Latest news with #ZO
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Health experts warn against self-medicating children
With flu season in full effect, it is easy to self-medicate, which can often lead to misdiagnosis. In an article published by Daily Mail, an American family is left to mourn the loss of their 14-year-old son after he contracted meningitis just days after falling ill. ALSO READ: Meningitis in children: A guide for parents The teenager reportedly developed a fast-moving meningitis that can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis. Experts urge parents not to overlook symptoms such as headaches, vomiting or sensitivity to light because these indicators are often mistaken for the flu or a stomach bug. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics can mean the difference between life and death. Common symptoms of meningitis in children include a fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, confusion, drowsiness and sluggishness. Symptoms in babies may be displayed with irritability, high-pitched cry, poor feeding, unusual fatigue, seizures, rash, muscle or joint pain, stomach cramps and breathing quickly. For more information on meningitis, visit the World Health Organisation at Source: Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Deadline for property valuation objections
City of uMhlathuze property owners have until tomorrow (Saturday) to submit their objections to the fourth cycle of the General Valuation Roll. The municipality reminded residents who may have objections not to miss the 21 June deadline. ALSO READ: Home valuations in a shifting market 'We encourage all affected property owners to review their valuations and submit objections, if necessary, before the deadline,' the municipality stated. 'Should you wish to lodge an objection, please make use of the following submission channels: Email: valuations@ or online portal: 'Objection boxes placed at the foyer in the Richards Bay and Empangeni civic centres.' The municipality opened for public inspection the valuation roll for all properties in the city. The valuation of properties is in line with the Municipal Property Rates Act, national legislation that enables a municipality to levy rates on properties in its area of jurisdiction. Many property owners have, however, raised frustrations with the valuation of their properties, with some expressing concerns over incorrect addresses and exorbitant rates increases of up to 50%. While the city noted the concerns raised by residents, CFO Mxolisi Kunene said their assessment indicates increases of up to 27%. 'In terms of the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA), property valuations are done every five years. 'Physical inspections are not compulsory, valuations are done on a comparative and analytical tool, aerial photography and computer-assisted appraisals (CAMA) techniques. 'Only properties that have undergone changes require to be physically inspected,' said Kunene. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
7 Home Affairs officials arrested for contravention of Immigration and Identification Acts
7 Home Affairs officials arrested for contravention of Immigration and Identification Acts Seven Department of Home Affairs (DHA) employees have been arrested in connection with issuing fraudulent passports to undocumented foreigners. This forms part of an ongoing operation run by the Serious Corruption Investigation component of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Pretoria. ALSO READ: WATCH: Protesters block Home Affairs office with coffins The operation emanates from a complaint by the DHA relating to the issuance of fraudulent passports. Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale explained that allegations included corruption, fraud and contravention of the Identification Act and Immigration Act. The crimes reportedly took place between February 2020 and July 2023, with the facilitation of fraudulent passports from DHA offices in Durban, specifically the Commercial Street branch. 'These unlawful activities took place outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends and on public holidays when the DHA offices were officially closed,' said Mogale. 'Preliminary investigations by the DHA confirmed that local citizens [were] offered R300 to R1 000 in exchange for their co-operation, especially at DHA offices in Isipingo, Durban Central and eShowe, resulting in a case being opened for investigation.' To date, 38 people have been arrested between September 2022 and now, seven of whom are DHA officials and 31 private citizens, explained Mogale. He said 24 individuals – four of them DHA officials – were convicted and sentenced to a combined 310 years' imprisonment. 'The remaining five suspects were arrested by the Serious Corruption Investigation on Saturday in various parts of Durban and will face charges of corruption, fraud, contravention of the Immigration Act and contravention of the Identification Act,' he said. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Thousands arrested in Operation Shanela crackdown
In one week, 13 915 suspects were arrested through the nationwide crackdown on crime, Operation Shanela. Among these, 190 suspects were arrested for rape – 89 of which were in KZN. National police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the arrests reaffirm SAPS' unwavering commitment to tackling gender-based violence, femicide, and sexual offences. ALSO READ: Rape suspect outsmarts police 'Police task teams deployed in eManguzi continue to deal decisively with those involved in cross-border crime. Just last week, the team arrested four suspects and recovered 19 stolen vehicles, including 11 bakkies, six SUVs, a minibus, and a sedan during an intelligence-driven operation.' Van Wyk said preliminary reports indicate seven vehicles were reportedly destined to cross the Kosi Bay border. 'The team strategically positioned themselves and successfully intercepted the stolen vehicles from the N2 to the R22. Four suspects were arrested, while some managed to evade arrest and fled the scene. 'One of the recovered vehicles was found with fraudulent documents and affidavits to allow the vehicles to cross the border,' she said. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Citizen
WATCH: 7 tips from a 77-year-old to thrive in the golden years
WATCH: 7 tips from a 77-year-old to thrive in the golden years He is the Zululand Observer's king of puns and witty wordplay, a newshound known for his supreme gusto in chasing the next big scoop. Dave Savides, the ZO's esteemed consultant editor, celebrated his 77th birthday on Wednesday. Married to wife Liz for 53 years, and father to Paul, Simon and Suzanne, Dave is also a proud grandfather of four and a great-grandfather to one girl. Reflecting on his 77 years, Dave shares seven tips for reaching – and thriving at – a golden age: 1. Look after your body when you're young – you will reap the benefits when you're older. 2. Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. 3. Surround yourself with good, positive people. 4. Count your blessings every day. 5. Make the most of each day. 6. Use every opportunity to be a blessing to others. 7. Carry your load and let God take the overload. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
