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The smallpox vaccine provides 85% protection against infection with monkeypox, but South Africa stopped vaccinating people against smallpox in 1980. (Photo illustration by Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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PODCAST| Monkeypox: How it spreads, when to test and why people 42 and up may be protected

The smallpox vaccine provides 85% protection against infection with monkeypox, but South Africa stopped vaccinating people against smallpox in 1980

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate – A human rights question

The South African Human Rights Commission reiterates its call in encouraging everyone to have themselves vaccinated against Covid-19

George Juries. (Paul Botes/M&G)

The man who built a blockade to save his village from Covid

Cities lead the spike in new Covid-19 cases. But in the Western Cape village of Genadendal, where people trace their roots back to the Khoi and freed slaves, one man was worried…

Alcohol has been a central topic of discussion during the national lockdown.

Alexandra’s black market for booze under lockdown

Underground liquor has a long history in South Africa. Its next chapter is being written under the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown

Working conditions, personal circumstances and the ‘militaristic manner’ in which SAPS is managed have a detrimental effect on mental health, say experts. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

The rule of law in times of crisis: Covid-19 and the state of disaster

Under a state of national disaster, some rights may be suspended. But it is critical to remember that the Constitution itself is not suspended

(Sebabatso Mosamo/ Sunday Times)

We’d be extinct if it weren’t for hope

Hope requires empathy and a courageous optimism and faith that, as a species, our existence as humans transcends even the darkest of times

We spend millions on smallpox, but nothing on this far greater threat

Our leaders’ approach to risk is unbalanced. There are huge resources to guard against an extinct disease, and nothing on oil running out.