Hunger makes it hard to focus at school: what learners in South Africa told us about food insecurity
Hunger is often treated as a household or poverty problem. But it can also become an education problem. When learners are hungry, it can be difficult to concentrate, participate in lessons and remain focused throughout the school day. Many South African children go to school without having enough food to eat. A learner may arrive […]
COP31: what South Africa must do to deliver on its climate promises
Over the past 10 years South Africa has made a number of promises to tackle climate change. These have included its first pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2016, a stronger target to reduce pollution in 2021 and a new climate law in 2024. The country has now promised to further reduce its greenhouse […]
This self-powered toothbrush makes electricity to kill cavity-causing bacteria
Researchers have created a self-charging toothbrush that helps fight the bacteria linked to cavities and gum disease while preventing plaque buildup. A toothbrush that generates its own electricity with every stroke could offer a new way to fight the microbes behind cavities and gum disease. Read more
Why the WHO must declare climate change a public health emergency
Across the world, people have felt the impacts of climate change firsthand. The northern hemisphere has had another record-breaking summer season of heat and extreme weather events. The south now faces a summer of heatwaves, flooding, wildfires and droughts. This is driven by decades of climate change, now supercharged by an unprecedented El Niño – […]
400,000-year-old fossilized termite nests named after Little Karoo town
University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers recently named a series of approximately 400,000-year-old fossilized underground nests of an extinct termite species after Calitzdorp, the Little Karoo town near which they were found. In October 2026, the research team returned to the town to donate a poster documenting their discovery to the Calitzdorp Museum, helping to […]
79 deaths a day: South Africa’s diabetes crisis needs a new strategy
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) recently released its report on deaths that occurred in 2024. The headline findings contain a sobering, recurring truth: diabetes was once again the country’s leading underlying natural cause of death. In 2024 alone, 28,767 people died from complications caused by diabetes, accounting for 6.1% of all deaths nationwide. That is […]
Sacred springs of South Africa: pure waters or polluted? We found tiny bits of plastic in the samples we tested
Across South Africa, natural springs are more than sources of freshwater. Some are places of healing, spiritual cleansing and rituals, where communities collect water and maintain longstanding cultural connections with the environment. For example, during cleansing rituals, people bathe in or collect spring water as a way of seeking spiritual renewal, healing and protection. These […]
STEM Beyond the Classroom
For learners to understand the relevance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, they need more than opportunities to learn concepts. They need opportunities to see those concepts at work in their homes, communities, workplaces and the world around them. This does not mean replacing the classroom. Schools provide the essential knowledge and foundations on which […]
Young scientists, innovators tackle South Africa’s water crisis
A team of young scientists and innovators are helping to find solutions to South Africa’s water challenges. The group emerged as the winning team at the 2026 Wetskills South Africa programme, an International innovation workshop focused on water sustainability. The participants developed innovative responses to the country’s growing problem of non-revenue water, which is treated water that the […]
South Africa and China deepen scientific cooperation in AI, quantum and health
South Africa and China have agreed to deepen scientific and technological cooperation, with artificial intelligence, quantum computing, talent development, health innovation, energy research and science and technology parks identified as priority areas for expanded collaboration. South African Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Prof. Blade Nzimande held a high-level strategic meeting with his Chinese counterpart, […]