South Africa Mail & Guardian
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:28:52 GMTSouth Africa’s tourism industry is going digital. Can its businesses keep up?
South Africa is placing digital technology at the heart of its tourism growth strategy, as highlighted by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille at the launch of Tourism Month 2026 in Durban. The country aims to leverage platforms like TikTok to attract ...
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 06:50:36 GMTNWU brings academic expertise together for local development in the Vaal River corridor
North-West University's bhive Enterprise Development Centre is partnering with Pont de Val and regional stakeholders to foster inclusive tourism, practical skills training, and economic growth along the Vaal River corridor, addressing local developme...
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 06:38:21 GMTWho pays when music is ‘free’? The growing cost of digital piracy
While technology has transformed how we discover and enjoy music, it has also created new challenges for protecting the rights and livelihoods of the people who create it. At a time when Africa's music industry is enjoying unprecedented global recogn...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:10:00 GMTMK Party takes aim at ANC stronghold
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) is strategically targeting the Eastern Cape, a traditional ANC stronghold, to weaken the governing party and reduce its national support by the 2029 elections. This move capitalizes on the ANC's ongoing leadershi...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:07:00 GMTHow the commission nailed Adams
National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams has denied that suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu influenced his decision to lay fraud and corruption charges against crime intelligence officials. Questions have been raised about Adams's rapid actions...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:05:00 GMTRowlene is figuring out which strings to keep attached
South African R&B singer-songwriter Rowlene releases her new album, Some Strings Attached, a collection of ballads exploring relationships with lovers, friends, family, and fans. She discusses her journey to independence and finding her unique voice.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:05:00 GMTWhen inclusion becomes a headline
Professor Jason Arday's story highlights the urgent need to address neurodiversity in South Africa. This article explores how our education systems and workplaces may be overlooking talented individuals whose abilities don't conform to conventional e...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:05:00 GMT‘Paul O’Sullivan was a double agent’
Double agent claims against Paul O’Sullivan have resurfaced after former head of the Gauteng Hawks, Major-General Prince Mokotedi, made explosive claims that O’Sullivan was working for foreign intelligence agencies. O'Sullivan vehemently denies t...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTGig Guide:
She Bellows
Comes to East London, Kwanda Mahlombe releases
Ungayeki
and Kaza Kamba returns to The Market Theatre
Explore the vibrant arts scene with an interactive theatre experience in East London, the return of the Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival in Johannesburg, and Kwanda Mahlombe's inspiring new single, Ungayeki.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTGaza and the ghosts of African internationalism
A new anthology, 'Rising for Palestine', co-edited by Suraya Dadoo and Raouf Farrah, argues that the war in Gaza has exposed the erosion of Africa's tradition of internationalism. It connects the Palestinian struggle to a broader African history of d...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTThe road that brought Subotzky to Johannesburg
Artist Mikhael Subotzky's new exhibition in Johannesburg explores his family's multigenerational journey, from Nazi Germany to South Africa, intertwining personal history with the city's layered past. Discover how a 13-ton steamroller and a voyage ac...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTMaking ‘Umthetho’ unmistakably South African
The new Netflix series, Umthetho, explores the ironic quest of a prison gang fighting for human rights, corrupt officials, and fractured families. An adaptation of the Brazilian series Brotherhood, Umthetho raises questions about how stories develope...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTKelebogile Marope sees the stories we leave
Kelebogile Marope, the 2026 FNB Art Prize winner, shares her disbelief and profound insights into her art practice. From Botswana, she discusses her work which excavates memory from domestic spaces and ordinary objects, challenging us to see the hist...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTThe elite coaches SA keeps at home
South Africa's Springboks have set a modern rugby benchmark, thanks to a robust coaching culture and structural pathway. Yet, many highly successful South African coaches struggle to secure major overseas roles, despite their proven ability to produc...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTA new politics for Tshwane
This article critically examines the populist governance style in Tshwane, South Africa, contrasting it with the social democratic politics exemplified by Zohran Mamdani in New York. It highlights the ripple effects of global right-wing movements and...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTServing the government is not the same as serving the party
The failure of public services often stems from improper appointments and political pressure. Two presentations by the Public Service Commission highlight the importance of professionalising the public service and preventing political interference to...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTOur country’s vital statecraft is missing
As South Africa approaches another electoral cycle, political parties unveil familiar promises, yet genuine transformation seems absent. The article argues that the country's persistent problems stem from a deeper issue: a deficit of statecraft, wher...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTGrowing women’s football creates stronger communities
When South African women’s football makes headlines, it is often because players have achieved extraordinary feats against the odds. This article argues that while resilience is admirable, it should not substitute for systematic development, highli...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTWhen every room resets the clock
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, reflects on the unique exhaustion faced by black women leaders who are constantly asked to prove their competence, despite their achievements. She discusses the inst...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTStop calling survival empowerment
Every August, South Africa celebrates the strength of its women, often praising them for carrying burdens that should never have been placed on them. This article argues for a shift from celebrating survival to demanding systemic accountability for t...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTEditorial: The press hounded Arday to his death
Professor Jason Arday, the youngest black professor at Cambridge, was driven to suicide by relentless media attacks over plagiarism accusations, a fate not shared by white academics guilty of similar offenses. This editorial condemns the British pres...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTHow Hakainde Hichilema bagged second term in Zambia polls
Zambia’s president Hakainde Hichilema secured a second term with 60% of the vote, overturning pre-election assumptions that economic pain would lead to a decisive rejection of his government. The election was widely seen as a referendum on his econ...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTBold enough to rewrite the industry
Lindiwe Nkuna-Kgopa refused to accept the absence of women-owned, industrial-scale sanitary pad manufacturers in South Africa. Her determination led to the creation of Africa's first such facility, challenging industry norms and empowering women acro...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTSee the woman, not the disability
Masingita Masunga, a businesswoman and media practitioner with 30 years in the industry, argues that Women's Month should focus on creating economic opportunities for women, especially those with disabilities. She wants people to see her skills and v...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTJozi to Durban in an EV: The iCAUR 03T road trip experience
A family embarks on an electric vehicle road trip from Johannesburg to Durban in an iCAUR 03T, navigating charging infrastructure, range management, and the realities of long-distance EV travel in South Africa.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMTQuiet plunder of the Succulent Karoo
South Africa's Succulent Karoo, a global biodiversity hotspot, is under severe threat from a sophisticated international plant trafficking operation. What was once dismissed as niche plant collecting has evolved into organised environmental crime, wi...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 15:27:10 GMTMasondo claims PIC board never received key legal opinion
Former Public Investment Corporation (PIC) board chairperson David Masondo has alleged that chief executive Patrick Dlamini failed to provide the board with a key legal opinion on the contentious Lanseria Airport transaction, raising fresh questions ...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:12:43 GMTAngélique Kidjo receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first African musician to achieve this prestigious recognition. She joins a distinguished list of legends on Hollywood Boulevard, marking a...
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:42:44 GMTWhy Zambian Online Casinos Are Appealing To More South African Players
Zambia is challenging South Africa's long-standing dominance in the regional online gambling sector, with a growing number of SADC players exploring Zambian sites due to their more diverse features and less restrictive regulatory environments.
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:49:58 GMTGovernment forges links with traditional leaders in its bid to build local economies and tackle illegal immigration
The national government has enlisted traditional leaders to address the illegal immigration crisis and revitalise local economies. This initiative, cemented in Durban, involves Justice Minister Mammoloko Kubayi and AmaZulu Royal Chancellor Inkosi Mal...
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:05:24 GMTRwanda’s grey crowned cranes soar from fewer than 300 to 1,438 in a decade
Rwanda's grey crowned cranes have achieved a remarkable recovery, with their population surging from under 300 to 1,438 in a decade. This success, driven by sustained conservation, wetland protection, and community involvement, offers a beacon of hop...
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:44:15 GMTAdams accuses Mkhwanazi and Khumalo of abusing power
National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams told the Madlanga Commission that his role in reporting allegations involving Crime Intelligence was limited to that of a complainant and argued that KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhla...
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:15:37 GMTWhen women lead together, everyone moves forward
This article challenges women leaders to move beyond merely securing a seat at the table and instead focus on how they use their influence to foster collaboration, amplify voices, and create opportunities for other women. It highlights the importance...
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:00:45 GMTPatronage in Academia Is Destroying Our Universities While the Country Looks Away
While the Madlanga Commission exposes deep rot in SAPS, a parallel crisis of patronage and ethical collapse is silently destroying South African academia. This article argues that academic corruption, though discreet, has profound societal consequenc...
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:45:58 GMTCancel Women’s Day: South Africa’s annual insult to women
South Africa celebrates Women's Day, but for many, the reality is far from the promise of a life free from violence and discrimination. This article critically examines the gap between ceremonial recognition and the practical failures to protect and ...
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:45:34 GMTFoot-and-Mouth Disease: South Africa's quiet business crisis
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is not just a farming issue; it's a profound South African crisis affecting food security, farmers, and the vital informal trading sector, with far-reaching economic consequences for everyone.
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:33:30 GMTSA and Zambia’s HIV shot dilemma: Demand versus supply
South Africa and Zambia are grappling with a significant challenge in rolling out lenacapavir, a new six-monthly HIV prevention injection. Despite high demand and promising early results, limited supplies mean clinics often run out of stock, creating...
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:06:42 GMTAdams admits he misled Madlanga Commission and had received summons
National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams conceded that he misled the Madlanga Commission when he testified that he had not seen the request to testify on 3 October 2025, resulting in his late statement submission. This admission came after Commissi...
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:28:48 GMTSardine deaths: high levels of pilchard herpesvirus found in South African fish
High levels of pilchard herpesvirus have been found in sardines involved in South Africa’s extensive mortality event, with the virus detected in all 15 fish in an initial detailed round of testing. Scientists are yet to establish whether the virus ...
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 07:04:13 GMTFrom Representation to Influence: Standard Bank Top Women Conference to Explore the Next Era of Women's Economic Leadership
The Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2026 returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 8–9 September, bringing together leaders and changemakers to explore the next era of women's economic participation and influence under the theme "Her Power. Af...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:13:51 GMTPolitical analyst warns of assassinations as MK Party rank and file jostle for positions before municipal elections
A political analyst warns of escalating hostilities and potential deadly skirmishes within the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party ahead of municipal elections, fueled by tensions between new and old members over key positions, particularly in the eThekwini ...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:10:24 GMT#CancelCoal: SCA to hear government appeal over 1 500MW new coal plan
Youth and environmental organisations are back in court to defend their 2024 victory against 1,500MW of new coal-fired power, as Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa appeals the high court ruling. The case before the Supreme Court of...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:33:57 GMTPassenger vehicle sales for July the best since 2014
South Africa's new vehicle market experienced a significant surge in July 2026, with sales reaching 57 708 units. Passenger vehicle sales, contributing 40 912 units, marked the best performance since September 2014, according to Naamsa. This growth w...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:24:44 GMTFord Ranger Raptor: A wild dragon that refuses to be tamed
Last year, I tested the impressive BYD Shark 6, which immediately attempted to dethrone the Ford Ranger Raptor when it arrived in South Africa. I remember too clearly the massive billboard on the N3 towards Sandton. It boasted about the Shark's 321kW...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:41:33 GMTTaxi boss Msibi, Motsumi, KT Molefe and Sergeant Nkosi plotted to sell phone-grabbers to eSwatini
Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson detailed WhatsApp exchanges involving taxi boss Jotham “King Mswazi” Msibi and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi in which they discussed an alleged plan to acquire and sell cellphone-interception devices, commonly known as ...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:22:58 GMT‘This is how we do it’: 30 years of caring for a son with cerebral palsy
Keneilwe Dikoma's life changed forever when her son Lorato was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months old. For three decades, she has navigated the complexities of care in rural South Africa, facing challenges from inadequate medical facilities ...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:14:06 GMTWhen will she be safe? The continuum of violence in refugee and migrant women’s lives
While South Africa celebrates Women's Month, many refugee and migrant women continue to face a continuum of violence, from the trauma of forced displacement to xenophobia, discrimination, and barriers to essential services within the country. This pi...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:33:02 GMTBeyond AI detection: African universities must choose transparency over policing
The debate around academic integrity in universities has evolved beyond plagiarism to how institutions should respond to AI. This article explores the challenges of AI detection and advocates for transparency, AI literacy, and new assessment methods ...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:22:00 GMTHow Zambia lost the plot: Inside a troubled election
An expert analysis delves into Zambia's 2026 election, highlighting a troubling weakening of institutional safeguards. The article raises legitimate questions about procedural certainty and outcome, advocating for an independent forensic audit of the...
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:56:17 GMTLifestyle Audits: Building integrity, restoring trust and strengthening the State
Lifestyle audits in the Public Service are playing a significant role in preventing misconduct and safeguarding public resources. This strategy moves beyond arrests and prosecutions, focusing on identifying early warning signs to prevent corruption b...