Kailene Pillay

South Africa

South African journalist - 2021 Vodacom Journalist of the Year - Politics. News Editor at @WitnessKZN Email [email protected] or [email protected]

Articles

US refugee policy for South Africans sparks confusion and backlash

3 weeks ago | citizen.co.za | Kailene Pillay

The United States’ latest statement on its refugee admissions policy for South Africans has sparked confusion and concern, as diplomatic relations between the two nations continue to show signs of strain.
Eskom announces Stage 6 load shedding until further notice

Feb 23, 2025 | witness.co.za | Kailene Pillay

Stage 6 load-shedding was implemented from the early hours of Sunday morning after several unit breakdowns. The power utility, Eskom said the latest power cuts were caused by several unit trips at Camden Power Station, following multiple unit trips at Majuba and Medupi power stations. “To replenish emergency reserves and prepare for the week ahead, stage 6 load-shedding was essential,” an Eskom statement reads.
PSL cancels Royal AM matches indefinitely

Jan 22, 2025 | witness.co.za | Kailene Pillay

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) was forced to cancel the Betway Premiership match between Royal AM and Orlando Pirates scheduled to take place at Harry Gwala Stadium on Thursday. The league confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the match will no longer take place on Thursday and all Royal AM’s upcoming matches have been suspended until further notice.
NICD calls for calm amid HMPV spread in China

Jan 9, 2025 | mg.co.za | Des Erasmus |Kailene Pillay

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has called for calm as news about the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) circulates. In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, the NICD said that there was no need to panic about the reported cases of HMPV. The virus is “commonly occurring”, causes respiratory illness, and is in the same family of viruses as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
First Diwali Barbie doll celebrates culture in SA

Oct 31, 2024 | witness.co.za | Akheel Sewsunker |Kailene Pillay

Barbie’s first-ever Diwali doll was launched in South Africa on Wednesday, in collaboration with renowned Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre, just in time for today’s celebration of the Festival of Lights. This unique doll, inspired by Dongre’s iconic designs, is part of an initiative by Barbie South Africa to highlight diversity and cultural representation. “This Diwali, we’re thrilled to spotlight the beauty of diversity through the launch of this doll in South Africa.
Update | PMB factory: firefighters have contained fire

Aug 3, 2024 | witness.co.za | Kailene Pillay

After more than three hours of fighting the inferno that engulfed a large section of the Manchester and Failsworth Road light industrial area, firefighters have managed to bring the blaze under control. Firefighters have braved incredibly tough dangerous conditions fighting the fire that has gutted factories, warehouses and offices. Teams are still dousing sections that continue to burn but the fire has been contained.
Update | PMB Fire: The birds fall silent

Aug 3, 2024 | witness.co.za | Kailene Pillay

The intense heat from a massive blaze that engulfed numerous businesses, including shoe factories and clothing stalls in Failsworth Road and Manchester Road, caused nesting birds in surrounding trees to quickly fall silent after frantically attempting to escape. Pietermaritzburg firefighters are still on scene battling the raging fires in the low industrial area. Firefighters, using specialised breathing equipment, first bravely entered the razed building attempting to fight the fire from within.
WATCH | PMB factory fire: Crews working to contain inferno

Aug 3, 2024 | witness.co.za | Kailene Pillay

Additional fire services have arrived to assist in containing a massive blaze in Failsworth Road near Mountain Rise. The fire has now spread. A factory and neighbouring buildings have been engulfed. The fire is threatening to destroy a large part of the block. Frantic neighbouring businesses are trying to salvage what they can from their own businesses as the blaze intensifies.
WATCH | Breaking News: Factory on fire in Failsworth Road, Pietermaritzburg

Aug 3, 2024 | witness.co.za | Kailene Pillay

Firefighters are battling to contain a blaze at a factory in Failsworth Road, Pietermaritzburg. Emergency services are currently on scene attending to the fire. Firefighters can be seen entering the building with specialised breathing equipment to fight the fire from within. According to emergency services, the factory manufactures leather shoes. Sources at the scene said firefighters have to keep refilling the engine’s water tanks at a nearby fire hydrantThis is a developing story.
Revelling in the wild

May 21, 2024 | witness.co.za | Kailene Pillay

Nestled in the south-eastern pocket of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve offers a sanctuary of unspoiled nature, complete with bush, a lake and mountain vistas. I experienced the magic of this eco-friendly paradise as a guest for two days, which felt like a retreat into a safari wonderland. Spanning 7000 hectares along Jozini Lake, Royal Jozini is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting over 330 species of birds and an array of animals.