Researchers from Stellenbosch University in South Africa have been awarded PhD degrees for their work on alternative feed sources for goats and lambs. They investigated the use of plant by-products such as black wattle leaf meal, Sericea lespedeza, and hempseed cake to improve animal health, growth performance, and meat quality. The studies found that these alternative feeds can enhance nutrient digestibility, suppress intestinal worms, and extend the shelf life of meat, offering new commercial opportunities for the feed and meat industries.

Touws River, a town in South Africa, is facing an economic crisis with an unemployment rate over 80%. The NGO Compassionate Hearts, led by Rashaad Baker, feeds up to 1,000 people daily. The town's residents are heavily reliant on social welfare and food aid, with many households being food insecure. The article discusses the efforts of various organizations and government officials to address the food security crisis, including a 'learning journey' to understand and find solutions for the local food system. The town also faces challenges due to its location, lack of services, and the impact of climate change on agriculture. Initiatives like the Touwsrivier Commercial Hydroponics Farm offer some hope for sustainable employment and food security. The article highlights the need for collaboration among different stakeholders to address the complex issues facing Touws River.

The article tells the story of Marcia Wilsket, an 18-year-old mother living in Williston, Northern Cape, South Africa, and how the severe drought affecting the region for nearly a decade has impacted her life and community. The drought has deepened social vulnerabilities, with many people losing jobs and living in survival mode. The town's primary economic activity, sheep farming, has suffered greatly, leading to a reduction in farmworkers and an increase in unemployment. The drought has also affected the mental health of the community, with increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness, especially among the youth. The article discusses the broader implications of climate change on the region, with experts warning that southern Africa is warming at twice the global rate and that droughts are likely to become more frequent and severe. The piece highlights the need for better support systems for mental health, especially in rural areas, and calls for more attention to the mental health effects of climate change on young people.

The article tells the story of Mbali Mathebula, a mother of two children with severe asthma living in Emalahleni, South Africa, an area heavily polluted due to its coal-intensive industry. Mbali struggles to care for her children, Princess Nondumiso and Asemahle Angel, amidst the health risks posed by the polluted air. The family lives in poverty, and Mbali has lost her job due to the demands of caring for her sick children. The article also covers the broader issues of air pollution, the impact of coal mining, and the legal actions taken by environmental justice organizations to halt the construction of new coal power plants. These organizations argue that the government's plans violate environmental, life, dignity, and equality rights, particularly affecting poor, black South Africans. The article highlights the mental health impacts of climate change and the urgent need for a transition away from fossil fuels.