Antivenomis backinstock
KAILINDANIELS
DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
KAILIN
South Africa has taken a major step towards resolving its antivenom crisis, with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) announcing the release of the first newly-produced batch of snake antivenom after more than a year of critically-low supplies Antivenom reserves have been depleted since mid-2024, with the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) confirming in October that it was unable to manufacture any doses The shortage stemmed from electricity supply challenges and necessary infrastructure upgrades at the SAVP facility South Africa’s sole antivenom producer
The NHLS restarted production in early September and has since produced 435 units of polyvalent antivenom, which is effective against multiple snake toxins This first batch marks a positive shift after months of strained emergency care resources
WHYANTIVENOMMATTERS
Producing antivenom is a highly specialised, time-intensive process that requires meticulous quality control to ensure the safety and efficacy of every vial According to the African Snakebite Institute (ASI), South Africa records around 4 000 snakebites each year, leading to approximately 900 hospitalisations Only about 3% of victims require antivenom but for those who do, it is often lifesaving Without access to antivenom, severe envenomation can rapidly result in organ failure or death, making reliable supply crucial for both rural and urban healthcare facilities
As temperatures rise, the country enters peak snake season a time when encounters with snakes become far more common Warmer weather draws snakes out to hunt, bask and search for water, increasing the likelihood of crossings with hikers, gardeners and residents in suburban areas Experts urge the public to stay alert, keep pets close, and avoid attempting to handle or kill snakes, as most bites occur when people try to intervene With more sightings expected
WARMER WEATHER DRAWS SNAKES OUT TO HUNT, BASK AND SEARCH FOR WATER
in the months ahead, awareness and calm responses remain key to preventing dangerous encounters
WHATWILLBEPRODUCEDANDWHEREIT’S GOING
The NHLS confirmed that production will extend beyond snake antivenom alone Future batches will include polyvalent antivenom, boomslang-specific antivenom, spider antivenom and scorpion antivenom
In collaboration with provincial health departments, the NHLS is prioritising fair distribution to clinics and hospitals in high-risk, snakebite-prone regions This coordinated effort aims to stabilise supply chains and ensure timely access for emergency medical teams . For any medical emergency involving venomous bites or stings, the public is urged to call 10177 or head to the nearest healthcare facility immediately
Phased opening of City’s pools
The City of Cape Town’s recreation and parks department has begun the phased reopening of community swimming pools ahead of the 2025-'26 summer season
The department has 37 swimming pools across the metro – five are open yearround –the indoor facilities in Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat and Strand; and the seawater pool in Sea Point
A total of 22 pools are already open and following completion of scheduled works, a total of 29 pools will be open by end of November, and 36 by 12 December for the school holidays
The Vulindlela swimming pool in Gugulethu remains closed indefinitely pending major upgrades currently in planning stages Annually, community swimming pools are generally open between late October and the Easter weekend
Normal operating hours are weekends only, due to much lower demand during the work/school week, and then seven-day operations during the peak festive season, from 1 December
PIONEERINGPROJECT
Operating times are between 10:00 and 18:00, with the last ticket sold at 17:30 Community facilities that have opened to the public for the season thus far are: Athlone, Atlantis, Bellville Central, Bonteheuwel, Brown s Farm, Eastridge, Elsies River, Emthonjeni, Hanover Park, Kuils River Resort (for resort patrons only), Langa, Lentegeur, Morningstar, Muizenberg, Observatory, Parow North and Trafalgar
The upgrades vary by site and include structural, civil and mechanical plant room repairs, maintenance and upgrades," said the City’s Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham
Seven swimming pools scheduled to open in November are: Delft, Khayelitsha, Newlands, Parow Valley, Ravensmead, Ruyterwacht and Westridge
Seven swimming pools are scheduled for opening in December are Bellville South, Goodwood, Kensington, Manenberg, Mnandi, Monwabisi and Wynberg
The Sea Point Swimming Pool remains open to the public while upgrades to its iconic entrance continue, funded by the Friends of Sea Point Pavilion (FSPP)
The renovation cost is currently estimated at approximately R1,8 million raised from the food court initiative
The City has deployed over 490 senior and seasonal lifeguards across its pools and beaches, with an additional 67 bolstering this total in December, as part of its summer readiness plan
This ensures proactive safety, drowning prevention, and a welcoming environment for all residents and visitors
The return of antivenom production comes just in time,with snake season bringing a spike in encounters PHOTO: UNSPLASH
Emergency TBH,Sierra October.
Help needed to identify patient
Staff at Tygerberg Hospital in Parow are trying to trace the family of an unknown male patient being treated at the facility
The patient has been registered as “Emergency TBH, Sierra October” He was found in Pama Road, Site B in Khayelitsha and brought to Tygerberg by ambulance, the hospital said
He is described as tall with visible bruise marks on his face The patient arrived at the hospital on Saturday 25 October
“At this stage no family members or acquaintances had been identified or had come forward,” the hospital spokesperson said Anyone who may recognise the patient or who have information about his family are kindly requested to contact the hospital The hospital said they appreciate the assistance of the public in helping them reunite patients with their loves . Call 021 938 5077 or 021 938 5078
Malesexualhealthdiscussed
RICHARDROBERTS
RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
Men’s sexual health was the topic of a talk at Parow Library on Thursday (13 November).
It formed part of the annual Movember campaign, which raises awareness on men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention
Matt Viuff, founder of the Shockwave Clinic in Lower Main Road, Observatory, spoke on the work of his wellness centre, which specialises in non-invasive therapies for men's sexual health and vitality, according to its website
Addressing an audience of mainly men, he said the clinic deals with male sexual health without the use of medication and the treatment it provides is centred on patient involvement
Viuff also mentioned erectile dysfunction (ED), the signs men can look out for, what could possibly trigger it as well as the
MEN TAUGHT ABOUT CANCERS, ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND MENTAL WELLNESS
treatments on offer
"When morning and evening erections stop that is the sign," he said
He explained there are various ways in which ED can be treated, and that Shockwave offers one-on-one treatment
"The trick is to be patient, and this applies to older guys especially "
He also warned that men should be careful of clinical trials as this could also have negative effects
Viuff advised the men to adjust their lifestyles as they got older; to consume less alcohol, fast food and cigarettes, which are not good for the body He also spoke about the effect of fillers, testosterone injections, and stress and anxiety on male sexual health
. Call Shockwave on 087 806 2362.
The group of people who attended the talk on Thursday morning
Matt Viuff,founder of Shockwave
Ministerconductssafetywalkabout
RICHARDROBERTS
RICHARD ROBERTS@NOVUSMEDIA CO ZA
The MEC for police oversight and community safety, Anroux Marais, conducted a crime walkabout in Parow and Elsies River last week
The visit, on Thursday 13 November, formed part of ongoing oversight efforts to engage with community members regarding the crime, the department said Marais was accompanied by various roleplayers She visited the Parow Station Arcade, Parow Civic Centre, Elsies River and surrounds
"My recent walkabout in Parow and Elsies River offered a valuable, on-theground view of the persistent crime challenges affecting these communities," said Marais
Franchesca Walker, ward councillor, the local Community Policing Forum (CPF), the station commanders of Parow and Elsies River police stations, Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSO) from the City of Cape Town, the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District (VRCID), and private security partners such as Fidelity ADT guided her through several identified hot-spots
"They highlighted ongoing issues including smash-and-grabs, robberies, street robberies, drug-dealing, prostitution, public drinking, and a range of general law-enforcement violations,” she said Both police station commanders outlined the interventions currently underway as well as the operational constraints and social ills hampering their efforts, she said The police sub-district commissioner, Brig Jan Alexander, was also briefed during the engagement
"Despite the challenges, it was encouraging to see all role-players reaffirm their commitment to working together to improve safety in these precincts Strengthening collaboration between the police, the CPF, local government, and private security and citizens remains essential, and the walkabout reinforced our shared resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of residents in Parow and Elsies River,” Marais said
SAFETY ROLEPLAYERS ENGAGE WITH RESIDENTS
River.She was accompanied by the police,neighbourhood watch,CPF and ward councillor
Peaceful protest to be held against GBV
The Monte Vista Plattekloof Glen Neighbourhood Watch will once again be hosting the Stand Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) Campaign this year, a peaceful protest that will gather at the corner of Edgemead Drive and
Bosmansdam Road, Edgemead
The event takes place on Saturday 29 November from 09:00 until 10:00
Interested parties are encouraged to take their own placards along, and everyone is requested to wear black
Deadline for ebills looms
Cape Town residents have just weeks left to switch to email billing before the City stops sending accounts by post after 31 December 2025.
From 1 January 2026, all municipal bills will only be sent via email, affecting around 200 000 households who haven't yet made the switch.
The process is simple: residents must
email or SMS their account number, contact number and email address to the City Those without email can get help from the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089
"Almost 517 000 Capetonians have already switched to emailed accounts and we have about 200 000 to go," said Mayco member for finance Siseko
Mbandezi
"Deadlines often come up faster than expected, so we encourage residents to act now Simply email or SMS your account number, contact number and email address."
. Please contact the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089," Mbandezi added.
MEC Anroux Marais with all of the roleplayers who participated in the walkabout last week.
Several sites were visited by MEC Anroux Marais in Parow and Elsies
A walkabout was also conducted in the CBD,including the Parow Station Arcade which is currently undergoing an upgrade
‘OuSes’shortfilmhitsbigscreen
South Africa's big-screen scene is about to get a jolt of raw authenticity with Ou Ses: Elke Move Tel — the latest short film from writer, actor and filmmaker Enrico Hartzenberg from Sarepta.
The film introduces two new actors, Wayde Solomons (21) and Yulbritte Smith (33), whose performances bring a fresh dimension to a story that blends grit, heart and humanity
"Forget the usual crime stories," said Hartzenberg, founder of Hartzenberg Films. "Ou Ses tells a story of courage, legacy and the redemptive power of love I wanted to show that there's so much more to our communities than the headlines there's
resilience, laughter and dreams that refuse to die "
The film will premiere nationwide on Thursday 27 November and Friday 28 November as part of the "Heart & Hustle Anthology" alongside three other Hartzenberg Film short films at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas.
Hartzenberg described the agreement with Ster-Kinekor as a landmark collaboration and one of his most ambitious undertakings yet much more than a personal milestone
"This exhibition agreement isn't just a win for Ou Ses: Elke Move Tel or 'Heart & Hustle'," he said. "It's a powerful affirmation that our stories – urgent, emotional, and deeply rooted in the South African experience – deserve to be seen on the big screen "
Lynne Wylie chief marketing officer of Ster-Kine
HEART & HUSTLE FILMS SHOWCASE LOCAL TALENT
after, Hartzenberg invited her to join Ou Ses without an audition. "After years of trying, this felt like God making a way," said Smith.
To Hartzenberg Films, Ou Ses isn't just a short film, it's a statement "By investing in under-represented and emerging voices, Hartzenberg Films wants to expand the lens of South African storytelling and make space for new perspectives," said Hartzenberg."I'm thrilled to give audiences a fresh perspective on our stories and even more excited to showcase the raw talent bubbling up from our communities."
Set on the Cape Flats, the film follows Charles, a man returning home after serving time for a crime he didn't commit only to find his family home taken over by the very man who betrayed him.
THINKING OUT LOUD
Ek ‘like’ my job
Dit was nooit my droom om ‘n joernalis te word nie Hoewel lees en skryf altyd deel van ons familie-gene was, het ek dit nooit oorweeg om ‘n nuusskrywer te word nie In ons huis was koerante en tydskrifte lees verpligtend, maar dit was nie ‘n beroepskeuse nie My mense was mynwerkers Ek onthou hoe my pa elke Sondag die Rapport se verskillende afdelings aan ons uitgedeel het My een broer lees eers die sport, ek die tydskrif, my pa die sake en my ander broer die Kaap Rapport ens As jy klaar is dan gee jy maar aan Een van ons vriende, Romeo, het nie gehou van lees nie Hy het Sondae gesit en televisie kyk terwyl ons lees Wanneer ons klaar is, het hy altyd gevra: “Wat sê die papers?”
Nou dwaal ek af, want ek wou eintlik praat oor hoe ek nie eintlik ‘n joernalis wou word nie Ek wou ‘n skrywer word, want dit was die ding wat die maklikste vir my gekom het Maar ek wou nie nuus skryf nie Ek wou stories vertel met helde in en gelukkige eindes en mooi meisies Stories waarin net die bad guys seerkry en kinders kan speel sonder die vrees om seergemaak te word Waar mense in vrede saam lewe Toe beland ek in die joernalistiek Omdat ek van ‘n klein dorpie af kom, was ek baie beskerm teen die wreedheid van die lewe Toe ek vir koerante begin werk het ek, ‘n arme protestante laaitie, besef boosheid is oral rondom ons En dit is so algemeen dat sommige koerante nie eens meer daaroor wil skryf nie
DIEJOERNALISTIEKHETMYSO BAIEDIEAFGELOPE24JAAR GELEER,MAAREENVANEEN VANDIEGROOTSTELESSEIS DATEKBITTERMINMENSE MOETVERTROU.ENDAARIN LÊMYPROBLEEM.
Ek kan nie eens meer onthou hoeveel stories ek al oor moorde en verkragtings geskryf het nie Daar is maklik niks waaroor ek nog nie berig het nie, maar steeds voel ek iets gaan binne-in my dood as ek hoor van ‘n kind wat leed aangedoen is Dan wonder ek hoe boos moet jy wees om ‘n weerlose kind skade aan te doen? Deesdae as ek ‘n man en ‘n jong kind saam sien, kyk ek na die kleinste detail Watter kleur klere het hulle aan Hoe lyk die man? Hoe stap hy? Het die kind kenmerke waaraan sy uitgeken kan word? Ek doen al hierdie dinge omdat my kop vir my sê dat ek binnekort oor hierdie kind moet skryf
Die joernalistiek het my so baie die afgelope 24 jaar geleer, maar een van die grootste lesse is dat ek bitter min mense moet vertrou En daarin lê my probleem Ek wil nie so wees nie, want ek hou baie van mense My vrou sê altyd sy weet wanneer ek lanklaas ander mense gesien het, want ek begin kriewelrig raak Maar my vertroue in die mensdom is geskaad Ek kry onlangs ‘n oproep van iemand wat my liederlik uittrap en sê joernaliste is die skuim van die aarde Hy was nie tevrede met iets wat ek geskryf het nie Nadat hy al sy woede uitgeskel het, vra ek hom: “Hou jy van mense?”
Hy aarsel aan die ander kant van die lyn en sê: “Ek hou baie van mense, maar joernaliste is mos nie mense nie ” Ons albei raak toe vir ‘n oomblik stil en ek bars uit van die lag Die volgende oomblik toe lag die oom ook En toe lag ons saam Toe besef ek, ek like nogal my job - BRENDEN RUITER
Grace Vir psigiese en palm lesings, laat ek jou help met SKULD, Besigheidsmislukkings, slegte geluk, harde werk sonder vordering, VYANDE, verlore liefde, Gesinsprobleme, Huweliksprobleme en 'n verfrissende leefstyl bel of WhatsApp 083 656 6515
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