ECR Newswatch Interviews
Hear the latest news soundbytes or interviews from KZN's No. 1 news team: East Coast Radio Newswatch. © East Coast Radio.
New WhatsApp chatbot launched to support women, children facing GBV
A new digital lifeline has been launched for women and children affected by gender-based violence. It offers twenty-four-hour support through a chatbot platform. The 1000 Women Trust says the WhatsApp-based tool is designed to provide information and safe options without directing users on what to do, allowing women to make…
SA wetlands under growing threat, warns Endangered Wildlife Trust
South Africa’s wetlands remain under serious threat from climate change, pollution, overgrazing, and invasive alien plants. That's the warning from The Endangered Wildlife Trust on this World Wetlands Day. The organisation says stronger community-centred conservation is critical to protecting these ecosystems for future generations.
Msunduzi's Deputy Chief Fire Officer on PMB nappy factory fire
Mohemmed Ballim, Msunduzi's Deputy Chief Fire Officer, says firefighters worked for over eight hours to extinguish the flames.
Sergeant Sithembile Kheswa saves Malvern baby
An infant who was left alone in a shack in the south of Durban while his parents allegedly went out drinking is now safe and sound as "Auntypolice" comes to rescue.
South African farmers foot-and-mouth reaction
KZN Red Meat Producers Organisation’s Angus Williamson says the industry understands the battle against the disease is state-controlled and regulated by the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Rescuers work to free taxi driver after horror Isipingo crash
Emergency services personnel have been working to free the driver of a minibus taxi trapped in the wreckage of his vehicle near Lotus Park. Thursday morning's devastating crash on the old R102 claimed the lives of 11 people. Newswatch's Nushera Soodyal shared details of the emergency operation.
Dr Odwa Mazwai on the concerning trend in skin cancer cases.
Sun safety needs to be top of mind all year round. Mazwai, a Managing Director for Universal Care, says they've recorded a 130% increase in non-melanoma skin cancer cases over the past eight years.
ConCourt ruling on antenuptials ‘strengthens protections for women’
A legal expert says a landmark Constitutional Court ruling has strengthened protections for women by blocking antenuptial contracts signed after customary marriages. Law lecturer Natasha Venter explains that the case involved a couple married under customary law, which automatically placed them in a community of property.
Scottsville pothole starts to grow on locals
Residents in Pietermaritzburg are known not to beat about the bush when it comes to the state of some of their roads. But one gaping pothole in Scottsville has been there for so long that it’s starting to grow on the locals. Some residents of Scottsville have seemingly taken a…
RASA warns of dire consequences if proposed zero-tolerance alcohol law passes
The Restaurant Association of South Africa says zero-tolerance alcohol laws risk punishing the economy instead of fixing behaviour. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has proposed a total ban on drinking and getting behind the wheel, saying it's driving carnage on the roads. CEO Wendy Alberts says stronger accountability would restore respect…
Drunk driving under scrutiny as government considers zero alcohol limit
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has proposed a total ban on drinking before driving, saying the country's laws are outdated. Currently, South African law allows a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres.
KZN Dairy Farmer’s Herd Hit by FMD Outbreak
A KwaZulu-Natal dairy farmer says foot-and-mouth disease has torn through his entire herd of 1,300 cattle.
Mariemuthoo Arumugam's Brother reacting to his killer's sentencing
The family of a KwaDukuza traffic officer who was shot dead during a taxi robbery two years ago, says it has found some closure.
Kouga resident ready to evacuate dogs as fires rage
One of the affected residents in Kouga says he has spent sleepless nights ready to flee as flames inch closer. Sebastian Pretorius, who owns a dog hotel named Bon Temps Doggy Lodge in St Francis Bay, says the flames are just a few kilometres from his front gate.
Phoenix community demands justice for slain CPF member
The community of Phoenix is demanding justice following the killing of a local policing forum member.
UKZN Pharmacy students on edge over internship pause
Final-year pharmacy students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal say they are worried about their future career prospects. UKZN Association of Pharmacy Students says the uncertainty over internships is causing unnecessary stress and anxiety among students.
Discovery Health claims error: Members may owe thousands after miscalculations
Questions remain over whether Discovery Health has any legal standing to demand money from medical aid members whose claims were incorrectly paid because of a system error. The scheme says it's discovered that the glitch caused claims for over-the-counter drugs and prescription medication to be paid out of medical savings…
New app empowers residents to report, track service delivery issues
From potholes to power cuts, a new app is putting service delivery directly into the hands of residents. The app, My Street Champion, was created by Durban North community activist Sam Reddy.
Eight sleeps to school: Psychologist urges bedtime rese
With eight more sleeps until schools reopen on 14 January, an educational psychologist has encouraged parents to consider resetting their children's bedtime routines. Nicola Buhr says moving children's bedtime earlier by 15 to 30 minutes each night, for at least a week or two, can help ease the transition, ahead…
Study finds stargazing can ease depression and boost mental wellbeing
Researchers are turning to the night sky for ways to improve mental health. Stargazing has been found to reduce symptoms of depression and strengthen social connection.