Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Organised-crime analyst Julian Rademeyer said South Africa recorded about 45 mass-shooting attacks this year, leaving at least 210 people dead, driven largely by illicit markets.

Rademeyer called for specialised, strategic investigations targeting syndicate leaders, gun suppliers and financial enablers, rather than relying on mass arrests, army deployments or death-penalty proposals.

Gauteng Health reported contraceptive uptake at 32.45% against a 43% target, warning that declining use could increase unintended pregnancies; officials said multiple methods remain available.

Tax expert Keith Engel said South Africa’s middle class is taxed like high earners elsewhere, with high marginal, fuel and VAT burdens compounded by weak public services.

Hearing-loss advocate Benedict Macha said basic hearing aids cost about R25,000, mid-range devices R50,000–R60,000 and top-tier units over R100,000, limiting access without medical aid.