The Bulletin News – Page 3

Khulula Animal Welfare Society Expands Hope Through New Shelter Upgrades and Future Boarding Kennels Project

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 28, 2026

At Khulula Animal Welfare Society (KHAWS), every happy bark, wagging tail, and contented purr tells a story of hope, compassion, and unwavering dedication to animal welfare.

In just one year and four months of serving the community, KHAWS has welcomed countless animals through its doors. Their mission remains clear — to ensure the emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing of every animal while finding them loving forever homes where they can live free from hunger, pain, and uncertainty.

Over the past few months, the organisation has celebrated a wonderful increase in adoptions, with 15 animals finding homes in the last month alone. While this has been a tremendous success, KHAWS has also experienced a decline in donations. Despite limited resources, the team continues to maintain exceptionally high standards of care, hygiene, health, and love for every animal entrusted to them.

As a non-profit organisation, KHAWS relies entirely on the generosity and support of the community. Their dedicated staff and volunteers each play a vital role in creating a nurturing environment for the animals. An animal behavioural specialist works closely with the animals daily, helping them build trust and identifying the ideal family match for each pet.

Every weekend, volunteers spend countless hours walking dogs, giving them freedom, exercise, and affection, while cats are comforted with warmth, attention, and calm companionship — helping every animal prepare for a fresh start in life.

KHAWS has also received incredible ongoing support from Jan Beselaar, owner of Ricky B Trucking. From sponsoring water and electricity to assisting with maintenance, painting, equipment transport, and preparing walking trails, his contributions have played a major role in the shelter’s growth and development.

Several exciting improvements are currently underway at the shelter. Drainage systems at the cattery have been upgraded, office buildings secured with new doors and gates, and renovations are taking place to create proper staff facilities. Roofing upgrades are also in progress, particularly at the cattery where recent rainfall has caused discomfort for the cats. KHAWS is still seeking assistance with a few remaining roof sheets to complete this important project.

Another exciting development is the planned construction of a “Catio” — an enriched outdoor space designed to improve the cats’ quality of life through stimulation, exercise, and exploration. This long-awaited dream project is expected to begin within the coming month.

Looking toward the future, KHAWS is also entering the planning and development stages for a brand-new boarding kennel facility. The project aims to provide the TEKS area with a much-needed safe and reliable pet boarding service while simultaneously creating a sustainable additional income stream for the shelter.

The proposed boarding kennels will feature spacious covered sleeping areas and large outdoor yards where dogs can safely enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and playtime throughout the day. Dedicated boarding facilities for cats are also part of the vision, ensuring comfort and stimulation for feline guests as well.

KHAWS is inviting community members, businesses, and organisations to become part of this exciting journey. Contributions of building materials, fencing, grass, labour, expertise, fundraising assistance, or volunteer support can all make a meaningful difference. The organisation is also able to issue Section 18A tax certificates, making donations beneficial for both donors and the shelter.

Those wishing to support Khulula Animal Welfare Society can donate via their Yoco link (https://pay.yoco.com/khulula-animal-welfare-society-npc), contact the office on 069 999 3371, email hello@khaws.co.za, or follow their journey on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Khulula Online.

Together, the community can help KHAWS continue changing the lives of animals — one rescue, one adoption, and one act of kindness at a time.

#KhululaAnimalWelfare #KHAWS #AnimalRescue #AdoptDontShop #AnimalWelfare #RescueAnimals #ForeverHomes #CommunitySupport #PetAdoption #ShelterLife #SupportLocalNPO #TEKSCommunity #CatsOfSouthAfrica #DogsOfSouthAfrica #VolunteerSupport #MakingADifference #AnimalLovers #RescueDogs #RescueCats #HopeForAnimals

Govan Mbeki Municipality Faces Scrutiny Over Unfunded Budget Exceeding R500 Million

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 27, 2026

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Govan Mbeki Municipality Faces Scrutiny Over Unfunded Budget Exceeding R500 Million

Serious concerns are emerging over the financial state of Govan Mbeki Municipality after details contained in the municipality’s 2026/2027 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) revealed an unfunded budget exceeding R500 million.

The budget shortfall has raised fears about the municipality’s ability to sustain service delivery, maintain infrastructure, and meet its financial obligations in the coming financial year.

Despite objections from opposition parties, the budget was ultimately adopted after the ANC and EFF coalition used its majority to overrule concerns raised during the council process. Both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) voted against the acceptance of the budget, warning that the municipality’s financial position is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

An unfunded budget means that planned expenditure exceeds realistically available revenue and cash-backed reserves, placing the municipality in a financially vulnerable position. Financial experts warn that such a situation can lead to cash flow crises, mounting debt, delayed payments to suppliers, deteriorating infrastructure, and possible intervention by provincial government authorities.

The municipality’s proposed tariff book indicates that officials are attempting to close the funding gap through widespread increases in tariffs, penalties, deposits, and administrative charges affecting residents, businesses, and service users across the municipality.

Among the most significant increases is the administration fee for disconnection of services due to non-payment, which rises sharply from R543 to R1 600.

Electricity and water tampering penalties have also increased substantially. Domestic consumers found tampering with meters could now face penalties ranging from R8 000 for a first offence to R24 000 for a third offence. Businesses face even harsher penalties, with fines escalating up to R66 800 for repeat offences.

Consumer deposits for water and electricity services are also increasing. Residential deposits rise from R5 388 to R5 587, while some business connection deposits more than double depending on the size of the connection required.

The tariff proposals further reveal growing concerns around illegal water connections, infrastructure damage, and non-payment. Penalties for illegal water connections range from R9 203 for households to R18 754 for businesses, while unauthorized water tanker usage may result in fines exceeding R25 000 in addition to water charges.

Infrastructure-related penalties are equally severe. Damage to municipal water pipes can cost offenders up to R50 242 plus the calculated value of water losses, while damage to sewer infrastructure can exceed R53 000 depending on the extent of the damage.

Residents are expected to feel the financial impact of the new tariff structure across multiple services, including water, sewerage, refuse removal, electricity-related charges, and various administrative services.

Critics argue that the municipality’s reliance on increased tariffs and penalties points to deeper structural financial problems rather than temporary budget pressures. Concerns have also been raised about the municipality’s revenue collection capabilities, debt recovery systems, expenditure controls, and long-term financial sustainability.

Questions are now being asked about whether the municipality has a credible financial recovery plan in place and whether residents can continue absorbing escalating municipal costs amid ongoing economic pressure.

The budget documentation paints a troubling picture of a municipality under severe financial strain, with growing fears that the funding crisis could ultimately impact service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, and investor confidence within the region.

The proposed budget and tariffs are expected to face close public scrutiny as residents, businesses, and political stakeholders evaluate the implications of the municipality’s worsening financial position.

THE IMMEDIATE STRAIN SMOKING PLACES ON THE HEART EVERY TIME YOU LIGHT UP

News

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May 27, 2026

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THE IMMEDIATE STRAIN SMOKING PLACES ON THE HEART EVERY TIME YOU LIGHT UP

World No Tobacco Day (May 31) highlights how repeated smoking puts ongoing strain on the heart and blood vessels, significantly raising the risk of serious heart disease.

As South Africa marks World No Tobacco Day, health experts are drawing attention to something often overlooked in public messaging – that smoking is not only a long-term driver of disease, but also an immediate, repeat-trigger stressor on the heart.

Each cigarette does not just “add up over time” – it sets off a rapid chain of cardiovascular reactions that begin within minutes, raising heart rate, blood pressure and the heart’s oxygen demand almost instantly.

A minute-by-minute strain on the heart

When a cigarette is smoked, nicotine quickly enters the bloodstream and stimulates the release of adrenaline. This triggers a short-term spike in heart rate and blood pressure while simultaneously narrowing blood vessels, making it harder for blood to circulate efficiently.

At the same time, carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke binds to haemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen. The result is a double burden – the heart must work harder, while receiving less oxygen to do so. Over the course of a day, this process is repeated with every cigarette, creating a cycle of repeated cardiovascular “stress events” rather than a single continuous exposure.

Smoking also affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Research shows that nicotine can contribute to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For people already living with diabetes, smoking can worsen blood vessel damage and make complications far more likely.

“It’s a repeated shock to the system”

According to Ingrid Singels, Associate Director Scientific Products at Pharma Dynamics, this repeated physiological response is one of the most underestimated aspects of smoking.

“Each cigarette triggers a short, intense cardiovascular stress response. Heart rate increases, blood pressure rises and oxygen delivery is compromised. For someone smoking regularly, this is happening multiple times a day – sometimes every hour.”

She adds that even short-term changes matter. “We often think of heart disease as something that develops slowly over years, but these immediate spikes place repeated strain on blood vessels and the heart itself.”

The hidden burden behind every cigarette

Globally, tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death, claiming over 7 million lives annually, including around 1.6 million non-smokers who die due to exposure from second-hand smoke.

In South Africa alone, tobacco-related diseases claim over 25 000 lives each year and tobacco use kills up to half of its users – a stark reminder of the scale of the risk.

Singels notes that this burden is visible in clinical practice. “As a company working closely with cardiovascular and metabolic health, we see firsthand how many patients are on chronic medication for heart and metabolic-related conditions,” she says. “The scale of preventable disease is enormous.”

Preventative focus

Pharma Dynamics, SA’s leading supplier of cardiovascular medication, says its core focus is shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention.

“The reality is that once someone is on lifelong medication for hypertension or heart disease, we are already managing the consequences,” she explains. “Our goal is to reduce that pipeline in the first place through awareness and lifestyle change.”

She adds that smoking cessation is one of the most effective interventions for reducing cardiovascular risk. “The heart starts to recover surprisingly quickly after quitting. Within minutes, the heart rate drops and begins to normalise, while blood pressure starts to improve.”

Singels says framing smoking as an immediate physiological stressor, rather than only a longterm risk, may help shift behaviour, particularly among younger smokers. “People often underestimate what a single cigarette does in real time,” says Singels. “It’s not just a future risk; it’s a present biological event affecting the heart every time you light up.”

The toll on South Africans’ health

South Africa continues to face a dual burden of non-communicable diseases and lifestyle related risk factors, with smoking remaining a key contributor to cardiovascular illness while making diabetes management – another prevalent chronic condition – more difficult.

Beyond the human cost, tobacco use places a significant economic strain on the country, costing an estimated R42 billion each year in healthcare expenses, lost productivity and premature deaths.

The takeaway

As World No Tobacco Day approaches, the focus is shifting from awareness to action, with health professionals urging smokers to make use of the support available.

In South Africa, resources, such as the National Council Against Smoking offer telephonic counselling through the Smokers’ Quitline (011 720 3145) or Whatsapp number: 072 766 7812, along with practical tools and guidance to manage cravings and build healthier habits.

“Understanding the immediacy of the impact can be a turning point,” Singels says. “When people realise their heart is responding within minutes – not years – it changes how they think about that next cigarette.”

Sasol Highveld Photography Club: May 2026 Meeting Highlights

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 25, 2026

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Sasol Highveld Photography Club: May 2026 Meeting Highlights

The Sasol Highveld Photography Club held a lively May meeting with members, guests and a guest judge, Jannie van Niekerk. The evening showcased 64 entries across eight categories, from Nature and Monochrome to Photojournalism and Set Subject, and offered news, recognitions and upcoming opportunities for club photographers.

Competitions and Club News

PSSA news and salon results

Best Club Competition: April results highlighted strong entries by Leon Pelser and Yolandi Geyser in senior and junior sections, respectively.
Web Competition: Members were reminded to nominate Sasol Highveld Photography as their club. Notable web competition entries included Louis van der Walt, Leon Pelser, DNE Smit, Sussa Pelser and Yolandi Geyser.
Salon Results: Several members had acceptances in recent salons. Highlights include Sussa Pelser’s acceptance in a regional digital salon and multiple acceptances by Louis van der Walt in a national salon. The club celebrated strong representation in international circuits as well.

International Success

Amour Circuit 2026: Club entries earned multiple honors across three salons — including PSA and other medals, several jury-choice e-certificates, and a total of 28 acceptances. Special congratulations to Leon Pelser for his achievements.

Upcoming Salons and Events

Members were encouraged to enter several upcoming national and international salons (including the Sandton National Digital Salon, Four Nations Competition, Kosmos Digital Salon and others). Deadlines were shown for members to plan submissions.
Photography events and opportunities for participation were highlighted, offering members chances to showcase work and earn salon acceptances.

Meeting Calendar and Set Subjects
The club’s meeting schedule and monthly set-subject themes for the year were shared to guide members’ creative efforts:

June: Time
July: Funny
August: Forms in Nature
September: Industrial
October: Mirror, mirror
November: Self-Portrait
December: Year-end AGM and braai

Members were thanked for their participation and reminded to keep personal details (like birthdays) updated on the club’s online system. The meeting closed on a celebratory note, congratulating winners and encouraging continued participation in competitions and salons.

Well done to all contributors — keep shooting, entering, and supporting one another.

The Best Junior Photographer for May is Edmund Hattingh with “Bee breakfast”

The Best Set Subject photograph for May is Louis van der Walt with “Cederberg Arch Moon Phases v2”

Here are all the COM and Gold winners for the April meeting:

Category – Nature: Birds Only

Category – Scapes

30s Tugela River 1 by Louis van der Walt

Autumn in the Drakensberg by Stian Griffin

Category – Monochrome

Whispers after the rain by Yolandi Geyser

Category – Nature

Sentinel at the Waters Edge by Yolandi Geyser

Fighting for the right by Piet Potgieter

Making an escape in the water by Lorraine Botha

Category – Pictorial

Category – Photojournalism

Category – Set Subject

Old barn under the northern lights by Edmund Hattingh

Searching for my ancestors by Piet Potgieter

SA Stamboek vereer Waldo Scheepers as Mentorteler van die Jaar

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 14, 2026

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SA Stamboek vereer Waldo Scheepers as Mentorteler van die Jaar

Die 2026 SA Stamboek Elite-toekennings het weer verskeie waardige wenners opgelewer. Die funksie op 27 April in Bloemfontein het eer gebring aan lede en hul uitsonderlike stoete, maar ook aan telers wat op ander, unieke maniere bydra tot die bedryf. Waldo Scheepers van Trifill Wagyu is vereer as Mentorteler van die Jaar vir sy toegewyde bydrae om nuwe veeboere prakties en aktief te ondersteun sodat hulle suksesvol kan wees.

Scheepers dien as Director of Breed Improvement & Genomics vir die Wagyu Society of South Africa en bring ’n rykdom van kennis en passie vir Wagyu-telery, veral in die begeleiding van jong, opkomende boere. Hy behaal sy B.Sc. Agric. aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch in 2016 en het kort daarna sy veeboerdery-loopbaan begin. In 2017 het hy die Trifill Wagyu-stoet naby Secunda, Mpumalanga, gevestig.

Met ’n sterk wetenskaplike grondslag fokus Waldo op genetika en data-gedrewe teling—gebiede waarin Wagyu besonder uitblink. Sy werk konsentreer op die teling van funksioneel doeltreffende Wagyu-koeie wat by verskeie omgewings kan aanpas en terselfdertyd uitblink in groei- en karkassparemeters. Sedert 2020 sit hy in die Breed Improvement Committee en hy speel ’n sleutelrol in die bestuur van die toekoms van Wagyu-genetika in Suid-Afrika. Saam met sy vrou, Bianca, boer hy by Vlakspruit, hul hoofproduksieplaas naby Secunda.

Die Bulletin het met Waldo oor hierdie erkenning gesels. Hy sê: “Hierdie toekenning is nie net vir my nie, maar vir al die boere en mentors wat kennis deel en mekaar ondersteun. My doel is om wetenskap en praktyk te verbind sodat nuwe telers selfversekerd en volhoubaar kan ontwikkel.”

Die erkenning beklemtoon die belangrikheid van mentorskap en kennisdeling binne die veeboerderybedryf en vier die rol van individue soos Scheepers wat die volgende generasie telers help vorm.

Mpumalanga Department of Health still searching for over 62,000 people who need ARV treatment

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 13, 2026

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Mpumalanga Department of Health still searching for over 62,000 people who need ARV treatment

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the relaunch of the Tuberculosis (TB) Caucus in the Mpumalanga Legislature today, but remains deeply concerned that the Mpumalanga Department of Health (DoH) is still unable to locate tens of thousands of people who require antiretroviral (ARV) treatment.

“The DA is submiting parliamentary questions to Mpumalanga Health MEC Sasekani Manzini asking her to explain why the department has not effectively tracked and re-engaged patients who should be on ARV therapy and why it has failed to meet its own HIV and TB targets,” said Bosman Grobler: MPL – DA Spokesperson on Health: Mpumalanga Legislature

Bosman Grobler –
DA Caucus Leader Mpumalanga Legislature

In February 2025 the Mpumalanga DoH joined the national “Closing the GAP” campaign to trace people who had tested HIV-positive but were not receiving treatment and to find those who had defaulted on treatment. At that time, 134,243 patients required engagement, re-engagement or retention in care.

According to the DoH’s 2025/2026 Fourth Quarter Report, 15 months later only 72,124 (54%) of those patients had been found. That leaves 62,199 people still unaccounted for. The department has extended its deadline to trace these patients to December 2026.

HIV/AIDS and TB remain the leading causes of death in Mpumalanga. The DA believes the DoH’s weak, inflexible initiatives are failing to meet the evolving needs of patients, contributing to poor prevention and treatment outcomes.

The DoH’s report shows the department did not meet 2025/2026 treatment and prevention targets for HIV/AIDS and TB. Although 95% of adults who tested HIV-positive reportedly began treatment, only 70% were retained.

Child treatment targets were also missed. The department aimed to initiate 849 HIV-positive children on ARVs in 2025/2026 but managed only 341. The report acknowledges the lack of a reliable system to follow up HIV-exposed infants at 10 weeks, 6 months and 18 months, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

The DoH admits it is not doing enough to trace children under five who need TB treatment. Implementation of targeted universal testing and treatment (TUTT) for TB is described as inadequate, contributing to missed TB prevention and treatment targets.

Call to action
The DA calls on MEC Sasekani Manzini and the Mpumalanga DoH to:

Deploy all available resources immediately to find the remaining missing patients and re-engage defaulters.
Strengthen systems for follow-up of HIV-exposed infants and for initiating and retaining children on ARV treatment.
Urgently scale up effective, flexible community-based tracing and retention strategies and improve TUTT implementation for TB.

The DA supports the renewed focus on TB through the caucus relaunch, but warns that without rapid, decisive action to locate and retain people on treatment, both HIV and TB outcomes in Mpumalanga will continue to deteriorate.

Sasol Highveld Photography Club — April 2026 meeting wrap

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 5, 2026

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Sasol Highveld Photography Club — April 2026 meeting wrap

The Sasol Highveld Photography Club gathered in April 2026 for a lively club meeting and guest-judge evening with Robbie Aspeling. The meeting featured 58 entries across eight categories — Nature (11), Photojournalism (4), Monochrome (10), Pictorial (11), Scapes (6), Nature — Birds Only (6) and Set Subject (10) — and included both senior and junior competitions.

Highlights

PSSA News:

Best Club Junior / Senior CompetitionSenior winner for March: Leon Pelser with “Inspection” (30 points)
Junior winner for March: Edmund Hattingh with “Stofwolk” (30 points).

Web competition top entries in March included Leon Pelser, DNE Smit, Sussa Pelser and Yolandi Geyser.

PSSA news and salon results The club reviewed recent PSSA salon successes and encouraged members to nominate “Sasol Highveld Photography” as their club when entering web and salon competitions

2nd Highway Salon PDI (2026): multiple acceptances and a Category Runner-Up (PSSA Bronze) for Sussa Pelser.
Ermelo Fotoklub 5th Digital Salon (2026): several accepted entries and a Certificate of Merit to Yolandi Geyser.
14th National AFO Salon (2026) and PSSA 29th National Up-and-Coming Photo Competition (2026): numerous accepted images from club members including Sussa Pelser, DNE Smit, Louis van der Walt, Yolandi Geyser and Edmund Hattingh (pages 10–11).

Upcoming salons and events A list of upcoming salons with closing dates was presented to members, including HCPS 7th Salon, TAF 15th Print & PDI Salon, Sandton National Digital Salon and international competitions such as the China International Photographic Art Exhibition. Members were encouraged to participate and to choose the club as their nominated entry club.

Club business and calendar The club agenda covered member birthdays, promotions (none this month), PSSA news, photography events, the guest judge presentation, scoring and closure. The meeting calendar and set-subject schedule for the year were confirmed : April — Motion (17 April meeting), May — Night (8 May), June — Time (5 June), July — Funny (3 July), August — Forms in Nature (14 August), September — Industrial (4 September), October — Mirror, mirror (2 October), November — Self-Portrait (6 November) and the year-end AGM and braai on 5 December.

Closing The meeting closed with thanks to winners and participants and encouragement to keep entering PSSA salons and web competitions (closure slide, page 19). Members are reminded to keep Photovault profiles (including birthdays) up to date and to nominate the club when entering competitions.

The best Senior Photographer for April is Leon Pelser with “Dusty Game”

The best Junior Photographer for April is Yolandi Geyser with “Watcher in the Dark”

The best Setsubject Photograph for April is DNE Smit with “Spier Tiere”

Here are all the COM and Gold winners for the April meeting:

Category – Nature: Birds Only

Kom jy regtig by my sit? by Edmund Hattingh

Category – Scapes

Category – Monochrome

Category – Nature

Category – Pictorial

Praying Mantis X Mouth by Louis van der Walt

Category – Photojournalism

Category – Set Subject

Western Mounted Games 0285 by Adri Kirsten

Freedom Front Plus calls for crackdown on taxi mafia in Mpumalanga

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Encee van Huyssteen

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April 30, 2026

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Freedom Front Plus calls for crackdown on taxi mafia in Mpumalanga

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has intensified its campaign against the growing lawlessness of taxi associations in Mpumalanga.

“During a recent oversight visit by the Mpumalanga Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety to the SAPS provincial headquarters, the party once again raised the critical issue of illegal taxi patrols,” said Werner Weber Freedom Front Plus MPL: Mpumalanga

The Freedom Front Plus emphasised that no individual or organisation—including taxi associations—is above the law.

The conduct and public statements of certain leaders, such as the Mpumalanga chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni—who has claimed that the association has the right to stop motorists and prevent lift-sharing—have contributed to the current state of lawlessness on the province’s roads.

Mpumalanga Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, Chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco)

Taxi patrol groups are reportedly forcing motorists off the road using life-threatening tactics, demanding unlawful fines, and employing violence to enforce monopolies over transport routes.

Numerous vehicles and drivers are operating without valid permits, while intimidation and extortion are being used to eliminate competition.

Although the MEC for Community Safety, Mr Jackie Macie, has undertaken to investigate the matter, commitments without decisive action are insufficient.

The authorities’ reluctance to make arrests is emboldening these groups to continue their unlawful and often violent activities.

The Freedom Front Plus calls for the immediate disbandment of all unlawful taxi patrols, the criminal prosecution of individuals involved in hijackings, intimidation, and extortion, as well as a moratorium on new operating licences and the revocation of licences held by associations implicated in such activities.

South Africans deserve dignity and safety on public roads.

The Freedom Front Plus will continue to apply pressure in the Legislature until the authorities recognise that maintaining law and order is not optional—and that this principle applies equally to the taxi industry.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: What Parents and Educators Need to Know

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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April 23, 2026

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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: What Parents and Educators Need to Know

Since early February 2025, clusters of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have been reported in primary schools and daycare centres in the northern part of eThekwini District. Cases has also been reported in Secunda and even Capetown.

HFMD is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and children under 10. Caused by enteroviruses, it typically produces mild, self-limiting illness with recovery in 7–10 days. HFMD affects humans only and is distinct from animal “foot-and-mouth” disease.

How HFMD spreads

Direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, nasal secretions, or fluid from blisters.
Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Contact with contaminated surfaces or shared objects (toys, stationery, utensils).
Contact with fecal matter (for example, from inadequate hand hygiene after toilet use or diaper changes).

Signs and symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 3–7 days after exposure and commonly last about 7–10 days. Typical features include:

Fever, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of appetite
Small painful blisters or ulcers inside the mouth, and on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

Diagnosis and treatment

HFMD is usually diagnosed clinically from the characteristic symptoms and signs. In severe or uncertain cases, throat or stool samples may be sent to a laboratory for confirmation.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or widely used vaccine for HFMD. Management is supportive: rest, fluids, and symptomatic relief for fever and pain (as advised by a healthcare provider).
Most children recover fully at home. Seek prompt medical attention for severe symptoms or signs of complications.

Prevention and school guidance

Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after toileting, diaper changes, and before eating.
Avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, and toothbrushes.
Regularly clean and disinfect toys, surfaces, and shared items in childcare and classroom settings.
Keep children from close contact with anyone who is ill.
Children who are well enough may attend school; routine exclusion or school closures are not generally required when cases occur, unless advised by health authorities.

If you have concerns about a child’s symptoms or believe they may have HFMD, contact your healthcare provider or local health department for guidance.

‘Good’ and ‘bad credit’ and why it matters

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Encee van Huyssteen

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April 21, 2026

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‘Good’ and ‘bad credit’ and why it matters

This Financial Literacy month, understanding the distinction could help under-pressure consumers avoid a debt spiral

Under pressure from rising electricity prices and municipal rates, South African consumers now face soaring fuel costs, which will have a knock-on effect throughout the economy.

The consequences for people with little or no financial wiggle room are already apparent, with applications for debt counselling in April already significantly up compared to last year.

National Debt Counselling Association chairperson, René Moonsamy, says when faced with rising costs, many consumers have few options: make use of the ‘two-pot’ system to dip into retirement savings, access more credit, or a combination of the two, or seek help from a debt counsellor to restructure debt and get protection from creditors.

“The reality is that we’re going to see people borrowing more. In this context, understanding debt and the distinction between so-called ‘good’ and ‘bad credit’ is important. With consumers battered by a storm of rising costs, and April being Financial Literacy month, now is a perfect time to explore the distinction.”

Credit itself, she explains, is neutral. It’s not the type of credit that’s at issue. What characterises it as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is what it is used for, how much it costs, and whether the consumer can afford it.

‘Good’ credit is affordable, well-managed and used for productive purposes that improve your long-term financial stability. For example, buying a car to get to work or generate an income, furthering your education or paying for a renovation to add value to your house.

Payments should be affordable relative to your income, and the interest rates should be in line with a consumer’s risk profile. Making payments on time allows you to build a positive financial record. This will enable you to access financial products at better rates, because your credit score shows you are financially reliable.

The National Credit Act requires lenders to ensure applicants can afford credit before approving it. At the same time, consumers need to be truthful when applying for credit about their incomes and expenses.

“The problem is that while responsible lenders carry out all the required checks, desperate applicants can misrepresent expenses or income on the application. This is when borrowing becomes unaffordable, ‘bad credit’,” says Moonsamy.

‘Bad credit’ is unaffordable, high-cost or poorly managed borrowing, usually for short-term consumption that adds no lasting value.

Examples include using credit to fund lifestyle or basic living expenses, or taking new credit to repay old loans.

“In simple terms, ‘good credit’ helps you acquire assets and achieve financial stability and sustainability in the long term, while ‘bad credit’ is usually unaffordable, often used for short-term consumption and damages your credit record.”

“There’s nothing inherently wrong with credit. It’s integral to a functioning economy. What’s important to understand is whether it benefits you or not. We understand, however, that for people already caught in a debt spiral, the distinction between ‘good’ and ‘bad credit’ is academic, in which case the best course of action is to get help from one of our members. Delaying can further negatively affect your credit score and put your assets at risk of repossession, and if you wait too long, debt counselling may no longer be an option,” says Moonsamy.