Weekend wrap: Hypothermia on the N3 in KZN, snow to clear from Monday, waiters speak out on despicable working conditions, inadequate emergency protocols at airports

IOL Reporter|Published 5 months ago

Here’s a look at the weekend’s top stories on IOL. Picture: IOL

Here’s a quick overview of the most read articles features on IOL this weekend.

Two die from hypothermia after being trapped on the N3 in KZN as snow is expected to clear from Monday

The recent snow in KwaZulu-Natal caused havoc on the roads and claimed two lives. File Picture: Se-Anne Rall / IOL

At least two people died from hypothermia after they were trapped in the heavy snow on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend.

During a briefing on Sunday afternoon, KZN acting Premier Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa said while some motorists still remain trapped, many have been rescued.

This comes after road users spent two nights in their cars as they were unable to move due to the heavy snow.

Madlopha-Mthethwa said all resources and teams have been dispatched to assist motorists who are stranded on roads.

“These teams are working tirelessly to ensure safe passage and provide assistance where necessary. The Municipal Parks Department is on stand-by to remove tree debris from affected roads and areas,” Madlopha-Mthethwa said.

Read the full story here.

‘Mihlali was right’: Waiters speak out on despicable working conditions, describing restaurants as ‘enclaves of modern-day slavery’

Different waiters who spoke to IOL complained that even though customers enjoy a culinary experience, the waiters are not remunerated by the eateries they work for, relying on tips which are often deducted. File image: Michael Wlaker

South Africans have in the past week have been reeling from the unravelling details of how restaurant workers, particularly waiters, are treated by the eateries across South Africa.

Former Pretoria restaurant waitress Mihlali Nobavu’s TikTok video went viral, putting the cat among the pigeons as an outpouring of anger on social media platforms quickly provoked action from government departments which descended on restaurants with multi-sectoral blitz raids.

By Tuesday, IOL reported that the Department of Employment and Labour had unleashed an intensive four-day inspections of restaurants across South Africa, following the reports of endemic exploitation in the sector.

Read the full story here.

COMMENT: Death at King Shaka International Airport raises alarms over inadequate emergency protocols

King Shaka International Airport’s safety protocol has come under the spotlight after a passenger died at the airport and its AED machine was out order. File image

This week, deputy health minister Dr Joe Phaahla, announced that deaths due to major non- communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lower respiratory diseases in South Africa has increased over 20 years.

Surely, with this sobering thought in mind, award-winning airports should have working emergency equipment and faster reaction times, especially when a passenger suffers a heart attack.

Only a few days ago, IOL reported on the death of a male passenger at the domestic terminal.

Passengers had just arrived in Durban from Cape Town when the man, believed to be in his mid-50's experienced a massive health complication.

Read the full story here.

NHI Debate: We have a plan, says govt, but business insists the scheme will fail

President Cyril Ramaphosa signing the National Health Insurance Bill into law at the Union Buildings. File picture: Kopano Tlape / GCIS

On the heels of Discovery’s CEO Adrian Gore’s statements that the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme was ”problematic”, IOL Business takes a deep dive into the the criticism of the NHI Act.

In May, Gore described the NHI Act as “flawed” and that it would take decades to implement the universal healthcare system. This did little to stop President Cyril Ramaphosa signing it into law, weeks before the May elections.

"We see no scenario in which there is sufficient funding for a workable and comprehensive NHI in its current form, hence our conviction that private sector collaboration is vital, and that full implementation of the bill remains a long way off, likely decades," Gore said.

Read the full story here.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus not blaming Manie Libbok for Argentina defeat

Springboks flyhalf Manie Libbok missed a last-minute penalty in the Boks’ match against Argentina on Saturday. File picture: Phill Magakoe / AFP

Coach Rassie Erasmus says Manie Libbok “will get a lot of flack” but was not responsible for the Springboks’ one-point defeat against Argentina in Santiago del Estero on Saturday.

Replacement flyhalf Manie Libbok had a chance to get the Boks back in the lead with just over a minute to go, but he pulled his penalty kick from the right. The 29-28 defeat at the hands of Los Pumas spoiled the Boks’ 100% in the tournament this year.

After going 17-0 in opening 14 minutes of the Test, the Springboks conceded four tries in 20 minutes in a chaotic period in the first half, which coincided with a yellow card for wing Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Poor defence and botched lineouts put the Boks on the back foot, as Argentina kept their slim Rugby Championship hopes alive with the win.

Read the full story here.

COMMENT: When will Kaizer Chiefs be worthy of their legions of fans’ support again?

Will Kaizer Chiefs finally be worthy of their massive fanbase this season? File picture: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP

Kaizer Chiefs are going to win the league, this much is certain.

Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch. But it seemed like that could not be ruled out after Kaizer Chiefs got their new Betway Premiership season off to a winning start last weekend.

Their 2-1 win over Marumo Gallants brought the AmaKhosi faithful to life, and some quickly began predicting great things for a team that finished 10th in the league last term.

In fact, their triumph meant Chiefs won their opening game of the season for the first time since their 2019/2020 campaign. That’s no small feat, especially for a team that has not won the league for a decade.

Read the full story here.

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