The commemoration of World Mental Health Day (WMHD) on 10th October is aimed at creating public awareness to make mental health a global priority. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2025 is ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies’. This focus highlights the critical need to ensure access to mental health […]
At the end of January 2026 the current National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Shamila Batohi, will reach retirement age of 65. She will leave office with something of a mixed legacy. BP 634 – Choosing the New National Director of Public Prosecutions by Mike Pothier
Climate change is increasingly seen as an emergency issue in the context of children’s rights, as they are uniquely vulnerable to climate change. It significantly impacts children, making them disproportionately vulnerable to its effects due to their unique physiological and developmental needs. BP 633 – Climate Change & Children’s Physical & Mental Health by Lois […]
In July 2025, the United States introduced reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10 per cent to 50 per cent on more than 90 countries. The move, part of a broader reciprocal trade strategy, was designed to pressure countries perceived as maintaining non-reciprocal trade barriers against American exports. In a move that resembled an episode of the […]
The 26th of June is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Annually, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) commemorates this day as Substance Abuse Awareness Day. The use, misuse and abuse of alcohol, illicit drugs, over the counter and prescription medications (OTC/PRE) affect the health and well-being of millions of people […]
Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every day during 2023 over 700 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.1 While South Africa has made efforts to improve maternal health services, including free antenatal care and antiretroviral […]
For low-income families, the dearth of affordable housing in South Africa is more than a headline; it is their lived reality. Despite the notable strides made in delivering housing since 1994, the country remains plagued by deep-seated spatial inequality and urban informality. The housing backlog remains over 2.3 million units, and more than 2.5 million […]
In the sermon at Pope Francis’ funeral, Cardinal BP 628 – In Memoriam – Jorge Mario Bergoglio, ‘a Voice Calling Out…’Re made mention of the Mass which Pope Francis celebrated on the USA/Mexico border in 2016, during his pastoral visit to Mexico. On the flight back to Rome he was asked about the border wall […]
South Africa’s post-apartheid transition envisaged a decentralised, developmental state with local municipalities at the coalface of addressing socio-economic inequalities and delivering essential services to their communities. However, the realities and the magnitude of South Africa’s challenges have hampered the realisation of this ideal. BP 627 A Turnaround Strategy for Local Government by Kenny Pasensie 2
Daily life in South Africa and indeed across the world shows an ever increasing tendency towards demonising foreigners and strengthening policies of exclusion. One increasingly popular method of criminalising and controlling migrants is through the use of the process of deportation. BP 626 Deportation – The Daily Despair of the Displaced by Peter-John Pearson
