First Take SA

As the world marks World Mental Health Day tomorrow, focus is shifting to the emotional wellbeing of children and families. Experts say mental health challenges among young people are rising globally. Parents and schools are grappling with anxiety, behavioural difficulties and learning challenges. We spoke to Educational Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology at Stellenbosch University, Dr. Carmelita Jacobs.

Examination quality assurance body, UMALUSI says it's all systems go for the 2026 National Senior Certificate exams which will start on the 13th of October, UMALUSI says strict quality controls and security measures are in place to secure the exams. The body says they are satisfied with measures put in place to conduct, administer and manage the 2026 matric exams. The exams will end on the 26th of November. Thato Letsaba reports

Tensions were high in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape when a handful of protesters approached hundreds of asylum seekers queueing outside the Home Affairs Refuge Offices, demanding that they leave.This as the asylum seekers were waiting outside these offices for the processes of obtaining permits following the Constitutional court ruling that they can proceed with applications. They claim that they fled their countries due to internal conflicts and wars. Meanwhile, some South African community members expressed dissatisfaction towards the court ruling, and picketed outside the premises. Our reporter Nandipha Plaatjie filed this report

A protest aimed at halting the processing of asylum applications at the Department of Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre on Che Guevara Road in Durban turned violent for a second consecutive day. A scrapyard reportedly operated by a foreign national, located near the centre, was set alight amid heightened tensions. The Refugee Reception Centre has since been closed, with a heavy police presence deployed to guard the premises and prevent further attacks. The protests are being driven by demonstrators who are calling for the closure of the centre and an end to the processing of asylum applications. Khalesakhe Mbhense reports.

Despite calls from government and politicians to keep our towns and cities clean, some townships continue to resemble dumpsites. Residents in the affected areas blame infrastructure failures and lack of by-law enforcement. They also point to waste management entities that struggles with an aging fleet and failure to pay maintenance contracts including Pikit-up in Johannesburg. Our Politics Reporter, Ntebo Mokobo has more.