Twenty-first century digital communications technology is one of the marvels of our age, and its social, cultural and economic benefits are probably immeasurable. But of course, it also has major downsides. One of these can be seen very clearly in the way that social media, artificial intelligence and other new technologies are misused as political […]
On 8th October the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, via Ministerial Directive 21 of 2025, once again extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) and the Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEPs), which were both due to expire on 28th November of this year. BP 636 – Refugee Permits- Another Extension, But Not […]
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 […]
African governments spend as much as 22 per cent of their GDP on debt servicing. Thirty-two African nations spend more servicing external debt than funding healthcare, while 25 allocate more to debt than to education. It’s a moral crisis that needs to be addressed, not only at fora like the G20 but by all the […]
For the umpteenth time, organisations of the ilk of Operation Dudula have, over the past days, mounted fresh campaigns to deny access by undocumented foreigners to health and education facilities. This despite the fact that they know very well that the targeted groups have a right to such access. One reason for the persistence is […]
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 […]
On 24th September the Secretary General of the United Nations, together with President Lula of Brazil (the host country of the upcoming COP 30 meeting), hosted a High Level Climate Summit at which various countries were invited to share their concrete pledges and plans, leading to 2035. Response – The High Level Climate Summit by […]
There is nothing unusual about the coach of a football team telling their players to study and learn from the strongpoints of their rivals. In business, CEOs spend huge amounts of time understanding their competition’s strategies, identifying their successes, and trying to copy their models. Even in churches, we hear the leadership of one denomination […]
September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, while the month of September is dedicated to the prevention of suicide. Suicide is a major public health challenge, claiming the lives of more than 720 000 people every year. Family Digest 70 – World Suicide Prevention Month by Lois Law
