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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
H5N1 bird flu outbreak in South Africa: How dangerous is it, and what are the symptoms?
After a months-long recovery from its worst bird flu outbreak in recent history, South Africa is once again facing a renewed threat. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed that two poultry farms—one in Tswaing (North West province) and another in Mkhondo (Mpumalanga province)—have reported outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. According to a report, currently 1,150 poultry birds have died across the two sites—300 in Tswaing and 850 in Mkhondo. These are South Africa's first confirmed cases of H5N1 since September 2023, when a wave of infections devastated the industry. That outbreak killed nearly a third of the country's chicken flock and cost the poultry sector an estimated R9.5 billion, creating severe shortages of eggs and chicken meat. The impact was so widespread that it rattled the country's food security, with chicken accounting for 66% of all meat consumed in South Africa, according to the Bureau for Food & Agricultural Policy. Global concerns are also rising: the United States continues to battle intermittent bird flu infections, and earlier this year, Brazil—one of the world's top poultry exporters—reported its first case of H5N1 on a commercial farm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo What is H5N1 bird flu? H5N1 is a strain of type A avian influenza virus, commonly referred to as bird flu. It primarily affects birds, especially farmed poultry such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese. However it can also, on rare occasions, infect humans. The virus spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, feces, and contaminated surfaces like cages, feed, clothing, and farming equipment. It poses a serious threat to both poultry production and public health when not contained swiftly. Although H5N1 can infect humans, it does not easily transmit from birds to humans and almost never spreads from person to person. As per a CDC data, since 1997, H5N1 virus have been reported in 23 countries since 1997 with a case fatality proportion of >50%, making the infection serious. For birds, it is more serious where a single outbreak can lead to the mass death or culling of entire flocks, often within days. Symptoms of H5N1 infection in humans While most people who contract H5N1 have had direct contact with infected poultry, the illness can escalate quickly. The incubation period (the time between exposure and onset of symptoms) is typically 2 to 5 days, but can last up to a week. In case of humans, early symptoms mimic those of seasonal flu and may include: fever above 100.4°F (38°C), persistent cough, muscle aches, fatigue and malaise, and sore throat or hoarseness. However, in more severe cases, patients may experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, diarrhea or upset stomach, chest pain, difficulty breathing, altered mental state or seizures, and rapid respiratory symptoms can progress quickly, and many severe cases result in pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death if not treated immediately. How does H5N1 spread? Activities like slaughtering poultry, handling dead birds, visiting live animal markets, or even touching contaminated surfaces can result in transmission. The virus can enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth, or through inhalation of airborne particles from dried feces. Importantly, cooked poultry and eggs do not transmit the virus, as long as they are cooked thoroughly—at least 165°F (74°C) for meat and until both yolks and whites are firm for eggs. There is currently no routine vaccine for humans affected by H5N1, a few vaccines have been approved for people directly related with the industry such as poultry farm workers and veterinarians.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
SA might run out of chicken as bird flu import row ruffles feathers
Sampa has warned that processed meat producers will soon run out of MDM because of a disagreement between South Africa and Brazil over the technicalities of lifting the ban on imports. Outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in different parts of the world have caused a division among key players in the poultry industry, with some believing the South African government must be stricter on banning imports from the countries, while some believe that if a stricter ban is imposed, the country will suffer. Countries that have experienced an outbreak of the bird flu include Brazil and the United States. However, some states in the two countries do not have the disease, making chicken from those states safe to eat. South Africa gets most of its chicken from the two countries. The Department of Agriculture has taken certain steps against imports from Brazil and the US. However, the South African Poultry Association (Sapa) has criticised these steps. ALSO READ: Bird flu: Government lifts ban on most chicken imports from Brazil Chicken imports from the US The department granted US authorities a concession to determine for themselves which states can export chicken to South Africa. A move that Sapa has asked the department to withdraw. 'These decisions have been taken by the Department of Agriculture, based on US notifications to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH). 'However, the department has now allowed the US to self-impose and self-lift bird flu restrictions. This decision, quietly implemented three months ago with no consultation with the domestic industry, is an alarming abdication of its responsibility to defend South Africa's poultry sector,' said Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of Sapa's Broiler Organisation. Is chicken from the US safe? Breitenbach added that all states that produce chicken in the US have been affected, and 27 of those states are currently banned by the South African authorities from exporting poultry to this country. He stresses that by granting the US the right to determine its own disease status and export policies, the department has created a serious conflict of interest. 'The risk is palpable: a country grappling with widespread outbreaks of bird flu can now prioritise its own interests and potentially expose South Africa to the very disease that cost this industry R9.5 billion and wiped out 30% of its long-living chicken flock in 2023.' Reckless move Sapa has labelled the department's decision 'reckless'. 'This is an unprecedented and reckless shift that compromises South Africa's disease-free status and threatens both food security and the future sustainability of the poultry sector. 'It sets a dangerous precedent that other large-scale poultry exporters, such as the European Union and Brazil, could soon demand the same latitude, leaving the South African poultry industry further exposed to devastating disease outbreaks,' he added. Breitenbach emphasises that the decision poses a risk, as SA can experience an outbreak due to chicken imports from countries with the disease. ALSO READ: Bird flu: worry not, it is safe to eat eggs and chicken Chicken running out The South African Meat Processors Association (Sampa) has warned that processed meat producers will soon run out of Mechanically Deboned Meat (MDM) because of a disagreement between South Africa and Brazil over the technicalities of lifting the ban on imports. Sampa chairperson, Gordon Nicoll said this disagreement will likely result in shortages of chicken on supermarket shelves. 'Optimism had risen among besieged meat processors last week when South Africa announced that it would partially lift the ban and accept poultry and poultry products from provinces not affected by bird flu. 'But a refusal by Brazilian authorities to accept the proposed wording on South Africa's Import Health Certificate means Brazilian poultry is still unavailable to importers and manufacturers over a week later.' MDM comes from Brazil Nicoll highlighted that Brazil is the world's largest producer of MDM, with 95% of MDM imported over the last 12 years coming from Brazil. MDM is used in the manufacture of polony, viennas, Russians, braai wors, bangers, frozen burgers, meat pies and corned meat, among others. 'With beef prices significantly up as well as chicken being dearer, meat and protein have become much more expensive for South Africans. 'In a country where malnutrition is a real problem and where most of the population is struggling to survive, this is catastrophic.' NOW READ: Will SA run out of beef and chicken? Animal disease hits SA's top producer — what it means for consumers
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Lottery corruption: SIU granted order against pension of former NLC official
A former National Lotteries Commission COO is linked to a R6 million payment for a sports facility that was never built. A court has granted a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) request to prevent a senior National Lotteries Commission official from accessing their pension. The order resulted from the SIU's investigation into a R6 million payment made to a sports foundation based in Soweto. This matter is part of a larger SIU investigation into potentially irregular NLC payments exceeding R1 billion. R6 million wasted Former NLC COO Sanele Dlamini was dismissed in November after being linked to an irregular lotto grant payment. The order granted to the SIU prevents Dlamini from accessing his pension as a way of recovering a portion of the payment made to the sports foundation. Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation received millions from the NLC for a sports facility that was never built. '[The order] limits the risk of a hollow judgment if funds were released, noting concerns that Mr Dlamini may lack sufficient assets to satisfy future claims,' stated the SIU. Motheo was given R6 million towards the failed facility, and Dlamini's retirement fund has been given 60 days to disclose the value of his pension. 'This preservation is intended to ensure that funds remain available for potential recovery should the SIU succeed in its claim,' the entity concluded. SIU recovery efforts The order against Dlamini is just one facet of a larger investigation that is set to conclude by the end of the year. As of May 2025, R9.5 million had been recovered by the SIU, but phase three of the investigation will target matters worth a combined R900 million. Phase one of the NLC investigation scrutinised payments totalling roughly R279 million, while phase two had an estimated payment value of R246 million. The NLC is in the midst of a period of transition as parties vie for the licence to operate the nation's lottery processes. The NLC awarded the lottery licence to a new service provider at the end of May, but also granted the existing operators a 12-month temporary licence to facilitate a smooth transition. NOW READ: Lotto: Retailers complain as Ithuba claims 'seamless transition'
IOL News
14-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
How austerity measures are undermining education rights in South Africa
Breadline Africa says there's no excuse for any child in South Africa to still be using a pit latrine at school. Image: Supplied The rights of pupils in government schools in South Africa are being violated, while the years of austerity measures implemented by the National Treasury have devastatingly affected the quality, accessibility, and equity of education across the country. The National Teachers Union (Natu) stated that 'education is a right, not a budget line'. Natu general secretary Doctor Ngema said the constitutional right to basic education, enshrined in Section 29 of the Constitution, is systematically eroded. Ngema said during the 2023/24 financial year, over 23,000 posts in provincial education departments across the country were cut, with the total number of unfilled but funded vacancies exceeding 46,000. 'This has led to dangerously overcrowded classrooms, where learners are deprived of individual attention and teachers are stretched beyond capacity. Due to years of budget cuts, we now face chronic underfunding and infrastructural decay, resulting in many schools having dilapidated classrooms and a lack of basic amenities such as toilets and electricity,' he said. Earlier this year, more than 2,400 teacher posts were cut in the Western Cape, resulting in legal action against the Department of Education in the province. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Sadtu said the austerity measures and budget cuts have resulted in overcrowded classrooms that hinder effective teaching and learning. The lack of substitute teachers has increased the workload for the remaining educators, negatively impacting their health. In May, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the provincial education sector baseline over the 2025 MTEF is R1.04 trillion, and R9.5 billion will be added over the medium term to keep teachers in classrooms and hire more staff. Godongwana said an additional R10 billion has been added to the baseline as announced during the March 12 Budget to expand access to early education. The minister said this will increase the ECD subsidy from R17 per child per day to R24. The extra funding will also support increased access to ECD for 700,000 more children, up to the age of five years. Public interest law centre, Section27, said building a nation starts in classrooms, and the Budget marks a significant shift from years of harsh austerity. While not without gaps, this Budget reflects pressure from communities and civil society to put the people of South Africa at the centre of South Africa's budget priorities. For Budget 3.0 to mark a real turning point, its promises must be delivered, especially at the provincial level, where services are meant to reach people. The centre said the education sector has experienced chronic underfunding, with per-learner spending declining in real terms over the past decade. 'This year's allocation to Basic Education rises from R325 billion to R347 billion - a 6.7% nominal increase, translating to a real increase of 2.6% after inflation.' While Section27 welcomed this as the largest basic education increase in years, the centre said it follows a period of sustained underfunding. 'As a result, this allocation alone is not enough to fully address overcrowded classrooms, infrastructure backlogs, and chronic teacher shortages in public schools.' According to the centre, per pupil, government spending will increase nominally from 2024/25's R24,230.58 to R25,669.53 in 2025/26. 'However, once adjusted for inflation, per learner spending will actually decline to R23,755.34 in 2025/26 - highlighting the ongoing erosion of real investment.' Natu stated that the promises to improve infrastructure have not materialised, leaving pupils in unsafe and undignified conditions. Last month, Breadline Africa, a non-profit organisation that has launched a nationwide campaign to eradicate pit toilets in schools, warned that more than 500,000 pupils are estimated to still rely on dangerous and unhygienic pit toilets at their schools in various parts of the country. The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) said progress has been slow in eliminating pit toilets in South African schools. Unfortunately, some pupils have lost their lives because of pit toilets, which continue to put other pupils in danger if not eradicated, it said. 'To push the government for urgent intervention in eradicating pit latrines, Fedusa would like the government and responsible departments to think of the families of the 5-year-old Viwe Jali from the Luna Primary School in Bizana, Eastern Cape Province, who fell into a pit latrine on 12 March 2018 and passed away, Michael Komape who fell into a pit toilet at his school on 20 January 2014, and drowned, and Langalam Viki, a 3-year-old who died after falling into a pit toilet at Mcwangele Primary School in Vaalbank village in the Eastern Cape, 6 March 2023.' While acknowledging the Sanitation Appropriate for Education initiative (SAFE) by the Department of Basic Education, Fedusa believes more can be done to address the issue. Robert Erasmus, managing director of Sanitech, a portable toilet hire company, said that the slow rate of pit latrine eradication in South African schools is attributed to budgetary, logistical, and infrastructural challenges. 'Funding allocation at a provincial level often sees delays in execution due to bureaucratic red tape, complex tender processes, and financial mismanagement,' he said. Erasmus said many affected schools are located in remote, rural areas where finding reputable contractors is a challenge. 'Local municipalities also struggle with procurement processes that require locally sourced resources, further delaying progress,' he said. Despite these challenges, Erasmus said innovative sanitation technologies offer hope and provide safer and more hygienic alternatives to traditional pit latrines. He said the Khusela unit features a rotating bowl, a replaceable bladder to prevent waste exposure, and microbiological products that treat waste while eliminating odours. Its elliptical shape optimises space and waste containment, making it ideal for schools. 'This solution also aims to ensure safety and dignity, especially for school environments where tragic incidents have occurred,' he said. Given the government's slow progress, Erasmus said the private sector must step up to bridge the gap. He said in 2022, South African companies allocated R10.9 billion to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, with half of these funds directed toward education. 'By channelling a portion of this budget to sanitation infrastructure, corporates can expedite the eradication of pit latrines while enhancing their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings,' said Erasmus. According to Erasmus, CSI initiatives offer the advantage of bypassing bureaucratic hurdles, allowing for faster implementation. Businesses can guarantee successful project implementation by partnering with trusted sanitation companies, he said. For example, the Khusela unit offers a budget-friendly and functional improvement as it is adaptable for use with current Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines. 'Eradicating pit latrines in South African schools requires a multi-faceted approach. While the government must fulfil its commitment to replacing these facilities by the proposed deadlines, the urgency of the situation calls for immediate action. Corporate South Africa, through CSI initiatives, can play a pivotal role in accelerating progress. By investing in innovative, cost-effective solutions, businesses can ensure that no child has to risk their life or dignity to attend school,' said Erasmus. The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) stated that Section 34(1) of Chapter 4 of the South African Schools' Act, (Act 84 of 1996) states: 'The State must fund public schools from public revenue on an equitable basis in order to ensure the proper exercise of the rights of learners to education and the redress of the past inequalities in education provision.' In addition, the union said Section 28(2) of the SA Constitution further affirms that a child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child. With regard to the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act (Act No. 32 of 2024), Theresa Michael, a key advocate in the Afrika Tikkun Bambanani initiative, believes that the BELA Bill presents an opportunity to create a stronger and more inclusive early learning system in the country. The BELA Bill, which amends the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act of 1998, aims to improve school governance and management by addressing compulsory schooling, admissions, language policies, and home-schooling regulations. Michael said that by enforcing national standards and ensuring accountability, the Bela Act can drive improvements in the quality of education that young children receive. 'Our work in upskilling practitioners and equipping centres aligns with the need for structured, high-quality early learning environments. If implemented effectively, this act can help bridge the gap between policy and practice, ultimately benefiting the youngest learners,' she said. Similarly, Tessa Forman, who has been at the forefront of empowering practitioners through training and mentorship at the organisation, sees the BELA Act as a catalyst for meaningful change. 'Many ECD centres operate without the necessary oversight, leading to inconsistencies in teaching quality and resource allocation. The act, if supported with the right implementation strategies, could provide much-needed standardisation and support. At Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, we have witnessed the transformative power of structured training and curriculum implementation. If the government aligns its efforts with organisations like ours, we can ensure that every child gets a fair start in life,' she said. The youth of 2025 are facing challenges with dilapidated classrooms, school infrastructure, and a lack of basic amenities such as toilets, electricity, and safe classrooms. Image: File
The South African
12-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
The quiet Western Cape towns South Africans are semigrating to
If you were wondering where South Africans are semigrating to in 2025, it seems the Western Cape's smaller, country towns are becoming quite popular. According to BusinessTech and property experts from Seeff Property Group, country towns across the Western Cape are experiencing a surge in demand for property as more South Africans wish to opt out of busy city life. This semigration trend was seen, in particular, amongst remote workers, retirees, and families looking for quieter and safer lifestyles. Some of the most popular Western Cape country towns include Barrydale, Bonnievale, Ladismith, Swellendam, Pearly Beach, Riversdale, Gansbaai, Still Bay and Struisbaai. BusinessTech also reported data that showed that over 8 000 property transactions worth nearly R9.5 billion occurred across the Cape countryside last year, with an estimated 90% of these sales coming in under R1.5 million per transaction. 'We're seeing strong interest from all over the country, with nearly 60% of buyers from Gauteng,' Anet Rossouw from Seeff noted, as per BusinessTech . Another 10 percent are from the other South African provinces, with the rest of the buyers being from the Western Cape itself, looking for second homes or future retirement homes. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
