It’s very fitting that as South Africans and the world celebrate the 85th birthday of one of the most inspiring and happiest men in the world, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, it is also World Smile Day. Well wishes have poured in for South Africa’s beloved ‘Arch’ all morning, with an endless stream of photos of […]

The Presidency says it is seriously concerned about the public attacks on President Jacob Zuma by some leaders in the gold mining sector. “While the Presidency respects the rights of citizens and leaders to freedom of speech, the business sector has many avenues to raise whatever concerns and issues it has with government and/or its […]

The surf was UP in Durban this week, with an unexpected East swell that caused havoc, closing beaches yesterday. Local photographers NIC ABERDEIN and CRAIG DOVE captured the action… (UPDATE 12 MARCH 2017: If you’re looking for video and photos of the freak tsunami-like waves that hit Durban beachfront on Sunday 12 March 2017, please click […]

In March this year Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khaylelitsha, Cape Town, received a distressed message from a community member on Facebook who was concerned about an emaciated pit bull. Clinic staff rushed to the scene where they rescued the scared dog… and her three tiny puppies (of which sadly only one survived). They named the dog […]

South African singer Wendy Oldfield has teamed up with a group of youngsters – whom she’s called The Wild Bunch – to release a ‘Reminder to the World’. It’s a soothing, beautiful song with a message from the song-writer to take care of Mother Earth, ourselves and those around us. The inspiring lyrics are particularly relevant […]

Piet van Zyl was on Monday named as replacement for Springbok scrumhalf Rudy Paige, who was ruled out of action because he was still symptomatic following the concussion he suffered in the victory over the Wallabies on Saturday in Pretoria Van Zyl, who plays for the Vodacom Blue Bulls, will join the Springbok later on […]

After light snowfall over the weekend, Snow Report SA did report that more snow was expected in parts of South Africa last night… but nobody expected this much! Photos from Sani Mountain Lodge this morning… on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) / Lesotho Border. Below: Cathkin Estate, Drakensberg. Photo by Dianne Swan – “What a stunning view to wake […]

Amazingly it has snowed again in parts of South Africa, with Facebook page Snow Report SA reporting that there is still the possiblity of “light flurries” tonight in some areas of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands, the Eastern Cape (EC) just west of Matatiele, and on the KZN Drakensberg. Here’s a handful of photos of the beautiful scenes, […]

According to a travel survey, residents of Port Elizabeth are the most reliable in South Africa when it comes to knowledge about London trivia, whilst those in Bloemfontein are most more clued up about English sports and leisure. The survey of 4,000 travellers around the world was to gauge how knowledgeable they were about London. Those in […]

South Africans – particularly those who live in the Eastern and Northern Cape – breathe about the cleanest air in Africa, according to a new WHO report on Air Pollution Exposure. WHO has released the findings from a ‘Country Estimates on Air Pollution Exposure and Health Impact’ study, with a new air quality model, that confirms […]

On Friday (30 September) it was 50 years since Botswana attained independence from British rule. Over the decades, the small landlocked country has been regarded as a role model for success in Africa. It has achieved political stability, democratic government, and remarkable economic growth. The attraction of Botswana and its history is newly reinforced in the film […]

New evidence of Japan’s failure to control illegal ivory trading at a time when Africa’s elephants face extinction is revealed in a damning report released Wednesday*. The report from the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) reveals the identities of four Japanese ivory trading companies that offered to sell elephant tusks to undercover investigators […]

Rudy Paige will make his starting debut for the Springboks on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in the team’s penultimate Castle Lager Rugby Championship fixture of the year The inclusion of Paige at scrumhalf is one of three changes made to the Springbok line-up that started the match against the All Blacks two weeks ago in […]

In South Africa, 210 people die from heart disease every DAY. A lack of awareness around cardiovascular disease means many people go undiagnosed and untreated until it is too late. Paediatric cardiologist and President of the South African Heart Association Dr Liesl Zühlke explained the challenges around cardiovascular diseases to The Conversation Africa. Why is […]

There’s some good news at CITES, the endangered species convention currently underway in Sandton, South Africa – the growth in numbers of the Cape Mountain Zebra population has enabled the species to move off CITES’ most endangered list. South Africa’s proposal to transfer the Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) from Appendix I to Appendix II […]

The impression many people in South Africa, and around the world, have of other parts of Africa are about to be blown away by the magnificent photos that have won the Africa 2016 Photo Competition, held by global logistics provider Agility. The series of photographs show how quickly Africa is modernising, growing… and even leading the […]

South Africans living in London made sure to not miss out on celebrating SA’s Heritage Day on Saturday… with over 300 expats gathering in Wimbledon Park. “We had a fantastic day celebrating our South African heritage together,” says Francine Higham, one of the event organisers. The South African community had received special permission to gather […]

I’ve been based at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) since the massacre (of six rhino) which took place on World Rhino Day. On Monday I was reunited with my awesome friend, rising global artist Toya Delazy (see video below), born Zulu Princess Latoya Buthelezi. As we roamed this great land, memories of Toya’s childhood came flooding back to […]

Who knew we could get lessons in parenting from the king (well queen) of the jungle?! Watch this lion demonstrate magical motherly love… when her little cub wakes her up in the middle of (we’re sure) a much-needed nap! And below is another mother lion disciplining her toddler for its own sake (and safety) without worrying […]

South Africa celebrated the 80th birthday of ‘Mama’ Winnie Madikizela-Mandela last night, with President Jacob Zuma conveying “good wishes and hearty congratulations” to Winnie on behalf of of Government and the nation. The President said: “You dedicated your adult life to the struggle for liberation and sacrificed life’s comforts, flying the flag for freedom and […]

Springboks Damian de Alllende, Lwazi Mvovo and Malcolm Marx were released by the national team on Monday and will be available for Currie Cup selection for this coming weekend. De Allende returns to the DHL Western Province, Mvovo goes back to the Cell C Sharks while Marx, who made his Springbok debut as a second half […]

South Africa’s launching its first ever Garden Day on 9 October 2016… and SuzelleDIY has chipped in to help locals get inspired, with her tips on how to make a pallet swing. South Africans are encouraged to Get Inspired (like visiting the local nursery and watching Suzelle), Share (invite friends and family into your garden) […]

Whilst locals in Port Elizabeth paddled out with their surfboards to celebrate Saturday’s Heritage Day and National Braai Day… a dive centre in Scottburgh found an even more unusual way to mark the occasion! Watch the video below for how KwaZulu-Natal dive center, Scubaxcursion, found a way for their scuba divers to enjoy a braai […]

The late Mduduzi Tshabalala, known to the world as Mandoza, made an enormous civic contribution as a motivation force and nation building brand ambassador through his music, says Communications Minister Faith Muthambi. Thousands of mourners attended the Nkalakatha hitmaker’s funeral at Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, on Friday. The kwaito legend, who died on […]

It’s Heritage Day in South Africa tomorrow… and to help you celebrate we’ve put together a choice of meals that cover some of the Rainbow nation’s varied cultures! So take your pick from Samp & Beans to Cape Malay Koeksisters and Milk Tart (or Melk Tert)… [vc_button title=”1″ color=”default”] Milk Tart There is nothing like a proper […]