Pharma Capacity Push: CSIR has taken responsibility for the second phase of South Africa’s Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Innovation Cluster, aimed at developing and commercialising small-molecule API production to reduce reliance on imported medicines. Regional Health Security: Namibia’s health ministry is calling for stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, warning that diseases spread with people and trade. Public Health & Nutrition: A new global study says people worldwide eat far fewer vegetables than dietary guidelines recommend, while vegetable crop diversity is also declining—an issue linked to diet-related disease risk. School Safety Crisis: Gauteng reports rising violence around schools, including armed suspects and weapons found during stop-and-search operations, with education officials warning learners’ right to education is being threatened. Weather & Health Risks: KZN is under a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain, with possible flooding and slippery roads, while Durban’s N2 crash left one person dead and others injured. Gender Equity in Practice: A Women’s Month feature argues South Africa still struggles with inclusion without power, calling for accountability and system redesign rather than celebrating resilience alone. Mental Health Link: UWC research links heavier social media reliance and smartphone addiction with worse mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms.