Poor childhood conditions, such as exposure to poverty and stunting, are associated with long-term disadvantages to health, education, social adjustment and earnings.
A big part of South Africa’s appeal lies in its good weather. Climate change poses a risk to the tourism industry.
IMAGE REUTERS/Mike Hutchings
South Africa’s weather is very attractive to international visitors. Climate change could alter their perceptions unless mitigation strategies are put in place.
The South African economy just narrowly escaped a credit rating downgrade but it is not in the clear yet.
Reuters
South Africa is breathing a sigh of relief after escaping a credit rating downgrade. But there are still serious concerns around structure of the country’s economy and finances.
South African students have been at the forefront of activism especially over the past two years.
Mike Hutchings/Reuters
Young black South Africans have been raised to believe that friendship across the races is an indicator of progress. Now, a generation into democracy, they are questioning this.
A memorial service for Castro in Johannesburg.
EPA/Kim Ludbrook
South Africa needs take a radically different path if it is going to make its economy more inclusive. It must start from the premise that markets are intrinsically skewed to historic privilege.
South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma. His supporters within the African National Congress continue to hold sway, for now.
EPA/Aaron Ufumeli
A revolt within the African National Congress against South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has reached new heights. He has survived, but the repercussions will be felt for some time to come.
Demands to recall South African President Jacob Zuma reached a climax at the governing ANC’s national executive meeting.
EPA/Kim Ludbrook
There are early signs of the emergence of a third force for good in South Africa in the likes of the Save SA movement and Socio-Economic Future of South Africa convened by the Archbishop of Cape Town.
Job seekers wait for employers searching for casual labour on the streets of Cape Town.
Reuters/Mike Hutchings
South Africa’s proposed national minimum wage must not be seen as a solution for all the country’s economic problems but as a floor to protect the most vulnerable workers.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis is providing an exciting new innovation to tackle HIV prevention.
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Trials have shown that rates of HIV infection are reduced if people not infected with HIV take anti-retrovirals - known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). But adherence to a daily dose is a problem.
A man burns rubbish on the side of a road in Dandora in Nairobi, Kenya.
Reuters/Siegfried Modola
Africa battles with a dearth of data and seems unable to scale up health innovations. If these can be systematically addressed, the continent can take great strides towards better health for all.
Early detection and treatment of diabetes can be life-saving, but prevention by adopting healthier diets and lifestyle is even better.
Mario Anzuoni/Reuters
Being able to buy processed “food-like” products is often seen as a mark of personal and material success. Little attention is paid to having a healthy diet.
South Africa’s Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is fighting to stave off a downgrade by ratings agencies.
Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters
South Africa has made some progress in fixing problems identified by ratings agencies. But there are a number of outstanding issues that might mean the country is given ‘junk’ status.
A woman arrives for Nelson Mandela’s memorial. The idea of a rainbow nation has been futile.
EPA/Jim Hollander
Despite the noble goals of the new South Africa and its ideals of racial harmony, racial tensions remain a major problem in the country. Prejudice and bigotry persists even in universities.
Members of the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa protesting against youth unemployment.
Reuters/Rogan Ward
South Africa’s problem is that its constitution is a perfect brochure of the nation it aspires to be. But the contractors entrusted with its future have an entirely different project in mind.
The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa at the BRICS summit in Goa, India. Brazil’s position is shaky.
REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Brazil’s place within the BRICS bloc is becoming questionable. Since the new President Michel Temer took over, Brazil’s foreign policy has shifted away from BRICS ideals to favour western interests.
Dean Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Vaccinology at University of the Witwatersrand; and Director of the SAMRC Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand