GLP-1 medications, which are helping millions of people lose weight by curbing their appetites, might not yet be a top concern for convenience store retailers. However, recent findings suggest this could change in the near future.


Originally designed to treat diabetes, these drugs mimic a hormone that slows digestion and induces a feeling of fullness. As a result, GLP-1 users not only eat less but are also moving away from processed foods. This shift has significant implications for convenience stores, as many popular products—such as energy drinks, beef jerky, beer, and candy—are being abandoned by GLP-1 users.


Research from Numerator and Cornell University reveals that individuals on GLP-1s spent 11% less on salty snacks within the first six months of using the medication. Dried meat snacks, which generated over $2 billion in annual sales for c-stores in 2023, saw a 17% decrease in spending from GLP users compared to non-users, according to Circana data. Another Circana report found that while GLP-1 users initially spent more at c-stores than non-users, their convenience store spending dropped by 5.2% in the first year of using the medication.


A year-old forecast predicted that 24 million Americans, or about 7% of the population, would be taking GLP-1s by 2035. However, Circana recently reported that 6% of Americans are already using the drug, with 12% having used it at some point. This growing trend is catching the attention of food manufacturers, grocers, and other companies, prompting convenience store retailers to reconsider their offerings in response to the GLP-1 impact.

South Africas solar energy sector is growing steadily, but not nearly fast enough to keep up with demand or the worsening national energy crisis.

This is according to a 14-page GoSolr Light Paper – June 2025, that highlighted findings on solar energy in the country.

The paper reported that 137,000 homes in South Africa have already installed solar systems, with 1,000 new installations per month.
But instead of being supported and encouraged, solar users are being penalised through high fixed fees, forced time-of-use tariffs, and inconsistent municipal regulations.

“Were still facing an energy crisis — Eskom cant produce all we need. Yet instead of encouraging solar, the system is actively placing hurdles in peoples way,” the report warns.

One of the key issues raised is the tariff structures imposed by certain municipalities. This is most notable in Johannesburg. While prepaid customers in Joburg pay a fixed monthly fee of R423, solar users on postpaid systems are being forced onto time-of-use billing with fixed fees as high as R1,615 per month, and no real ability to feed power back into the grid.

Cape Town allows prepaid solar users to remain on simpler billing plans and offers a feed-in tariff of R1.16/kWh, plus an incentive of R0.29/kWh.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Njabulo Nzuza, is scheduled to commemorate Mandela Month by handing-over identity documents and birth certificates to 50 children at the Baphumelele Children’s Home in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

The Deputy Minister will also distribute school shoes, care packages and blankets to restore

dignity to the children.



Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Venue: Z118 Dabula Street, Khayelitsha, Cape Town

Time: 10:00

RSVP: Thabo Mokgola – 060 962 4982

As South Africa celebrates Youth Month 2025 under the theme "Skills for the changing world: Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation", the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation supported the 2025 Green Youth Career Expo, which took place at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Westville campus on 17 June 2025.

In partnership with the Green Youth Network, the expo highlighted the pivotal role of young people in building a greener, more inclusive South Africa. The event explored how green careers can fuel long-term economic growth and offered practical pathways for the participants to acquire the skills they need to thrive in this evolving sector.

The campus was a hive of activity as young learners participated in an event designed to empower them with knowledge, inspiration and skills for careers in the green economy and sustainable development.

The expo was a precursor to the 10th Annual Green Youth Indaba (GYI), scheduled for 19 and 20 June 2025 at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Under the theme "A decade of action: Driving sustainable innovation," this year's GYI reflects a strong commitment to developing local solutions to global environmental challenges, anchored by youth leadership.

Mr Linda Mthembu, Umkhomazi Circuit Manager from the Department of Basic Education, encouraged learners to embrace education, innovation and active citizenship in the face of climate change and high youth unemployment levels.

"Green Youth has stood the test of time. While many youth initiatives have faded, this movement has endured, delivering real opportunities, real skills and real hope," he said.

He reminded learners to remain committed to their goals.

"Be fully engaged. Understand what you're doing, avoid distractions, and remember –there are no shortcuts to success. It takes passion, persistence and patience."

Learners were encouraged to view the green economy not merely as a career path, but as a calling to become part of the solution to environmental degradation, unemployment and inequality.

Ms Celiwe Khanyile, Deputy Chief Education Specialist from the Pinetown Circuit, called the expo "South Africa's foremost platform for youth empowerment in sustainability". She highlighted the critical pillars that guided the discussions – water conservation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings and climate adaptation.

"These pillars promote responsible resource management and are central to a sustainable future," she noted.

Mr Phathutshedzo Raphalalani, Senior Manager for Pollution Control at eThekwini Municipality, shared his journey from rural Venda to his current leadership role, attributing his success to attending career expos and having mentors.

"Set clear goals, and actively seek out bursary and support opportunities," he advised.

Ms Bongiwe Beja-Ntsiko, Regional Programme Manager of Africa's beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship, invited learners to explore the global fellowship. Open to innovators aged 16 to 28, the three-year programme supports young environmental leaders with training, mentorship and resources to bring their ideas to life.

"We amplify impact through a growing community of fellows, mentors and experts, helping to shape the environmental leaders of tomorrow," she said.

In a panel discussion, Mr Sanele Vilakazi, Project Manager at uMngeni-uThukela Water, encouraged learners to focus on mathematics, science, and geography if they want to pursue careers in water engineering and environmental management.

"South Africa needs problem solvers, especially to address our water quality and waste management challenges," he said.

Grade 10 learner, Alwande Mthembu, from Intakemazolo Combined School in Hammarsdale said the expo opened her eyes to careers aligned with her passions for sustainability, conservation and environmental science.