Attractions to explore around Pretoria

Most tuberculosis tests rely on sputum samples, but this method poses challenges for certain groups, particularly children and individuals living with HIV. These populations often find it difficult to produce the thick mucus, also known as phlegm, necessary for testing, which can hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, alternative testing methods may be needed to improve access and efficacy in diagnosing tuberculosis among these vulnerable individuals. Full Article

African music mourns the loss of Amadou Bagayoko, a renowned guitarist and half of the celebrated duo Amadou & Mariam, who passed away at 70 due to malaria complications. Alongside his wife, Mariam Doumbia, Bagayoko achieved international fame in the 2000s and 2010s, inspiring generations with their music that blends blues and traditional Malian sounds. Friends and family reflect on his legacy and favorite songs, highlighting the profound impact of his artistry and the enduring...

Devastating attacks on the Zamzam camp in Sudan's Darfur region, which hosts over 700,000 displaced individuals, have resulted in more than 100 civilian deaths, including 20 children, as the violence continues for a third day. The assaults, attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have left residents in catastrophic conditions, with reports of targeted killings of aid workers and severe shortages of medical care. The UN and US officials have condemned the RSF's actions,...

Joseph Conrad's depiction of colonial exploitation in Congo echoes in current U.S. negotiations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the DRC is offering minerals in exchange for military assistance amid ongoing security crises and armed conflicts. With a history of Western exploitation and the DRC's dependency on foreign aid, this deal risks further entrenching a cycle of subservience, where the DRC's mineral wealth becomes a bargaining chip for military support rather than...

The authorities in Gabon are set to announce provisional results from Saturday's presidential election, the first since the August 2023 coup that removed Ali Bongo from power. The coup leader, Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, altered the constitution to facilitate his candidacy, while critics noted the electoral framework favored him, excluding significant opposition figures. Turnout in Libreville was reportedly high and the election was largely peaceful, although some allegations of irregularities were raised by opposition candidate...

Thomas MackintoshBBC News, LondonRegan MorrisBBC News, Los AngelesThe US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of temporary deportation protections for approximately 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians, citing improved conditions in their home countries. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's decision, influenced by a USCIS review, follows a previous extension of protections for Afghans announced in September 2023. The move has raised concerns among affected individuals, including Shukriah, an Afghan asylum seeker facing imminent deportation...