A group of public service unions affiliated with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is expected to protest against the 9.8% increase in the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) during the National Day of Action on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
The organisations include the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), and the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU).
Speaking to VOC News, COSATU spokesperson Zanele Sabela outlined some of the concerns raised by the unions.
With the filming being from the eye, or snout, view of the animals, viewers of this ad are taken straight into the action.
Adverts for pet food generally have the same script: Pet plays outside, comes inside and stares hungrily at the owner, the owner gives them some food, the pet eats the food, done.
Until now, ad agencies haven’t really felt the need to change up this formula. But Petshop Science, in collaboration with Checkers Sixty60, has just made advertising history in the animal product industry by serving up something totally new.
Petshop Science is South Africa’s fastest-growing pet retailer in the country’s multi-billion-rand market, and its advertising team deserves a medal because they have created the world’s first TV commercial that was shot entirely by pets. Fitted with cameras, dogs, cats and even a parrot film their surroundings inside one of their stores.
The brand decided to hand over creative control to the audience that actually matters: Our pets. The result of this bold experiment was pure, unfiltered curiosity and instinct.
The production team mounted Insta 360 cameras to specially fitted harnesses and collars and then the animals were given free rein of a Petshop Science shop. We are then treated to method acting at its finest, such as darting down aisles, abrupt stops, lazy stretches and extensive sniffing of pet food, treats, toys and essentials.
With the filming being from the eye, or snout, view of the animals, viewers of this ad are taken straight into the action.
This innovative advert – which has a fun “shop it like it’s hot” soundtrack – is to get the word out about their partnership with Checkers Sixty60. Pet owners can now shop for their products in the Sixty60 app and get same-day delivery in scheduled 60-minute timeslots.
It might be a world first, but with such cute results, it’s probably just the first of many more to come. Advertisers, take note!
After 39 years of practising medicine in the community he is proud to call his home, Dr FW Hart is grateful to have healed families, celebrated recoveries, shared in worries, and done his utmost to guide patients through times of sickness and health.
Bluff, South Africa (24 February 2026) – Many have known them as their go-to doctor when they or their loved ones showed the first signs of not feeling well. Dr FW Hart, and affectionately ‘Ricky’ to some, served the community of Bluff, south of Durban, with excellence and heart for more than 39 years.
After practising medicine in a place he’s been proud to call his home, Dr Hart now hangs up his stethoscope as he embarks on retirement.
With a heart full of gratitude, he penned a touching post, titled his “final house call”, reflecting on his professional journey and the community that made it worthwhile.
“This is not just a professional retirement for me; it is a deeply personal transition. The Bluff is where I spent almost all of my life. I walked these same streets as a boy, and I had the unique privilege of learning the art of healing from my father, who possibly served your family before me,” Dr Hart says.
He considers it an honour to have been welcomed into families’ homes as “Ricky” and appreciates his wife, Jan, for walking this journey with him from the very beginning.
“As a nurse and the true organiser of our practice, her care, wisdom, and unwavering support have been its backbone. She juggled the immense demands of the clinic with the beautiful chaos of raising our three children, and this practice would simply not have been possible without her,” he shares.
Photo Credit: Dr FW Hart via Facebook
The good doctor also extends thanks to the many dedicated receptionists who have been the friendly first point of contact for so many patients over the decades.
“Their compassion and efficiency kept our little community hub running.”
This practice has had a few homes. Some may remember its inception at the Checkers shopping centre, before moving to the premises where Oxford Foods now stands and finally settling at 204 Tara Road.
But what always remained consistent was Dr Hart’s heart for people. He did not just treat patients; he cared for families.
Dr Hart has always believed that his ability to help and heal was a gift, and says he is eternally grateful to God for the grace and guidance granted to him in caring for those who attended his practice.
“It has been my humble mission to serve you not just with medicine, but with compassion, and for that, I have been continually assisted by my faith.”
Saying goodbye is bittersweet, he admits.
“While I look forward to more time with my own family and pursuing long-delayed hobbies, I will dearly miss the daily privilege of being your doctor. The relationships we’ve built, the stories we’ve shared, and the trust you’ve placed in me have shaped who I am. You have given me a career of immense purpose and fulfilment.”
While he acknowledges how the medical landscape has changed through the years, he is confident that he leaves the families on the Bluff in good hands. The practice is being handed over to a new doctor who will be starting on 2 May this year.
“Please take the time to come and meet him and give him your support. And so, this is my final “house call” to you all – a note to simply say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your lives. Thank you for the honour of serving you, just as my father did. The Bluff will always be in my heart.”
May your retirement be as fulfilling as the legacy you leave behind, Dr Hart.
Transforming how businesses manage foot traffic and engage with their customers.
Nobody likes waiting in line. In today’s fast-paced world, an inefficient queue can be the difference between a loyal customer and a lost sale. Service Systems does not just understand this; the company has built its entire business around solving it. Service Systems is an industry expert in queueing, dedicated to transforming how businesses manage foot traffic and engage with their customers.
The local advantage: Proudly South African
When you partner with Service Systems, you are not just obtaining cutting-edge technology; you are investing in local innovation. Service Systems proudly designs and manufactures its hardware and software right here in Cape Town, South Africa.
What does this mean for its clients? It translates directly to massive cost-effectiveness. By eliminating hefty import costs, international shipping delays and currency exchange fluctuations, Service Systems is able to deliver world-class retail tech, including its advanced queue management solutions, at highly competitive rates.
This local approach ensures faster support, easier bespoke customisation to South African business needs and reliable, long-term value for your business.
Scalable solutions for every business size
Whether you operate a single local branch or a massive retail network, Service Systems technology is built to scale with you.
Linear/snake queue systems: The gold standard for guiding physical foot traffic efficiently, reducing walkaways and keeping checkout areas perfectly organised.
Advanced virtual and cloud queue management: For complex, high-volume environments, Service Systems’ advanced virtual systems eliminate the physical line entirely. Customers can wait on their own terms, while management gains access to real-time analytics and performance metrics.
A proven track record: Over 1 000 systems implemented
Service Systems does not just talk the talk; its footprint speaks for itself. To date, the company has successfully implemented over 1 000 queue systems across a wide variety of sectors.
Service Systems is fully equipped to handle massive, nationwide rollouts, perfectly demonstrated by its extensive work with retail and pharmacy giants like Clicks, Checkers and Medirite Plus.
Service Systems’ reach also extends far beyond South African borders. It is proud to have provided seamless queue management solutions to a rapidly growing network of clients across the wider African continent, empowering major cross-border enterprises and financial services like Unifi, alongside several other prominent international brands.
Back home, Service Systems’ specialised solutions have driven the customer flow at iconic tourist destinations and premier entertainment venues like the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway and GrandWest Casino. Due to its systems being highly secure and incredibly reliable, Service Systems is also the go-to queue management partner for essential public and health services, including the Western Cape Government, GEMS, Mediclinic and Groote Schuur Hospital. Add in massive global and national names like Barloworld, Toyota, DHL, Metrofibre, iStore, Massbuild and SPAR, and it’s clear why Service Systems is one of the largest and most trusted retail tech ninjas of the industry.
Data-driven decisions:
Advanced reporting is not just about directing foot traffic; it is about understanding it. Moving customers efficiently is only half the battle. The other half is giving management the actionable insights they need to optimise operations. The company’s systems come equipped with powerful, built-in analytics and reporting tools designed to take the guesswork out of your service strategy.
Service Systems gives you full visibility into your customer flow with features that include:
Comprehensive KPI tracking: Monitor crucial metrics at a glance, including average wait times, active transaction and serve times, staff performance rates and visitor volumes per service category.
Real-time dashboards and live alerts: Stay proactive, not reactive. You can set acceptable waiting time thresholds for all branches. If a queue exceeds that maximum time, instant alerts are sent directly to branch and regional managers via mobile, allowing them to act quickly and resolve the bottleneck.
Automated and trended reports: Generate detailed reports daily, weekly or monthly. Whether viewed on Service Systems’ secure web dashboard or delivered straight to your inbox, you can dissect information by date, specific time period and location to strategically schedule staff during peak hours.
Connecting the dots with customer feedback: Service Systems seamlessly integrates its queue data with its Tellus Service Reviews and Customer Feedback Pads. This allows you to directly correlate queue times with real-time customer sentiment (like Voice of the Customer), giving you the complete picture of the customer journey.
With Service Systems, you are not just managing the line; you are capturing the data you need to consistently maintain exceptional service levels and drive long-term operational success
Let’s optimise your operations
Your business is not static, and your queueing technology should not be either. If you are ready to banish the bottleneck, streamline your service and give your customers the seamless experience they deserve, it’s time to upgrade.
Visit Service Systems at servicesystems.co to learn how it can take your customer flow to the next level.
Building on the success of its original high protein recovery drink, the Woodland’s Dairy’s brand has introduced High Protein Max (27g), alongside a reformulated High Protein Recovery (21g).
According to Marisa Maccaferri, marketing executive at Woodlands Dairy and First Choice, the expansion was shaped by local consumer insights and global wellness trends.
“People are increasingly choosing functional drinks with real health benefits. Protein leads this movement, and our High Protein is at the forefront, offering a range that makes it easier to get the right amount of protein, whether you’re focused on wellness, active living, or high-performance training,” she says.
High Protein Max (27g): A powerhouse for high-intensity athletes, packed with 27g of protein per 250 ml serving. Includes 6g+ of BCAAs, magnesium, eight B vitamins, calcium, and high energy. Designed to support muscle recovery, strength development and endurance at peak performance levels.
Thulile Memela, brand manager at First Choice, highlights the consumer-led innovation: “The feedback from athletes and active consumers shaped this evolution. They want better taste, more choice, and functionality they can trust.
“With High Protein Recovery and High Protein Max, we now offer a high-protein solution for everyone, whether you’re training hard, living actively, or simply making healthier daily choices.
“Recovery (21g) is low-fat, while Max (27g) is fat-free, both with no added sugar. Each product is developed with a flavour-first approach, delivering indulgent taste profiles that consumers will love to enjoy.”
She adds that the new formulations directly align with the rising demand for functional nutrition: “South African consumers are more educated and proactive about their health, looking for clean labels, protein-rich diets, and on-the-go wellness. High Protein delivers a convenient, locally made, and nutritionally powerful solution for modern lifestyles.”
In collaboration with NPD food scientists and flavour experts, the team perfected the balance of taste, texture, and nutrition by using Milk Protein Concentrate (a 20% whey, 80% casein blend) to deliver both fast and slow protein release.
The range features consumer-favourite flavours such as Double Berry, Peanut Butter, Chocochino, Strawberry, and Salted Caramel, the latter added in response to strong demand for indulgent yet functional options.
The range will be available at leading retailers such as Checkers, Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay, Spar, pharmacies, as well as online through Takealot, Uber Eats, and selected convenience stores.
Recommended Retail Prices (RRP) – 250ml:
High Protein Recovery (21g): R24.99 – High Protein Max (27g): R43.99
Maccaferri concludes: “High Protein is a perfect example of Woodlands Dairy’s innovation strategy in action. Every product is developed with our consumers in mind. The range is sustainably produced in South Africa, supporting local farming and employment, and packaged in 100% recyclable cartons.
“Our goal is simple – to deliver accessible, high-quality nutrition to everyday South Africans while continuously improving taste, health benefits, and sustainability.”
LACO has warned that rising unemployment and alleged labour abuses could fuel an explosion of xenophobia. Image: Supplied
The newly formed Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO) has warned of an explosive outburst of xenophobia if business owners fail to address concerns around joblessness.
In an exclusive interview with IOL, LACO spokesperson Mthobisi Shinga detailed how the organisation has exposed the rife exploitation of illegal foreign labour and the failure of businesses to employ South Africans — a recipe, he says, that’s a ticking time bomb.
“What employers fail to understand is the direct correlation between crime and unemployment,” explained Shinga.
“Fix unemployment, and you fix crime. That’s a link you can’t ignore. We want to lift South Africans out of poverty and into sustainable, fair employment. We cannot have a country which fought against injustice only for workers to continue to be exploited while nothing is done. That’s a time bomb. Xenophobia is brewing, and if employers fail to address it now, those frustrations will explode.”
MK Aligned Labour and Civic Organisation (LACO) Spokesperson Mthobisi Shinga. Image: Supplied
The organisation is aligned with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and burst onto the scene last August. It has grabbed attention with its confrontations with businesses and warnings of shutting down premises if labour rules are not complied with — mostly relating to illegal workers.
Most recently, LACO issued a notice to China Mall in Springfield Park, warning of a complete shutdown unless local South Africans were hired.
Business owners have expressed outrage with the confrontations with LACO – accusing them of acting as labour representatives, which they were not. “They have no authority to just barge into a private business and start asking questions. They have absolutely no right to do so,” said one Durban business owner.
But, Shinga defended their actions, arguing they were acting in the interests of worker rights – but denied they approached owners in a confrontational way.
“What people need to know is we don’t go into businesses gung-ho like thugs, as some of the media make us out to be,” explains Shinga.
“We have a proper process. We receive complaints from workers or are made aware of labour non-compliance in a business. We then call the owner or send a formal email requesting a meeting. This is done to address the issue and resolve the concerns. It is only when our attempts to communicate are ignored that we mobilise our members and picket at the premises, which is legal. That is always the last option after we exhaust all attempts to sit with the owner and come to a solution.”
The organisation warned that it is eyeing major retailers, as many factories blame them for the low pay to workers.
“We’ve visited factories, especially in Newcastle, where there are sweatshops. Workers are not allowed to leave the premises. They work and live on site like prisoners. There’s even a cook who feeds them. Most of these workers are illegal foreigners earning R250 a week! When we question the factory owners, we are told that their customers — major retail stores — only pay R15 per T-shirt, the same amount they’ve been paying for the past five years. These are things we need to confront, because it then becomes a vicious cycle,” he added.
The 31-year-old is passionate about worker rights — but equally passionate about adopting a sit-down approach to employers.
“You know, most of the time, employers approach us with arrogance. We are only respected after we picket or they see our numbers; then they want to sit and talk. It can’t be. We email, we engage, we try to contact them and are just ignored in most cases. Employers must come to the party. We are not here to say foreigners out. Those are our brothers and sisters from Africa. But let’s prioritise South Africans so we can fix crime and grow our economy,” says Shinga, who was a key figure in the Fees Must Fall movement in 2015 — and also a former EFF member.
In the coming local elections, Shinga is convinced MK will make a clean sweep. “As a pro-worker civic body, we are working hard on the ground to mobilise communities and MK is going to lead most metros, including eThekwini,” said Shinga confidently.
Admitting the civic body is not a trade union, Shinga said it worked with several unions when taking issues to court.
“We’ve had enough success stories, as we are backed by a few trade unions. We are moving into a more formalised structure where membership will open at just R50 per month, but regardless of whether you can afford it or not, we will continue fighting for workers’ rights,” he added.
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