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The arrival of democracy in South Africa brought with it unprecedented freedom for its media. No longer shackled by the myriad of laws it had to endure under apartheid, the right to freedom of expression had now been enshrined in its new negotiated Constitution
Caravan of Hope Seeks Awareness of Climate Change Impacts
Brandishing a plea for developed countries to make good their promises to reduce carbon emissions, 300 farmers, youths and activists took the scenic route to the COP17 conference in Durban, travelling more than 7,000km from Burundi in 17 days, through 10 eastern and southern African countries, aboard a convoy of buses draped in various national flags
South Africa Launches New HIV, TB Plan
South Africa has chosen World AIDS Day 2011 to launch its new national strategic plan that, for the first time, will guide not only the national fight against HIV but also tuberculosis (TB) until 2016. The document contains several major policy changes, including the immediate provision of lifelong antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to all HIV-positive mothers and TB patients, as well as a focus on positive prevention
Deportation of Zimbabweans Tearing Families Apart
Doreen Sibanda, 27, was among the first undocumented Zimbabwean nationals to be deported in early October 2011 after South Africa apparently lifted its more than two year moratorium on expulsions imposed following widespread xenophobic violence in 2008
Rumpus Over Genetically Modified Food Aid in Africa
Genetically modified food aid bound for Africa has long been a bone of contention among governments, scientists, activists, consumers and aid workers
Deportations of Zimbabwean Migrants Set to Resume
After months of rumor and speculation, South Africa's Department of Home Affairs appears to have quietly lifted a moratorium on deportations of undocumented Zimbabweans who did not apply for legal status through the Zimbabwe Documentation Process (ZDP)
As Egyptians try to organize their future, they would be wise to acknowledge a significant coincidence: President Hosni Mubarak just happened to announce his exit on the 21st anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from political imprisonment in South Africa. There's a sobering message in that happenstance: The toughest job for revolutionaries comes after their revolution has been won
Top Marks for South Africa's World Cup
South Africa has come out with flying colours for hosting one of the most successful World Cups of all time. This was announced by Fifa boss Sepp Blatter at a press briefing after a glittering closing ceremony and nail-biting final match between the Netherlands and Spain the night before
Blueprint for Future Cooperation?
IBSA, comprised of India, Brazil, and South Africa, has improved trade and cooperation among the countries since 2003 IBSA is notable for its South-South cooperation and anti-hegemonic rhetoric However it is not necessarily an easy model for other Southern nations
South Africa's Land Reform Crisis
Under colonialism and apartheid, the ruling white minority stole vast amounts of land from black Africans in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In recent years, as the unaddressed land inequality in Zimbabwe became a pretext for President Robert Mugabe's demagoguery and led to Zimbabwe's demise, many observers have asked: Could South Africa be next?
All Wheat Varieties Will Have To Be Replaced
Winds carried ash clouds from a volcano in Chile thousands of kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean to affect flights in South Africa early this month, so it is possible that the spores of a variant of a deadly mutant fungus, Ug99, a wheat stem rust that surfaced in South Africa in 2009, could travel to Australia - one of the world's four main wheat exporters - in the same way
Maternal Deaths Quadruple In South Africa
A report released by Human Rights Watch shows that maternal deaths have quadrupled in South Africa
Vuvuzela: Symbol of the 2010 World Cup
In the space of four weeks the vuvuzela became the defining sound, shape and buzzword of Africa's first FIFA World Cup. It is on everyone's lips -- both literally and figuratively -- and is likely to gets its place in the Oxford English dictionary some time soon
Perlemoen worth R5m seized in CT
Perlemoen worth about R5m has been seized when police searched a truck in Khayelitsha in Cape Town.
Cosatu backs fired Gautrain drivers
Cosatu Gauteng has pledged its support to over 300 fired non-unionised Gautrain bus drivers blaming labour broking on their situation.
Municipal manager promises to fix PMB
Msunduzi municipal manager Mxolisi Nkosi has promised to fix the beleagured municipality's financial woes.
Man held for selling fake airtime vouchers
A man has been arrested for selling fraudulent airtime vouchers to several businesses in KwaZulu-Natal.
Judge accepts 'scum' apology
A judge has withdrawn a R1m damages claim against a Pretoria businessman after he apologised for telling the judge he was "dishonourable" and "a scum of all scums".
Union 'not liable' for all protest damage
Organisers should not be held solely liable for damage if the necessary steps are taken to prevent harm during public protests, Satawu has told the Constitutional Court.
Search on for KwaZulu-Natal paddler
A search has been conducted offshore from the Port Shepstone beachfront after a paddle ski was found floating out to sea.
Red carpet, regal welcome awaits Zuma
President Jacob Zuma will likely feel like a king coming home as he notices the many preparations for the opening of Parliament and his much-awaited State of the Nation address later.
Kotzé: Protests planned outside court
The ANC Women's League and other women's rights groups are planning to protest outside the Modimolle court where murder and rape accused Johan Kotzé is scheduled to appear.
Mall blast: 3 workers still in ICU
Three workers who were injured in a gas explosion at the Mugg and Bean at the Festival Mall in Kempton Park last week are still in intensive care but are off the danger list, the company says.
Motlanthe to attend ANCYL lekgotla
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is to address the ANC Youth League's lekgotla, but will not discuss the disciplinary actions against ANCYL leaders, his spokesperson says.
Buthelezi seeks election delay
IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi has gone to court to try and stop the upcoming traditional council elections, saying he wants to allow for proper preparations.
Sick lawyer delays Terre'Blanche trial
The trial of two people accused of killing AWB leader Eugene Terre'Blanche has been postponed for a day because one of the defence lawyers is sick.
Child rape crisis concerns E Cape cops
Sexual violence against young children and older people is becoming more frequent in the Eastern Cape and is concerning, the provincial police department says.
3 Zim accident victims identified
Three of the 10 people killed in a crash near Makhado have been identified, according to a Zimbabwean newspaper report.
Enoch Gondongwana quits as MP - report
Former deputy economic development minister Enoch Gondongwana has reportedly stepped down as an MP amid a misconduct probe by the ethics committee.
Alleged killer mom 'pregnant again'
The woman accused of killing her five children last year has appeared in court in Pampierstad, where the gallery was buzzing over her apparent pregnancy.
Man suspended over Facebook post
A senior inspector at the Civil Aviation Authority has been suspended after he allegedly wrote negative comments about his seniors in a Facebook status update.
31 car crashes in heavy Joburg rain
There have been 31 accidents on Johannesburg roads during wet weather on Thursday morning, the city's metro police say.
Teazers ownership battle goes to court
The widow of slain Teazers boss Lolly Jackson and a Durban manager have reportedly taken their fight over the Teazers brand to court.
News24 South Africa
Historical Legacy of Cape Dutch Architecture
The elegant style of architecture that came to be known as Cape Dutch architecture, evolved over a period of time from the 17th century through to the early 19th century. Early Cape Dutch buildings were simple thatched-roof, whitewashed farmhouses. They were generally rectangular in shape, with a wooden frame, wattle and clay walls, and shuttered windows symmetrically placed either side of the central front door. Floors were made of mud or dung inset with peach pits and polished to a shine. Most houses had only two rooms leading off either side of the front hallway, with one used as a living room and the other used for sleeping. As owners became more prosperous, this was reflected in the architecture and only a few examples of this early form Cape Dutch architecture remain, one of which is at the Kleinplasie Museum in Worcester.
Leshiba Wilderness Nature Reserve
Covering an area of around 90,000 hectares, the Soutpansberg Conservancy was established to protect the natural treasures of this beautiful part of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Included in the Soutpansberg Conservancy is the Leshiba Wilderness nature reserve, with its mixed terrain of spectacular gorges, gushing waterfalls, indigenous forests and wide open plains, offering visitors a wide variety of picture-perfect scenery. Hikers will enjoy the challenge of exploring the sandstone mountains, the cultural experience of visiting sites featuring ancient rock art and the thrill of walking among the resident wildlife. Birding enthusiasts are assured of spotting a number of bird species, and a sundowner game drive through the Leshiba Wilderness is the perfect way to end a day of reconnecting with nature.
Tomorrow's Leaders Convention 2012 Adds A New Dimension
With the theme of sustainable leadership and an emphasis on mentorship, the 5th annual Tomorrow's Leaders Convention will add a new dimension to the proceedings at the Sandton International Convention Centre on 13 March 2012.
Tradition and Heritage at Sandstone Estate
The fertile region of the Free State Province located along the little Caledon River on the border between Lesotho and South Africa, is characterized by wide open plains against the backdrop of the sandstone outcrops of the Maluti Mountains. It is here that visitors will find Sandstone Estates and the Sandstone Heritage Trust, a private farming enterprise committed to preserving aspects of South African heritage and tradition which may otherwise disappear. In addition to using traditional farming methods to grow organic produce, the Sandstone Heritage Trust is the home of some of the original steam locomotives which carried goods and passengers along a network of railway tracks, playing an essential role in linking the towns and cities of South Africa in the past.
Explore the Hanglip Hiking Trail
Forming part of the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the Hanglip mountain peak stands out as a prominent landmark which is visible from the N1 national road and the nearby town of Makhado. The Soutpansberg/Hanglip Hiking Trail winds its way through the beautiful indigenous forest, pine plantations and bushveld fauna of the Hanglip Reserve and State Forest, offering hikers some stunning scenery and the opportunity to spot majestic crowned eagles that breed in the area.
Delve into Diamonds at the Cape Town Diamond Museum
Did you know that South Africa produced the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever to be discovered? Do you know what this super-diamond is called and why? Do you know how much it weighed, what the measurement unit is for diamonds, and the origins of the term? These are just some of the fascinating facts you will discover at Cape Town's latest attraction – the Cape Town Diamond Museum.
Durban Buzzes with Activity While Hosting COP17
The vibrant city of Durban is currently hosting the much-publicized UN Convention of Climate Change – COP17 – where representatives from developing and developed countries are trying to reach consensus on how the world should tackle the thorny issue of climate change. A large media presence is ensuring that every aspect of COP17 is being reported, making the public aware of how vital it is for action to be taken now, in the interests of current and future generations. With hundreds of delegates and reporters visiting the popular coastal city, Durban has laid out a host of special activities to entertain its visitors and locals, while at the same time focusing on issues uppermost in everyone's minds – climate change, sustainable development, carbon footprints, and the environment in general.
KwaZulu Cultural Museum – A Tribute to the Zulu Nation
Showcasing an impressive collection of items representing the Nguni-speaking peoples of South-Eastern Africa, the KwaZulu Cultural Museum is located at Ondini, near Ulundi, in the eMakhosini Valley – the Valley of the Zulu Kings – in the KwaZulu Natal Province of South Africa. The museum chronicles the history of the Zulu nation from its roots through to modern times, detailing the lives of great leaders such as Shaka and his successor, Cetshwayo, as well as their belief systems and how the Zulu culture is viewed in the world of today.
Koffiefontein – A Blend of Tradition and History
The small town of Koffiefontein in the southern Free State started off as a stopover spot for transport riders in the 1800s, as they travelled between the coast and burgeoning diamond fields and gold mines up north. The name of the town, translated "Coffee Fountain" is a reference to the strong brew transport riders would make, grinding up their coffee beans and using the water of the natural spring. Upon the discovery of diamonds near the spring in 1870, a town quickly developed as miners started to excavate the ground in the hope of finding more of the high quality diamonds the area became known for.
Dassen Island – African Penguin Haven
Home to some 68,000 African penguins, Dassen Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean around 55 kilometers north of Cape Town and 9 kilometers off the coastline near the West Coast village of Yzerfontein. The island is also home to a functioning lighthouse that has been serving as a beacon for seafarers since it was built in 1893, warning them to be cautious along this treacherous stretch of coastline that is often enshrouded in mist and has claimed a number of victims. Before the building of the lighthouse, shipwrecks were common in this area and the island derives its name from the rock rabbits (dassies) that were released there as a food source for shipwreck survivors.
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