The article discusses the evolving scientific consensus on alcohol consumption, highlighting that even moderate drinking may pose health risks, including cancer and heart disease. It references various studies and expert opinions, including those from the World Health Organisation, American Cancer Society, and other health organizations, which now suggest that no amount of alcohol is safe. The article also touches on the historical context of alcohol consumption guidelines and the recent changes in recommendations from health authorities in different countries. Overall, it emphasizes that drinking less is better for health and advises individuals to consider their personal health history when deciding on alcohol consumption.

The article explores the evolving scientific consensus on alcohol consumption, highlighting that even moderate drinking may pose health risks, including cancer and heart disease. It references various studies and expert opinions, including those from the World Health Organisation, American Cancer Society, and other health organizations, which now suggest that no amount of alcohol is safe. The article also discusses updated drinking guidelines from countries like Canada and the implications for public health. Experts advise considering personal health history and risks before deciding to drink, emphasizing that overall, drinking less is better for health.

The African National Congress (ANC) has fulfilled only one out of seven key promises made in its 2014 election manifesto, according to Africa Check. The promises assessed include expanding public works programs, eliminating the backlog of title deeds, connecting homes to the electricity grid, installing solar water heaters, establishing a National Health Insurance Fund, and doubling the number of people on antiretrovirals. The ANC met its commitment to open two new universities but fell short on the other six promises, with significant shortfalls in work opportunities, title deed transfers, electricity connections, solar water heater installations, and antiretroviral treatments. The National Health Insurance Fund has also not been established, with delays attributed to the legislative process.

The article by Liesl Pretorius covers the tragic story of Sinoxolo Mafevuka, a young woman from Khayelitsha who was raped and murdered on her way to a communal toilet. The piece delves into the personal aspects of Sinoxolo's life, her aspirations, and the impact of her death on her family and boyfriend. It also highlights the broader issues of gender-based violence and the inadequate sanitation facilities in informal settlements. The communal toilets, a necessity for many residents, pose significant safety risks, especially for women. The article discusses the social and infrastructural challenges faced by the community, such as the lack of proper toilets and the dangers associated with using them. The City of Cape Town's efforts and the shortcomings in addressing these issues are also examined. The piece is a collaboration with Code4SA's Data Journalism Academy and ends with a call for public opinion on government solutions to the sanitation problem.

The claim that there are 600,000 homeless people living on the streets of Johannesburg and Pretoria is critically examined and found to be flawed. The figure, attributed to Sechaba Potse of Homeless Solutions, lacks verifiable evidence and is significantly higher than other estimates. Experts and officials, including those from the City of Tshwane and the University of Pretoria, provide data suggesting much lower numbers. Accurate homelessness data is crucial for informed government budgeting and effective distribution of services.

The 12th ministerial council of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was postponed due to the Omicron variant, delaying discussions on a proposed waiver for Covid-related intellectual property (IP) rights. The waiver, supported by over 130 civil society groups and co-proposed by South Africa and India, aims to allow less-developed countries to manufacture Covid vaccines and treatments. High-income countries, including the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Norway, oppose the waiver, arguing it could hinder future innovation. The US supports a partial waiver. The article explores the complexities of text-based negotiations and the potential impact of the waiver on global vaccine distribution.

The World Trade Organization's 12th ministerial council meeting, set to discuss the right to manufacture Covid-related health products, was postponed due to the Omicron variant. The meeting aimed to negotiate a waiver for Covid-related intellectual property rights, proposed by South Africa and India, to allow less developed countries to manufacture Covid products. The proposal faces resistance from powerful governments, including some in the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Norway. The article highlights the urgency of the waiver to improve vaccine access in poorer countries, where vaccination rates are significantly lower. It also discusses the complexities and slow pace of WTO negotiations, the potential impact of the waiver, and the challenges posed by existing local IP laws.

Disinformation campaigns continue to exploit divisions in South Africa, despite the demise of Bell Pottinger. Experts like Whitney Phillips and Claire Wardle emphasize the importance of strategic engagement on social media to combat disinformation without amplifying it. Herman Wasserman's research highlights the prevalence of sharing unverified information in Africa, while Mandy Jenkins notes the overestimation of individuals' ability to discern fake news. Solutions include education, strategic amplification, and careful verification of sources. Collaborative efforts by organizations like Africa Check and the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab aim to address these challenges.

The article examines the anatomy of disinformation campaigns on Twitter, focusing on the actors, behaviors, and content involved. It highlights the role of social media algorithms in spreading falsehoods and the impact of both foreign and domestic disinformation. The piece discusses various tactics used by disinformation actors, including the creation of fake accounts and the use of emotional content to manipulate public opinion. It also explores the motivations behind disinformation, such as financial gain and political influence, and provides examples from South Africa and other countries. The article emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in combating disinformation.

The article discusses strategies to combat disinformation on Twitter, emphasizing the importance of being strategic about what and who to amplify. It highlights the risks of engaging with or spreading disinformation, even when attempting to correct it. Experts suggest focusing on sharing verified information, developing skills for identifying false content, and being cautious about unintentionally contributing to disinformation campaigns. The piece also touches on the psychological reasons why people fall for disinformation and the role of social media in performance for 'tribes' of followers. Education and investments in the information space are suggested as part of the solution to empower society against disinformation.