For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Lumkile Nkomfe.

Making headlines: Health Minister’s U-turn on cannabis-based foodstuffs ban welcomed; W Cape DA welcomes 49 members from ANC, ACDP, ARA; And, UCT collaborates with French university to launch first dual degree programme in Africa

Health Minister’s U-turn on cannabis-based foodstuffs ban welcomed

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer has welcomed Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to withdraw the regulations to ban cannabis-based foodstuffs, following a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Last week, the Health Department gazetted a regulatory update banning the import, manufacture and sale of any foods containing cannabis and cannabis products.

The notice, signed by Motsoaledi specified that this prohibition applied to any part of the plant or component of cannabis, including sativa, indica, ruderalis, hemp seed oil, or powder derivatives from the various species or subspecies.

Following public outcry over the proposed ban, Motsoaledi held a meeting with Ramaphosa, and the regulations are now lifted under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Foodstuffs Act) and will allow for comprehensive public consultation.

The Presidency said in a statement that Ramaphosa affirmed his support for more stakeholder consultation and public participation on the formulation of new regulations that will limit health risk and the negative impact of foodstuffs containing cannabis and hemp, particularly on minors.

W Cape DA welcomes 49 members from ANC, ACDP, ARA

The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape has welcomed 49 members from the African National Congress, African Christian Democratic Party and Africa Restoration Alliance, who it says believe that the party is the “ideal vehicle to promote hope, non-racialism and effective governance”.

DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers said their decision to join the party was not about politics, but about community service.

The members were welcomed by Simmers and DA Metro chairperson JP Smith.

Simmers stated that the DA was a party that believed in “hard work, in standing up for what is right, and in strengthening communities where everyone can prosper”.

He recognised the role of the religious fraternity in society - not just in spiritual matters, but in feeding the hungry, educating children, and bringing hope.

And, UCT collaborates with French university to launch first dual degree programme in Africa

The University of Cape Town in collaboration with French university Sciences Po have launched the first dual degree programme in Africa, marking a significant milestone in academic cooperation between Africa and Europe.

The agreement signed during a visit by UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela to Sciences Po last week, aims to train experts capable of meeting global challenges in governance, public policy and sustainable urban development

UCT said the partnership will provide students with a unique opportunity to earn two Master’s degrees – one from UCT and one from Sciences Po – in an internationally recognised and prestigious dual-degree programme.

The dual collaborative degree covers Masters programmes in Governance and International Relations and Urban Studies.

The joint admissions process for the programme will open in September, with the first cohort of students set to begin in February 2027.

The universities aim to enrol 20 students a year from diverse socio-cultural and geographical backgrounds, with three full-time scholarships available through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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