- South Africans go to the polls in a milestone election on Wednesday. In this episode of Health Beat, we reflect on health issues that affect voters.
- We visit a toxic wasteland at Kya Sand, northwest of Johannesburg, where residents say illegal dumping by a “waste mafia” has resulted in residents falling ill and struggling to breathe.
- It’s your constitutional right to live in a clean and safe environment, says Mbali Baduza, CEO of We The People SA. But Kya Sand’s residents say no one seems to hear them.
- Find out how to make your community’s voice heard and what tools you can use to hold the government accountable for looking after your health.
It’s nearly time to head to the voting stations. In today’s newsletter, our Health Beat team look at some of the country’s burning health issues. Sign up.
Jessica Pitchford is Bhekisisa's TV and multimedia editor. She's been a journalist since the early nineties and has reported on some pivotal events in South Africa’s political history, such as the country’s transition to democracy and the work of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission.
Yolanda Mdzeke was a junior multimedia reporter and multimedia reporter at Bhekisisa between March 2021 and June 2025.
Mia Malan is the founder and editor-in-chief of Bhekisisa. She has worked in newsrooms in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Washington, DC, winning more than 30 awards for her radio, print and television work.
Thatego Mashabela was a multimedia producer at Bhekisisa from February 2024 to October 2025.
Ruan Visser is a South African-based freelance director of photography, crafting visual narratives with a keen eye for detail and a love for cinematic storytelling.
Cebelihle Bhengu was a TV health reporter/producer for Health Beat from May to July 2024.
