South Africa Mail & Guardian

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:04:24 GMT
Next UN secretary-general must be a woman
For eight decades, the UN has championed equality, yet its highest office has remained closed to women. This article argues that the next UN Secretary-General must be a woman to uphold the organisation's credibility and reflect the world it strives t...

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:42:17 GMT
The National Arts Festival is alive but is South Africa listening
Despite initial quiet streets and financial pressures, the National Arts Festival in Makhanda is buzzing with activity, showcasing strong audience numbers and a significant shift towards greater diversity. The article highlights the resilience of art...

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:33:53 GMT
The South African Reserve Bank Museum opens its vaults to history, memory and the public
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has opened its new Head Office Campus and Museum in Pretoria, transforming a traditionally imposing institution into a vibrant space for public engagement. The museum explores the history of money, trade, and Sou...

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:26:42 GMT
David Tlale on luxury, local craft and the future of African fashion
South African designer David Tlale, a prominent name in fashion for over two decades, discusses his latest capsule collection unveiled at Sun City. He shares insights on celebrating luxury through a South African lens, focusing on local craftsmanship...

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:19:48 GMT
‘Reverse Futures’ asks us to imagine tomorrow through the eyes of the Global South
The Johannesburg Contemporary Art Foundation's 'Reverse Futures' exhibition challenges conventional Western ideas of the future, inviting visitors to experience space, time, and place through art rooted in the histories, technologies, and imagination...

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:12:18 GMT
Why South Africa fathers need to read to and with their children
Literacy activist and author Madoda Ndlakuse founded Men's Literacy Imbizo to address the absence of fathers in children's educational activities. The initiative encourages men to reflect on their own literacy journeys and become reading role models,...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:54:44 GMT
Lithuania: Where tradition and innovation meet
In an age where many nations are racing towards digital transformation, few have managed to preserve their cultural identity as successfully as Lithuania. The Baltic nation demonstrates that embracing innovation does not require abandoning centuries-...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:07:56 GMT
Reparatory justice matters to SA too
Reparatory justice, often seen as a distant conversation amidst daily struggles, holds significant relevance for South Africans. The recent Accra conference highlighted how addressing historical injustices can pave the way for a fairer, more prospero...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:34:33 GMT
ActionSA dares Leon to file court papers against it
ActionSA has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to launch an investigation into Resolve Communications following allegations that the public relations firm lobbied Democratic Alliance (DA) ministers on behalf of corporate clients. The call was made in a...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:30:50 GMT
Illegal weight loss drug floods SA
An investigation uncovers a rapidly growing, highly lucrative shadow market in South Africa for unapproved weight-loss drugs like Retatrutide, sold openly online and in gyms despite severe health warnings from regulators. These experimental injectabl...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT
Matjila launches R900m damages claim against PIC chief over Lanseria probe
Businessman Kagiso Matjila has launched a R900 million damages claim against Public Investment Corporation (PIC) chief executive Patrick Dlamini, accusing him of unlawfully reopening the Lanseria Airport dispute after a final arbitration award had al...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT
Outrage over Pule appointment
President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to appoint Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development has sparked widespread outrage, with critics questioning the ANC's commitment to ethical renewal and anti-corruption efforts given Pule's controversial past.

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Universities must put South Africans first – but not alone
More than three decades after apartheid, South Africa's debates are still framed through racial lenses. The controversy over foreign academics at universities, amidst xenophobia protests, highlights deep divisions and the challenge of balancing local...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Mapping Africa’s changing coastline
A new interactive platform, developed by Harvard University and partners, is mapping sea-level change across Africa's coastline from 1900 to 2100. It provides crucial local data to help policymakers and communities confront the accelerating impacts o...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
GR Yaris: The hottest hatch around town?
The author, a self-proclaimed lover of soft, comfortable rides, gets behind the wheel of the facelifted Toyota GR Yaris with its new 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT). Expecting a watered-down version, he's instead met with ...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Power of partnership in HIV fight
South Africa has launched lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention medicine, marking a significant moment in the country's fight against the epidemic. This article reflects on the progress made and the crucial role of partnerships in addressing o...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Editorial: An insult to voters
President Cyril Ramaphosa has shocked the country by appointing disgraced former minister Dina Pule to replace Sisisi Tolashe, a move seen as appeasing allies in the ANC Women’s League but undermining the party's anti-corruption rhetoric and renewa...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Mandela’s legacy deserves neither blind veneration nor reckless denigration
Every July, millions honour Nelson Mandela. This article defends his legacy against misrepresentation, arguing that criticisms from 'pseudo-revolutionaries' are historically inaccurate and intellectually flawed. It emphasizes the complexity of South ...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Life beyond a degree
South Africa's youth unemployment crisis is exacerbated by a growing disconnect between young people's preparedness for work and the skills the economy needs. This article explores how an over-reliance on university degrees has overshadowed diverse p...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Red cards and peace treaties
Drawing parallels between South Africa's World Cup red cards and US foreign policy, this article argues that America's approach to Iran has been self-defeating. It explores the complexities of a potential peace plan and the challenges of superpower d...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Football has beaten the border wall
Football has become one of the world’s most eloquent arguments against the fiction of sealed borders. The modern game is no longer arranged neatly around birthplace, passport or ancestry. At every World Cup, national teams carry the tangled itine...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
The trailblazing legacy of black women in tennis
Explore the transformative impact of black women in tennis, from Althea Gibson's pioneering courage to the dominance of the Williams sisters and the rise of new stars. Discover how these athletes have broken stereotypes, challenged systemic obstacles...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Grants, hustles and debt – the patchwork economy keeping millions afloat
South Africa's economy has seen little growth in over a decade, with official unemployment at 33% and a real figure closer to 43%. Discover how citizens, particularly the youth, are surviving through a mix of social grants, informal work, and borrowi...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT
Gig Guide: Somi releases Sometimes Love, Woza Albert! returns to The Market Theatre, Lady Zamar returns with First Class and Mandisi Dyantyis brings Symphony to Montecasino
Dive into the latest in South African arts and culture! Somi teases her new album with 'Sometimes Love', Lady Zamar celebrates joy with 'First Class', and the iconic 'Woza Albert!' returns to The Market Theatre.

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:15:30 GMT
Holding public servants accountable is not defamation
A recent high court judgment in South Africa has affirmed that holding public servants accountable in the public domain does not amount to defamation. This ruling, stemming from the Mabuyane v Malema case, is hailed as a significant victory for free ...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:49:28 GMT
Accelerate diversification in the sugar sector to cushion jobs, say key roleplayers in the industry
Following a landmark deal, key players in South Africa's sugar industry advocate for diversification into biofuels and other products to save jobs and drive growth. This strategy, championed by Vision Sugar Group and supported by government, aims to ...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:09:51 GMT
Matlala’s day at the Madlanga commission
Alleged underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is scheduled to appear before the Madlanga commission on 7 July. He has been subpoenaed to testify about his alleged involvement in police corruption and criminality within the justice system, a c...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:26:48 GMT
Absa launches grant-funded Youth Entrepreneurship Fund to back South Africa’s next generation of job creators
Absa has launched the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Fund (Ayef) to support young South African entrepreneurs. This initiative, announced during the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, provides grant funding and business support to help turn id...

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 07:11:44 GMT
Matlala still deciding whether to accept revised 12-year plea deal
Businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala has until 13 July to decide whether to accept a revised plea agreement that would see him serve an effective 12-year prison sentence, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says. The decision will determine whethe...

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:15:59 GMT
Relebohile Mofokeng: From World Cup heartbreak to European dream with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
South African football sensation Relebohile Mofokeng, fresh from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has secured a landmark transfer from Orlando Pirates to Belgian Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, marking a significant step in his promising career.

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:56:12 GMT
Starlink in Angola: Connectivity, control and the quiet politics of the sky
Starlink's entry into Angola highlights a critical test for governance and sovereignty in the 21st century. As regulators navigate licensing, the nation grapples with integrating global satellite internet while preserving control over its digital fut...

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:49:55 GMT
“Nobody can claim to be pure Zulu, stop this hate", AmaZulu king rein in on his subjects
AmaZulu King MisuZulu KaZwelithini has strongly condemned calls for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants, asserting that the Zulu people share historical and ancestral ties with some foreign nationals. His remarks come in response to nationwide...

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:07:51 GMT
Gqeberha Gets a Business Hotel Worth the Trip
Gqeberha's hospitality infrastructure is set to match its economic weight with the opening of The Capital Boardwalk in April 2026. This new property targets business travellers and corporate events with full-service facilities, long-stay apartments, ...

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 10:08:52 GMT
Feroz Khan's lawyers invite Madlanga Commission to verify his critical condition in hospital
The legal team representing suspended crime intelligence head Feroz Khan has invited the Madlanga Commission to verify his critical condition in hospital. This comes after claims that Khan falsified his attempted assassination to avoid testifying in ...

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:34:38 GMT
Senona and Matjeng latest casualties of Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga Commission has led to significant changes within the South African Police Service (SAPS), with KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major General Lesetja Senona resigning amid drug theft allegations and Brigadier Rachel Matjeng dismissed for miscond...

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:31:31 GMT
Controversial Dina Pule returns to cabinet as Steenhuisen is officially demoted
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a significant Cabinet reshuffle, bringing back former Communications Minister Dina Pule as the new Minister of Social Development. This move, part of broader changes following discussions with the Democratic Al...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:01:06 GMT
30 June demonstrations conclude relatively peacefully
Anti-illegal immigration demonstrations across South Africa, including Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, proceeded largely peacefully, despite fears of violence. A strong police presence and a shift in SAPS's crowd control strategy were ...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:57:11 GMT
Samsung Delivers Another Successful “Solve For Tomorrow” Design Thinking Workshops for 2026 with South Africa’s Public School Learners
Samsung successfully conducted its 2026 Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) Design Thinking Workshops across South Africa, engaging public school learners in human-centric problem-solving. These workshops, a critical stage of the STEM-based competition, aim to ...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:04:48 GMT
14-year-old among those arrested as KZN police crack down on criminal acts during anti-ilegal immigration demonstrations
KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested five youths, aged 14 to 27, for allegedly looting a tuckshop in Woody Glen during nationwide protests against unregulated immigration. KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has condemned criminal acts, vowing a zero-tolerance...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:01:24 GMT
MK Party MP Shongwe hints at Khan-Idac cabal in SAPS
MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe has told the Madlanga Commission that suspended deputy head of Crime Intelligence Feroz Khan allegedly offered him business opportunities to dissuade him from calling for his testimony. Khan was recently shot multiple times o...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:12:02 GMT
Circumcision season is upon us
Mpumalanga celebrates a 100% success rate in its initiation schools, with all 716 initiates returning home safely. This article highlights the province's successful interventions to ensure the well-being of initiates, contrasting with previous years'...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:13:57 GMT
Streets in Johannesburg and surrounds unusually quiet as citizens remain on edge during anti-illegal immigrant protests
South African cities, including Johannesburg and its surrounds, are experiencing an unusual calm as residents remain on edge amidst anticipated anti-illegal immigrant protests. While law enforcement is highly visible and no major violence has been re...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:34:56 GMT
Community investment must create youth jobs
With South Africa's youth unemployment at 45.8%, this article argues that every community development project should be designed to create jobs for young people, not just deliver social outcomes. Learn how this approach aligns with national prioritie...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:17:49 GMT
Testing the will of the people: The state-citizen confrontation in South Africa
The rise of anti-illegal immigration movements like Operation Dudula and March and March signals a critical moment for South African democracy, highlighting deep-seated grievances over immigration, public services, and state accountability.

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:46:55 GMT
A call to action against Afrophobic violence
The Beijing+30 Women’s Movement expresses its grave concern and unequivocal condemnation of the rising and increasingly violent wave of Afrophobic attacks unfolding across South Africa. These attacks, victimising all, constitute a grave humanitaria...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:45:31 GMT
The Making of generational wealth
Family Offices are rapidly expanding across Africa, moving beyond their traditional developed-world strongholds. This surge aligns with the continent's significant wealth growth, particularly among millionaires and the ultra-rich, creating a demand f...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:11:40 GMT
Naspers profitability jumps 84%, free cash flow up US$2bn in 3 years
Naspers announces a landmark FY26, showcasing an 84% surge in ecosystem profitability and record free cash flow of US$1.5bn. The company highlights the success of its AI-powered Lifestyle Ecosystem, with all regional operations now profitable, and si...

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:09:09 GMT
Prosus profitability jumps 84%, free cash flow up US$2bn in 3 years
Prosus reports a landmark FY26, showcasing strong financial results, disciplined capital allocation, and accelerating AI innovation. The company's AI-powered Lifestyle Ecosystem, spanning delivery, finance, and experiences, achieved profitability acr...

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT
To honour Mbeki is to reclaim the African voices history tried to bury
This tribute to President Thabo Mbeki on his 84th birthday goes beyond mere praise, focusing instead on his life's work of returning African people to the centre of their own history and reclaiming the continent's intellectual and cultural inheritanc...

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:10:30 GMT
What consumers want from connectivity today – and how operators are responding
Consumer expectations for mobile and home connectivity are rapidly shifting, driven by the ease and flexibility of digital-first and subscription-based services. This article explores how network operators are responding to the demand for real-time c...

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