The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that the next summer has an increased likelihood of the development of El Nino conditions, which are often associated with drought and water scarcity – as has been suffered recently in South Africa. SAWS’ Chief Forecaster, Dr Eugene Poolman, revealed the unwelcome news during his presentation to the National Disaster Management Advisory Forum […]

International Piano Day was celebrated on top of Table Mountain yesterday… with the grand gesture of a grand piano being taken up to the top of one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Piano Day is celebrated annually on the 88th day of the year, in honour of the 88 keys on a piano. Yesterday […]

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it has decided to table a Motion of No Confidence in President Jacob Zuma – in terms of Section 102 of the Constitution – following his now confirmed intention to fire Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, and his Deputy, Mcebisi Jonas. Mmusi Maimane – Leader of the Democratic Alliance – said […]

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has confirmed it has been consulted regarding President Jacob Zuma’s alleged plan to implement a Cabinet reshuffle in the next few days… and, confirming rumours, said that the President is mainly gunning for Minister Pravin Gordhan and his Deputy, Mcebisi Jonas. He allegedly wishes to replace them. In a very interesting […]

In an exquisitely written message on Facebook, Professor Jonathan Jansen has paid tribute to not only the incredibly moving funeral of Ahmed Kathrada, but to the beautiful land in which the funeral took place… our beloved South Africa. The message has been shared by thousands on Facebook and countless more on Twitter. Jansen wrote: “Show me […]

South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced the arrests of 13 suspected poachers – as well as the fatal wounding of another-  in the Kruger National Park (KNP) yesterday in three different operations. The arrests include two ‘insiders’ – a South African Police Services (SAPS) member and a SANParks Environmental Monitor. The arrests – on 28 […]

Tourism Deputy Minister Tokozile Xasa says tourism is one of South Africa’s biggest success stories since the dawn of democracy, and that it continues to grow and provide a livelihood for many households. International tourism to South Africa has increased since last year (and looking at these photos, and the state of the Rand, it’s not […]

Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe received a standing ovation at the funeral of his friend and ANC struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada, after his powerful speech in which he read excerpts from a public letter Kathrada penned to President Jacob Zuma a year ago this week. (Read Kgalema Motlanthe’s full speech at the bottom of […]

For the first time, the real life tragedy of the slaughter of rhino has become the focus of a major feature film – “Bloodline: Now or Never”. The trailer – featuring a ‘Rhino Rambo’ on a mission – is available to view below. The war on rhino poachers has a new eco-action hero – Gabriel. He’s a […]

The DA said it was shocked to learn of another farm attack that took place on the farm, Jakkelsdraai, outside Hertzogville, in the Tokologo Local Municipality, Free State, on Saturday night. International media have described the latest spate of attacks in SA as “almost unthinkable” in any other country. Leona Kleynhans MPL – DA Member in […]

President Jacob Zuma has postponed the start of today’s Cabinet meeting to later this afternoon to enable parliamentary members to attend the funeral of ANC struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada. The Presidency has also confirmed that “President Zuma will not attend the funeral and memorial service in compliance with the wishes of the family“. In a […]

A devastated Winnie Madikizela-Mandela said, after hearing news of the passing of former ANC struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada at the age of 87, that his death brings “finality to the chapter on the history of our struggle” and that “one, of course, has fears for our country…” Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife said “this is not just another loss of […]

Major Nandi Zama has just flown into the history books by becoming the first black woman commander (the equivalent of a civilian captain) to fly the C-130 military cargo plane. And she’s only 31. According to the Sowetan Live, Nandi made her maiden journey on Friday 24 March 2017 when she flew the C-130 from the […]

Gupta-owned Oakbay Investments says it is “delighted” with the outcome of today’s events in Court… referring to issues with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his Deputy Mcebisi Jonas. Ronica Ragavan, Acting CEO of Oakbay Investments, said: “We are delighted that the FIC report, Deputy Minister Jonas’s affidavit and any reference to either of them have been struck from […]

The Fundimvelo Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage (FTTRO) has taken drastic measures to ensure the safety of their staff and rhino orphans… as the reality hits that human lives are at risk, and police report an escalation of poaching attacks in South Africa. The Orphanage experienced a brutal poaching attack in February that resulted in a horrific […]

In a press statement Tuesday morning, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said it is deeply saddened to announce the passing on of ANC veteran Ahmed Kathrada (87) this morning, at the Donald Gordon Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Kathrada passed away peacefully after a short period of illness, following surgery to the brain, the Foundation said. […]

Anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada’s (87) condition has deteriorated in the last 24 hours, and South Africans around the country are preying for his full and speedy recovery. Kathrada was hospitalised in Johannesburg earlier this month for surgery related to blood clotting on the brain, according to a statement issued today by the Ahmed Kathrada […]

After recently strengthening and becoming the second best performing currency in the emerging markets, the Rand plummeted today to become the worst performer. This shocking drop follows the Presidency’s confirmation earlier on Monday that President Zuma has recalled Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his Deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, to cancel their UK and US investment trip to […]

Thousands have been evacuated as Category 4 Cyclone Debbie nears the Queensland coastline, and in the past half hour the state’s Police Service has urged people to please share a message ordering those in red or green zones of the Mackay Regional Council – a popular South African expat destination – to leave their homes immediately […]

PRETORIA – President Jacob Zuma has instructed Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his Deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, to cancel the international investment promotion roadshow to the United Kingdom and the United States and to return to South Africa immediately. Gordhan, who was already in London, was meant to embark on a non-deal international investor roadshow in the two countries, […]

SKUKUZA – Since the beginning of March, 16 rhino carcasses have been found in the Kruger National Park (KNP)… and it has also been revealed that the Kruger is tightening security to prevent poachers entering the park as guests. Only three of the 16 dead rhino that were found still had their horns intact. Post-mortems will be done […]

Twenty-one year old Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters was crowned Miss South Africa 2017 at a gala event at Sun City on Sunday evening.  (UPDATE 27 November 2017: South Africa’s Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has been crowned Miss Universe!) Here are 10 things you should know about Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters… She hails from Sedgefield in the Western Cape. She’s a B.Com […]

Congratulations to Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters who has been crowned Miss South Africa 2017 at Sun City Sunday evening. “She’s 21, she’s graceful and she is your new Miss South Africa,” said the official Miss South Africa facebook page. Demi-Leigh hails from Sedgefield in the Western Cape. According to her facebook page, she is a B.Com Business Management and […]

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will be asking the Public Protector to investigate Eskom CEO Matshela Koko’s alleged awarding of “tenders worth R1 billion to his Impulse International, a company of which his step-daughter is a Director”. Impulse International was apparently awarded eight contracts by Eskom’s Generation unit during Koko’s tenure as the unit’s Group […]

A wildfire that began in Robertson on Tuesday is still burning today. Western Cape photographer JUSTIN SULLIVAN captured the behind-the-scenes video below as NCC Environmental Services and Cape Winelands Fire Services fought the #RobertsonBeast for three days last week. In that time 6,400 hectares burnt and 75 firefighters were on the line at any given time… preventing the loss of […]