Seven ground-breaking researchers from across Africa, were shortlisted for the 2025 Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research grant, with the winner taking away $150 000. South African botanist and freshwater ecologist Dr Nompumelelo Baso, received the award for her work on how to future-proof Africa's freshwater ecosystems against climate change and invasive species. Dr Baso spoke to Lulu Gaboo.

Seven ground-breaking researchers from across Africa, were shortlisted for the 2025 Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research grant, with the winner taking away $150 000. South African botanist and freshwater ecologist Dr Nompumelelo Baso, received the award for her work on how to future-proof Africa's freshwater ecosystems against climate change and invasive species. Dr Baso spoke to Lulu Gaboo.

Fast-paced news and current affairs updates, dealing with topical issues & breaking stories.

Fast-paced news and current affairs updates, dealing with topical issues &amp; breaking stories.

Africa Update

 Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer winner takes $150 000 on future-proofing fresheater ecosystems

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has urged the South African public to avoid using transformer oil or any electrical equipment oil on the body, or for any other non-industrial purposes.

These oils may contain Polychlorinated Biphenyls, which are toxic and pose serious risks to both human health and the environment.

The department says it has observed dangerous misconceptions in some communities, including claims that transformer oil can be used to treat conditions such as arthritis.

It has strongly warned against this practice and has also called on municipal officials not to supply transformer oil to members of the public.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to the Deputy Director-General of Chemicals and Waste Management, Mamogala Musekene... 

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has urged the South African public to avoid using transformer oil or any electrical equipment oil on the body, or for any other non-industrial purposes.
These oils may contain Polychlorinated Biphenyls, which are toxic and pose serious risks to both human health and the environment.
The department says it has observed dangerous misconceptions in some communities, including claims that transformer oil can be used to treat conditions such as arthritis.
It has strongly warned against this practice and has also called on municipal officials not to supply transformer oil to members of the public.
Lulu Gaboo spoke to the Deputy Director-General of Chemicals and Waste Management, Mamogala Musekene...&nbsp;

SA public is urged to refrain from using transformer oil on the body

A group identifying itself as the Concerned Citizens and the Voters of SA has called for a nationwide shutdown on Monday, 4 May, demanding the removal of millions of foreign nationals from the country, regardless of their legal status.

This comes amid growing calls from organisations such as Operation Dudula and March and March for the repatriation of foreign nationals.

In KwaZulu-Natal province, several marches have taken place through the Durban CBD, with demonstrators calling for the removal of foreign nationals.

These protests form part of a wider rise in anti-immigrant mobilisation across the province in recent weeks.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to SABC News reporter, Zanele Buthelezi... 

A group identifying itself as the Concerned Citizens and the Voters of SA has called for a nationwide shutdown on Monday, 4 May, demanding the removal of millions of foreign nationals from the country, regardless of their legal status.
This comes amid growing calls from organisations such as Operation Dudula and March and March for the repatriation of foreign nationals.
In KwaZulu-Natal province, several marches have taken place through the Durban CBD, with demonstrators calling for the removal of foreign nationals.
These protests form part of a wider rise in anti-immigrant mobilisation across the province in recent weeks.
Lulu Gaboo spoke to SABC News reporter, Zanele Buthelezi...&nbsp;

Calls for nationwide shutdown on May 4,  demanding the removal of millions of foreign nationals from SA

Zambia is facing a deepening legal and political dispute over the remains of its former president, Edgar Lungu, nearly a year after he died in South Africa.

Authorities in Lusaka said they have now taken possession of his body, despite strong objections from his family, who are pushing for a private burial.

At the centre of the standoff is a long-running feud between Lungu and his successor, Hakainde Hichilema, with the government insisting the former head of state deserves a full state funeral and burial at the presidential site in the capital.

But the family argues this goes against Lungu's personal wishes.

In a statement, Zambia's Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, said the transfer of the body followed the family's "inability to proceed with their case" in the South African appeals court-an assertion the family strongly disputes, insisting due process is still underway.

The family now says a South African court has granted them access to the body, adding that it has been returned to the First Mountains funeral parlour, where it was initially being kept, potentially setting the stage for a renewed legal confrontation.

Lulu Gaboo spoke to Zambian legal expert Maqueen Zaza...

Zambia is facing a deepening legal and political dispute over the remains of its former president, Edgar Lungu, nearly a year after he died in South Africa.
Authorities in Lusaka said they have now taken possession of his body, despite strong objections from his family, who are pushing for a private burial.
At the centre of the standoff is a long-running feud between Lungu and his successor, Hakainde Hichilema, with the government insisting the former head of state deserves a full state funeral and burial at the presidential site in the capital.
But the family argues this goes against Lungu's personal wishes.
In a statement, Zambia's Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, said the transfer of the body followed the family's "inability to proceed with their case" in the South African appeals court-an assertion the family strongly disputes, insisting due process is still underway.
The family now says a South African court has granted them access to the body, adding that it has been returned to the First Mountains funeral parlour, where it was initially being kept, potentially setting the stage for a renewed legal confrontation.
Lulu Gaboo spoke to Zambian legal expert Maqueen Zaza...

Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer winner takes $150 000 on future-proofing fresheater ecosystems

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