Stories from Durban · South Africa

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health reported that over 28,000 girls aged 15 to 19 became pregnant during the previous financial year. The source noted that these figures are part of ongoing discussions regarding health and social issues in the region.

A female driver died following a multiple vehicle collision on the M7 Road in Durban. A truck believed to be carrying copper plates lost control and struck approximately four other vehicles, according to emergency services.

The newly revamped Boutelezzi Mall is scheduled to officially open its doors tomorrow in the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast region. Minister Valen Kossina-Klubbys stated the mall was renamed in honor of the late IFP founder, Prince Mangatu Dubutelesi.

Free State Crimes coach Martha Musaathe Sam expressed satisfaction after their second win in the Telcom Nepal League. The team secured a 59-42 victory against the Durban University of Technology. This win continues their strong start to the season.

Faith in democracy in KwaZulu-Natal has declined from approximately 50% in previous years to 6%. This trend reflects a broader global decline in democratic confidence. Analysts suggest the 1994 democratic model may require redefinition to meet evolving challenges. A speaker argued that the current electoral system was a negotiated settlement from a time of crisis and needs specific changes.

Members of the March & March group are targeting individuals suspected of being undocumented migrants in Durban. The group is reportedly conducting unauthorized arrests and looting shops. Mike Milovou of the CAX anti-xenophobia coalition confirmed that videos of these attacks have circulated on social media for several weeks.

A new surge of xenophobic violence has been reported in the coastal city of Durban, South Africa. The situation has drawn international attention and indignation in cities such as Accra. Demonstrators are also targeting immigrants by blocking access to schools and clinics. Mike Milovou of the CAX coalition reported that these groups have been illegally obstructing essential services for several months. Militant groups identified as March & March are targeting migrants in Durban, claiming to oppose illegal immigration. Local coalitions, including CAX, are monitoring the social media footage of these incidents. Protests against migrants are planned for Johannesburg and Pretoria. Over 3 million foreign nationals currently reside in the country and are seeking stronger government protection.

Former beauty queen Cynthia Schange has passed away at the age of 76. Schange received lifetime achievement awards from the SAFTAS and the Simon Mabonu Sabela Awards. Her death was reported by SAFM and other sources. She passed away in Durban. A former Taiwanese ambassador to Eswatini, Zheng Jiansheng, died in a car accident in 1973 while en route to a meeting with the Prime Minister of Mozambique. The accident occurred at night on a road without streetlights. Zheng Jiansheng was the second ambassador to Eswatini and was also responsible for consular affairs in Mozambique. This incident is remembered as a tragedy for Taiwan's diplomatic corps. The cause of death and other details surrounding her passing have not been immediately released. Further details regarding the cause of death were not immediately available.