In a series of powerful videos, South Africans of all kinds share their experiences of finding out they were HIV-positive, and how being open about their status helped them fight the stigma of the virus and find real support from true friends and family. Cindy Pivacic, 56 Ten years ago, Cindy Pivacic’s partner infected her […]

On yesterday’s World Aids Day 2014, the South African National Aids Council (Sanac) called on all the people of the country to join its campaign for the next 12 months: Zero Stigma, Zero Discrimination.   World Aids Day, commemorated on 1 December every year, gives all communities the opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV, […]

A young South African is making his country (and sister) proud in Las Vegas this weekend, after being selected to represent South Africa and the African continent, for the very first time, in the SuperKarts Supernationals World Finals in the USA! Sixteen-year-old Ewan Taylor is competing against the best drivers from around the world, including the likes of […]

The International Kite Festival kicked off today in Muizenberg with brilliant blue-sky conditions providing the perfect backdrop to showcase those kites. Zaahid Appoles and Robyn Gwilt were there to capture the photographs on this page – from Cape Town-loving kites to international flags, Pegasus, a shark, a dragon (of course!)…and many more. “I woke to a really calm, windless morning….but […]

Fashion designer, pop star, wife of the world’s most famous football player – and now UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador – Victoria Beckham has pledged to help the “wonderful” young women  in Soweto and to raise awareness about the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV. The former Spice Girl was moved to make the announcement during her […]

Countries around the world are taking part in the Global March for Elephants and Rhino this weekend, with South Africa’s Soweto making history as it becomes the first time ever that the people of Soweto – who have marched so many times over the years – will now march together for animals. That is how serious the situation […]

Storytelling is the new rock n roll, says Rian Malan. Known for his own expert storytelling, his latest project, with Ann Toerien, is bringing out the stories of Johannesburg. Invited artists will tell their tales of the city of gold in The Unbelievable Truth, four themed evenings about life in Jozi. To some, Johannesburg is […]

Congratulations to South African surfer Jordy Smith who has just won the 2014 Hurly Pro Championship at Trestles in Clemente, Southern California! The Durban surfer beat Hawaiian John John Florence in the Final to take the title. John John beat USA champ Kelly Slater in the semi-finals while Jordy out-surfed Australian Adrian Buchan. Jordy wasn’t sure until […]

Watch Day 2 of the Oscar Pistorius trial live. Judge Masipa is currently delivering judgment in the trial that has captivated the attention of the nation and parts of the world. LIVE VIDEO: Oscar Pistorius Verdict Day 2 For those (eg. in Germany) who can’t see the stream above, please follow Suzanne Brenner (@prowriting) who will be […]

The challenges of social integration were increasing, and it was essential to update democracy. “We must take on the challenges of the future, not just consolidate our wins.” Chilean President Michelle Bachelet expressed these sentiments in delivering the 12th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, in the City Hall, Cape Town, on Women’s Day – 9 August. […]

A fusion of African and European cuisine will be a feast for the eye and a temptation for the taste bud at the inaugural Mzansi International Culinary Festival, taking place from 7 to 10 August. It has been planned to celebrate the culinary expertise of female chefs from across the globe – Europe, the Americas, […]

South African comedian Trevor Noah has announced today that he will be returning to Australia and New Zealand in 2014, much to the delight of many expats who have been begging him to head back after his previous sold-out shows. The South African comedian, who has been embraced by foreigners abroad as well South Africans everywhere, has […]

One of South Africa’s toughest endurance races is the Berg River Canoe Marathon, which starts in mid-July. It’s tough because paddlers sit in their boats for some 60 gruelling kilometres each day of the four-day race, paddling in the middle of winter in a river that is at times blocked by trees and requires paddlers […]

South African expat Samantha Gross is organising a get-together for all South Africans in Europe next weekend. She left SA in July 2004 at the age of 33 to move to Germany with her German husband and has been back on holiday regularly. Samantha says since moving to Germany she feels the “need to promote South […]

Legendary rock band the Foo Fighters have posted two videos regarding the announcement of their first ever South Africa tour. They’re both short…but of course, not sweet! (Watch videos below.) The Foo Fighters have confirmed two stadium dates in South Africa for December 2014 where fans will be entertained with 20 years worth of Foo […]

The Franschhoek Literary Festival is one of the Groot Menere of all South African litfests. As authors of the Karoo Keepsakes series, my wife Jules and I normally hang out at smaller gatherings, like the Richmond Boekbedonnerd affair, the Schreiner Karoo Writers Festival at home here in Cradock and WordFest in Grahamstown. In fact, we’ll […]

Why vote? Am I eligible to vote? Where do I vote? What are my rights as a voter? Read our plain English answers to these and many more questions about South Africa’s 2014 elections. Jump to: Before election day On election day After election day Before election day 1. Why vote in the elections? By […]

Right now, the little town of Bedford in the Eastern Cape is frantically a-bustle under its normal serene exterior. The Old Gaol is being festooned. Various kitchens around town are being tarted up. Wine is being ordered in. Guest house duvets are being fluffed. The newly-renovated Duke of Bedford Hotel is looking too grand for […]

The books team at the Sunday Times has put together a list of the top South African books that they believe give readers insight into the country’s transition into a free and democratic nation. Here we highlight the past 20 years of winners of the Sunday Times Alan Paton Award, South Africa’s premier literary award. Named for […]

South African players received a favorable draw when the official draw procedures for the Airports Company South Africa Gauteng Open were concluded on Tuesday at the Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni. Stephane Houdet of France tops the men’s seeds and is scheduled to meet arch rival Gordon Reid of Great Britain in the final. […]

Cape Town is the design capital of the world and in true, cutting edge form, South Africa’s first fashion film event will be hosted in the city. The lavish Mercedes-Benz Bokeh International Fashion Film Festival will run from 5 to 7 June. The Mother City, known for its beauty, vineyards and international jet setters who […]

Two South African women have made their marks as leading powerhouses in the technology industry, earning a place on the respected Forbes 10 Female Tech Founders to Watch in Africa list. Barbara Mallison and Annette Muller have flourished in Africa’s largely male dominated tech scene, after spearheading successful, innovative companies that set a new standard […]

After taking taking on the gruelling, eight-stage Absa Cape Epic, cross country world champion Nino Schurter is working on making a swift turnaround as he prepares for the opening round of the 2014 UCI MTB World Cup, presented by Shimano, which takes place in Pietermaritzburg from 11 to 13 April.  During the exhausting adventure through […]

Top South African female referee and former Springbok women’s rugby stalwart Marlize Jordaan was on Friday named as one of eight international women’s referees to officiate matches at the 2014 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in France in August. Sole South African In total, 14 match officials were unveiled by the International Rugby Board (IRB), […]

South African surfer Grant “Twiggy” Baker has been crowned the Big Wave World Tour (BWWT) world champion after racking up more than double the number of points of any of his competitors during the 2013/14 BWWT season. ‘I gave it my all’ “I gave it my all this year, basically put my personal life on […]