South Africa's currency is declining amid an energy crisis and rising national prices, a situation exacerbated by a U.S. official's accusation that President Cyril Ramaphosa's administration is assisting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Reporter Zaheer Cassim from Johannesburg has spoken to officials, experts, and citizens about the impact of the rand's depreciation on their lives.

Ashley Ness, an inspector with Highveld Horse Care, discovered a large cache of donkey hides in South Africa, revealing a grim aspect of the illegal wildlife trade driven by Chinese demand for ejiao, a traditional medicine. The Donkey Sanctuary report estimates a global trade of 1.8 million hides annually, with the potential for donkey extinction within five years if the current demand continues. South Africa's NSPCA has reported on the inhumane slaughter methods in the illegal hide trade. Efforts to counteract this include promoting alternative donkey products and considering humane, regulated trade. Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Pakistan have banned donkey trade, while South Africa is exploring regulated trade opportunities to meet Chinese demand without decimating donkey populations.

South Africa's severe power cuts are threatening small businesses like Soweto Creamery, which President Cyril Ramaphosa once praised. The energy crisis, caused by state power company Eskom's load shedding, risks pushing the country into recession and exacerbating unemployment. Despite government promises to resolve the issue, experts like Matthew Cruise from Hohm Energy predict worsening conditions. The crisis has led to protests in Johannesburg, with the opposition Democratic Alliance criticizing the ruling ANC for the recent electricity price hike and ongoing power blackouts.

South Africa is experiencing a high unemployment rate of 34%, one of the highest globally, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest in July. Black women are disproportionately affected, with an unemployment rate of 41%.

The University of Johannesburg is utilizing virtual reality to enable students to replicate laboratory experiences, a need that has arisen due to COVID-19 restrictions preventing physical attendance. Linda Givetash reports on this development, with contributions from Zaheer Cassim and Marcus Harton.

Women in Mining South Africa has initiated a mentorship program to support young women like geologist Baile Sebetlele in the male-dominated mining industry. Despite making up less than 15% of the workforce, women like Sebetlele are breaking barriers and advancing in their careers. The program, which has received positive feedback, aims to address challenges such as inadequate physical infrastructure and unsuitable personal protective equipment. The Minerals Council South Africa's survey highlighted these issues, and companies are adapting to ensure women's safety and comfort. The organization also provides career booklets to schools to showcase the diversity of mining jobs. With the success of the program, Women in Mining is considering expanding to assist mid-career women.

Cape Town is facing a severe drought, with dam levels critically low and the city on the brink of running out of water. Residents are limited to 13 gallons of water per day, and the city will impose a higher levy on those who exceed this limit. Mayor Patricia de Lille has criticized the lack of conservation efforts by residents. The city is preparing for 'Day Zero,' when water levels drop below 13.5%, estimated to be April 21. Measures include designated collection points for daily water rations. The University of Cape Town's Future Water Institute is exploring alternative water sources such as aquifers. The city's water utility is facing a significant budget deficit, and there is public criticism for the lack of contingency plans for drought in a historically water-scarce region.