48 Hours in Kroonstad

As the Catholic Church's global presence grows, Africa's Catholic population is expanding rapidly, accounting for more than half of the global increase. Despite having had three African popes in history, the lack of prominent African clergy in the Vatican raises concerns about the likelihood of electing an African pope, as influential candidates are currently absent. While some advocate for an African pope to better represent the Church's demographic, others caution against tokenism, emphasizing the need...

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Health and Wellness found the Tembisa hospital compliant with occupational health and safety standards, exceeding the minimum compliance threshold. This assessment highlights the hospital's adherence to necessary regulations, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and patients. The committee's findings underscore the importance of maintaining high standards in healthcare facilities, contributing to overall public health and safety in the region. Full Article

Ghanaian President John Mahama has suspended Supreme Court Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a historic first for the country, amid three undisclosed petitions calling for her removal as an investigation is initiated. Critics, including former attorney general Godfred Yeboah Dame, argue that the suspension undermines judicial independence, with concerns raised over the lack of access to the petitions, which were eventually provided to Torkornoo for a private written response. As Ghana's third female chief justice, Torkornoo...

The head of the UN's food aid agency in Ethiopia, Zlatan Milišić, warned that millions are "one shock away from falling into a catastrophe" due to a funding shortfall, leading the World Food Programme (WFP) to halt treatment for over half a million malnourished women and children next month. Without additional funding, 3.6 million people will lose access to food aid, exacerbated by ongoing violence in Amhara and Oromia, a drought in the southeast, and...

Summary The Democratic Alliance (DA) has argued before the Western Cape High Court that Parliament has not lawfully endorsed the upcoming 0.5 percentage point VAT increase, scheduled to take effect on 1 May. Their urgent application seeks to suspend the VAT increase, claiming procedural irregularities in its approval process. The case is currently being heard by a full bench of the court, reflecting the DA's push to challenge the legality of the tax hike. Full...

In Goma, DRC, the Saint Vincent de Paul neuropsychiatric hospital has been providing free mental health consultations since March 24 for those affected by the recent M23 rebel fighting, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements. Patients, like Patience Kahindo and Jospin Kasereka, have shared traumatic experiences, exacerbating mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The situation is worsened by the government's recent suspension of former president Joseph Kabila's political party over...