action earns you Strove points, which you can swap for vouchers at your favourite shops, restaurants and more.
How does it work?
Move more, feel better: Log your daily activity by syncing with Apple Health, Samsung Health, Fitbit, Strava, Garmin and more. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Strove keeps you moving.
Mindfulness and mental health: Meditate, access sleep support and connect with licensed mental health professionals, all from your phone.
Eat well: Get personalised nutrition plans, consult with dieticians, access a variety of healthy recipes and log your meals to keep your diet on track and your energy up.
Earn real rewards: Every healthy habit earns you points. Redeem them for vouchers at your favourite stores – whether you're grabbing a coffee at Bootlegger, Vida, Starbucks or Mugg & Bean; need a bit of extra relief at Checkers or Pick n Pay; want to spoil yourself at iStore, Cape Union Mart, Poetry or Dermalogica; or treating yourself to dinner at Col'Cacchio, Spur, Fishaways or Nando's. And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the rewards partners waiting for you.
We've put together the full list of rewards partners here.
Compete and connect: Join leaderboards, build streaks, unlock badges and challenge fellow Insiders, (or just quietly track your progress at your own pace – that's okay too).
Privacy first: You're in control of your own data, always. We guarantee your information stays secure and confidential.
How to get started?
Become a Maverick Insider from just R200 per month and unlock Strove, plus all the usual perks, such as:
Ad-free browsing;
Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates;
Free delivery and 10% off from the DM Shop;
Up to 50% off DM events;
Free DM168 e-edition and discounted delivery; and
The knowledge that you're making a difference.
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Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Deepfake of renowned SA physician used to promote bogus heart medicine
''The [deepfake video] has me saying anti-vax things… This company has just pounced on me, and they're not letting me go,' said Abdool Karim. A deepfake video, generated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, is using the likeness of the renowned South African physician Prof Salim Abdool Karim to push disinformation about Covid-19 vaccines and promote a bogus heart medicine on social media. Abdool Karim, the director of the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (Caprisa), has refuted the contents of the video and reiterated that Covid-19 vaccines are safe. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 'The [deepfake video] has me saying anti-vax things… This company has just pounced on me, and they're not letting me go. They are using me, and I think they're using me because it's good for their sales,' Abdool Karim told Daily Maverick. Caprisa said, 'Neither Abdool Karim nor Caprisa have endorsed any medicines for any company.' Snake-oil remedy It's the second time the scam company has used an AI deepfake video of Abdool Karim to market its product, with the previous video emerging around September last year. Before that, it used a still image of him on posters for the fake cure, shared on social media. The most recent deepfake video gives the appearance of an SABC news report in which Abdool Karim responds to a presenter. The AI-generated Abdool Karim gives a false account of blood clots linked to Covid-19 vaccines, before encouraging viewers to 'cleanse' their blood vessels using 'a unique formula, breakthrough remedy, that dissolves all types of clots after just one treatment cycle'. Despite the continued misuse of his identity, Abdool Karim said that little legal recourse could be pursued against those responsible. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 'When [the adverts] first came out, I was furious and I said, 'I'm going to spare no cost in going after these guys'… We hired people to go and investigate it. We spent quite a bit of money, and when … we were getting close to figuring things out, we realised actually, this is best described by a fairground game called Whack-a-Mole,' he said. 'When you try to stop one, another emerges. So, there's no end to this.' The investigating team linked the scam to a Tanzanian company with a warehouse in Midrand, Johannesburg, but just as it narrowed down its search, the operation closed down and disappeared. A few weeks later, another advert using Abdool Karim's image emerged, seemingly shared by the same group. 'We tried to take out an injunction against them, but it proved to be a real challenge because we don't know who we're taking out an injunction against,' said Abdool Karim. 'I realised you actually have no legal recourse against these people, because it's not an established firm. It's not trading on any reputation. It's trading on my reputation because they have no reputation of their own. They're just a fly-by-night… There's nothing that creates an opportunity for us because they're not legal.' The scam company uses paid adverts on Facebook to circulate its marketing material, according to Abdool Karim. From there, users of the platform share the posters or videos on other social media platforms, including WhatsApp. After each advert, Abdool Karim gets up to 20 emails from members of the public seeking to buy the fake medicine, or reporting side effects as a result of its use. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 'No stone unturned' In a statement released on Thursday, 26 June, the National Department of Health said it was aware of the AI-generated video of Abdool Karim that undermined the safety of Covid-19 vaccines. 'According to our information, these actions are meant to hoodwink members of the public into buying fake heart medicine. This is done through mail order, and the fake product is obviously not working or is making people feel even sicker,' said the health department. 'Minister [of Health Dr Aaron] Motsoaledi condemns in the strongest terms possible the fake news campaign by these charlatans with business interests, who for their nefarious reasons are determined to create confusion among the people for the sake of immoral profiteering.' Motsoaledi encouraged the public to rely on vaccines approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) and the National Department of Health. The department said it would leave 'no stone unturned' in combating the efforts of the scam company. Caprisa urged members of the public to: Refer to credible sources such as Caprisa, Sahpra, the Department of Health or a trusted, registered healthcare professional for accurate health information; Verify the authenticity of health claims, products and possible actions that are being recommended; Report any instances of fake news found online directly to the hosting social media platform, such as X, Facebook or TikTok; and Refrain from sharing fake news images, videos or messaging on mobile chat groups. Social media and health disinformation Abdool Karim noted that while there was a long history of disinformation in health, recent years had seen these narratives becoming more organised. Those sharing disinformation no longer had to depend on mainstream media, where fact-checking acted as a barrier to many false claims. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 'Covid was a turning point, and what [happened during] Covid was that disinformation … became organised and it became amplified through social media,' he said. The 'moguls of social media' had effectively resisted controls and regulations on their platforms, said Abdool Karim, citing the example of a recent development in Canada where the government rescinded a tax on big US technology firms due to US President Donald Trump threatening to call off negotiations over a trade deal. 'That just tells you how much [Trump] is in the pocket of these social media moguls, and they will not tolerate any regulation. They will fight regulation in any country … because they see it as … affecting their bottom line,' he said. 'All of these companies have now either reduced or completely eliminated their curation and fact checking… I actually don't hold out much hope that we can reasonably regulate and control these big companies. Every indication is the opposite. They control everyone else.' Reflecting on the changes that could reduce the spread of disinformation on virtual platforms, Abdool Karim said there should be a warning label on social media pages that had not been fact-checked, showing that the content may not be true. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 'The second thing is that I think we need to educate the next group of youngsters that they should have a high level of healthy scepticism when they go on to social media platforms because I worry that they think it's all real, and that they get sucked into these fake worlds,' he said. 'We have to educate the next generation to understand that everything they see [on social media] should be taken first and foremost … as a lie.' DM
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Strove — a brand-new benefit for Maverick Insider members
Insiders can now have exclusive, free access to Strove, the leading wellness and rewards app that pays you back for being healthy. What if supporting our journalism meant more to you than just relying on a trusted news source and came with real, tangible rewards (maybe not as tangible as seeing a corrupt minister removed from office, but hey, it's close enough). A huge part of Daily Maverick's mantra is that journalism should help you navigate life, make better decisions and have richer conversations. And because we want everyone to benefit from our work, our journalism will always remain free. But now we're offering you something extra for your support. We're bringing Maverick Insiders a brand-new benefit: exclusive, free access to Strove, the leading wellness and rewards app that pays you back for healthy habits. Why Strove? Strove isn't just another app. It's your digital wellbeing companion. Track your movement, join fun challenges, meditate, get personalised nutrition advice and be rewarded for every step you take (literally). Every healthy action earns you Strove points, which you can swap for vouchers at your favourite shops, restaurants and more. How does it work? Move more, feel better: Log your daily activity by syncing with Apple Health, Samsung Health, Fitbit, Strava, Garmin and more. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Strove keeps you moving. Mindfulness and mental health: Meditate, access sleep support and connect with licensed mental health professionals, all from your phone. Eat well: Get personalised nutrition plans, consult with dieticians, access a variety of healthy recipes and log your meals to keep your diet on track and your energy up. Earn real rewards: Every healthy habit earns you points. Redeem them for vouchers at your favourite stores – whether you're grabbing a coffee at Bootlegger, Vida, Starbucks or Mugg & Bean; need a bit of extra relief at Checkers or Pick n Pay; want to spoil yourself at iStore, Cape Union Mart, Poetry or Dermalogica; or treating yourself to dinner at Col'Cacchio, Spur, Fishaways or Nando's. And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the rewards partners waiting for you. We've put together the full list of rewards partners here. Compete and connect: Join leaderboards, build streaks, unlock badges and challenge fellow Insiders, (or just quietly track your progress at your own pace – that's okay too). Privacy first: You're in control of your own data, always. We guarantee your information stays secure and confidential. How to get started? Become a Maverick Insider from just R200 per month and unlock Strove, plus all the usual perks, such as: Ad-free browsing; Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates; Free delivery and 10% off from the DM Shop; Up to 50% off DM events; Free DM168 e-edition and discounted delivery; and The knowledge that you're making a difference.
Daily Maverick
27-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
Frustrated Free State doctors face unemployment after Cuban medical training in systemic crisis
A cohort of young doctors whose training was funded by the Free State government through the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro Bursary programme have been unable to find work in the public health sector upon completing their community service, despite a contractual obligation to serve the province that supported their studies. More than 20 young doctors from the Free State who received training in Cuba through the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro (NMFC) Bursary programme, funded by the provincial health department, have been unable to find work in the public health sector due to a lack of posts. Across South Africa, provincial health departments provide funding for individuals from their respective regions to study medicine through the NMFC Bursary programme. Upon returning from Cuba and completing their internship, beneficiaries are required to serve their local government in the health sector for the number of years for which they were funded. However, about 24 Free State NMFC Bursary holders who completed their community service requirement over the past year have not been able to fulfil their contractual obligation to continue working in the province's public sector, according to *Thabo, a beneficiary of the programme who chose to remain anonymous out of concern for backlash. 'We've been to the [health] MEC's office. We've been to the premier's office. We've spoken with the [head of the Free State health department], and no one seems to be taking accountability. It's just one person bouncing you to the next person… and there's no real sense of urgency about what's happening on the ground in the hospitals, with the [staff] shortages, the patients or even us, as their investments,' he said. Waiving obligations The cohort of NMFC Bursary beneficiaries sent a memorandum of demands to the Free State premier and MEC for health in January, pushing for immediate appointments in local health facilities. In a letter responding to this memorandum, seen by Daily Maverick, head of the Free State health department Masechaba Sesing stated: 'It is true that the bursary policy places a contractual obligation on both parties to either offer employment to bursary holders upon completion of their studies, provided that there are vacant funded posts in the department, and on the bursary holder to work back the bursary for the period of the bursary granted, should the department offer a post within three months from date of completion of the studies. 'Should the department not be in a position to offer employment within three months from date of completion, the bursary holder is released from the bursary obligation.' Thabo claimed that the three-month limit on the state's obligation to employ post-community service bursary holders was a new development, not featured in beneficiaries' original contracts. In a second letter from the NMFC Bursary cohort, addressed to Sesing and dated 7 March 2025, the graduates entreated the provincial health department to find a strategy to retain them in the public sector. 'For [the] Free State, each graduate costing approximately R1,137,500 to R1,750,000 is a tailored asset to address our province's dire healthcare gaps. Yet, without a robust retention strategy, we risk losing these doctors to urban centres or other provinces, undermining… the province's investment, the ANC mandate and the vision of Mandela and Castro,' stated the letter. Thabo claimed that the Free State health department had not advertised any positions for young, post-community service doctors since January. Driving away assets It's not only NMFC Bursary holders who are struggling to get public sector posts, but also those from other state-funded bursary programmes that support medical training in Russia, China and South Africa, according to Thabo. 'We're adults now — some of us have families, some of us are married, some of us have kids. Even if you have savings and you're projecting that for at least three months you'll be okay… then three months pass by and there's still nothing,' he said. 'With the number of unemployed post-community service medical officers, you can only imagine how many of us are looking for work.' The situation had taken its toll on the mental wellbeing of graduates, said Thabo, with many experiencing depression and anxiety. 'You become hopeful and it gets crushed. You reach out for help and you're treated like… a nobody, like you don't have any value… And you know the skillset you possess, you know the impact you make,' he said. 'You hear from your colleagues [in the public sector]… how overwhelmed they are, and you have the ability to help, but you can't because you're not in the system.' Since completing his community service last year, Thabo has found work outside the Free State in the private sector. However, he noted that the large number of young doctors flocking to private facilities increased the likelihood of exploitation. 'The issue with private, now, is… they know we're unemployed, we're desperate. Instead of giving us the rate per hour that they normally give, they reduce it because they know we'll take whatever we can get. So, it's tough financially,' he said. 'I'd love to come back home [to the Free State]. There's so much potential. We're running behind on so many things — the infrastructure, the development. I'd like to be there and be able to contribute to the primary healthcare system in general… But if I'm not allowed the opportunity, then obviously self-preservation is going to come into play.' Free State Department of Health Mondli Mvambi, the spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health, acknowledged that there were graduates of the NMFC Bursary programme that the department hadn't been able to employ. 'The necessary human resources processes must be followed in appointing the students. Posts must be advertised and each person [has] to apply. The department does not get enough funding from the Division of Revenue to meet all its human resources and other pressing service delivery needs,' said Mvambi. 'The department has commenced the process to identify savings within the Compensation of Employees' budget to identify posts that can be filled within the [Medium-Term Expenditure Framework] period.' If the Free State Department of Health is unable to employ bursary beneficiaries within three months of them completing their studies, the young doctors are permitted to 'ply their trade' in other provinces, the private sector, the national Department of Health or overseas, according to Mvambi. 'This [NMFC Bursary] programme contributes immensely to the human resources development strategy of the country… The role of the state is… to create an enabling environment, and training is one such enabling environment. The creation of employment opportunities is beneficial to the development needs of all our provincial citizens, South Africans, Africans and the international community,' he said. Broader challenges The Free State is not the only province struggling to provide posts for state-funded bursary holders who have completed their community service requirement. Dr Percy Mahlathi, deputy director-general for hospital services and human resources in the national Department of Health, told Daily Maverick that the department was 'fully aware' of the issue. 'It is not limited to students who were studying overseas or in Cuba. Even those who are studying in our own medical schools, funded by the various provinces, are facing the same challenge,' he said. Health officials, including the current and previous ministers of health, have engaged with the National Treasury about prioritising doctors who have just completed their community service, according to Mahlathi. However, he noted that employing these young professionals after internship and community service was not a statutory obligation. 'The moral obligation is there, but a contractual obligation is no longer there. I'm saying moral obligation because when you've got such a huge… patient load in the public health system, you would like to have… as many health professionals as possible. But the problem we then have is: When you don't have enough financial resources, what do you do?' said Mahlathi. Processes around the budget that was tabled on 21 May have yet to be finalised in Parliament. Once complete, Mahlathi said he hoped there would be a funding allocation that would allow the health departments to employ 'most, if not all' the doctors who had recently completed their community service. 'I do know that once the provinces get funding allocations, they are going to prioritise those who they have funded to study… I know when you are a doctor out there, funded or not, you want a job, but if we look from the public value point of view, there's been an investment in those who are given bursaries, and therefore they should be prioritised,' he said. At this stage, Mahlathi was unable to confirm when budget allocations would allow for the employment of post-community service doctors, or how many young professionals would receive opportunities. He estimated there were close to 1,300 such doctors awaiting employment. 'With all these ups and downs with the budget… it actually became a serious problem for the provinces. Very few people were able to be employed,' he said. The national Department of Health had asked provincial health departments to work on 'various scenarios' pending the finalisation of funding allocations in the budget, according to Mahlathi. 'They must work out the scenarios so that they don't wait until the allocation lands to start doing the technical work. That's what they are busy with now,' he said. Mahlathi said he was against any changes to the country's bursary programmes for medicine, such as a reduction in the number of beneficiaries. 'There are young, brilliant minds of all races that would not be able to study if they did not have that bursary… I don't think it would be a good idea for governments to say, 'Look, we don't have money now, we're going to stop educating South Africans', because we will feel a terrible impact in about eight to 10 years, when we've actually got less [graduates],' he said. Dr Aslam Dasoo, the convenor of the Progressive Health Forum, said unemployed graduates of the NMFC Bursary programme were 'organising themselves', and that the forum had reached out to them. 'The bursary is underwritten by the state and the forum will support their stance on the bursary being written off, provided [the graduates] take up positions in the public service for a specified period when posts become available,' said Dasoo. 'It's really the inchoate health department and its political heads who are the obstacle here.' DM
