News and analysis

13 things that will change the way you look at abortion

Everyone’s got an opinion on it but can we say the same about the facts?
The Council for Medical Schemes estimates that fraud

#Budget2018: Cuts to medical aid tax credits begin

Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba didn’t cut state subsidies for private medical aid members outright but your pocket may still feel the pinch
Blood on their hands: Gauteng health officials could face criminal charges for Life Esidimeni.

#LifeEsidimeni: Motsoaledi and Makhura could be forced to pay up from their pockets

Those who oversaw the removal of mental health patients could face the full wrath of the law as could those standing by as KZN's cancer care fails.
They're not just journalists: The Bhekisisa team handles everything from writing

Here are 12 things we’ve learned from five years of donor-funded journalism

Work at a non-profit media house? Then you know your job is not just reporting anymore.
#LifeEsidimeni: 'There may still be uncounted bodies in state mortuaries'

The real reason why Gauteng doesn’t want to pay up for #LifeEsidimeni

‘Families should be compensated for trauma, but not for what the deceased went through’, says state advocate.
Staff shortages are pushing Limpopo doctors to exceed contracted overtime hours

Can government employees kiss those above-inflation increases goodbye?

Picketing doctors and nurses in Limpopo could be just a taste of what's to come as unions and government prepare to head to the bargaining table.
A Burundian woman is treated for malaria. Does Nigeria really account for almost a quarter of the world's malaria cases? Well...

Is Nigeria really home to almost one in four of the world’s malaria cases?

International insecticide brand Mortein claims that Nigeria contributes 23% of the world’s malaria cases. Does the figure hit the mark?
The XX factor: Could the genetic make-up of people with uteruses give them the fighting edge when it comes to surviving the world's elimination rounds?

Scientists confirm what women always knew: Men really are the weaker sex

In times of famine, epidemic and hardship over the past 250 years, women have consistently outlived men, find researchers
Families hold a vigil for Life Esidimeni patients. They may have warmed to Gauteng Premier David Makhura during the arbitration and meetings ahead of the proceedings

‘For goodness sake, if that’s how things are run … God help us all’

Gauteng Premier David Makhura claims he didn't know #LifeEsidimeni patients would be transferred to the care of NGOs. Perhaps he just didn't listen.
The Special Investigations Unit is currently investigating possible corruption linked to the closure of Life Esidimeni facilities. One Krugersdorp NGO received R13-million in exchange for taking former Life Esidimeni patients.

No money for #LifeEsidimeni, but millions for consultants

​Qedani Mahlangu’s department paid almost R60-million to the law firm that would later represent her in the run-up to arbitration.
Mahlangu's three-day testimony left the families of Life Esidimeni patients in tears to the point that they ultimately staged a walk out.

#LifeEsidimeni: Five of the most unbelievable things Qedani Mahlangu said

Did the former MEC move from playing the blame game to playing the victim?
Former Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu still sits on the provincial executive committee.

#LifeEsidimeni: Qedani Mahlangu’s ego and the death of 143 patients

The former Health MEC claims her subordinates withheld information from her. But she’s being accused 
of misleading the legislature.
Remembering the dead: Mental health activists protesting outside the Life Esidimeni arbitration hearings in Johannesburg.

#LifeEsidimeni: Did Mahlangu keep David Makhura in the dark?

More than a hundred protesters gathered this week outside the arbitration meetings as Mahlangu took the stand.
Former Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and colleagues may be criminally charged for the Life Esidimeni deaths.

#LifeEsidimeni: What Qedani Mahlangu’s testimony may mean for David Makhura

Accusations fly as the embattled former health MEC finally testifies at the ongoing arbitration hearings.

#LifeEsidimeni: Did Qedani Mahlangu send patients to their deaths for political gain?

The former Gauteng Health MEC is expected to take the stand on Monday when she will finally face irate families who are tired of waiting for answers.