ENVIRONMENT-SOUTH AFRICA: Pioneering Conservation Project At Risk

An innovative South African nature conservation project that combines protecting biodiversity and poverty alleviation faces resistance from residents of adjacent properties who are worried about rate increases and land development rights.

ENVIRONMENT: Cities Commit to Defend Biodiversity

Political representatives from 21 cities around the world have signed a declaration to protect and re-develop urban biodiversity in their towns. Each city committed to identifying five vital initiatives to conserve plants, animals and natural resources and put those plans into practice within the next 18 months.

SOUTH AFRICA: Will Gender Protocol Help Business Women?

South African women in business welcomed the recently-signed South African Development Community (SADC) Gender and Development Protocol, but are sceptical about its ability to truly achieve greater gender equality in business and trade.

SOUTH AFRICA: Rights Work Hampered by Closure Threat

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) last week lifted a funding ban on its Centre for Civil Society (CCS) after national and international intellectuals protested loudly against the leftist centre’s potential closure. Yet, the uncertainty of the past few weeks has already impacted negatively on CCS’ operations.

AGRICULTURE-SOUTH AFRICA: Small Farmers Pushed to Plant GM Seed

Baphethile Mntambo has been farming organically for the past five years because she knows that avoiding chemicals will in the long-term benefit her yield. She decided not to plant genetically modified seeds because she has heard that they cannot be saved for the next season and will eventually deplete her soil. But she is not entirely sure how and why.

HEALTH-SOUTH AFRICA: Refugees Denied Access to Health Care

Refugees and migrants do not have adequate access to health care services in South Africa, aid organisations and NGOs say. This is particularly detrimental for those who are HIV-positive and in need of continuous antiretroviral (ARV) medication: interrupted treatment can mean illness, development of drug-resistance and ultimately death.

HEALTH-SOUTH AFRICA: When Putting AIDS in the Crosshairs, Set Targets

Civil society organisations in South Africa are preparing to push government to meet its commitment for setting national targets on HIV/AIDS, made at the recent United Nations General Assembly Special Sessions on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS).

SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS Gathering Highlights Tensions Between Government, NGOs

The recent United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) has tested relations between government and civil society in South Africa.

HEALTH-SOUTH AFRICA: A Burden That Will Only Become Heavier

Researchers say they are bracing for a sharp rise in the cost of public health services in South Africa within the next few years, due to HIV/AIDS. And, they warn that the country's health department might not be able to cope with its ever-growing responsibilities if government fails to increase the department's budget substantially.

HEALTH-SOUTHERN AFRICA: AIDS Puts Funeral Traditions Under Pressure

Research indicates that traditional burials for those who die from AIDS-related diseases in Southern Africa are having a severe financial effect on households in the region, notably those in rural areas.

DEVELOPMENT-SOUTHERN AFRICA: Regional Calls to Think BIG

To some, the introduction of a basic income grant (BIG) in South Africa is an unimaginable luxury - and the idea of implementing BIG in other, poorer African states simply laughable.

RIGHTS: South Africa Urged to Stop Abusing Eviction Policy to Clean Up Cities

The South African government faces a dilemma. It has to evict people living in unacceptable housing conditions because of health and security risks, yet it is unable to provide enough adequate alternative accommodation - due to the backlog in low cost housing projects.

HEALTH-SOUTH AFRICA: Keeping Mom Alive Is the Best Medicine

It is tempting to call it a "no brainer": the idea that attempts to prevent transmission of HIV from mothers to children should be matched by initiatives to keep these mothers alive after they give birth.

HEALTH-SOUTH AFRICA: AIDS Policy for Subsistence Farmers Underwhelms

Subsistence agriculture makes for a hard life, particularly in areas that are badly hit by HIV. Put farming and AIDS together, add drought or disease, and you have a diabolical mixture of circumstances.