Mail & Guardian

2023 - 3 - 3

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Mail and Guardian"

'Forever chemicals' found in wildlife – report (Mail and Guardian)

The US-based Environment Working Group (EWG) has found more than 300 animals have been contaminated by “forever chemicals” globally.

In the US, federal agencies have committed to turning off the tap on PFAS pollution by curbing industrial discharges. Researchers have found the chemicals in a range of species such as scorpions, pandas, Siberian tigers, turtles, horses, dogs, plankton, sea lions, wild boar, otters and oysters. They feed mainly on wild species such as guinea fowl and vlei rats, which are likely to have been contaminated. Citizens can reduce their own pesticide use too, particularly the use of rat poison. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, PFAS are “ingredients in everyday products. “From country to country, across continents, PFAS pollution is everywhere.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Mail and Guardian"

Mozambique turmoil takes toll on mental health (Mail and Guardian)

The mental and physical cost to adults and children in conflict and disaster-afflicted Mozambique intensified this week when tropical storm Freddy caused ...

“At least [in] parts of the district in Cabo Delgado, the conflict is at a lower intensity. The ICRC has renovated and opened six health facilities in Cabo Delgado while also carrying its mandate to trace the missing and reunite families. Acknowledging the military’s role in stabilising areas, Gender stressed the absence of a peace process or political process to stop the insurgency.“We can’t say that the peace is there … The trauma will remain; it might take years to address the trauma of such a conflict that now is lasting five years in Cabo Delgado.” Many people are forced to flee their homes to find safety, travelling long distances in constant fear and vulnerability.” As soon as they hear that an attack was in the village close by, they will slip out of the accommodation [provided to them] at night.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Mail and Guardian"

Addis Ababa sweeps poor people off the street (Mail and Guardian)

Ahead of the African Union Summit, authorities in Addis Ababa tried to hide all signs of extreme poverty.

Addis Ababa is not unique in trying to remove its poorer residents for the duration of a major international gathering. “Some residents said that they had been ordered to renovate or paint their homes or buy banners advertising the country’s tourism industry.” At the summit, leaders discussed ambitious plans to lift 30 million Africans out of extreme poverty. Gone were the teenagers offering roadside shoe-shines and sticks of gum. Another mother, whose son makes a living by begging, spent the weekend agonising over his whereabouts. “African solutions to African problems,” another proclaimed.

Explore the last week