Cape Town, 23 June 2026: Cavendish Square is set to once again become the stage for one of Cape Town’s most high-energy fitness experiences, as Planet Fitness partners with Discovery Vitality to bring its Hybrid Sim Saturdays event to the centre on Saturday, 4 July 2026.

Taking place in the Cavendish Square parking area on P3 from 09h00 to 13h00, the event will transform the space into a race-day arena where athletes, fitness enthusiasts and curious spectators can expect a high-energy morning of competition, music and endurance.

Designed as part of Planet Fitness’ Season 1 Hybrid Games calendar, the event will see participants push through a demanding circuit in a bid to qualify for the finals taking place later this year.

A Fitness Event Built for Spectators Too

While competitors will be pushing themselves to the limit, Simulation Saturday has also been designed as a lively spectator experience. Expect pumping music, an electric atmosphere and plenty of crowd energy as heats unfold throughout the morning.

DJ BamBam will keep momentum high from the first heat to the final sprint, while activation stands from Discovery Vitality and USN will add to the experience with samples, treats and giveaways.

Whether visitors arrive to compete or simply happen upon the event during a Saturday shopping trip, the energy of the Hybrid Games is expected to turn plenty of heads.

What Competitors Can Expect

Heats will run from 09h00 to 13h00, with participants taking on a six-station challenge completed across 23 minutes. Athletes will rotate through a demanding sequence of Run, SkiErg, Walking Lunges with Sandbag, Row and Wall Balls, with two minutes of maximum effort at each station and one-minute recovery periods in between.

Top-performing male and female athletes across age groups will qualify for the Hybrid Games finals in November.

Participation is open to anyone aged 16 to 70, whether or not a Planet Fitness member. Entry costs R150 for Planet Fitness and Elevate members, and R200 for Discovery Vitality members and non-members. Registration is essential, and tickets will not be sold on the day.

• To register, visit: planetfitness.co.za

For more details on Cavendish Square shopping centre’s stores and promotions, visit cavendish.co.za or follow the centre on social media for regular updates on instagram.com.

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There will always be those who will try and tell you how bad Climate change is and how methane gas emissions are killing the planet, and one could be forgiven for initially falling for this type of doomsday rhetoric, especially when it is painted in such a way that you’d believe that animals are being mistreated and abused whilst we enjoy our meat and our braais.

Tasneem Karodia, 31, the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Mzansi Meat, started up this business 2 years ago, and as she says, “they have been funded by South African and overseas investors, most of whom have an interest in the environment, animal welfare and health” …but what are we putting into our bodies, people? Why have we stopped asking questions about how our food is produced, treated, stored and consumed? Have we not learnt our lesson after COVID, where hundreds of thousands of people have now been reported to have died as a result of….wait for it…..the jab? I am all for innovation and trying to save animals and preserve our planet, but at what cost to humans are we starting to see philanthropists such as Bill Gates and Billionaires such as George Soros, lecture us on how we should live our lives, and what we should believe?

How can meat grown from a single animal cell, and mixed with some weird man-made concoction, be better for you than real muscle or fat cells taken out of a living, breathing organism created by God, and that has blood coursing through its veins? Karodia goes on to say: “cells will grow in steel vats as your beer grows, and that’s what it looks like at scale…” I’m sorry, but no thanks! The Bible teaches us that God gave man dominion over all the Earth, including animals, plants and fish in the sea. The problem is, humans destroy everything and don’t know how to steward what God has given us. The Elephants, leopards, starfish, horses, whales, tigers, and rhinos all know what to do and how to behave, but somehow, we humans have severely lost our way. Now we are trying all sorts of tricks, such as what we see from Bill Gates, Klaus Schwab (World Economic Forum) and Ursula Von Der Leyen, who pushes Worldwide vaccination as if her life depends on it.

Collaborating with an engineering firm, Project Assignments, Newform Foods seeks to create lab-grown cultivated beef burgers and sausages, with a focus on “cruelty-free alternatives “…sounds great, doesn’t it? At what cost to our bodies and our health?

Before buying your first ‘Cultivated meat’ product from your local supermarket, think twice, consider your health and at least do some research, but we cannot continue living like zombies and trusting these Globalist bullies like Gates, Schwab and co, as if we cannot think for ourselves! I call on SAAI, the South African Agriculture Initiative, to investigate the recent Foot and Mouth tragedy a little bit deeper, which John Steenhuisen had botched up so badly, and to keep an eye on why government pushes certain products, treatments and solutions, when we can clearly see how our farmers are being attacked from various angles, and in so many ways.

The post Are We Saving Animals to Poison Humans? appeared first on Alt News Network.

Thirteen-year-old Tyler Jade Moran of Merrivale, KwaZulu-Natal, faces an extraordinary medical journey. Born with both Turner Syndrome and Jacob’s Syndrome, her condition is exceptionally rare, compounded by a unique chromosomal anomaly discovered during a recent FISH test: Tyler carries three distinct sets of chromosomes, a case scarcely documented anywhere in the world.

Despite her medical challenges, Tyler has remained resilient, joyful, and full of courage. Her parents, Kevin and Hayley Moran, have fought tirelessly to provide the medical care she needs, but after losing their medical aid cover, they can no longer sustain the growing costs of specialist appointments, hormone therapy, scans, and vital surgeries.

Tyler’s care requires immediate intervention, including:

• Comprehensive blood tests and bone age X-rays

• Daily diabetic injections and monthly medications

• Hormone and human growth therapy

• MRI scans under anaesthetic within the next six months

• Endocrinologist and surgical consultations

Without urgent support, Tyler risks missing the crucial window for puberty development and growth, which could have long-term consequences for her health. Her parents have launched a BackaBuddy campaign to help cover these essential medical costs: Help Support Tyler Jade.

Tyler has already endured over 18 surgeries and numerous specialist visits, yet she continues to inspire those around her with her bravery and determination. Her story highlights not only the struggles faced by families of children with rare genetic conditions in South Africa but also the critical importance of timely medical intervention.

Every donation, no matter the size, contributes directly to Tyler’s care, from life-saving hormone treatments to surgical procedures and essential diagnostic tests. For those unable to contribute financially, sharing her story across networks amplifies awareness and could connect the family with much-needed support.

Tyler Moran is not only a medical anomaly but a symbol of courage, resilience, and hope. Her family urges the public to stand with them and ensure that this extraordinary young girl continues to grow, thrive, and live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Support Tyler’s journey today: BackaBuddy Campaign

The post Tyler Moran: A Brave 13-Year-Old Fighting Rare Genetic Conditions appeared first on Alt News Network.

KwaZulu-Natal, 9 June 2025 — This past weekend, Gateway Theatre of Shopping transformed into more than a retail destination; it became a sanctuary of remembrance, resilience and community spirit. In collaboration with Living with Cancer SA, Gateway hosted a deeply personal public event as part of the national International Cancer Survivors Day campaign, delivering a poignant message: Your Cancer Counts.

In a strikingly symbolic activation, shoppers inscribed the names of loved ones affected by cancer onto coloured balls and placed them within a giant ribbon structure in the centre court. Each addition turned the installation into a vibrant, evolving memorial — a tangible expression of grief, love, and enduring hope.

Gateway’s Marketing Manager, Ayesha Sewbaran, initiated the tribute with a personal gesture, adding a ball in memory of her uncle. “It was emotional, but also grounding,” she reflected. “This isn’t just about remembering those we’ve lost, but about helping others going forward.”

Beyond the symbolism, the event served a critical health purpose by offering visitors the opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s first patient-led cancer registry. This new database intends to provide invaluable insight into how cancer affects individuals across the country — information historically underrepresented in local healthcare data.

Adding further depth to the four-day gathering, the centre welcomed survivor talks, healthcare professionals, and personal testimonies. A standout moment came from Kesavan Govender, a former Gateway Facilities Manager and Durban North local, who courageously shared his ongoing journey with Glioblastoma, underscoring the essential role of community, early detection, and perseverance.

The initiative left an indelible mark on Gateway’s shoppers and participants alike, merging awareness with action in a space better known for commerce than commemoration.

For more on Living with Cancer SA or to join the registry, visit livingwithcancersa.co.za. For Gateway’s latest updates, promotions, and community campaigns, visit gatewayworld.co.za or follow @gatewayumhlanga on Instagram.

The post South Africa’s First Cancer Registry Launched At Gateway appeared first on Alt News Network.

Johannesburg, 26 May 2025 — In a noteworthy alignment of corporate social investment and public health advocacy, Old Mutual Property is spearheading a nationwide campaign this May and June to raise cancer awareness and engagement across eight prominent malls in five South African provinces. This initiative, supporting the Living With Cancer SA platform, aims to galvanise community participation in the lead-up to National Cancer Survivors Day on 2 June 2025.

Eight malls—Cavendish Square, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Phumulani Mall, Riverside Mall, The Zone @ Rosebank, Bedford Centre, Kagiso Mall, and Vincent Park—will host tailored events from 30 May to 2 June, each designed to foster dialogue, education, and support around cancer under the unifying banner: Your Cancer Counts.

A Patient-Led Approach to Data and Dialogue

At the heart of the campaign is South Africa’s first patient-led cancer registry, a significant advancement beyond traditional pathology-based data collection. Shoppers are invited to share their own or loved ones’ cancer journeys, contributing to this registry which not only records clinical data but incorporates lived experiences and patient advocacy. This shift represents a necessary evolution in cancer surveillance—one that recognises the human narrative behind the statistics.

Visitors can engage in multiple ways: by personalising a giant symbolic ribbon statue with names of survivors and those lost to cancer; accessing expert guidance from hospice workers, dieticians, psychologists, and grief counsellors; and receiving crucial information on early detection, symptoms, and screening for prevalent cancers like breast, prostate, and cervical cancer.

Holistic Support and Critical Health Information

Selected malls will also feature specialist talks, covering nutritional support during treatment, coping strategies, grief management, and the practicalities of will drafting—emphasising the importance of future planning for those affected by cancer. These sessions underscore a holistic approach to cancer care, addressing both physical health and emotional wellbeing.

Shoppers are encouraged to stay updated via their local mall’s social media channels and newsletters, as well as the National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ platforms, ensuring accessibility and sustained engagement beyond the events.

Corporate Responsibility in Focus

Michelle Shelley, Group Marketing Portfolio Manager at EBM for Old Mutual Property, emphasises the corporate responsibility dimension: “Cancer is not just a health issue, it’s a community issue. This initiative brings practical resources and real conversations to our malls. If our spaces can help someone feel seen, supported, or better informed, then we’ve done something worthwhile.”

This campaign also highlights the growing cancer burden in South Africa—a pressing concern that warrants multi-sector collaboration. The partnership between Old Mutual Property, Living With Cancer SA, the National Cancer Registry (NCR), CANSA, and Campaigning for Cancer signals a proactive stance in tackling the disease’s societal impact.

Why This Matters

The South African National Cancer Registry, part of the National Health Laboratory Services, has long been the cornerstone of cancer incidence data in the country. Since 1986, it has collected pathology-based reports, but the inclusion of patient-led data introduces a critical layer of awareness and advocacy. This pivot raises questions about the adequacy of existing government and health systems’ responses to cancer and the role that corporate and community initiatives should play in filling those gaps.

Whether through contributing to the registry, participating in conversations, or gaining awareness of symptoms and screening options, every interaction in this campaign is a step toward a more informed and supportive society.

Visit your nearest participating mall this May and June to take part. For more details, follow your mall’s official social media pages or visit the Living With Cancer SA website.

The post Malls Unite to Showcase The Your Cancer Counts Campaign appeared first on Alt News Network.

“Operation Stork Speed” focuses on improving the FDA’s oversight of formula products, with enhanced testing protocols to screen for contaminants such as heavy metals. The initiative also mandates clearer labeling practices and encourages manufacturers to collaborate more closely with the FDA. This initiative comes at a crucial time as concerns over formula shortages and safety continue to escalate, particularly following supply chain disruptions.

Kennedy Jr.’s leadership in the HHS is being highlighted as a decisive factor in driving forward this new regulatory approach. His advocacy for transparency and safety will be instrumental in ensuring the trust of parents and caregivers across the country.

With the growing reliance on infant formula, “Operation Stork Speed” represents a proactive stance in safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable infants. The initiative aligns with broader public health goals and promises to enhance the quality and accessibility of infant nutrition.

The post FDA Launches ‘Operation Stork Speed’ Under RFK Jr. to Safeguard Infant Formula Safety appeared first on Alt News Network.

Adaline’s adoption from China at age 4 came with the knowledge that she would eventually require a heart transplant due to her congenital heart defects. Despite receiving nearly a decade of care at Cincinnati Children’s, the family now faces a heartbreaking dilemma: their daughter’s life hangs in the balance as the hospital requires both COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for placement on the transplant list. The family, who follow nondenominational Christian beliefs, believes the vaccines contradict their religious and medical convictions, making it impossible for them to comply with the mandate.

Janeen Deal, Adaline’s mother, criticized the hospital’s stance, asserting that the policy undermines the child’s right to receive life-saving care. This situation has ignited wider discussions about the role of vaccination requirements in medical treatment, especially when it involves deeply held religious beliefs. The family is now exploring options at other transplant centers, hoping to find one that won’t impose such strict vaccination rules.

JD Vance’s 12-year-old relative ‘denied a heart transplant because she’s not vaccinated against COVID and flu’ https://t.co/9Eg0TP9d8J

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 11, 2025

The controversy has drawn political attention, with Ohio Representative Jennifer Gross proposing new legislation aimed at protecting families from being denied medical care based on vaccine status. Her bill seeks to safeguard religious freedoms and prevent discrimination, especially in medical contexts like this one.

Adaline’s story is not an isolated case but part of a growing trend of families pushing back against vaccine mandates, particularly in life-or-death situations. As the legal battle continues, this case may have far-reaching implications for healthcare policy and religious freedoms across Ohio and beyond.

The post Denied Heart Transplant Due to Vaccination Status: A 12-Year-Old’s Struggle Sparks Legal and Ethical Debate appeared first on Alt News Network.

Red Dye 3, a synthetic colourant commonly found in candy, baked goods, and even some medicines, has long been under scrutiny due to concerns over its carcinogenic potential. After decades of use, mounting evidence from studies has finally led the FDA to step in, banning the chemical from use in some food items. This decision follows extensive research showing a potential link between the dye and cancer in laboratory animals, prompting health experts to demand more stringent regulations on food additives.

Despite the ban, questions remain regarding the wider use of artificial dyes in food products. Critics argue that while this ban is a step in the right direction, it may only scratch the surface of a much larger problem, with numerous other synthetic chemicals still being used in food production. Could this regulatory action lead to a broader reassessment of the food industry’s reliance on artificial substances? Public pressure is mounting for more transparent food labelling and stricter controls to ensure the safety of everyday food items.

As the FDA bans Red Dye 3 over cancer fears, the conversation about the safety of artificial food ingredients is intensifying. While this ban may protect consumers, many are calling for a more comprehensive overhaul of food safety regulations. Could this action be the start of more widespread reform in food safety standards? The public’s demand for accountability is growing, and the fight for safer food products continues.

The post FDA Bans Red Dye 3 from Frosting, Candy, and Medicine Over Cancer Concerns appeared first on Alt News Network.

A mysterious viral illness in China, known as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is causing concern due to its similarities with the COVID-19 outbreak. Reports indicate the illness is spreading rapidly and placing significant strain on China’s healthcare system. Prof Tulio de Oliveira,… pic.twitter.com/lFo6CmWKSp

— eNCA (@eNCA) January 6, 2025

1. Understanding HMPV:
   The virus in question, HMPV, is not a new threat. First identified in 2001, it is a respiratory virus that shares similarities with seasonal flu or RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). In most cases, HMPV causes mild symptoms like runny noses and coughs, although more severe reactions—such as pneumonia—can occur, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly or young children. Contrary to the hysteria perpetuated by certain media outlets, HMPV is a seasonal virus that follows a natural cycle. Experts are not surprised by its recent uptick in cases in China, as respiratory viruses often fluctuate with the changing seasons. TimesLive rightly pointed out that HMPV has existed for over 40 years, calling out the misrepresentation of this virus as something new. As TimesLive states:

   “China is experiencing an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has been in existence for more than 40 years, according to experts.”

2. The eNCA Narrative:
   On the other hand, eNNCA propagated a distorted version of events. They suggested that this HMPV outbreak might be comparable to COVID-19, leading to panic without addressing the critical differences between the two viruses. One major issue lies in the lack of context or clear evidence in their reporting. For example, they fail to adequately explain that the HMPV is not as contagious as COVID-19, and its symptoms are far milder for most people. Furthermore, the title of the eNCA video contradicts the content, with Professor Tulio de Oliveira giving conflicting information about the virus’s origin. According to the discussion, he mentions both the 1950s and 2001, which only adds to the confusion. This lack of clarity raises questions about the accuracy of their reporting.Additionally, eNCA’ failure to distinguish between the current spike in HMPV cases, which is a normal seasonal occurrence, and the unprecedented global impact of COVID-19 is both misleading and irresponsible. This type of reporting encourages unwarranted panic.
3. Why This Matters:
   The issue with sensationalizing this HMPV spike goes beyond simple misinformation. It drives unnecessary fear, contributing to the economic instability already exacerbated by past global crises. In fact, reports from people living in China are beginning to surface on social media, where citizens are sharing videos and posts showing life going on as usual. These posts are a direct contradiction to the claims of a full-blown outbreak, showcasing no evidence of mass panic or lockdowns. In fact, Instagram posts by individuals living in China have gone viral, with many claiming that there are no visible signs of an outbreak and that the country continues to operate without masks or restrictions. One viral post from an Indian expat living in China even stated:

   “People are walking freely in the streets, no one is wearing masks, no hospitals are overflowing, no lockdowns, and no panic… Why is the media spreading false reports?”

   The images shared online contradict the false narratives being pushed by outlets like eNCA, calling into question their motivations. This fear-driven reporting mirrors the approach taken before the COVID-19 lockdowns, where unchecked narratives created an atmosphere of widespread panic without solid factual backing. Just who is behind this narrative?

HMPV update: Seriously folks don’t fall for the Bullshyte again! Stay mentally strong and stop believing Main Stream Media #hmpvvirus #China #HMPvirus #HMPVCase pic.twitter.com/cm1VMC5f6w

— ThirdMonkeyOnTheRamp (@MonkeyOnTheRamp) January 7, 2025

CHINA is totally FAKE!

There is no HMPV Virus Outbreak there
Instagram Post of Indian living in China going Viral; people are walking without mask on streets
They only to make Economic Crisis in World#HMPvirus #HMPVinIndia pic.twitter.com/DObYlpht8L

— Jyoti Budania (@BudaniaJyoti) January 6, 2025

The Chinese embassy in Manila has denied claims circulating on social media that there is now an outgoing outbreak of a new virus in China.

READ: https://t.co/Kx866e6f3r pic.twitter.com/cENtZHE600

— Manila Bulletin News (@manilabulletin) January 3, 2025

The spread of false narratives regarding the HMPV outbreak in China—such as the one perpetuated by eNews—presents a dangerous precedent. It distorts reality, stokes unnecessary fear, and risks economic fallout by circulating misinformation. TimesLive, in contrast, stands out for their more investigative and fact-based reporting, providing context about the long-standing existence of HMPV and the current spike being part of the natural seasonal cycle. With people living in China confirming the lack of any virus-related chaos, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction and remain vigilant against the spread of media-driven panic.

As this issue unfolds, let’s keep the conversation grounded in truth and evidence, and avoid falling prey to sensationalist agendas. This is not a global crisis in the making, and we should treat it as a seasonal health issue rather than the next pandemic.

The post The False Narrative of China’s HMPV Outbreak: A Closer Look at Media Reporting appeared first on Alt News Network.

The NHI is the government’s plan to provide universal healthcare for all South Africans, but its funding mechanism is increasingly dubious. Health Minister Motsoaledi recently suggested that the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) could use pension funds to build and upgrade hospitals in anticipation of NHI. While the government argues this move is necessary due to its dire financial state, it raises a serious question: is it wise to gamble the future of pensioners’ savings on a scheme with an uncertain outcome?

Marius Roodt, a senior analyst at the Institute of Race Relations, expressed his concerns in no uncertain terms. He argued that the primary role of the PIC is to generate returns for pensioners, not to finance government infrastructure projects. Using these funds for the NHI is a conflict of interest, one that could jeopardize the future of countless South Africans who depend on their pensions for retirement.

Roodt’s warning echoes the failures of similar schemes in other countries. For example, in the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) has faced a funding crisis despite decades of government investment, and countries like Venezuela have experienced the collapse of healthcare systems after similar promises of universal healthcare led to economic ruin. The key problem in these systems was not the idea of universal healthcare itself, but the mismanagement of funds, and the excessive burden placed on public coffers without adequate long-term planning.

Motsoaledi’s assurance that the PIC will eventually be reimbursed raises further red flags. Can the government afford to repay billions, especially with South Africa’s current financial constraints? The plan depends on the assumption that the economy will grow and generate sufficient revenue to meet future obligations, yet this is far from guaranteed. South Africa’s unemployment rate and economic stagnation suggest that expecting robust economic growth to fund such a massive initiative is highly optimistic, if not entirely unrealistic.

Roodt also highlights the risk that the NHI could collapse the private healthcare sector, which is a crucial part of South Africa’s medical landscape. If implemented, the NHI would eliminate private medical aid, pushing many skilled healthcare professionals to emigrate and further depleting the already struggling public healthcare system. This exodus of medical talent could lead to a scenario where the public system is overwhelmed, and unable to meet the needs of the population.

In place of the NHI, Roodt proposes a more sustainable approach: making it easier for South Africans to access private healthcare. He suggests a system of health vouchers, which would allocate a portion of the national healthcare budget to citizens, allowing them to spend it in either the private or public sector. This model not only maintains a strong private healthcare sector but also ensures that the public system receives the necessary support. Roodt’s idea has been successful in other countries, where the competition between private and public healthcare providers leads to better service and innovation.

Furthermore, improving employment opportunities and growing the economy is the key to expanding healthcare access in the long run. When more people are employed and able to contribute to private medical aid, the government’s burden decreases, and healthcare quality improves for everyone.

South Africa cannot afford to make the same mistakes that have caused other countries’ healthcare systems to fail. The NHI, as proposed, threatens to destabilize the economy, misuse pension funds, and undermine the private healthcare sector. Instead of relying on a flawed, one-size-fits-all approach, the government should focus on growing the economy, improving private healthcare accessibility, and using more effective funding models. The government’s NHI plan is, in its current form, a high-risk gamble that could leave South Africans with more questions than answers and ultimately fail the very people it aims to help.

The post Government’s Push for NHI: A Misguided Plan that Risks Your Pension appeared first on Alt News Network.