News Bulletin of 1 December 2025, 3pm

Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Gauteng recently completed 17 breast cancer surgeries in seven days, up from the usual three per week. The initiative aims to reduce long waiting lists, where patients often wait two to four months for life-saving treatment.
The effort is part of the Gauteng Department of Health’s strategy to improve access to timely surgery and survival outcomes. The hospital’s Breast Unit sees 5,000 to 7,000 patients annually.
One beneficiary, 58-year-old Dimakatso Makhuba, called the surgery life-changing. Reducing waiting times to four weeks remains a key priority to improve long-term survival for breast cancer patients.

South Africa welcomed 8.56 million international visitors between January and October 2025, marking an increase of 1.3 million arrivals compared to the same period last year. October alone recorded 927,426 tourists, a 32% rise from October 2024.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the growth reflects the sector’s recovery and its role as a driver of economic growth, job creation and investment.
Visitor numbers rose across all major regions, led by strong growth from Africa, Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.
The government said it remains focused on sustaining growth and enhancing South Africa’s competitiveness as a global travel destination.

Readers of Woman’s Weekly magazine have officially broken a Guinness World Record by knitting and crocheting 46,506 woolen mice for rescue cats across the UK.
The project invited subscribers to create toys using a free pattern provided by the magazine, with thousands of parcels arriving at its London headquarters.
The handcrafted mice are now being distributed to over 300 cat rescue centres, providing comfort and enrichment for cats awaiting new homes.
The magazine said the response from readers demonstrates extraordinary generosity and community spirit, building on past initiatives that supported vulnerable people and animals through knitting.