Category News

Our brains are being fried by our phones — what to do about it

Daily Maverick

Digital dementia, a term coined by German neuroscientist Manfred Spitzer in 2012, describes the forgetfulness, mental fatigue, and chronic inability to focus resulting from excessive tech use. Researchers worldwide are using this term to highlight the negative impact of screen time on our brains, emphasizing that our brains are not equipped to handle such digital overload.
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More than 1,000 undocumented migrants arrested at Beitbridge border over Easter – BMA

EWN

Over 1,000 undocumented migrants were arrested at the Beitbridge border between South Africa and Zimbabwe over Easter weekend. The Border Management Authority (BMA) credited their drone operations for the arrests. BMA head Michael Masiapato highlighted the effectiveness of drones in border policing, emphasizing the need to target facilitators of illegal migration.
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‘SA terror suspect’ detained in US during Biden presidency now faces deportation under Trump

Daily Maverick

An 18-year-old man claiming to be from South Africa was arrested on terror suspicions in Texas in 2024 during an illegal immigrant crackdown. Umar Farooq Ashraf was detained with undocumented immigrants, triggering alerts of possible terrorist ties. Released briefly, he was arrested again in New York in December 2024. South Africa’s embassy has not been officially notified of his arrest.
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How the next Pope is chosen – BBC News

BBC News

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, has passed away at 88. The Vatican confirmed his death on Easter Monday. His body will be placed in a single coffin, departing from tradition. The Pope had previously chosen to simplify his funeral rites, with no private viewing for cardinals. A public viewing will be held in St Peter’s Basilica after a procession led by the camerlengo.
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New equity targets: Are they just tick boxes or real transformation?

Daily Maverick

South Africa’s new Employment Equity targets spark confusion and legal challenges as companies struggle to comply. The amended regulations set numerical targets for top occupational levels in 18 sectors, prompting backlash from employer organizations like Neasa and Sakeliga. They argue the regulations are unconstitutional and impose racial quotas, planning legal action to block them.
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Pope Francis and Africa: ‘His love for the continent was great’

BBC News

Africa mourns Pope Francis, who advocated for the continent during his 2015 visit to the Central African Republic. Millions of African Catholics and leaders remember him as a champion of the poor and marginalized. Africa, home to nearly a fifth of the Church’s followers, has seen significant growth in Catholicism under his leadership. Vatican reports seven million Africans converted to Catholicism in the past year.
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The rites and rituals following the death of a pope, his funeral and burial, explained

AP News

Pope Francis’ death triggers traditional Vatican funeral rites, with recent reforms simplifying rituals. Changes emphasize his role as a bishop and allow burial outside the Vatican. The process, outlined in the “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis,” includes certification of death, public display of the body, funeral, and burial. Reforms were made to align with the late pope’s wishes and streamline the process.
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Burkina Faso junta claims it stopped a ‘major plot’ to sow ‘total chaos’

France 24

Burkina Faso’s military junta foiled a plot aimed at causing chaos, believed to be orchestrated from Ivory Coast. Captain Ibrahim Traore’s government, in power since 2022, faces criticism. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed a plan to attack the presidency, with alleged masterminds in Ivory Coast. Twelve military personnel were arrested for planning to destabilize the government.
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