Safe Sis initiative shows initiative and action can conquer fear

In a country where women and girls too often have to think twice about their safety simply walking to school, going to work or returning home, it is both heartbreaking and inspiring that a 19-year-old from Humansdorp is turning fear into action. Siyolise Orjiâ s Safe Sis initiative is more than just a clever technological idea.

The Herald E-edition - 22 October 2026

Renewed opposition to proposed animal identification regulations

South African meat producers are mounting renewed opposition against draft government regulations requiring compulsory identification and national registration for livestock, dogs, and beehives under the Animal Improvement Act.

Eastern Cape short film wins top honours at Malawi film festival

An Eastern Cape film made in Kariega with the help of emerging filmmakers has won best short film at the Cape Maclear Film Festival in Malawi, giving producer Nceba Mqolomba renewed hope for the growth of the provinceâ s film industry. Titled Dzuwa, the 11-minute, 42-second film tells the story of an unemployed, single Muslim father who is forced to choose between his morals and finding money for his seriously ill daughterâ s medication.

Truter wants Chippa to break cup competition hoodoo

As Chippa United approach their first cup soccer competition this season, head coach Brandon Truter wants them to tune into their winning mentality which he feels has been lacking in the league. Chippa will play Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon (https://dispatch.

VWGA extends ECD support to reach more children

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has strengthened its commitment to early childhood development by extending a vehicle support agreement with the Centre for Early Childhood Development (CECD) and Ntataise. The partnership enables early childhood development trainers and mentors to travel to remote, underserved ECD centres and provide practical, face-to-face support.

Eastern Cape teen turns mom's struggle into thriving startup

Inspired by his mother's struggles to afford basic cleaning supplies, 22-year-old entrepreneur Luzuko Memela built Luckzin Detergents into a certified brand supplying local supermarkets and creating jobs in his village.

Kouga teen develops SOS pendant to protect women

Siyolise Orji, 19, has developed an affordable SOS pendant through her youth-led initiative, Safe Sis, to help women and girls alert trusted contacts when they are in danger.

Millions returned to Treasury while young children go hungry

Despite widespread child food poverty, the Department of Basic Education has repeatedly delayed its ECD nutrition tender, returning millions in unspent funds while children go hungry.

Outreach brings essential government services to Bethelsdorp

Eastern Cape department of social development MEC Bukiwe Fanta has called on government departments to strengthen their working relationships and ensure vulnerable communities are not denied access to essential services. Fanta was speaking at the West End Community Hall in Bethelsdorp on Wednesday during an Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme, attended by about 500 community members who came to receive assistance from various entities.

â Phonyâ turns childhood fear into comedy-thriller

A teenager wakes up after a car accident convinced his mother has been replaced by an imposter â but almost no-one believes him. The plot of Phony, which debuted this week on Hulu, stems from a childhood fear long held by creator and writer Nick Paley. "I had this core fear when I was a kid of losing my mom," he told AFP.

Flooded grounds, unfinished buildings: Gamble Street pupils pay the price

Gamble Street Secondary School in Kariega has issued an urgent plea for assistance after Monday's downpour left the school premises flooded, with pupils having to wade through dams of water and mud to get to class. In a Facebook post that has since been deleted, the school said the pupils' shoes, socks and uniforms were left sodden after having to wade through the deep pools of water, which was not conducive to learning during one of the most critical periods of the academic year.

Gqeberha teenager writes Christian adventure trilogy to inspire young readers

Gqeberha pupil, Gabriel Harmse, 14, has co-authored a three-book Christian adventure series, Teen Watchmen, to inspire young readers through messages of faith, friendship and self-acceptance.

A sharper vision for SAâ s scientific research future

The deputy minister of science, technology and innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, popped into the friendly city recently to inspect new infrastructure at Nelson Mandela University that marked the renewal and expansion of microscopy research in SA.

Final pigeon race of 2026 yet again sees competitors taking strain

In pigeon racing it is often difficult to find the reason for the outcome of a particular race. This was the case in the most recent race from Prince Albert Road, the small settlement in the Western Cape's Laingsburg Local Municipality, a flying distance of 570 kilometres to KuGompo. The returns to home lofts were considerably staggered with the winners in both races establishing significant â breaksâ over the 2nd placed pigeons.