ECR Newswatch Interviews
Hear the latest news soundbytes or interviews from KZN's No. 1 news team: East Coast Radio Newswatch. © East Coast Radio.
KZN blood stocks at risk over festive season, SANBS urges donations
The South African National Blood Service in KwaZulu-Natal says it expects blood stocks to drop from next week as more people go on holiday. It says it requires 3,500 units of blood daily, while it requires 10,000 O-group units of blood weekly.
Forensic probe launched after matric exam leak traced to national officials
A forensic investigation will be conducted into the matric exam breach. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has revealed that pupils at seven schools in Pretoria had access to Maths, Physical Science and English papers before they were written. It was the markers who suspected there had been a leak.
Risenga Maluleke Statistician-General of South Africa
A Stats SA report has revealed South Africa is making strides in the fight against poverty. It examined poverty between 2006 and 2023 and shed light on how it's evolved over nearly two decades. It found that 37.9% of South Africans or about 23 million people were considered poor in…
KZN man wheels 190km to champion dignity, accessibility
A KwaZulu-Natal man has pushed his wheelchair to the limit. Muzi Fodo became paralysed in 2013 after being involved in a car crash. Twelve years later, he's gone on a mission to help others have access to wheelchairs. He wheeled nearly 190 kilometres from Harding to Durban for the cause.
Durban’s Northlands Primary LEGO team builds their way to South Korea
Northlands Primary School’s First LEGO League team is gearing up to represent South Africa on the world stage. The team, called Smooth Sailors, made waves at the national LEGO Unearthed competition in Johannesburg over the weekend. They won the prestigious Champions Award, placing fourth nationally out of 72 teams, and…
TikTok skincare craze putting SA teens at risk, expert warns
Doctor Judey Pretorius, a Biomedical Scientist and lecturer for Pharmaceutical Chemistry at North West University, has described the skin struggles of teenagers as the perfect storm of pressure.
Durban service workers brace for festive rush
While many people have started winding down for the December break, staff in the retail and service industry say they are preparing for the busiest and most exhausting time of the year.
Home Affairs extends festive season hours to ease access to ID documents
The Department of Home Affairs has announced extended operating hours across its offices to help South Africans access identity documents and passports ahead of and during the festive season.
'Narcissistic’ former soldier deserves maximum sentence, says Taryn le Roux's dad
The father of a Durban woman who was murdered at a Westville pub says nothing short of life behind bars for her killer will bring peace to her family. Taryn le Roux was shot dead in September. Her husband, Fredrik Nicholas le Roux, has been charged with premeditated murder.
Durban’s 1860 Heritage Centre goes digital to safeguard history
Durban's 1860 Heritage Centre says it's now using digital technology to preserve historical artefacts for future generations. The museum's director, Selvan Naidoo, says the centre has begun a digitisation process. He says the move is aimed at safeguarding the museum's collections in a province that remains vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
Disability inclusion a ‘tick-box exercise’ in SA workplaces, expert warns
As the world marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an expert says South Africa’s workplaces are still failing disabled employees. Professor Armand Bam says it's despite South Africa’s legal obligations under the Employment Equity Act and its global commitments under the UN disability on the Rights of Persons with…
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla quits as MKP MP amid Russia recruitment fallout
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has stepped down as a member of parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The party's national chairperson, Nathi Nhleko, made the announcement in Durban on Friday morning.
Black Friday shopping tips with Cyber Expert, Mike Bolhuis
As you get ready to take advantage of Black Friday bargains, a cybersecurity expert is warning about the pitfalls of online shopping. Mike Bolhuis says store websites can be mimicked by cyber criminals to gain your banking card details.
Truck shutdown latest
The All Truck Drivers Forum says its members have embarked on a national shutdown on several major routes today.
Matlala tells ad hoc committee of first time meeting Sibiya
Alleged tender don Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala told Parliament's ad hoc committee on Wednesday about his first meeting with Shadrack Sibiya. Matlala claimed he reached out to the suspended deputy national police commissioner after experiencing issues regarding a clinic that had been leased to him by the Department of Public Works.
Ad hoc committee question 'Cat' Matlala on R300m SAPS contract
Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala has refused to answer questions regarding the R360 million Medicare contract awarded to the South African Police Service. The alleged ‘Big Five’ cartel leader was testifying on Tuesday before Parliament's Ad Hoc committee at the Kgosi Mampuru Prison, where he is currently imprisoned.
KZN pupil wins global competition with health-assistant robot
A KwaZulu-Natal pupil who has won a Global Robotics title has described her creation as more than just a machine. Sinead Samputh says her award-winning robot is a design to help people.
Meet Leenie Gounder - Sahara Shelter
In our mission to highlight the real heroes working on the frontlines, we visited Sahara Shelter - a safe haven providing protection, counselling, and hope for women and children escaping abusive homes. While there, we sat down with one of the incredible people making this life-changing work possible: Social Worker…
Meet Nadia Munsamy: Sahara Shelter
Continuing our commitment to spotlighting the heroes working tirelessly on the ground, we visited Sahara Shelter, a sanctuary offering safety, counselling, and stability for women and children escaping abuse. There, we met Centre Manager and National Shelter Movement representative, Nadia Munsamy, who shared powerful insight into the critical work being…
US could look to sideline SA from G20, expert warns
An international relations expert says she wouldn’t be surprised if the United States looks for ways to sideline South Africa during Washington’s G20 Presidency. South Africa concluded its term on Sunday, after hosting what many world leaders described as a highly successful G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.