Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - South Africa has the world’s highest rate of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), but weak regulation to stem this condition. This is the reality as the country marks International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day on Tuesday September 9, a day to confront one of the most preventable yet devastating public health crises affecting our children. FASD is caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy, even small amounts cause harm. Its effects are lifelong, impacting a child’s brain development, learning ability, behaviour, and health. Some communities in the Western Cape and Northern Cape, which have the highest rates, report that as many as one in three children are affected.
Bouncing back from summer flu and allergies
Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - The worst may be over: the fever’s down, the body aches have eased, and you’re finally breathing easier. But whether you’ve just shaken off a nasty summer flu or you’ve been battling seasonal allergies that left you run-down, your body still needs time and care to bounce back. “Even after your flu or allergy symptoms subside, your body is working overtime to repair, recover, and rebuild,” explains Lindie Pretorius, Brand Manager for Linctagon®. “This is where the right nutrients can help as they support your immune system while it’s still regaining strength.”
Don’t stay silent, support can stop suicide
Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - Feeling alone, even when surrounded by others, is common among people who are at risk of suicide. With a reported suicide rate of 23.5 per 100 000 people in South Africa, there is an urgent need for us all to talk more openly about mental health. “Behind every statistic is a person, as well as their family and community - suicide is not an isolated problem, even though for the person with suicidal thoughts it may feel extremely alienating,” says Megan Gonsalves, Netcare Akeso’s Crisis Line Manager.
Listen to Ellen Pakkies
Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - Ellen Pakkies, who has admitted to strangling her tik-addict son, endured years of abuse not only at the hands of her son, but also during her childhood. Ellen, a social worker, will give a motivational talk at Alabama Secondary School in Isipingo Street, Alabama on September 6. An award-winning film was made about her struggle with drugs and her decisions. The URCSA choir will present this talk. The theme of the talk is “From pain to purpose - A journey of strength and survival”. The tickets are R80 per adult and the talk will be held in the hall. The time is 14:00. Refreshments will be for sale. Contact the school on 083 847 1157 to buy tickets.
Community comes together to help Evanna
Klerksdorp Midweek, Hartbeesfontein - The IWISA No1 Fills Good campaign at Overland Cash & Carry in Klerksdorp has seen the local community raise a remarkable R25 000 for the SAVF Evanna Home for the Elderly. The purpose-driven campaign which ran from May 2024 to March 2025, channelled a portion of every IWISA No1 product purchased at Overland directly into a fund set aside for SAVF Evanna. The funds raised will now be used to upgrade bathroom facilities at the home to better serve frail and mobility-impaired residents.
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