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Seasonal changes often cause coughing in many people. In most cases, the cough subsides on its own within a few days. However, if the cough persists constantly and does not improve after taking prescribed medication, it may indicate not only an infection but also a more serious illness. In such situations, it is crucial to undergo appropriate examinations.

Professor of the Medicine Department at Lady Harding Medical College, Dr. L.H. Gotekar, provided information on which three tests should be performed if the cough does not stop.

According to Dr. Gotekar, a cough can be caused by allergies, viruses, or bacteria, and the appearance of a cough during weather changes is common. Nevertheless, if the cough lasts for more than a week and does not go away, it should not be ignored, as it may be a symptom of another serious ailment. In this case, it is recommended to perform the following three tests:

Firstly, a chest X-ray must be taken. This simple test helps determine whether there is inflammation or tuberculosis in the lungs, which aids in the timely detection of a serious disease.

Secondly, a CBC (Complete Blood Count) blood test should be done. It includes checking white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets. An increase in WBC level indicates the presence of a bacterial or viral infection in the body, allowing the doctor to start appropriate treatment.

Thirdly, checking CRP (C-Reactive Protein) is recommended. This test measures the level of inflammation and infection in the blood; an elevated indicator points to possible inflammation in the lungs. Dr. Gotekar emphasized that all three mentioned tests are accessible and inexpensive.

Dr. Gotekar warns that some people start taking cough syrups without consulting a specialist, which is an incorrect approach. Any cough syrup should be taken exclusively upon a doctor's recommendation.

More than 408 people, most of whom are children under four years old, fell ill with gastrointestinal infections after the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment facilities in Tshwane supplied unchlorinated water for three weeks. A joint investigation established that the city failed to warn residents about the danger.

Cases were recorded between October 7 and 18, with the highest number of affected individuals being patients under four years old. No fatalities were registered. Laboratory data points to contaminated water as the likely source of the problem.

A joint inspection conducted by health authorities, the Department of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the city of Tshwane revealed that difficulties with the chlorine supplier in the city led the plant to supply unchlorinated water from September 24 to October 14.

A joint statement indicated that the city did not notify the public that the water was not chlorinated and could not be consumed, used for cooking, washing, or bathing, even after boiling. This requirement is stipulated by the Mandatory Compliance Standards for Water Supply 2025, issued in accordance with the Water Supply Act.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina reported that new cases peaked on October 13, when 72 cases were recorded, before declining to 16 by October 18. She stated: 'Between October 7 and 18, it was confirmed that 408 cases of gastrointestinal diseases were registered. Most patients are under four years old. No deaths have been reported so far.'

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases detected norovirus, campylobacter, and shigella in three out of four analyzed stool samples, as well as other pathogens associated with stomach spasms and diarrhea. Cholera bacteria were not found in these stool samples. Separate water tests conducted on October 14 revealed extremely high levels of E. coli and total coliform bacteria in the water from the plant, as well as in the Ekandustria and Zitobeni reservoirs.

Affected settlements include Zitobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, Dark City, Retabiseng, and Sohlumi in Region 7 of Tshwane. The plant draws water from the Bronkhorstspruit River, which, the investigation found, is contaminated with sewage from faulty sanitation facilities of the Victor Hani municipality and non-operational sewage pumping stations in Tshwane.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya defended the city's communication policy, noting that officials needed to collaborate with other departments to determine the cause before making a final statement. Nevertheless, she emphasized that those responsible would be held accountable.

Moya said: 'According to reports, the surge in cases was noticed on October 7. There was time when we obviously had to work with other structures to confirm the problem.' She added that the city's municipal health services had reported cases of diarrhea, but officials could not yet confirm the cause. However, the investigation's conclusion related to a different issue: the inability to warn residents that the water was not chlorinated.

The findings were discussed at an intergovernmental meeting on Sunday, October 18, attended by Majodina, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Moya. The meeting presented a consolidated report on the cases, laboratory results, the investigation, and urgent measures to protect the public.

The city closed the plant on October 14. Chlorine supplies were restored by October 15, and the plant resumed supplying the distribution system on October 16, but residents were informed that the water was still not safe to drink. Currently, the city is delivering drinking water via tankers from the Kallinan water treatment facilities; tests show this supply is safe. Authorities are increasing distribution through 36 tankers.

Residents were advised not to drink tap water or use it for cooking, bathing, brushing teeth, washing food or clothes. The water can only be used for flushing toilets. They were also advised to dispose of stored water and disinfect containers with household bleach.

The investigation showed that pumps, sand filters, and other equipment at the plant were not functioning. Tshwane is in the process of appointing Rand Water to improve the plant's operation, but the timeline for when the tap water will be safe again has not been determined. The Water Research Commission began independent testing on October 18, with initial results expected on Wednesday, and the report on the causes should be ready by October 28.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) filed a criminal case against the city at the Pretoria Central Police Station. DA leader in Tshwane Ald Cilliers Brink stated that the party demands the city be held accountable and insists on the immediate release of water quality test results. Brink stated: 'The inadequate state of infrastructure led to a public health crisis.' He continued: 'I believe this is gross mismanagement, negligence that endangers people's lives. The fact that we are asking these questions and the city is simply brushing them aside demonstrates criminal disregard for legislative standards and simple human courtesy.'

Sanelise Diko, a finalist of the Miss South Africa Top 19 competition, believes that her journey in pharmaceuticals involved not only studying medicine but also ensuring people understood health issues, knew where to seek help, and gained confidence in making informed decisions about their well-being.

Diko's passion for healthcare stems from personal experience, particularly observing how her grandmother lived with a chronic illness, which made her realize the critical importance of ensuring medical information is accessible to patients.

Throughout her journey, Diko realized that access to medication is only one part of the healthcare system. Patients also need to understand their condition, know how to manage it, and feel supported throughout the treatment process.

She noted: 'My journey started with my grandmother, but it has turned into a commitment to the communities I help today.'

Diko earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rhodes University, driven by a desire to help people better understand their health and navigate what often seems cumbersome healthcare systems.

Her exposure to the difficulties people face when seeking medical care, especially within the public healthcare system, strengthened her resolve to change the situation. As she progressed in her studies and became a pharmacist, she realized her role could extend beyond simply dispensing medications.

For Diko, healthcare professionals are responsible for educating and empowering patients, especially those who lack access to reliable information or adequate support. Her approach focuses on simplifying the understanding of medical information so that people can actively participate in decisions affecting their well-being.

Diko's commitment to public health led her to participate in aid initiatives, including trips on the Phelophepa train and the Isibhedlele Kubantu campaign. These events demonstrated to her the demand for affordable and accessible medical services, as well as how a lack of information can prevent people from receiving existing care.

One striking example was disseminating information about the Phelophepa train's services through her social media. She was surprised by how many people were unaware of the medical assistance available to them. She explained: 'Sometimes the barrier is not the absence of the service, but the lack of information about it.'

This experience reinforced her conviction that health education must go beyond medical facilities and reach people in their local communities. It also reminded her that behind every patient is a person with their own story, family, and circumstances that can affect their ability to receive treatment.

As social media increasingly becomes a primary source of information, Diko is particularly concerned about the impact of health misinformation on young South Africans. Recognizing the potential of digital platforms for education and connecting people, she believes that young people must be more critical of the health advice they see online.

Information spread without scientific basis or proper context can confuse people and influence their health decisions. As a pharmacist, Diko wants to encourage youth to question what they see online, verify information, and consult qualified healthcare professionals when guidance is needed.

She also hopes to change the perception of youth towards healthcare workers, encouraging them to view them as trusted partners in maintaining health, rather than just people visited when they are sick. Through her advocacy, she aims to make health information more accessible, understandable, and relatable.

For Diko, there is no single obstacle preventing people from accessing medical care. Financial constraints, limited access to facilities, stigma, and misinformation can contribute to delays in seeking treatment, often reinforcing each other.

A person might understand the importance of treatment but struggle to afford transport to a medical facility. Another person might have access to services but delay seeking care due to fear of judgment. Diko believes that solving these problems requires a more community-oriented approach to healthcare.

She would like to see enhanced public health education, more accessible and affordable services, and safe spaces where people can ask questions without fear of judgment. She also emphasizes that building trust between healthcare providers and communities is equally important so that people feel informed and supported enough to seek help promptly.

While the Miss South Africa platform provides an opportunity to amplify her message, Diko looks beyond the competition itself. Through the Empower Youth Africa structure, she hopes to develop a sustainable health advocacy initiative that will continue to benefit communities long after her participation in Miss South Africa. Her plans include collaborating with other healthcare professionals to answer common health questions, connecting people with accessible services, and conducting health education lectures in communities.

She is particularly interested in creating opportunities for youth and underserved communities to access reliable information, understand their healthcare options, and make informed decisions about their well-being. Partnerships with healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and local medical facilities will be central to ensuring the initiative reaches those who need it most.

For Diko, the goal is not just raising awareness, but creating practical avenues for people to interact with the healthcare system and find necessary support. She stated: 'I want to create a model that can benefit communities after my participation in Miss South Africa, because access to medical education and care should not end when the spotlight fades.'

Ultimately, Diko hopes to contribute to a future where access to healthcare is not determined by a person's place of residence or financial means. Her participation in Miss South Africa offers another platform for this ambition, but her mission remains rooted in the work she believes needs to be done daily: helping people understand their health, access affordable services, and feel entitled to receive necessary care.

The Miss South Africa 2026 final will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Convention Centre in Johannesburg.