ECR Newswatch Interviews
Hear the latest news soundbytes or interviews from KZN's No. 1 news team: East Coast Radio Newswatch. © East Coast Radio.
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.
Extended podcast with DA's Haniff Hoosen and ActionSA's Zwakele Mncwango
A court ruling on the sewage situation in eThekwini has been hailed as a victory for the city's residents. The Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday found the municipality in breach of environmental management laws.
uShaka tracks rehabilitated turtle after release into wild
uShaka Sea World says it’s monitoring a loggerhead sea turtle’s first movement in the ocean. The marine reptile called DJ was stranded as a hatchling on Muizenberg Beach in the Western Cape in 2011.
Greytown couple hails daughter’s recovery after serious injury as miracle
A KZN Midlands family says the recovery of their six-year-old daughter from a serious head injury came down to the skill of her medical team and what they describe as a miracle.
Chaos in KZN Legislature after no confidence vote fails
There's been chaos in the KZN Legislature after the no-confidence vote failed. Take a listen here.
KZN blood stocks at risk over festive season, SANBS urges donations
The South African National Blood Service in KwaZulu-Natal says it expects blood stocks to drop from next week as more people go on holiday. It says it requires 3,500 units of blood daily, while it requires 10,000 O-group units of blood weekly.
Forensic probe launched after matric exam leak traced to national officials
A forensic investigation will be conducted into the matric exam breach. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has revealed that pupils at seven schools in Pretoria had access to Maths, Physical Science and English papers before they were written. It was the markers who suspected there had been a leak.
Risenga Maluleke Statistician-General of South Africa
A Stats SA report has revealed South Africa is making strides in the fight against poverty. It examined poverty between 2006 and 2023 and shed light on how it's evolved over nearly two decades. It found that 37.9% of South Africans or about 23 million people were considered poor in…
KZN man wheels 190km to champion dignity, accessibility
A KwaZulu-Natal man has pushed his wheelchair to the limit. Muzi Fodo became paralysed in 2013 after being involved in a car crash. Twelve years later, he's gone on a mission to help others have access to wheelchairs. He wheeled nearly 190 kilometres from Harding to Durban for the cause.
Durban’s Northlands Primary LEGO team builds their way to South Korea
Northlands Primary School’s First LEGO League team is gearing up to represent South Africa on the world stage. The team, called Smooth Sailors, made waves at the national LEGO Unearthed competition in Johannesburg over the weekend. They won the prestigious Champions Award, placing fourth nationally out of 72 teams, and…
TikTok skincare craze putting SA teens at risk, expert warns
Doctor Judey Pretorius, a Biomedical Scientist and lecturer for Pharmaceutical Chemistry at North West University, has described the skin struggles of teenagers as the perfect storm of pressure.
Durban service workers brace for festive rush
While many people have started winding down for the December break, staff in the retail and service industry say they are preparing for the busiest and most exhausting time of the year.
Home Affairs extends festive season hours to ease access to ID documents
The Department of Home Affairs has announced extended operating hours across its offices to help South Africans access identity documents and passports ahead of and during the festive season.
'Narcissistic’ former soldier deserves maximum sentence, says Taryn le Roux's dad
The father of a Durban woman who was murdered at a Westville pub says nothing short of life behind bars for her killer will bring peace to her family. Taryn le Roux was shot dead in September. Her husband, Fredrik Nicholas le Roux, has been charged with premeditated murder.
Durban’s 1860 Heritage Centre goes digital to safeguard history
Durban's 1860 Heritage Centre says it's now using digital technology to preserve historical artefacts for future generations. The museum's director, Selvan Naidoo, says the centre has begun a digitisation process. He says the move is aimed at safeguarding the museum's collections in a province that remains vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
Disability inclusion a ‘tick-box exercise’ in SA workplaces, expert warns
As the world marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an expert says South Africa’s workplaces are still failing disabled employees. Professor Armand Bam says it's despite South Africa’s legal obligations under the Employment Equity Act and its global commitments under the UN disability on the Rights of Persons with…
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla quits as MKP MP amid Russia recruitment fallout
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has stepped down as a member of parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The party's national chairperson, Nathi Nhleko, made the announcement in Durban on Friday morning.