Thursday, 27 August 2026

Eastern Cape Health confirmed only 139 of 350 ambulances are operational, with equipment shortages; R10 million is being spent on repairs and 194 replacement ambulances are due by February 2027.

Childhood vaccination coverage fell from 87% in 2021 to 67% in 2025, while measles outbreaks and other preventable infections are returning; missed vaccinations can be caught up at clinics.

The Eastern Cape High Court found withholding a third of schools’ per-learner funding unlawful and unconstitutional; the retention has reportedly risen to 40% in the current financial year.

Gift of the Givers has 11 team members, four SAPS officers and four search dogs ready for Nepal, but will only deploy after the government requests international assistance and conditions allow access.

Shipping’s gradual return to the Suez Canal could cut Asia-Europe journeys by two to three weeks, but security risks remain and South Africa faces little financial loss from reduced Cape traffic.