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South Africa · 1562 articles

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mail-guardian9h ago

Matlala remains mum on police connections

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has refused to answer questions regarding his ties to top SAPS officials and pending IDAC investigations, asserting his right against self-incrimination. Read the full article

mail-guardian2d ago

The man who dreamt up Century City

Martin Wragge, a South African property developer, is the enigmatic force behind some of Cape Town's most iconic developments, including Century City, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, and Ratanga Junction. Despite his significant impact, little is widely known about the man who transformed swampland into thriving mixed-use hubs, faced immense challenges, and ultimately reshaped the city's landscape. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

How 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 and his connections to key figures in the ongoing inquiry. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

‘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 the allegations, calling them fictional. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

How 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 economic reforms, including cuts to fuel and electricity subsidies, which had triggered a jump in the cost of living. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

The 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 produce world-class talent and deliver championship success. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Making ‘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 developed elsewhere can resonate with local audiences, yet delivers a tale of blood, bullets, and brotherhood reimagined through a South African lens. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Our 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, where political mobilisation often overshadows the essential work of governing and strengthening state institutions. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Bold 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 across the continent. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Gaza 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 dispossession and resistance, challenging the continent's shift from radical solidarity to diplomatic pragmatism. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Why 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. Read the full article

mail-guardian5d ago

Adams 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 Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi should be investigated instead. Adams also accused Mkhwanazi and Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo of colluding and abusing power. Read the full article

mail-guardian5d ago

Cancel 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 empower women in the country. Read the full article

mail-guardian5d ago

Adams 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 Commission Chairperson Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga presented evidence contradicting Adams' claims. Read the full article

mail-guardian12h ago

South African Arts honoured at the National Arts and Culture Awards

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture celebrated South Africa's top creative talent at the 2026 National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) held at Sun City Resort, honouring competitive winners across six disciplines alongside legendary cultural icons. Read the full article

mail-guardian14h ago

70 years after the Women’s March, the baton is still being passed

Decades after the historic 1956 Women's March, prominent South African women leaders from across generations gathered to reflect on the ongoing journey from political protest to boardroom power, stressing that leadership is about creating pathways for others. Read the full article

mail-guardian3d ago

ANC-SACP rift widens

As tensions rise between the SACP and the ANC ahead of local government elections, SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila has strongly criticised the governing party's neoliberal policies and coalition governance, though analysts view the rift as recurring political rhetoric. Read the full article

mail-guardian3d ago

Who 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 recognition, safeguarding our artists’ intellectual property has never been more important. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Rowlene 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. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

A 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 calls for a shift towards policies that address systemic inequalities rather than merely policing poverty. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

When 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 institutional biases that make leadership more costly for some and calls for systemic change. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Kelebogile 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 histories embedded in our everyday lives. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

The 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 across continents shaped his unique artistic perspective. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Serving 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 build a capable and impartial administration. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Jozi 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. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Masondo 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 about whether directors had access to all the information required to exercise oversight during the institution's governance crisis. Read the full article

mail-guardian5d ago

When 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 of building trusted relationships and collective action to drive progress. Read the full article

mail-guardian5d ago

Foot-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. Read the full article

mail-guardian5d ago

Sardine 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 is solely responsible, with environmental conditions also emerging as possible contributing factors. Read the full article

mail-guardian12h ago

Matlala threatens to walk out of Madlanga as lead counsel falls ill

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala has threatened to approach the courts to halt his testimony before the Madlanga Commission after his senior counsel, Annalise van der Heever, fell ill and could not attend Monday’s proceedings. Matlala told the commission that he was not prepared to be cross-examined without Van der Heever, his lead counsel. Read the full article

mail-guardian14h ago

Justice Minister Lamola Applauded for TRC Cases Role

Former Justice Minister Ronald Lamola testified at the TRC Cases Inquiry, addressing progress made in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes, budget constraints, and the decentralisation of investigations. Read the full article

mail-guardian20h ago

‘Young Leagues are irrelevant’

Popcru president Thulani Ngwenya has questioned the relevance of the ANC Youth League and the Young Communist League, labelling leaders who fail to challenge the status quo as 'factory faults'. Read the full article

mail-guardian3d ago

South 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 visitors and empower smaller businesses in the digital era. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

MK 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 leadership crisis and court challenges in the province. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

When 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 expectations, hindering the nation's transformation and economic growth. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Growing 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, highlighting that growing women's football is central to the future of the game and creates stronger communities. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Editorial: 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 press for its disproportionate and racially biased coverage. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Quiet 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, with millions of rare, endemic succulents illegally harvested and sold globally, pushing species like Conophytum to functional extinction. Efforts to combat this crisis face challenges from porous borders, limited resources, and socio-economic drive...

mail-guardian4d ago

Stop 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 the safety of women and girls. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

See 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 value beyond her disability, advocating for genuine inclusion and investment. Read the full article

mail-guardian4d ago

Angélique 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 significant milestone for her career and African music globally. Read the full article

mail-guardian5d ago

Rwanda’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 hope for endangered species. Read the full article

mail-guardian5d ago

Patronage 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 consequences, weakening the country's capacity to think honestly and govern competently. Read the full article

mail-guardian5d ago

SA 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 a complex balancing act between generating awareness and ensuring equitable access. Read the full article