The COVID pandemic has battered the economy and health system, leaving some South Africans worried about hard times.
![South Africa launched its COVID vaccine roll-out this week, with health workers first in line to receive the Johnson & Johnson shot [File: Gianluigi Guercia/Pool via Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-02-17T153833Z_246447930_RC2FUL9VAPA6_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-SAFRICA.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
The COVID pandemic has battered the economy and health system, leaving some South Africans worried about hard times.
![South Africa launched its COVID vaccine roll-out this week, with health workers first in line to receive the Johnson & Johnson shot [File: Gianluigi Guercia/Pool via Reuters]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2021-02-17T153833Z_246447930_RC2FUL9VAPA6_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-SAFRICA.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
The first one million shots of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be used to inoculate healthcare workers.
![The new coronavirus strain, different from the one in the UK, appears to be more infectious than the original virus in South Africa [Jerome Delay/AP Photo]C](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/AP_20335589823812.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
How a handful of female football players shaped country’s perception of the popular game and won its heart.

Thanks to an innovative relocation programme, the Alameens’ lives have changed dramatically after fleeing the war.

South Africa’s coal-powered energy sector brings environmental devastation despite legal regulations.
![South Africa Coal Mines [Victoria Schneider/Al Jazeera]](https://aljazeeranews-3fuh52rgrl.edgeone.app/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/13d2ae31d2f54cebb5c89f38acdbfc03_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Small business owners and the public are suffering as old electricity infrastructure means hours a day without power.

Controversial former ANC youth leader is attempting to capitalise on anger from poor blacks ahead of May 7 election.

A legacy of injustice and an under-resourced healthcare system has led to generations of workers becoming gravely ill.

Former workers at the vast mine in the Namibian desert allege they are suffering from radiation-related illnesses.

Villagers say mining has polluted water and destroyed homes, but Canadian firm denies all charges.
