South Africa faces education crisis:COSATU
Trade union federation COSATU has described the country’s education system as being in crisis.
The union held an education and skills conference in Johannesburg yesterday. It has called on officials from the Basic and Higher Education ministries to improve the quality of learning. Cosatu General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says the country is unable to compete with other African states on basic survival skills because of the low standard of education.   Vavi says 60 percent of children are pushed out of the schooling system before they reach matric. He says many schools are unsafe places where violence and abuse are rife.

Nurses complaining worsening workload at public hospitals
A Global study has found that nurses in many countries are complaining about the worsening workload at public hospitals. Results of the study were presented at an International Nurses Congress in Durban. It has found that there are several challenges leading to nurses leaving the profession.

Doctors demanding the re-instatement of their dismissed KZN peers
Doctors are demanding the re-instatement of their KwaZulu Natal peers who had been fired for striking amid the ongoing wage dispute. Physicians from Grooteschuur hospital met deputy health minister Molefe Sefularo yesterday to discuss the states latest revised salary offer. The minister reportedly acknowledged there were deficiencies in the current offer and also agreed that public health care was chronically under funded in this country. The South African Medical Associations’ dr Mark Saunderup says despite these talks, doctors wont return to their posts before, at the earliest noon tomorrow.

Meanwhile…The KwaZulu Natal health department says a number of doctors who were striking for higher salaries, have already returned to work. This despite the fact that lectures and exams at the University of KZN’s  Nelson Mandela School of Medicine have been suspended in solidarity with the striking doctors.

Mthethwa revise decision on specialised crime units
Specialised crime units are likely to return. Police minister Nathi Mthethwa says he will review a decision to close the specialised units. There’d been complaints from opposition parties that closing the units has led to neglect of associated crimes.

Israel and Hamas accused of committing war crimes in Gaza
Israel and Hamas have been accused of committing war crimes during the recent conflict in Gaza. It’s thought more than 1 400 Palestinians died during the violence which started last December. Now Amnesty International claims to have proof civilians on both sides were killed. Amnesty’s Neo Dirkin says its’ report is shocking.

No public viewing of MJ's  body
Michael Jackson’s family issued a statement saying that no "public or private viewing" of the singer's body will be held at Neverland. Speculation of a viewing has prompted fans and reporters to gather outside the property, but the family says they will announce plans "regarding a public memorial" soon. Jackson’s fans think the Neverland ranch should be at the centre of the planning for the funeral.