South Africa Mail & Guardian

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 09:51:30 GMT
Hawks arrest 10th suspect in alleged Russia-Ukraine recruitment case
A 10th suspect has been arrested by the Hawks for allegedly attempting to travel from South Africa to join the Russia-Ukraine war, as multiple co-accused appear in court.

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 09:43:41 GMT
Education does not end when the school bell rings. Are we doing enough to support learners afterwards?
With four in ten South African learners dropping out before matric, structured after-school programmes provide vital academic support, safety, and mentorship beyond classroom hours.

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 09:31:54 GMT
Robotic sailors take on Antarctica’s winter storms
South African researchers have joined an international mission deploying autonomous Saildrones to brave harsh Antarctic winter storms and measure how the Southern Ocean absorbs carbon dioxide.

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 07:16:29 GMT
HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2026 Ceremony and the Annual Exhibition "A Heartwarming World" Open at Grand Palais in Paris
Huawei XMAGE and Paris Photo have unveiled the 'A Heartwarming World' exhibition at the Grand Palais, marking the 10th anniversary of the photography awards and revealing the 2026 winners.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:14:38 GMT
Don't wait until it hurts: Diabetes calls for early action
Diabetes is a silent condition that often causes years of unseen damage before symptoms appear. Endocrinologist Dr Ankia Coetzee explains why early testing, lifestyle changes, and ending stigma are vital to saving lives.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 15:39:32 GMT
Climate change makes November heat five times more likely in parts of South Africa
An analysis by Climate Central shows that human-caused climate change has made this week's extreme November heat in parts of South Africa up to five times more likely, affecting millions nationwide.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 15:21:17 GMT
Promised Jobs, Sent to War
Promised lucrative civilian work, thousands of young Africans have instead been recruited to fight on Russian front lines in Ukraine. African governments face mounting pressure to protect their citizens, investigate trafficking networks, and demand a...

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 14:27:22 GMT
South Africa should start preparing for a white president
As voting patterns shift in response to poor service delivery and stalled economic transformation, an analysis explores how the failure of black political leadership could reshape South Africa's racial and electoral dynamics.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 13:38:13 GMT
Beyond job numbers: what 20,000 young Africans say about dignified work
A landmark study across Africa reveals that while non-profits provide young workers with purpose and respect, short grant cycles and limited funding leave many facing precarious, insufficient incomes.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 13:25:08 GMT
Guterres calls for climate justice compact to support developing countries
UN chief António Guterres has urged world leaders at COP31 to back a new Climate Justice Compact, pressing rich nations and oil giants to finance the global green transition.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 13:05:30 GMT
eThekwini metro tribunal finds senior manager guilty of sexual misconduct, recommends dismissal
A senior manager at the eThekwini municipality faces dismissal after an internal disciplinary tribunal found him guilty of sustained sexual misconduct and harassment against a junior employee.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 12:45:28 GMT
The election we celebrated, the women we forgot - South Africa's gender transformation in reverse
While South Africa's 2024 elections ushered in a new democratic coalition era, female political representation suffered a significant decline, highlighting the urgent need for legislated gender parity.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 12:15:49 GMT
With Youth Unemployment at 47%, South Africa Cannot Afford to Delay the Skills Revolution
With youth unemployment standing at a staggering 47.3%, South Africa's Skills Revolution seeks to bridge the gap between education and the labour market through targeted vocational training, institutional accountability, and strategic partnerships.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 10:44:50 GMT
Chery SA issues precautionary recall for over 23 000 vehicles amid NCC warnings
Chery Group South Africa and the National Consumer Commission have announced a massive recall of over 23,000 vehicles, addressing potential rear axle and braking defects across Tiggo and Omoda models.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 10:37:55 GMT
‘Idac investigators forced me to lie about Bheki Cele,’ Matlala says
Alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told the Madlanga Commission that Idac investigators coerced him to fabricate evidence targeting former police minister Bheki Cele in a plea deal witness statement.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:51:43 GMT
Tatjana Smith’s switch to the Netherlands is a bitter blow for South African sport
Double Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Smith has switched her allegiance to represent the Netherlands, delivering a significant blow to South African swimming ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:45:01 GMT
DG Murray Trust warns provinces against extending liquor trading hours after Constitutional Court hearing
The DG Murray Trust warns that provinces extending liquor trading hours risk legal challenges, as the Constitutional Court considers the government's duty to mitigate alcohol-related harm.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:33:57 GMT
Cosatu decries public office-bearers’ salary increases as excessive
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases of up to 4% for politicians, traditional leaders, and judges, drawing sharp criticism from trade union federation Cosatu.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 17:14:21 GMT
Thukukile Zuma resigns from Johannesburg ANC leadership amid disciplinary row
Thukukile Zuma has resigned from the ANC's Johannesburg regional executive committee, accusing party leaders of silencing dissent following disciplinary threats over her duties and social media criticisms.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 15:12:49 GMT
Matlala denies giving Sibiya impala as a gift
Alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala denied gifting 20 impala to General Shadrack Sibiya, telling the Madlanga Commission he merely wanted to offload the animals from his Bela-Bela farm.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 15:01:34 GMT
Festive season - time to tighten the belt
As festive shopping kicks off across South Africa, the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group urges consumers to budget carefully amid rising food prices and mounting household pressures.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 14:55:03 GMT
MK party lays down ground rules, warns municipal deployments are not entitlement or personal reward
The uMkhonto weSizwe party has warned its members against public infighting over municipal council deployments, reminding them that public office is a responsibility rather than an entitlement.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 12:54:42 GMT
Cape Town braces for heat, fires and water stress as very strong El Niño develops
As an exceptionally strong El Niño looms, Cape Town prepares for heightened threats of extreme heat, wildfires, and water shortages, alongside global efforts by C40 Cities to bolster early warning systems.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 12:49:34 GMT
Matlala backtracks on payments to Sibiya
Alleged crime kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala told the Madlanga Commission that admissions of payments to former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya were fabricated by investigators and signed under duress.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 12:04:40 GMT
Third-quarter job gains fail to stem rising unemployment
Despite adding 101,000 jobs in the third quarter, South Africa's official unemployment rate climbed to 33.7%, leaving more than 13 million people unemployed or outside the active workforce.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 11:57:51 GMT
Bail proceedings for five Zimbabweans postponed after prosecutor’s absence
The bail hearing for five Zimbabwean nationals accused of attempting to join the Russia-Ukraine war has been postponed after the prosecutor failed to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 11:54:04 GMT
Constitutional Court to rule on liquor trading hours and alcohol harm in South Africa
The Constitutional Court is hearing a pivotal case on whether the state has a constitutional duty to protect communities from alcohol-related harm by limiting liquor trading hours.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:56:55 GMT
ANC embarks on recovery plan after KZN electoral bloodbath, says not all is lost
Despite a severe electoral setback and losing major strongholds like eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal, the ANC maintains that recent gains in vote share mark the beginning of its recovery.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:39:33 GMT
President Ramaphosa approves salary increases for fat cats in public office
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved salary increases between 3.5% and 4% for government officials, lawmakers, and members of the judiciary despite growing economic challenges.

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 09:35:24 GMT
Joblessness rises to 33, 7%
South Africa’s official unemployment rate edged up to 33.7% in the third quarter of 2026 as labour force growth outpaced new jobs, leaving 8.6 million people actively seeking work.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 15:20:03 GMT
Businessman Suliman Carrim’s bail application postponed until 16 November
North West businessman Suliman Carrim remains behind bars after the state opposed his bail application in the Musina Magistrate’s Court over an alleged cross-border vehicle theft scheme.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 14:43:10 GMT
Idac investigator allegedly attempts to take his own life days before Matlala was due to testify
Alleged kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told the Madlanga Commission that Idac investigators coerced him into a plea deal to fabricate evidence against senior police generals, following the reported suicide attempt of lead investigator Dylan Perum...

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 14:03:09 GMT
Digital ID and AI agents must never make South Africans invisible to the state
As South Africa debates expanding digital identity, connecting public systems to autonomous AI agents poses severe risks of excluding vulnerable citizens unless strict guardrails and human appeals are enforced.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 13:54:01 GMT
Sibiya coerced Matlala into lying to the ad hoc committee
Alleged kingpin Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala has told the Madlanga Commission that former deputy police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya coerced him into lying about their relationship during parliamentary testimony.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 13:15:36 GMT
Robots, polony and the fight to keep schizophrenia patients out of hospital
A pioneering study in the Eastern Cape demonstrates how peer-led recovery groups can sharply curb psychosis relapses and keep schizophrenia patients out of hospital, yet deep poverty poses a lasting hurdle.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 12:56:32 GMT
Malawi’s seed bet tests agricultural orthodoxy
Malawi’s seed investment plan aims to boost productivity, but disputes over funding, corporate inputs, and rising hunger despite higher yields challenge agricultural orthodoxy.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 12:46:34 GMT
Pastoral care does not clock out after the school bell
Extramural activities are often treated as mere hobbies, but for many learners they serve as vital spaces of emotional safety and belonging. Educators must recognise that pastoral care does not end when the school bell rings.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 11:31:32 GMT
A little champagne, friendly competition and festive cheer at Le Parc
Le Parc by Tasha’s Group has teamed up with Moët & Chandon at Polofields in Midrand to launch a festive boules, food, and champagne experience.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 11:00:36 GMT
Nine foreign nationals arrested in SA over alleged plans to join Russia-Ukraine war
Nine foreign nationals have been arrested at O.R. Tambo International Airport and Bruma after an intelligence-driven operation intercepted their alleged bid to join the Russia-Ukraine war.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 10:55:13 GMT
The Twin Fault Lines: How Broken Escalators and Spatial Traps Are Redefining Unrest in Europe and South Africa
Despite differing wealth and history, Europe and South Africa share deep socio-economic strains, from unaffordable housing to youth disenfranchisement, creating opportunities for private capital investment.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 10:48:11 GMT
Matlala’s lawyer bashes NPA for leaking witness statement from botched plea deal to Madlanga
Advocate Annelene van den Heever has accused the NPA of violating rules by providing the Madlanga Commission with an unsigned statement from Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala’s collapsed plea deal, but the commission dismissed efforts to block the evidence.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 09:41:57 GMT
Khawaja must name those who hid behind the “sandpapergate” three
In his new autobiography, Usman Khawaja claims knowledge of the 2018 Sandpapergate plot was widespread across the Australian team. But without naming names, his claims leave the punished trio carrying the sole blame.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 09:13:50 GMT
“Product of rape”: Normalising the language of sexual violence
Angelo C. Louw explores how the toxic rhetoric surrounding sexual violence and Coloured identity reflects the codependence of racism and patriarchy in South Africa.

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 08:30:46 GMT
When voters start asking questions after the ballot is cast
After local elections, some South African voters experienced regret upon discovering the full context behind social media campaign clips. Examining candidate records is crucial before ballots are cast.

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:46:05 GMT
IEC Declares 2026 local elections ‘free and fair’ as SA enters coalition era
Following the IEC's declaration of the 2026 local government elections as free and fair, economists and political analysts weigh in on what the shift toward municipal coalitions means for business confidence and service delivery across South Africa.

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 18:02:22 GMT
‘No time for petty squabbles’, says Ramaphosa as coalition tensions brew
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on political parties to negotiate in good faith to form functional municipal councils, warning that infighting must not hinder basic service delivery.

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 17:44:43 GMT
ANC barely hangs on as DA and ActionSA make gains in final IEC results
The IEC has finalised the 2026 local government election results, showing the ANC clinging to a national lead with just 30.76% of the vote amid significant gains for the DA and ActionSA, paving the way for widespread coalition talks.

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 17:11:27 GMT
Municipal Coalitions Bill - Why it is important
The parties in South Africa's Government of National Unity must unite to pass the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, establishing vital framework rules for stable local coalitions ahead of the 2026 elections.

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 16:56:28 GMT
Trust in the IEC remains high, at 81%
President Cyril Ramaphosa attends the IEC's official announcement of the 2026 Local Government Elections final results at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 14:03:05 GMT
MK Party will not rescue parties rejected by voters, says Duduzane Zuma
Duduzane Zuma says the MK party will not rescue political parties rejected by voters, as coalition talks loom over hung municipalities across KwaZulu-Natal.

home