Latest news with #SpringsAdvertiser
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Springs workshop attack: Business owner shot dead, woman dies in hospital
A 35-year-old Ekurhuleni business owner and a 27-year-old woman were shot on Phoenix Road in Selcourt, Springs. Springs Advertiser reports that the shooting happened in the morning, last Friday. The business owner was declared dead at the scene, while the woman was transported to the hospital, where she later died. Two others were wounded. Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, spokesperson for Springs SAPS, says the business owner was in the workshop with the woman when the shooting occurred. Tshabalala says two armed men entered through the main workshop door, walked up to them, and opened fire. 'The owner was shot eight times and died at the scene. 'The two suspects fled in a maroon or brown Toyota Avanza or Suzuki SUV. Some employees ran after them and reported hearing them speak in Zulu,' he says. According to Tshabalala, nothing was taken from the business, and the motive remains unclear. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Why Men Still Delay Seeking Medical Help
June is recognised as Men's Health Month, yet many South African men still avoid visiting healthcare facilities. Professional nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng spoke to the Springs Advertiser about the reasons why so many men delay seeking medical attention or avoid regular health screenings. Mofokeng cited a combination of social, psychological, and systemic factors—including societal norms around masculinity, perceived inconvenience, denial and fear, unfamiliarity with the health system, lack of awareness, and broader cultural and socioeconomic challenges. 'Many men ignore or delay treatment for health issues until the condition has advanced,' she said. 'In my unit alone, we see numerous cases of young men who have attempted to take their own lives.' Changing this pattern, Mofokeng said, requires breaking through cultural, emotional, and systemic barriers. Strategies include changing the narrative around masculinity, involving loved ones in healthcare decisions, making clinics more accessible and less intimidating, using relatable male role models, and empowering male healthcare workers to lead by example. 'I believe recognising warning signs early is one of the best ways to prevent serious illness or death,' she said. 'Many men downplay symptoms, but certain red flags should never be ignored—regardless of age or lifestyle.' Mofokeng listed the following symptoms men should take seriously: • Chest pain or discomfort • Shortness of breath • Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping • Unexplained weight loss • Constant fatigue • Changes in bowel or bladder habits • Erectile dysfunction • Lumps or swelling in the testicles • Persistent cough or hoarseness • Mood changes or withdrawal She also emphasised the severity of South Africa's TB crisis. 'Unexplained weight loss, coughing for more than two weeks, night sweats, and loss of appetite could be signs of TB. Clinics offer TB testing and treatment, but men often don't know these services exist,' she said. Mofokeng stressed that many men are unaware of the wide range of services available at public health facilities, contributing to low utilisation. 'Men can access general medical services, male-specific health checks, cancer screenings, mental health support, sexual and reproductive healthcare, diagnostic tests, preventative care, and emergency services,' she explained. She also highlighted several commonly overlooked or ignored health concerns among men: Commonly overlooked men's health issues: • Cardiovascular disease: Men often dismiss chest pain or shortness of breath. High blood pressure—known as the 'silent killer'—is frequently undiagnosed. • Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and stress are heavily stigmatised. Men may express emotional distress through anger, substance use, or withdrawal. Suicide rates are notably high among older and middle-aged men. • Diabetes: Symptoms such as fatigue, frequent urination, and slow-healing wounds are often attributed to aging. Type 2 diabetes can go undiagnosed for years without regular screening. • Obesity and poor nutrition: Many men overlook gradual weight gain and poor dietary habits. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. • Prostate issues: Urinary problems like frequent urination or weak flow are often ignored. Conditions such as prostate cancer and BPH are common, yet screenings are neglected. • Testicular issues: Testicular cancer mainly affects younger men, but self-exams are rare. Many avoid discussing lumps or swelling due to embarrassment. • Erectile dysfunction: ED is often seen as a threat to masculinity, but it can be a warning sign of heart disease, diabetes, or hormonal issues. • Substance abuse: Men are more likely to engage in high-risk alcohol or drug use and less likely to seek help. These behaviours are often coping mechanisms. • Colon cancer: Fear or embarrassment about colonoscopies prevents many from getting screened. Yet colon cancer is highly treatable if caught early. • Injuries and risky behaviour: Younger men, in particular, are more prone to reckless behaviour and often ignore injuries that may lead to chronic health problems. 'Improving men's health starts with awareness and support,' Mofokeng concluded. 'If we can create safe spaces for men to speak, get informed, and seek help without shame, we can save lives.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- The Citizen
Traffic warden injured, 2 killed in Springs shooting
Two men were shot dead, and another was injured during a shooting in Wright Park, Springs, yesterday. According to the Springs Advertiser, local police spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala says the victims were in the parking area of a local eatery when the incident occurred. 'The footage shows that a white hatchback Polo drove past the Engen garage and dropped off the gunmen. The Polo drove to the road and waited.' He adds that the two gunmen then walked to where the victims were and shot them at point-blank range. 'One walked around the vehicle and shot again at the victims. They then walked away towards the Polo and drove off.' Two victims were declared dead on the scene by paramedics. 'The third victim, who was taken to hospital, is a Gauteng traffic warden working in Springs.' The motive for the shooting is unknown, and no arrests have been made. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Sassa rolls out biometric ID checks for social grant recipients
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has announced the introduction of a mandatory biometric enrolment and identity verification process for grant recipients who use alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African ID number. Springs Advertiser reports that this move, effective from May 5, forms part of Sassa's efforts to enhance the security, accuracy and efficiency of its systems, and to protect the integrity of the country's social grant system. All new applicants who do not use the standard South African ID, as well as existing clients undergoing personal information reviews or changes, will be required to complete the biometric enrolment process. 'This initiative, which aligns with Regulation 13(1) of the Social Assistance Act [13 of 2004], is a proactive measure aimed at enhancing security, improving the integrity of our systems, and preventing potentially fraudulent activities related to identity misrepresentation,' says Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi. To ensure a smooth implementation across all regions, Sassa's information and communication technology team, in collaboration with the State Information Technology Agency, has trained a group of designated 'super-users'. These people will now facilitate regional training under the 'Train-the-Trainer' programme, equipping staff at every Sassa office to manage biometric enrolments efficiently. Sassa has also committed to ensuring that all offices are adequately staffed to assist clients and avoid delays during the rollout. 'Sassa is pulling out all the stops in tightening its systems and implementing measures meant to safeguard social grants – ensuring that we pay the right grant to the right person at the right time and place. Njalo!' the agency said in a statement. For enquiries about social grants, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact Sassa's toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 or email grantenquiries@ Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
