With less than a week left for the elections in South Africa and the runup to these crucial polls, experts and voters weigh in on the political future of the ruling African National Congress.

South Africa Elections: ANC to face its toughest election yet

A special vote began Monday in South Africa ahead of the general election scheduled on Wednesday, according to the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). The special vote allows a registered voter, unable to vote at their voting station on Election Day to vote ahead of the main polls.

Special voting underway in South Africa ahead of general election

South Africa elections: Early voting kickstarts historic election week, special voting underway

Alleging the failure to implement “biologically meaningful closures” to fishing around six penguin colonies in South Africa, NGOs in the likes of BirdLife South Africa and Southern African Foundation have now dragged South Africa's minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Barbara Creecy, to court.

It is vital to note that these six penguin colonies account for 76% of the global African penguin population. Last year in July the international review panel appointed by the minister conveyed in their report that targeted fishing closures around penguin colonies “would be likely to benefit penguin conservation”.

Reportedly, the minister evaded some of the key recommendations made by her own appointed panel. Besides penguins, another endangered bird species Cape Cormorant also stands to benefit from this ban as it also feeds predominantly on small pelagic fish.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-scientists-from-jnu-develop-new-vaccine-to-fight-malaria-724535">Indian scientists from JNU develop new vaccine to fight Malaria</a>

Additionally, &nbsp;small-scale handline fishers have welcomed the proposals, as many of the species they target feed on sardines and anchovies. Over the period of 120 years, African penguins have undergone a significant decline of over 99%. If the same rate of decline is further continued, these Penguins will be extinct by 2035.

Keeping aside the problem of penguin extinction, this decline is also bound to dent the South African tourism industry. Notably, it contributes 311m rand (£13m) a year to the local economy, as per a 2018 study on the colony at Boulders Beach in Cape Town.&nbsp;

However, &nbsp;the fisher union has opined against the court's verdict. Citing the South African pelagic fishing industry, the Guardian reported, " &nbsp;“Contrary to environmental NGOs’ statements in the media that the main driver is the purse-seine fishing industry, the impact of fishing [on penguin numbers] is small. The “environmental NGOs” had delayed a “process that is tasked with establishing what are the main drivers causing the decline in penguin numbers”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Alleging the failure to implement “biologically meaningful closures” to fishing around six penguin colonies in South Africa, NGOs in the likes of BirdLife South Africa and Southern African Foundation have now dragged South Africa's minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Barbara Creecy, to court.

Alleging the failure to implement “biologically meaningful closures” to fishing around six penguin colonies in South Africa, NGOs in the likes of BirdLife South Africa and Southern African Foundation have now dragged South Africa's minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Barbara Creecy, to court. It is vital to note that these six penguin colonies account for 76% of the global African penguin population. Last year in July the international review panel appointed by the minister conveyed in their report that targeted fishing closures around penguin colonies “would be likely to benefit penguin conservation”. Reportedly, the minister evaded some of the key recommendations made by her own appointed panel. Besides penguins, another endangered bird species Cape Cormorant also stands to benefit from this ban as it also feeds predominantly on small pelagic fish. Also read: Indian scientists from JNU develop new vaccine to fight Malaria Additionally, small-scale handline fishers have welcomed the proposals, as many of the species they target feed on sardines and anchovies. Over the period of 120 years, African penguins have undergone a significant decline of over 99%. If the same rate of decline is further continued, these Penguins will be extinct by 2035. Keeping aside the problem of penguin extinction, this decline is also bound to dent the South African tourism industry. Notably, it contributes 311m rand (£13m) a year to the local economy, as per a 2018 study on the colony at Boulders Beach in Cape Town. However, the fisher union has opined against the court's verdict. Citing the South African pelagic fishing industry, the Guardian reported, " “Contrary to environmental NGOs’ statements in the media that the main driver is the purse-seine fishing industry, the impact of fishing [on penguin numbers] is small. The “environmental NGOs” had delayed a “process that is tasked with establishing what are the main drivers causing the decline in penguin numbers”. (With inputs from agencies)

Penguin conservation failure: NGOs drag South Africa’s Environment Minister to court

The International Court of Justice, ICJ, will rule on South Africa's requests to order a halt to Israel's Rafah offensive in Gaza, after South Africa petitioned the ICJ for emergency measures asking Israel to seek its military operations in Gaza strip.

South Africa seeks ICJ order to halt Israel's assault in Rafah | Israel defiant ahead of ICJ ruling

The International Court of Justice has ordered the state of Israel to immediately halt its Rafah offensive. The world court has said that it is just not convinced that the evacuations in Rafah are sufficient to alleviate the dire suffering of the Palestinian people. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: ICJ orders Israel to halt Rafah offensive

South Africa Elections 2024: Cracks showing in ANC's support base

Israel-Hamas war: Will ICJ order Israel to halt Rafah assault?

South Africa Elections 2024: Is ANC's anti-apartheid legacy fading?

South Africa Elections 2024: Experts, polls say ANC may lose two-third majority

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma is barred from running for parliament in this month's election, the country's top court ruled on Monday, a judgment that could influence the outcome and trigger unrest from Zuma's supporters. This as support for South Africa's governing African national congress has risen in the weeks leading up to this month's election, a tracking poll showed, suggesting it may only need a small coalition partner or could even win a majority. Analysts have been speculating for months that the ANC will fall short of 50% of the vote for the first time since coming to power 30 years ago under nelson Mandela at the end of apartheid.

South Africa's top court bars Zuma from parliament race

South Africa's constitutional court ruled on Monday (May 20) that former president Jacob Zuma is ineligible to be elected a member of the National Assembly in next week's general election.

The top court threw out Zuma's complaint against an electoral commission decision that a previous conviction for contempt prevents him from becoming a Member of Parliament.

The constitutional court upheld that Zuma's 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021 disqualified him from standing in the May 29 election.

South Africa's constitution prohibits anyone given a prison sentence of 12 months or longer from holding a parliamentary seat.

"It is declared that Mr. Zuma was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months' imprisonment, ... and is accordingly not eligible to be a member of, and not qualified to stand for election to, the National Assembly," the court ruling said.

Zuma was forced to quit as president in 2018. He&nbsp;has fallen out with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and has been campaigning for a new party called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) named after the ANC's former armed wing.

<h2>What does it mean for South Africa's politics?</h2>

Opinion polls suggest that while African National Congress, in power for 30 years, may emerge as the biggest party, it will still be short of&nbsp;majority.&nbsp;

In Zuma's home province of KwaZulu-Natal, he remains popular and poses a threat to the ANC.

In 2021, Zuma's jailing triggered riots in KwaZulu-Natal in which more than 300 people died and which morphed into a wider spate of looting.

Also watch |&nbsp;South Africa Elections 2024: Can Jacob Zuma and his MK Party unseat the ANC?

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Asked about the potential for violence in the wake of the constitutional court ruling during an interview with local radio station 702, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: "I'm not concerned about this instigating violence."

"We have rule of law in South Africa that governs us. Once a constitutional court has decided, that is it and should there be any threat of violence our security forces are ready," he said.

South Africa's electoral commission originally disqualified Zuma in March. 
 
However a month later, a court overturned the disqualification saying the relevant section of the constitution applied only to people who had a chance to appeal against their sentences, which had not been Zuma's case.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Africa's constitutional court ruled on Monday (May 20) that former president Jacob Zuma is ineligible to be elected a member of the National Assembly in next week's general election.

South Africa's constitutional court ruled on Monday (May 20) that former president Jacob Zuma is ineligible to be elected a member of the National Assembly in next week's general election. The top court threw out Zuma's complaint against an electoral commission decision that a previous conviction for contempt prevents him from becoming a Member of Parliament. The constitutional court upheld that Zuma's 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021 disqualified him from standing in the May 29 election. South Africa's constitution prohibits anyone given a prison sentence of 12 months or longer from holding a parliamentary seat. "It is declared that Mr. Zuma was convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months' imprisonment, ... and is accordingly not eligible to be a member of, and not qualified to stand for election to, the National Assembly," the court ruling said. Zuma was forced to quit as president in 2018. He has fallen out with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and has been campaigning for a new party called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) named after the ANC's former armed wing. What does it mean for South Africa's politics? Opinion polls suggest that while African National Congress, in power for 30 years, may emerge as the biggest party, it will still be short of majority. In Zuma's home province of KwaZulu-Natal, he remains popular and poses a threat to the ANC. In 2021, Zuma's jailing triggered riots in KwaZulu-Natal in which more than 300 people died and which morphed into a wider spate of looting. Also watch | South Africa Elections 2024: Can Jacob Zuma and his MK Party unseat the ANC? × Asked about the potential for violence in the wake of the constitutional court ruling during an interview with local radio station 702, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: "I'm not concerned about this instigating violence." "We have rule of law in South Africa that governs us. Once a constitutional court has decided, that is it and should there be any threat of violence our security forces are ready," he said. South Africa's electoral commission originally disqualified Zuma in March. However a month later, a court overturned the disqualification saying the relevant section of the constitution applied only to people who had a chance to appeal against their sentences, which had not been Zuma's case. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa's top court declares former President Zuma ineligible for election

With South Africa heading to polls in less than two weeks its former President Jacob Zuma has launched its new parties' Manifesto. The MK party gained its popularity after Zuma announced in December that he will be campaigning for it and not the governing party ANC that is led by his former ally. Watch in for more details!

South Africa Elections 2024: Jacob Zuma's MK Party launches manifesto

South Africa is heading to elections in less than two weeks and there is a lot of uncertainity not just for South Africans with voting rights but also for those living in the country for many years.

South Africa elections: What does Indian disapora expect?

South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah from the International Court of Justice. The measures form part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the ICJ in December last year accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention during its offensive against Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel war: South Africa warns of 'irreparable harm' over Israel's Rafah assault

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected opposition allegations that a recent pause in the electricity cuts that have plagued the country for years was due to an election coming up on May 29. Watch in for more details!

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South Africa elections 2024: Pause in electricity cut, an election gimmick?

South Africa President Ramaphosa denies pause in power cuts linked to elections

Rescuers and onlookers clapped and cheered, on Saturday (May 11) as a survivor was rescued five days after being buried underneath the rubble of a building which collapsed in the South African city of George.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Nothing short of a miracle’</h2>

In a clip of the rescue operation posted by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on X, rescuers and onlookers can be heard applauding as a man who survived under the rubble for 116 hours is being pulled out.&nbsp;

“Our survivor has been successfully extracted from the debris after more than 116 hours. This is nothing short of a miracle - thank you to all the search and rescue teams!,” Winde said.&nbsp;

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Our survivor has been successfully extracted from the debris after more than 116 hours. This is nothing short of a miracle - thank you to all the search and rescue teams! 🥺🙏✨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeBuildingCollapse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgeBuildingCollapse</a> <a href="https://t.co/VH3RXuIkRK">pic.twitter.com/VH3RXuIkRK</a>
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) <a href="https://twitter.com/alanwinde/status/1789240388068266377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“In a possible first in South African rescue history, the trapped worker was found alive 116 hours after the collapse on Monday (May 6),” said the Western Cape premier, in a statement before the man was rescued.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-building-collapse-six-killed-dozens-still-trapped-rescuers-establish-contact-with-11-survivors-718990">South Africa building collapse: Six killed, dozens still trapped; rescuers establish contact with 11 survivors</a>

The rescue team had already established contact with the person before pulling him out of the rubble, said the local official. He also thanked the rescue teams and volunteers.&nbsp;

“Thank you to the rescue teams and volunteers who have been working so hard these last 4-5 days to rescue those trapped. We never gave up hope and today I cannot express the extent of my relief and joy. Thank you to all the teams – you are true heroes. I am proud of you,” Winde added.&nbsp;

<h2>Death toll rises to 13</h2>

Out of the 81 workers who were present on the site when the building collapsed, 13 were confirmed dead, 29 were alive and 39 were still unaccounted for, reported Reuters citing local officials.&nbsp;

Rescuers were seen using cranes, drills and even their bare hands as they tried to reach those trapped under the rubble after the collapse on Monday.&nbsp;

According to authorities, many survivors sustained burns and head injuries while some suffered internal injuries.&nbsp;

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“We haven’t really drawn a line to say we are going into a recovery phase, we still have a few voids to search through,” said Colin Deiner, head of rescue operations after more than 90 hours of the collapse.&nbsp;

He added, “We know that time is against us”. The police were using fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs, said the head of rescue operations.&nbsp;

The incident took place in the country’s coastal city of George, on Monday afternoon around 2:09 pm (local time) when an under-construction five-storey building came crashing down for reasons which are not known as of yet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Rescuers and onlookers clapped and cheered, on Saturday (May 11) as a survivor was rescued five days after being buried underneath the rubble of a building which collapsed in the South African city of George.

Rescuers and onlookers clapped and cheered, on Saturday (May 11) as a survivor was rescued five days after being buried underneath the rubble of a building which collapsed in the South African city of George. ‘Nothing short of a miracle’ In a clip of the rescue operation posted by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on X, rescuers and onlookers can be heard applauding as a man who survived under the rubble for 116 hours is being pulled out. “Our survivor has been successfully extracted from the debris after more than 116 hours. This is nothing short of a miracle - thank you to all the search and rescue teams!,” Winde said. Our survivor has been successfully extracted from the debris after more than 116 hours. This is nothing short of a miracle - thank you to all the search and rescue teams! 🥺🙏✨#GeorgeBuildingCollapse pic.twitter.com/VH3RXuIkRK — Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) May 11, 2024 × “In a possible first in South African rescue history, the trapped worker was found alive 116 hours after the collapse on Monday (May 6),” said the Western Cape premier, in a statement before the man was rescued. Also Read | South Africa building collapse: Six killed, dozens still trapped; rescuers establish contact with 11 survivors The rescue team had already established contact with the person before pulling him out of the rubble, said the local official. He also thanked the rescue teams and volunteers. “Thank you to the rescue teams and volunteers who have been working so hard these last 4-5 days to rescue those trapped. We never gave up hope and today I cannot express the extent of my relief and joy. Thank you to all the teams – you are true heroes. I am proud of you,” Winde added. Death toll rises to 13 Out of the 81 workers who were present on the site when the building collapsed, 13 were confirmed dead, 29 were alive and 39 were still unaccounted for, reported Reuters citing local officials. Rescuers were seen using cranes, drills and even their bare hands as they tried to reach those trapped under the rubble after the collapse on Monday. According to authorities, many survivors sustained burns and head injuries while some suffered internal injuries. Also Read | 'Inject a little bleach': Biden roasts Trump's COVID cure at election fundraiser “We haven’t really drawn a line to say we are going into a recovery phase, we still have a few voids to search through,” said Colin Deiner, head of rescue operations after more than 90 hours of the collapse. He added, “We know that time is against us”. The police were using fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs, said the head of rescue operations. The incident took place in the country’s coastal city of George, on Monday afternoon around 2:09 pm (local time) when an under-construction five-storey building came crashing down for reasons which are not known as of yet. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Nothing short of a miracle’: Survivor rescued five days after South Africa building collapse

South Africa is all set to vote in a general election on May 29, that could bring about the most significant political change in three decades, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) at risk of losing its parliamentary majority. Watch in for more details!

South Africa gears up for polls on May 29, Ramaphosa says ANC will emerge victorious

South Africa’s Constitutional Court will decide on an appeal questioning former President Jacob Zuma’s eligibility to run in this month’s election. Watch in for more details!

South Africa constitutional court hears case against Jacob Zuma

South Africa top court hears case questioning Jacob Zuma's electoral eligibility

South African is all set to vote in a general election on May 29, that could bring about the most significant political change in three decades, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) at risk of losing its parliamentary majority. Watch in for more details!

South Africa gears up for elections on May 29

Former South African President Jacob Zuma is facing attempts to remove him from leadership posts in his new party, state broadcaster SABC said on Tuesday, three weeks before an election in which he is likely to receive considerable support. Watch to know more.

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South Africans to vote in both national and provincial elections

Congress leader Sam Pitroda is once again making the headlines. The row over Sam Pitroda’s ‘inheritance tax’ remark has not even been settled yet. Now, the Indian Overseas Congress head stirred new trouble for the party. This time, Sam made a racist remark about Indians.

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Rescue efforts were underway after 22 people were injured and dozens remained trapped after a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;African city of George, authorities said on Monday.

Those rescued from the site had been sent to hospitals across the Western Cape province, the municipality of George, a coastal city east of Cape Town, said in a statement. There were no immediate reports of fatalities.

"The collapse occurred just after 2 pm (1200 GMT) today, 6 May with a construction crew of approximately 70 on site," it said.

CCTV footage obtained by Reuters showed a cloud of dust as the building crumbled.

"I saw one guy was working and then 'boom' and I saw the whole building collapsed... I'm also traumatised. It is very sad," Theresa Jeyi, a local councillor, told reporters at the scene.

State-owned broadcaster SABC earlier reported that more than 40 people were trapped under the rubble.

The provincial government said it was monitoring the situation.

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"At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage," said Alan Winde, Western Cape premier.

Rescue workers on site were trying to recover where they heard calls from people, George Mayor Leon van Wyk told SABC, while rescue equipment were on its way.

Watch:&nbsp;Extreme heatwave recorded across Africa's Sahel region

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"This is going to be a really lengthy exercise and probably going to go right through the night," he said.

Rescue efforts were underway after 22 people were injured and dozens remained trapped after a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in the South African city of George, authorities said on Monday.

Rescue efforts were underway after 22 people were injured and dozens remained trapped after a multi-storey building under construction collapsed in the South African city of George, authorities said on Monday. Those rescued from the site had been sent to hospitals across the Western Cape province, the municipality of George, a coastal city east of Cape Town, said in a statement. There were no immediate reports of fatalities. "The collapse occurred just after 2 pm (1200 GMT) today, 6 May with a construction crew of approximately 70 on site," it said. CCTV footage obtained by Reuters showed a cloud of dust as the building crumbled. "I saw one guy was working and then 'boom' and I saw the whole building collapsed... I'm also traumatised. It is very sad," Theresa Jeyi, a local councillor, told reporters at the scene. State-owned broadcaster SABC earlier reported that more than 40 people were trapped under the rubble. The provincial government said it was monitoring the situation. Also read: Endangered hippos trapped in dried ponds amid African drought "At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage," said Alan Winde, Western Cape premier. Rescue workers on site were trying to recover where they heard calls from people, George Mayor Leon van Wyk told SABC, while rescue equipment were on its way. Watch: Extreme heatwave recorded across Africa's Sahel region × "This is going to be a really lengthy exercise and probably going to go right through the night," he said.

Building collapse injures 22 in South Africa, dozens still trapped

Up to 18,000 people a day, including shoppers and daily workers, go through the official Betbridge crossing point between Zimbabwe and South Africa...but now there is a new headache, ever since a crackdown was initiated by the South African government, many Zimbabweans are opting for the perilous Limpopo river crossing where they encounter smugglers and thieves too.

Xenophobia slowly returning to South Africa

In the South African general elections that have been overshadowed by corruption Rising crime and high unemployment according to a study less than half of the country's Young voters are likely to cast their ballot as per a survey by a Johannesburg based Foundation.

South Africa's General Elections 2024: Less than half of the youth likely to vote

At least six people have been killed and around 50 others remained trapped after the collapse of a building in the South African city of George, said local officials on early Tuesday (May 7). Meanwhile, rescuers said they established contact with 11 more survivors in the ruins of the building.&nbsp;

<h2>Rescue efforts</h2>

Rescuers were seen using cranes, drills and even their bare hands as they tried to reach around 50 people trapped under the rubble after they worked overnight at the site.&nbsp;

As of Tuesday morning, 26 of the 75 construction workers on site had been pulled from the rubble, with six confirmed dead. Around 48 remain unaccounted for, as of Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/building-collapse-injures-22-in-south-africa-dozens-still-trapped-718649">Building collapse injures 22 in South Africa, dozens still trapped</a>

“We are in contact with 11 people, four of them are trapped in a basement,” said Colin Deiner, chief director for disaster management, adding that there is a possibility that more could be alive.

He also said that the priority is to get all those still trapped out which could take much of the day. “It’s a very tough operation,” said Deiner.&nbsp;

So many people are trapped it is like “searching for a needle in a haystack. You literally have to break through the concrete and cut through the reinforcing,” he added.&nbsp;

At least 11 of those injured were in “red” conditions, said the local authorities, indicating that they needed “emergency” care for critical injuries.&nbsp;

Additionally, three people were classified as needing “yellow” or “urgent” care, while 12 others were in less critical conditions.

<h2>What we know about the collapse</h2>

The incident took place in South Africa’s coastal city of George, on Monday (May 6) afternoon around 2:09 pm (local time) when an under-construction five-storey building came crashing down for reasons which are not known as of yet.&nbsp;

CCTV footage seen by Reuters showed a cloud of dust as the building crumbled. Meanwhile, the authorities have not commented on what may have caused the collapse.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-10-killed-others-injured-in-a-hospital-attack-in-china-state-media-718849">China hospital attack: At least 2 killed, 21 injured in knife rampage</a>

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa sent condolences to the families of those affected and has called for an investigation.&nbsp;

“Investigations into the cause of the incident must aim to bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster,” he said, in a statement.&nbsp;

Liatel Developments, the contracted builder of the structure, said it was trying to assist those on site.&nbsp;

“The investigations to follow obviously will reveal what has transpired and what has happened, but at this point in time it’s just saving as many people as we possibly can,” company director Theuns Kruger told Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At least six people have been killed and around 50 others remained trapped after the collapse of a building in the South African city of George, said local officials on early Tuesday (May 7).

At least six people have been killed and around 50 others remained trapped after the collapse of a building in the South African city of George, said local officials on early Tuesday (May 7). Meanwhile, rescuers said they established contact with 11 more survivors in the ruins of the building. Rescue efforts Rescuers were seen using cranes, drills and even their bare hands as they tried to reach around 50 people trapped under the rubble after they worked overnight at the site. As of Tuesday morning, 26 of the 75 construction workers on site had been pulled from the rubble, with six confirmed dead. Around 48 remain unaccounted for, as of Tuesday. Also Read | Building collapse injures 22 in South Africa, dozens still trapped “We are in contact with 11 people, four of them are trapped in a basement,” said Colin Deiner, chief director for disaster management, adding that there is a possibility that more could be alive. He also said that the priority is to get all those still trapped out which could take much of the day. “It’s a very tough operation,” said Deiner. So many people are trapped it is like “searching for a needle in a haystack. You literally have to break through the concrete and cut through the reinforcing,” he added. At least 11 of those injured were in “red” conditions, said the local authorities, indicating that they needed “emergency” care for critical injuries. Additionally, three people were classified as needing “yellow” or “urgent” care, while 12 others were in less critical conditions. What we know about the collapse The incident took place in South Africa’s coastal city of George, on Monday (May 6) afternoon around 2:09 pm (local time) when an under-construction five-storey building came crashing down for reasons which are not known as of yet. CCTV footage seen by Reuters showed a cloud of dust as the building crumbled. Meanwhile, the authorities have not commented on what may have caused the collapse. Also Read | China hospital attack: At least 2 killed, 21 injured in knife rampage South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa sent condolences to the families of those affected and has called for an investigation. “Investigations into the cause of the incident must aim to bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster,” he said, in a statement. Liatel Developments, the contracted builder of the structure, said it was trying to assist those on site. “The investigations to follow obviously will reveal what has transpired and what has happened, but at this point in time it’s just saving as many people as we possibly can,” company director Theuns Kruger told Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa building collapse: Six killed, dozens still trapped; rescuers establish contact with 11 survivors

A man from South Africa, who survived over 10 years in coma, has recounted his miraculous&nbsp;journey of recovery. Martin Pistorius, from Johannesburg, shared the terrifying&nbsp;experience of being trapped in his own body, unable to move or communicate, yet fully conscious of everything happening around him.

His struggles began at the age of 12 when he returned home from school with a sore throat, as reported by The Sun. Initially thought to be the flu, his condition deteriorated rapidly, resulting in the loss of mobility, independent eating, and communication abilities. Diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis and brain tuberculosis, he eventually slipped into coma.

His mother said Martin's last words as a child were spoken in the hospital: "When home?"

Doctors said they couldn't do anything, but his parents decided to keep him alive in a care centre. Four years later, he woke up, but he still couldn't talk or move.

"I remember around my 16th birthday people talking about the stubble on my chin and wondering whether to shave me. It scared and confused me to listen to what was being said because, although I had no memories or sense of a past, I was sure I was a child and the voices were speaking about a soon-to-be man,'' he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/speech-impaired-child-thrown-into-crocodile-infested-river-by-mother-in-karnataka-718242">Also read |&nbsp;Mother throws 6-year-old speech-impaired son into crocodile-infested river in Karnataka</a>

He shared that he stayed informed about significant world events by listening to the television or people talking nearby.

'I was aware of everything, just like any normal person. Everyone was so used to me not being there that they didn't notice when I began to be present again. The stark reality hit me that I was going to spend the rest of my life like that – alone. For me, that feeling of complete and utter powerlessness is probably the worst feeling I have ever experienced, and I hope I never have to experience it again. It is like you don't exist, every single thing in your life is decided by someone else,'' he told<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/how-ghost-boy-survived-over-decade-trapped-his-body-n296451">&nbsp;</a>NBC News.&nbsp;

Years went by, but he remained confined in a motionless body, with only his thoughts and imagination to keep him company.

In 2001, when he was 25 years old, a caregiver at the day centre urged his parents to take him to the Centre For Augmentative And Alternative Communication at the University Of Pretoria. There, he successfully passed a test by using eye movements to point at objects.

His parents then purchased a computer for him, equipped with communication software akin to what Stephen Hawking used. After extensive practice over many years, he became proficient in communicating through synthetic speech. Eventually, he mastered website development and graduated from university. In 2008, he met his future wife, Joan, through his sister Kim, and they married the following year. They welcomed their son, Sebastian Albert Pistorius, in 2018, and he often shares family photos on Instagram.

Currently, he is employed as a computer scientist and web developer.

Also watch |&nbsp;South Africa: Ruling ANC facing possible voter decline in May 29 election

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-ruling-anc-facing-possible-voter-decline-in-may-29-election-718578/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said: ''Once, I was perceived to be an inanimate object, a mindless phantom of a boy in a wheelchair. Today, I am so much more. A husband, a son, a friend, a brother, a business owner, a first-class honours graduate, a keen amateur photographer. I can communicate that has given me all this.''

His life story is told in a book called "Ghost Boy."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A man from South Africa, who survived over 10 years in coma, has recounted his miraculous journey of recovery. Martin Pistorius, from Johannesburg, shared the terrifying experience of being trapped in his own body, unable to move or communicate, yet fully conscious of everything happening around him.

A man from South Africa, who survived over 10 years in coma, has recounted his miraculous journey of recovery. Martin Pistorius, from Johannesburg, shared the terrifying experience of being trapped in his own body, unable to move or communicate, yet fully conscious of everything happening around him. His struggles began at the age of 12 when he returned home from school with a sore throat, as reported by The Sun. Initially thought to be the flu, his condition deteriorated rapidly, resulting in the loss of mobility, independent eating, and communication abilities. Diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis and brain tuberculosis, he eventually slipped into coma. His mother said Martin's last words as a child were spoken in the hospital: "When home?" Doctors said they couldn't do anything, but his parents decided to keep him alive in a care centre. Four years later, he woke up, but he still couldn't talk or move. "I remember around my 16th birthday people talking about the stubble on my chin and wondering whether to shave me. It scared and confused me to listen to what was being said because, although I had no memories or sense of a past, I was sure I was a child and the voices were speaking about a soon-to-be man,'' he said. Also read | Mother throws 6-year-old speech-impaired son into crocodile-infested river in Karnataka He shared that he stayed informed about significant world events by listening to the television or people talking nearby. 'I was aware of everything, just like any normal person. Everyone was so used to me not being there that they didn't notice when I began to be present again. The stark reality hit me that I was going to spend the rest of my life like that – alone. For me, that feeling of complete and utter powerlessness is probably the worst feeling I have ever experienced, and I hope I never have to experience it again. It is like you don't exist, every single thing in your life is decided by someone else,'' he told NBC News. Years went by, but he remained confined in a motionless body, with only his thoughts and imagination to keep him company. In 2001, when he was 25 years old, a caregiver at the day centre urged his parents to take him to the Centre For Augmentative And Alternative Communication at the University Of Pretoria. There, he successfully passed a test by using eye movements to point at objects. His parents then purchased a computer for him, equipped with communication software akin to what Stephen Hawking used. After extensive practice over many years, he became proficient in communicating through synthetic speech. Eventually, he mastered website development and graduated from university. In 2008, he met his future wife, Joan, through his sister Kim, and they married the following year. They welcomed their son, Sebastian Albert Pistorius, in 2018, and he often shares family photos on Instagram. Currently, he is employed as a computer scientist and web developer. Also watch | South Africa: Ruling ANC facing possible voter decline in May 29 election He said: ''Once, I was perceived to be an inanimate object, a mindless phantom of a boy in a wheelchair. Today, I am so much more. A husband, a son, a friend, a brother, a business owner, a first-class honours graduate, a keen amateur photographer. I can communicate that has given me all this.'' His life story is told in a book called "Ghost Boy." (With inputs from agencies)

‘Felt like a ghost’: Man slipped into coma for 13 years after experiencing simple sore throat

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