New Approaches to Diagnosing & Treating Obesity Amid SA’s Rising Health Crisis

    South Africa faces a growing health crisis as obesity rates soar, with projections indicating a 47.7% increase in women and 23.3% in men by 2025. Traditionally diagnosed using Body Mass Index (BMI), experts are now advocating for a more nuanced approach. This includes combining markers like waist-to-hip ratios with evidence of health issues caused by excess fat, allowing for better identification of those requiring medical intervention. As the country battles obesity-related diseases like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, overcoming stigma and improving healthcare resources are critical for tackling this epidemic effectively.

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    ANC Leadership Shake-Up: Removing Lesufi Could Spark Internal Turmoil in Gauteng and KZN

    The African National Congress (ANC) is facing a critical leadership reconfiguration in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), with the potential removal of Panyaza Lesufi, the ANC chairperson for Gauteng, sparking concerns of internal turmoil. The reconfiguration process, announced by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, could lead to the removal of influential members and the rise of factionalism within the party. Political analyst Sanet Solomon warns that Lesufi’s removal could create significant divisions, undermining the party’s unity ahead of key events like the 2027 ANC Conference. As tensions escalate between national leaders and provincial powerbrokers, the future stability of the ANC in these provinces remains uncertain.

    NSFAS to Settle R44 million Debt Amid Student Housing Crisis: Outa Demands Immediate Action

    NSFAS is facing criticism due to its mishandling of student accommodation, with a R44 million debt owed to the Private Student Housing Association. Outa has warned of a deepening crisis, urging the Higher Education Minister to intervene. Despite warnings, NSFAS’s 2024 accommodation portal is struggling, and landlords remain unpaid, exacerbating the accommodation crisis. Outa calls for urgent reform to prevent further disruption and protests that could impact students and academic programs. The situation could worsen if not addressed immediately.