Surprises Might Not Be So Sweet | Johannesburg News

HIV Prevention Pill Fast-Tracks to Africa | Johannesburg News

For the first time ever, Merck is letting generic makers start producing its new HIV prevention pill, alimatravir, before final trials wrap up — a bold move that could slash new infections in South Africa by hundreds of thousands. Three of seven licenses went to African firms, including Aspen Pharmacare, accelerating local manufacturing and access across low- and middle-income countries. This next-gen drug, which works differently than current HIV meds, offers a monthly option that may improve adherence. Early data shows safety and rapid absorption, with phase three trials ongoing in 17 countries. The strategy aims to break the global pattern of rich nations getting new drugs first — but activists note some middle-income countries were excluded from distribution plans, and demand must be strong enough to justify massive production. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/d8d6fdf895c068d2

Iran Holds Strait as US Bombs Pause | Johannesburg News

Iran insists it still controls the Strait of Hormuz and shows no interest in resuming talks with the U.S., even as President Trump pauses a two-week bombing campaign his military says has run its course. The halt triggered a sharp drop in oil prices, sparking hopes for smoother global supply—but Iran may be testing the ceasefire, with drones shot down in Jordan and hitting an Iranian-backed Kurdish base in Iraq. Trump’s decision, driven by dwindling targets and munitions, was framed by U.S. officials as a potential opening for diplomacy, but Iran’s foreign ministry dismisses peace talks as contrary to their nature, while state media reports they turned away six unauthorized ships. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/0123aaf4bcd7c82b

EFF Challenges MTN Vodacom on Data Rules | Johannesburg News

The Economic Freedom Fighters are rallying against MTN and Vodacom, accusing them of greed as they challenge ICASA’s new rules that protect consumers by letting unused data, voice, and text roll over. The EFF argues that once you pay, you keep it — and that these rules are a lifeline for struggling South Africans. The telcos claim the regulations threaten competition and are hard to implement, but the EFF calls that a smokescreen, insisting big corporations can easily adapt. They’re pushing ICASA to hold firm and are even planning direct talks with the providers to find a fair solution — because the real question is: should companies profit from unused data, or should they respect what customers actually paid for? Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/d763418c44760385

R1.293 Billion to Revive Rural Farming | Johannesburg News

R1.293 billion injected into farming to revive rural economies, create 10,000 new jobs, and unlock global markets—skills training, disease control, land restitution, and village cooperatives all part of a bold plan to empower communities and turn agriculture into the engine of national recovery. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/36361877b50c6230

Car Wash Fire Wipes Out Wendy House and Container | Johannesburg News

A fierce fire erupted Saturday night at a Verulam CBD car wash, swallowing a wendy house and shipping container in thick black smoke. Reaction Unit South Africa raced to the scene, delayed slightly by a locked property and a sleeping caretaker. Once inside, they confirmed no one was trapped, but both structures were declared total losses. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control — thankfully, no injuries reported, though the container’s purpose remains a mystery. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/3f6c4e15094a04ea