Latest news with #TraumaSupportSA
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- The Citizen
Survivor speaks out after brutal attack near N17
A young woman recently took to social media to share how she fought for her life during an attempted kidnapping and rape on the N17. On June 13, a gunman ambushed 24-year-old Onkabetse Zandile Mashile after a colleague had dropped her off near the Mall@Carnival. 'He threatened to shoot me if I screamed,' she said. The man forcefully took her into a nearby field, where he demanded money and her phone. 'He transferred all the money from my accounts. I thought he was done because he saw there was no more money left, but I could see he wanted more,' she explained. Onkabetse said the man texted others to inform them he had 'found her'. He tried to sexually assault her but failed because of her layers of clothing. After repeated attempts to fight him off, Onkabetse slipped from his grasp after hitting him with a brick. She found help from a passing taxi. She shared how this experience had negatively affected her. 'I always have to watch my back, and I'm on prescribed medication to help me sleep,' she said. In the video she shared on social media, she spoke about how the police failed to help her when she needed them the most. Onkabetse explained that she is deeply frustrated by the SAPS' lack of urgency following her traumatic ordeal. ALSO READ: WATCH: Local teen shines at dance championships with double gold in Spain 'Despite providing evidence, including surveillance footage and vital details, nothing meaningful has been done,' she said. She added that the detective assigned to her case has moved incredibly slowly, and she fears the evidence is on the verge of being lost. 'Surveillance footage does not stay on record forever, and valuable leads may already be slipping away,' she said. Onkabetse says she trusted the justice system to protect and support victims. 'I'm left chasing updates while the person who hurt me could be walking free. My voice deserves to be heard, and my case deserves action, not silence and delay. ALSO READ: Trauma Support SA appeals for community funding to sustain crital services 'I feel social media should teach people about awareness because it does not tell women how to defend and fight for themselves. Instead, social media only shares cases when someone has passed away,' she said. Onkabetse wants people to take something from her story. 'People must not cry. They should stay calm and pray. You must fight until you cannot. Do not give up while you are at it,' she said. Constable Audrey Buthelezi, the communications officer for the Brakpan SAPS, confirmed that the station registered a docket on June 14. 'Investigations are ongoing,' she added. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Electricity tariffs unpacked: What Brakpan homeowners need to know
Electricity tariffs unpacked: What Brakpan homeowners need to know The City of Ekurhuleni has provided clarity and context on the fixed charge and the structure of electricity tariffs for the 2025/2026 financial year. It is important to note that the fixed charge on electricity bills is not unique to Ekurhuleni. Municipalities across the country have similar charges in place as part of their standard tariff structures. Secondly, the city's electricity tariff structure is determined and regulated by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Municipalities are required to review their tariffs annually, as well as undertake a Cost of Supply (CoS) study every five years, which influences how tariffs are set. The latest changes reflect compliance with these national requirements and the outcomes of our most recent CoS study. For residential customers, there are two main tariff options: 1. Tariff A (Inclined Block Tariff – IBT): This tariff is divided into two categories: • Category A1: Designed for approved indigent and deemed indigent residential customers, this subsidized option is best for low consumption households. Customers in this category also receive 50kWh of free basic electricity (FBE) per month and are not required to pay a basic monthly charge. • Category A2: For non-indigent, low consumption residential customers. Unlike A1, A2 customers do not receive free basic electricity. A basic monthly charge has been introduced for the 2025/2026 financial year: a) Single phase supply: R109.78 (excluding VAT) per month b) Three phase supply: R203.89 (excluding VAT) per month The purpose of this basic charge is to help the municipality recover the costs associated with distributing electricity, as well as ongoing repairs and maintenance. 2. Tariff B Residential: Available for all residential customers (excluding medium and high voltage users), this option suits medium to high consumption households. It also includes a monthly basic charge (introduced in 2018): a) Single phase supply: R109.78 (excluding VAT) per month b) Three phase supply: R203.89 (excluding VAT) per month Customers can choose their preferred tariff option based on their consumption patterns and, if qualifying, may benefit from the relief provided under Tariff 1.A (for indigent households). Customers are required to remain on their selected tariff for a minimum of 12 months before switching. The city urges all qualifying residents to apply for the indigent social package to benefit from the subsidies and free basic electricity available under Category A1. ALSO CHECK: Duduza duo builds lifeline for youth through aftercare programme ALSO CHECK: Trauma Support SA urges public to help maintain essential trauma care services At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Nurse raises awareness about TB symptoms, treatment and prevention
Duduza – Professional nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng is raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Through community education, she aims to inform the public about how TB spreads, how it can be prevented, and why early diagnosis is crucial. 'TB mainly affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or even speaks. 'TB is not a death sentence, but when left untreated or poorly managed, it becomes life-threatening,' explained Mofokeng. Mofokeng mentioned that she currently works in a male medical ward and one of the most painful realities she faces is the high rate of treatment default among TB patients. ALSO CHECK: Trauma Support SA urges public to help maintain essential trauma care services She highlighted that many start their medication feeling hopeful, but due to various challenges like side effects, lack of support, poverty, or stigma, they stop taking their treatment before completion. 'I have seen patients return weeks or months later, far sicker than before. Some have drug-resistant TB, while others are too ill to recover. 'What breaks my heart most is knowing that these deaths are preventable. South Africa carries one of the highest burdens of TB in the world. 'According to the World Health Organization, over 200,000 new TB cases are reported annually here, and the majority of them are among the most economically active age group,' she cited. Mofokeng further noted a correlation between HIV and TB. She has treated countless patients who are co-infected with both, which complicates treatment and increases the risk of death. Early detection is critical. ALSO CHECK: Unjani Clinic donates gardening tools to Wright Park community garden for elderly residents Do not ignore these warning signs: • A cough lasting longer than two weeks • Unexplained weight loss • Drenching night sweats • Fatigue • Fever or chills • Coughing up blood 'If you experience these symptoms or know someone who does, please go to your nearest clinic immediately. TB treatment in South Africa is completely free at public clinics. It involves a six-month course of treatment. However, for treatment to be successful, it must be taken every single day without fail. 'I have seen what happens when patients skip doses or stop early. The bacteria become resistant, and we are left with fewer and far more toxic treatment options. 'This is known as drug-resistant TB, and it is a growing threat in our country. The painful part is witnessing an increase in cases where, even after some patients have been re-initiated on treatment, they still default. 'This then makes them acquire multi-drug resistance. There is a huge challenge with tuberculosis in the hospitals, which are full of people who were unable to comply with treatment,' added Mofokeng. Some of the most common challenges patients face include: • Lack of food to take with medication • Fear of stigma or being judged • Side effects from the medication • Long clinic queues or transport issues • Poor understanding of the importance of completing treatment • Prevention and community action: Here is how the community can help prevent the spread of TB: • Encourage early screening and testing • Improve ventilation in homes and workplaces • Promote good cough etiquette and hygiene • Support those on treatment, emotionally and practically At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
