#PODCAST World Ocean Day returns to Scottburgh this year, held under the theme "Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate" #sabcnews

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - International relations expert, Professor John Stremlau believes U.S Vice President, Kamala Harris is a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming elections. Harris has picked up dozens of endorsements from members of Congress and key Governors across the country after President Joe Biden announced he will no longer seek re-election. Democrats have netted more than 100 million dollars in online donations in the 24 hours since Biden's exit from the race, indicating a strong belief in Harris. Professor Stremlau says while Harris is yet to be formally nominated, she has the skills set and projected support to outrun Republican Donald Trump in the race to November polls...

By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - The entrepreneurship route is often touted as a huge source of employment and economic growth for the country. However, small businesses are at severe risk with over 75% of them faced with failure or bankruptcy. That's according to Vuyelwa Nyakaza, Managing Director of development firm - Sukume Consulting. She says although the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector contributes 39% to South Africa's GDP, the failure rate is between 50% - 95% depending on the industry. Nyakaza says it's therefore important that proper research and consultation is carried out by prospective entrepreneurs...

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Fresh from a trip to Johannesburg where her peer-to-peer workshop was extremely well received, 17-year-old Paetyn Naidoo is now in Durban to share her knowledge of coding. Interested in STEM subjects and computing from a young age, the American-South African has been studying in the U.S and is now on a mission to share her lessons learnt with South Africa's youth. This week she will host a presentation to both educators and learners at the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre in Chatsworth, south of Durban. Paetyn says it's important to prepare for the future by grasping the fundamentals of digital literacy...  

By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - A PhD project celebrating the Fordsburg Women's Group of the 80's - a civil society group of activists - is expected to be showcased during Women's Month. Entitled "Memory is a Weapon" the project will feature an exhibition, storytelling, biographies, a sari installation and fitness demos. Independent filmmaker and producer Firdoze Bulbulia says she co-ordinated the project to pay tribute to those women activists who fought for a better country...

By Newsbreak Producer Taliesha Naidoo - Although brain disorders are emphasised worldwide, neurological diseases are the second leading cause of death globally. That's according to the World Federation of Neurology. The startling statistic comes on the backdrop of World Brain Day that was commemorated yesterday. The Neurological Association of South Africa says neurological disorders are preventable through early detection and effective management. However, not all patients have equal access to early detection and effective management in the country. Dr James Butler, Executive Board Member of the Neurological Association of South Africa explains...

By Newsbreak Producer South Africa is witnessing a disturbing increase in the number of people being kidnapped, going missing and being used as a commodity. According to advocacy group - Missing Children South Africa, they say that the recent trends have seen an alarming increase which has fallen on deaf ears, urging people to remain aware around their communities for an increase in child abuse, kidnappings, and human trafficking cases. Criminologist and national coordinator Bianca Van Aswegen explains the seriousness of the situation...

By Newsbreak Producer Matthew Veeran - Every July for the past four years, epidemiologists at the United States have noted a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations, an annual trend which has been dubbed "the summertime surge". Taking North America into account, Covid-19 rates are reportedly particularly high in Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada. In these western states, the number of positive tests reached 15.6% in the first week of July, a significant increase on the previous week. The investigations show that viral rates in wastewater are also on the rise once again. In this week's Medical Monitor, I find out more about this seasonal trend and what it means going forward... 

By Newsbreak Senior Producer Taresh Harreeparshad - Introducing Newsbreak's new feature: The Wellness Wake Up! This is a segment that focuses on tips and tricks to help you unlock your best health, mental and well-being potential. Now corporate experts say a good day starts the night before. But what happens when you keep hitting snooze on the alarm? Mentally Fit South Africa's Executive Business Coach Luc van der Hofstadt explains how snoozing your alarm in the morning disrupts your routine... 

By Newsbreak Producer Shanell Daniel - The Woodview Ratepayers Association, in Phoenix, north of Durban, together with other stakeholders are opposing a housing development on Viewhaven Drive. According to the Chairperson of the Woodview Ratepayers Association, Theo Pillay, there had been no prior consultation between residents and the eThekwini Municipality regarding the development - which is a Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (D'MOSS) area. Pillay says the development is not in the best interest of the community and is calling for a complete stop to the development...

NOTE: Newsbreak contacted the eThekwini Municipality for a response, however comment was not forthcoming by time of broadcast.

By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - Family and friends of Springbok captain, Salmaan Moerat's are celebrating the 26-year-old leading the national team to victory against Portugal at the weekend. Moerat is the first Springbok from a long line of national rugby players from Paarl in the Western Cape - and the first Muslim - to lead the side to victory in the democratic era. Moerat's Uncle, Marwaan, says the family are very excited that Salmaan is the 66th player to lead the Boks AND that the captain has the ability to lead the team to victory in a world cup match...