Wednesday, 30 September 2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 60- and 90-day measures on GBVF, but survivor advocates said deadlines need named owners, resources, monitoring and consequences for failure.

Teddy Bear Foundation director Shaida Omar said South Africa has policies but survivors face fragmented, under-resourced systems, forensic backlogs and insufficient trauma-informed support.

Industrial psychologist Zahira Patudi said micromanagement can create anxiety, helplessness, disengagement and weaker innovation; employees should clarify expectations, document delivery and seek HR intervention if needed.

Paediatric cardiologist Professor Hopewell Nzinjiana said one in 100 children is born with a congenital heart defect, with tiredness, poor weight gain and breathlessness among warning signs.

Adults can reduce cholesterol and heart-disease risk through lifestyle changes, but prescribed medication should only be stopped with a medical practitioner’s guidance and regular monitoring.