Production: Minenhle Thusi | Journalist: Ishmael Mabena

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Chronic medication for hypertension and asthma is running out at Western Cape public hospitals. Patients are finding their medicines listed as out of stock, with no answers when they phone for help. The Western Cape Health Department has confirmed the shortage, citing global supply-chain disruptions and national contract delays. It says supplies have improved for some medicines but stock remains under pressure and restoring reserves will take time.

In other news, South African music and theatre icon David Kramer is mourning the loss of his wife, Renaye, who died yesterday. Kramer shared the news on social media, asking the public to respect the family’s privacy. Renaye was mother to their two daughters, Jesse and Amy. No further details have been made public.

Turning to the global health front, the worst Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo has passed 9,000 cases and claimed more than 4,000 lives. The Bundibugyo strain has spread to seven provinces. No approved vaccine exists yet, but the first clinical trial launches before month-end, with Oxford and Moderna both developing candidates.

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