South Africa Mail & Guardian
Fri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:18 GMT‘There are no barriers in the music’: The Savoy Ellingtons and H.B. Barnum
Legendary arranger H.B. Barnum and The Savoy Ellingtons reflect on their debut South African performance at the Cradle of Humankind, Duke Ellington's legacy, and the unifying power of jazz.
Fri, 06 Nov 2026 07:29:12 GMTFibre-ready homes connect South Africa’s housing and digital ambitions
Fibre-ready housing developments are bridging South Africa's digital divide by integrating high-speed internet infrastructure directly into national housing initiatives.
Fri, 06 Nov 2026 07:26:20 GMTBlackdoor experience: The only door that matters
BlackDoor Experience returns to Bloemfontein for its fourth edition this festive season, presenting the Charity Golf Day and flagship music festival at the Rose Garden.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:44:06 GMTTürkiye and SA look to a bigger future together
The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Pretoria celebrated the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic, spotlighting growing diplomatic and economic ties with South Africa.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:07:00 GMT‘There’s no such thing as apolitical music’: Siyabonga Mthembu on democracy, citizenship and Ngeke!
The Brother Moves On frontman Siyabonga Mthembu discusses why all music is political, the complexities of South African democracy, and why citizens must define the country's future.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:06:00 GMTANC may need a blue lifeline in Joburg
As election results point to a tight race in Johannesburg, the ANC may be pushed toward an uneasy coalition with the DA despite fierce resistance from local party leaders.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:06:00 GMTA historic election for South Africa
Fed up with widespread service delivery failures and unstable municipal coalitions, millions of South Africans took to the polls in a pivotal local government election defined by demands for accountability and basic public services.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:06:00 GMT15.9 million voters reshape local politics as coalitions loom
Voter turnout rebounded to 15.9 million in the 2026 local government elections, driven by middle-class frustration over service delivery failures as preliminary results point to several hung councils.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:06:00 GMTB Mashilo is redefining the perfect fit
Ten years after starting in her parents' garage, designer Bonolo Mashilo of B Mashilo Designs is transforming the South African fashion scene with garments crafted to fit and celebrate real women's bodies.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:05:17 GMTEditorial: Why you needed to vote
As power and water outages struck Gauteng on election day, widespread voter apathy served only to protect the failing politicians responsible for crumbling municipal services.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:05:00 GMT‘They have forgotten us’
In Tembisa, community members grapple with voter fatigue, persistent service delivery failures, and shifting political loyalties as traditional parties lose ground.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:05:00 GMTSophiatown’s patience is wearing thin
Frustrated by mounting crime, dry taps, and uncollected rubbish, Sophiatown residents headed to the polls demanding urgent solutions and accountable leadership.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:05:00 GMTMahershala Ali wrestles with faith and violence
Mahershala Ali delivers a captivating performance in Bassam Tariq's slow-burn thriller Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, balancing hired violence with the domestic demands of single fatherhood.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:03:00 GMTMono T brings ‘Bashanyana’ back to the dance floor
Producer Mono T reflects on the lasting legacy of his 2010 dance anthem 'Bashanyana' with DJ Maphorisa, as he reinterprets the Afro Tech classic alongside a new generation of South African producers.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:01:00 GMTDreamscapes of memory and self-discovery
Acclaimed choreographer Vincent Mantsoe blends 30 years of spiritual heritage and movement in his surrealist dance piece, Mpheyane’s Dream/Ipupo, created during his residency at the University of Johannesburg.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:55 GMTBeyond the X lies a constitutional promise
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka examines the constitutional mandate of local government, calling on coalition leaders and municipal officials to move past factional politics and deliver real service to communities.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:52 GMTNelson Mandela’s challenge to a world divided by conflict
This November marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Colombian Peace Agreement, which our government reached with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the most powerful guerrilla in the Western Hemisphere. It was a defining moment for o...
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:50 GMTSharing power is easy; governing is hard
As South African municipalities grapple with water crises and unstable leadership, coalition governance faces a crucial test: moving beyond survival politics toward transparent, capable administration.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:35 GMTThe dangerous price of silence
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Juan Manuel Santos brings vital lessons from Colombia’s peace process to Cape Town as he delivers the 24th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:35 GMTTwo nations, one enduring lesson in freedom
The 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was commemorated in Pretoria, highlighting the historical ties, democratic transitions, and expanding trade and educational partnerships between Hungary and South Africa.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:34 GMTThe vote was never the whole of freedom
Following local government elections, South Africa faces the critical task of translating the vote into municipal accountability, ethical governance, and sustained civic engagement.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:33 GMTA moment in history
Reflecting on her granddaughter’s mock school election, Professor Thuli Madonsela examines why local government is the vital frontline of democracy, social justice, and ethical community leadership.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:28 GMTThe culture of mediocrity ends
An analysis of widespread municipal underperformance in South Africa reveals deep systemic failures in capital budget spending, infrastructure maintenance, and governance, calling on voters to demand higher standards and qualified leadership.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:25 GMTThe ballot box is only the beginning
South Africa’s local elections present a crucial test of electoral integrity and democratic resilience, demonstrating whether declining support for ruling parties can coexist with public faith in democracy.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:05 GMTWhen hunger knocked, we answered. Will our leaders do the same?
Reflecting on frontline food relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sello Hatang outlines crucial lessons on compassion, dignity, and anti-corruption for South Africa's incoming municipal leaders.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMTMy first vote, my future
First-time voter Timarie Grobler cast her ballot in Kempton Park hoping for jobs, unity, and better infrastructure, as analysts urge parties to take South Africa's crucial youth vote seriously.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMTHelen Suzman Foundation wants Malema out of JSC
The Helen Suzman Foundation's legal bid to remove EFF leader Julius Malema from the Judicial Service Commission is set to be heard in the Western Cape High Court next week.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMTA drone that can watch SA borders
South African defence firm Milkor has positioned its locally developed Milkor 380 drone as a high-tech solution to monitor porous borders and tackle illegal immigration.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMTUCT weighs sanctions over ‘Islamist control’ claims
The University of Cape Town is considering disciplinary action against council members Mark Oppenheimer and David Ansara after an inquiry by retired judge Mahomed Navsa rejected unsubstantiated claims of Islamist control.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMTBetting billions on KZN’s North
Once considered a quiet coastal escape, KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast is seeing billions in property investments. Luxury estates, branded residences, and major resort developments are attracting semigrants and international buyers alike.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMTGig Guide:Hluma Film Festival in PMB, Nhoza releases Umthandazo and NCX showcases emerging artists
Discover this week's arts and culture highlights, featuring Nhoza's new single 'Umthandazo', the Hluma Film Festival in Pietermaritzburg, and the Tiriparwendo exhibition in Cape Town.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 19:13:13 GMTThe mystery EFF voter in Orania strikes again
The Economic Freedom Fighters have once again secured a single vote in the conservative Afrikaner town of Orania during the 2026 local government elections, reviving curiosity about the mystery voter.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:44:07 GMTDA wins back uMngeni by an increased majority, makes inroads in key KZN municipalities
The Democratic Alliance has secured a decisive victory in KwaZulu-Natal's uMngeni local municipality, retaining control with over 60% of the vote share.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:19:21 GMTClimate adaptation funding falling far short of what countries need
Developing countries will need up to $420 billion annually by 2035 to adapt to severe climate impacts, yet public funding remains critically low, according to UNEP’s latest Adaptation Gap Report.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:09:14 GMTBeyond the ballot box, the people watching over South Africa’s elections
Beyond the political parties and candidates, thousands of election workers and observers ensure voting day functions. From managing queues to tackling accessibility hurdles, their behind-the-scenes efforts protect South Africa's democratic process.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 10:47:45 GMTInvesting in South Africa's STEM Future: Five New Science Teaching and Learning Centers Established in the Western Cape
Five new Science Teaching and Learning Centres have been established across the Western Cape to expand access to hands-on STEM education and practical laboratory training in under-resourced schools.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 10:31:25 GMTZuma makes plethora of promises as MK party takes early lead in KZN
Former President Jacob Zuma has pledged to aggressively tackle poverty and raise pensions as his uMkhonto weSizwe party secured an early lead in KwaZulu-Natal during vote counting.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 08:28:57 GMTBlaming the phone won’t save our kids
As calls mount globally to ban social media for children, comprehensive research reveals that screen time accounts for only a tiny fraction of adolescent distress, urging parents to rethink simple bans in favour of holistic engagement.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 07:35:26 GMTLIVE: Local government elections results
Follow the live outcomes and real-time counts of the South African local government elections with our interactive results dashboard.
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 06:08:09 GMTMedicalAid.ai: How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionising Medical Aid Comparisons in South Africa
MedicalAid.ai introduces artificial intelligence to help South Africans compare complex medical aid schemes, matching plans to household budgets and healthcare priorities.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:16:02 GMT‘He has been very nasty’: Mbalula welcomes Trump’s election setbacks
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has welcomed Donald Trump's political setbacks in the US midterms, accusing the American president of being 'very nasty' towards South Africa amid rising tensions over Agoa.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 17:13:32 GMTA meagre 12 million people cast ballots as vote counting commences after 9pm
Preliminary figures from the Electoral Commission of South Africa show that approximately 12 million voters cast their ballots by 5pm in the 2026 local government elections, with ballot counting set to start immediately after polls close.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 16:20:59 GMTA new generation in the running for local government
Several candidates under the age of 30 are contesting wards across South African municipalities in the 2026 local government elections, aiming to bring fresh leadership and tackle service delivery issues.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:54:41 GMTWard 90 councillor candidate Paul Nkhumane puts service delivery at the centre of his campaign
Ward 90 councillor candidate Paul Nkhumane has pledged to put service delivery, infrastructure, and youth participation at the forefront of his agenda for Ekurhuleni residents.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:46:31 GMTThe Bakerton Ballot: Political paralysis meets community policing in Ekurhuleni’s Ward 72
As rival political parties trade blame over service delivery failures in Ekurhuleni's Ward 72, the Bakerton Community Police Forum is stepping up to hold whoever wins accountable.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:54:13 GMTWho pays for South Africa’s Agoa standoff?
As the US plans to terminate South Africa's Agoa eligibility by 2027, the real threat to businesses is not just losing trade preferences, but the crippling uncertainty while negotiations drag on.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:47:01 GMTThe long queues that once defined our democracy are becoming a distant memory
Reflecting on the historic, snaking queues that once defined South African democracy, a return to Tembisa exposes a troubling shift toward voter apathy and quiet polling stations.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:37:34 GMTBallot shortages and technical glitches disrupt voting as frustrated residents are turned away
Voting was disrupted across several stations due to technical glitches, missing ballots, and voters roll errors, leading to long delays and rising tensions.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:02:44 GMTAlexandra residents question political promises as parties campaign across township
Despite a heavy presence of political parties campaigning in Alexandra, residents express growing disillusionment over persistent service delivery failures and empty election promises.
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 13:49:50 GMTWhat is the point of voting?: Ivory Park Extension 2 youth lose faith in the ballot
Disillusioned by persistent water shortages and persistent unemployment, young residents in Ivory Park Extension 2 say voting no longer feels meaningful.