South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Tuesday, 7 May

We’ve got the latest news stories and headlines in South Africa on Tuesday, 7 May.

A multi-storey building under construction in George collapsed on Monday, trapping about 48 workers in the rubble.

In other news, the Gauteng Health MEC urges prompt flu vaccinations as South Africa braces for winter, especially for those at high risk.

The Gauteng Department of Education is concerned by the loss of young lives after four learners from the same school committed suicide.

Meanwhile, Eskom has approached the Johannesburg High Court to force City Power to pay its escalating R1 billion debt.

Lastly, NSFAS said it received complaints about alleged outstanding payments for students living in private accommodation.

TODAY’S LATEST NEWS IN SOUTH AFRICA, Tuesday, 7 May

UPDATE: Building collapses in George, 48 workers trapped

A multi-storey building under construction in George collapsed on Monday, trapping a reported 48 workers in the rubble, the city hall said.

The building was situated in Victoria Street.

Chaos erupted in the immediate area with onlookers trying to get a glimpse of the disaster as rescue vehicles rushed up and down York Street.

Flu vaccination urged for high-risk individuals ahead of winter

As South Africa prepares for the winter season, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC, is urging the public, particularly those at high risk of severe influenza, to promptly seek flu vaccinations at their nearest public clinics or healthcare providers.

Nkomo-Ralehoko’s call to action coincided with the observance of World Hand Hygiene Day on Sunday.

This global initiative aims to raise awareness about the significance of hand hygiene in disease prevention, particularly in healthcare settings and communities.

Concern as four learners from the same school commit suicide

The Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched its psycho-social support unit to Eqinisweni Secondary School. This is to provide necessary counseling after learners allegedly committed suicide. 

The learners from the school in Ivory Park allegedly committed suicide between 26 April and 5 May. 

Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said information at their disposal indicates that the first incident occurred on Friday, 26 April. 

Landlords allegedly lock out NSFAS students due to non-payment

National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator Freeman Nomvalo has assigned staff to urgently attend to issues pertaining to alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation. 

Landlords have allegedly locked students out due to non-payment. 

Eskom drags City Power to court over escalating R1 billion debt

Eskom has applied to the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg for a declaratory order to force City Power to pay its R1 billion debt. 

City Power, which supplies residents under the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, is defaulting on its payments. 

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