A confidential draft PwC forensic report obtained by the Mail & Guardian has raised questions about the calculation used to settle the long-running Lanseria Airport dispute, findings that appear to lie behind the Public Investment Corporation’s decision to continue pursuing…
South Africa, rich in solar and wind resources with billions ready for investment, faces a critical bottleneck: a severe lack of power lines and an opaque grid access queue. This energy paradox, highlighted at a recent Webber Wentzel Power Breakfast, is stalling the nation's…
What began as an arbitration over Lanseria Airport has escalated into a major governance crisis for the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), involving a whistleblower complaint against its CEO, a R1 billion legal threat, and intervention from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
There is a trend, uniquely South African, with retired politicians. Unlike retired teachers, retired engineers or retired surgeons, they never seem to retire. They merely disappear for a season into comfortable obscurity before emerging from their political hibernation to remind…
Malawi's ongoing parliamentary inquiry into the 2024 military plane crash that killed former vice-president Saulos Chilima has exposed a significant flaw in earlier probes: none reviewed internal reports from the institutions responsible for operating and regulating the…
South Africa must urgently address escalating plastic pollution to avert a devastating crisis impacting humans, oceans, and aquatic life. The Water Research Commission issues a stern warning, calling for collective action from government, communities, individuals, and businesses.
A whistleblower has alleged that the eThekwini metro police department operates as a criminal enterprise, controlled by a powerful cabal that recruits relatives and politically connected individuals. These claims surface after the arrest of metro cop Zwile Ximba, charged with…
A groundbreaking study led by South African scientists has uncovered thriving microbial communities within Antarctica's vast winter sea ice. These microorganisms produce compounds linked to climate-cooling gases, challenging previous assumptions and highlighting the frozen…
Citroën's new Basalt enters South Africa's crowded compact SUV market with distinctive styling, generous space, and one of the most comfortable rides in its class. We find out whether this French contender has what it takes to stand out.
A 22-year-old South African HIV activist, born with the virus, shares her powerful perspective on living with HIV and calls on world leaders at the High-Level Meeting on HIV/Aids to include young people's lived experiences in their decisions and commitments.
As South Africa commemorates World Refugee Day, this article examines the nation's commitment to protecting asylum seekers and refugees. It addresses the challenges of xenophobia, healthcare access, and the need for social inclusion, urging reflection on the right to safety for…
The 2024 El Niño drought severely impacted Southern Africa's energy infrastructure, notably Lake Kariba, exposing the diverse and complex risks investors face across the continent's energy markets. Learn why a jurisdiction-specific approach is crucial for success.
After more than 15 years, hunting safari operator Dawie Groenewald, described as the mastermind behind the world's largest rhino horn trafficking investigation, has been convicted and sentenced in South Africa, bringing a landmark wildlife crime prosecution to a close.
As foreign companies advance projects worth tens of billions of dollars in critical minerals, Malawi's fiscal watchdog projects the government will collect roughly $19 million (R313m) from the entire mining sector this year. Official documents, company disclosures and civil…
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia in their second 2026 Fifa World Cup match. The result, marked by a late equaliser from star-player Teboho Mokoena’s penalty in the 83rd minute after Czechia had taken the lead through Sadílek, breathed…
South Africans are fiercely protective of their bakkies, a market long dominated by Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. But newcomers like GWM's P-Series have shown buyers are open to feature-packed, budget-friendly alternatives. Now, JMC is entering the fray with its Vigus double…
Diagnosed with HIV in 2000 when it was a death sentence for many Africans, the author reflects on 25 years of the fight against the epidemic. Ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/Aids, she stresses the urgent need for ambitious, funded, and enforceable commitments to…
Dive into a no-holds-barred review of 'The Polygamist', the 22-episode telenovela that promises shock and awe but ultimately leaves viewers emotionally drained. Discover why this series, featuring characters like Joyce and Jonasi, starts strong as trash TV but struggles to…
A child of Tembisa reflects on Youth Day, contrasting the 1976 fight against apartheid with the contemporary struggles of young people for economic and social freedom amidst unemployment and lack of opportunity, as seen through a poignant encounter in the township.
The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is embroiled in a significant governance crisis, stemming not from a recent whistleblower complaint, but from a long-standing dispute over Lanseria Airport. This saga has evolved into a broader contest over authority, oversight, and…
As quantum computing edges closer to practical reality and artificial intelligence continues to accelerate, Singularity South Africa has announced another wave of influential speakers for the 2026 Summit, taking place in collaboration with Old Mutual and metaverse partner UBU,…
A poignant reflection on the life and legacy of jazz maestro Abdullah Ibrahim, delving into his complex personality, his resistance to being defined by 'Mannenberg', and his profound journey of identity through music. This article offers an intimate look at the man behind the…
A vibrant vogue-opera celebrates anti-apartheid and LGBTQ+ activist Simon Nkoli, blending history, spectacle and political resistance with dazzling theatrical flair. The production, 'Nkoli: a fierce and fabulous life', honours a lesser-known but crucial figure in South Africa's…
Sophie Joans and Mxolisi Masilela, both recipients of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans recognition, are theatre-makers who built their own spaces in the industry. Now, they bring their founding energy to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, helming the…
Santu Mofokeng's photographs invite viewers to slow down and recognise the humanity of people beyond their circumstances. His work, which challenged conventional struggle photography, is celebrated in the 'Rumours/2026' exhibition, reminding us how he captured life as it was…
Thandi Moagi's debut novel, Wisani and the Bafokeng Brothers, draws inspiration from the vibrant streets of Soweto and the mountainous landscapes of Lesotho. This compelling story explores themes of love, loyalty, family, and survival within a dangerous underworld, captivating…
Get ready for a dose of local entertainment! 'Dear Sis Dolly' brings heart and humour to South African cinemas, while jazz vocalists Rorisang Sechele and Somi release their latest captivating music. Discover the stories behind these exciting new releases.
Malawi ranks third in Africa for public confidence in its courts, according to the Afrobarometer Round 10 survey. However, this high trust masks a severe structural crisis where poverty, understaffing, and incomplete reforms deny most Malawians real access to justice, raising…
Explore 'The Trials of Winnie Mandela', a Netflix documentary that offers an authentic, nuanced portrayal of one of South Africa's most fascinating and contested figures. Co-produced by her granddaughters, Swati Dlamini-Mandela and Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, the film confronts…
South African billionaire Robert Gumede and Zimbabwean deal-maker Rute Moyo have joined forces through their Vision Sugar Group to rescue the beleaguered sugar giant Tongaat Hulett Limited (THL). The withdrawal of a liquidation application signals a sweet victory for the…
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis’s decision to seek sweeping changes to the party’s representation in the government of national unity (GNU) has ruffled feathers and triggered anger and confusion among senior party leaders. Insiders describe the move as a…
South Africa is hurtling towards a precipice pushed by a toxic mix of economic despair, populist political posturing and systemic state failure that threatens to ignite widespread social instability, while a government caught unaware implements a “microwave solution” to its…
A crucial agreement between the Robert Gumede-led Vision Group and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has successfully halted the liquidation of Tongaat Hulett Limited (THL), rescuing the SADC region's sugar industry from collapse and protecting thousands of jobs.
The violent death of Gcina Dhladhla at her Rosebank workplace is not an isolated incident but a stark revelation of systemic violence and exploitation woven into the fabric of South African institutions, reminiscent of the apartheid workplace regime. This article explores how…
Despite significant challenges including visa bans and exorbitant prices for tickets and accommodation, African teams are making a powerful statement at the World Cup. This tournament is proving to be a showcase of maturity and competitive spirit, with notable draws and wins…
The international community is finalising frameworks for the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, but a stark technological cleavage has emerged. The Global North uses advanced algorithmic systems at more than double the rate of the Global South, highlighting a structural divide…
A Zimbabwean expert argues that Africa's approach to China regarding critical minerals is outdated, rooted in Cold War politics and anti-colonial solidarity. The article contends that African governments must adopt a strategic, business-focused mindset to secure their own…
The cultural expectation of "Indoda must" (a man must provide) in South Africa has become a significant financial burden for many men, deeply influencing how worth, love, and responsibility are judged within relationships and society.
This article reflects on the growing trend of academic populism in higher education, particularly in South Africa, and its impact on genuine transformation. It argues that separating the language of transformation from ethical practices undermines critical reason, fair process,…
In November 2025, South Africans united against gender-based violence. Yet, a troubling shift sees some women leading anti-foreigner campaigns, raising questions about who truly counts as a woman worth protecting and the true meaning of solidarity in the nation.
Drawing parallels with Donald Trump's presidency, this article explores the potential emergence of a similar leader in South Africa and outlines critical steps citizens can take to protect their democracy. It highlights dangerous leadership traits and the importance of voter…
The 10th African Peace and Security Annual Conference (Apsaco) in Rabat, Morocco, reviewed a decade of Africa's evolving security landscape. Experts discussed persistent conflicts, governance challenges, peacekeeping evolution, terrorism, technological impacts, and environmental…
The future of water security in South Africa will not be secured by infrastructure alone. It will be secured by people. More specifically, it will be secured by a generation of young South Africans equipped with the skills, opportunities, confidence and determination to build,…
The attack on Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra highlights a deeper objective in the Russia-Ukraine war: to erase memory and reshape historical narratives. This article explores why cultural heritage is a critical battleground in Russia's imperial project.
Zimbabwe is once again grappling with how leaders gain, maintain, and transfer power. Proposed constitutional amendments by the ruling Zanu-PF party aim to extend presidential terms and remove direct presidential elections, sparking a national debate.
Parliament’s impeachment committee has decided to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s bid to halt the impeachment proceedings over Phala Phala. Ramaphosa asked the Western Cape High Court for an urgent interdict after he challenged the validity of the Section 89 Independent Panel…
Growing criticism across Africa questions South Africa's handling of migration, with countries like the Republic of Congo and Malawi initiating repatriation. The backlash is impacting South African businesses and artists, raising concerns about the nation's commitment to African…
Cash-strapped Merafong City Local Municipality has spent almost half its R2.6 billion annual budget on professional services while failing to service its water and electricity bills. Senior sources allege conditional grants meant for service delivery were used for salaries,…
BYD's entry into South Africa has dramatically reshaped the new-energy vehicle (NEV) landscape. After initially withholding sales figures, BYD's recent disclosure to Naamsa revealed its significant market impact, including record-breaking EV sales led by the affordable Dolphin…
The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) board has formally assumed oversight of a whistleblower complaint against chief executive Patrick Dlamini following a special meeting with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, amid an escalating dispute that has already triggered a forensic…
South African pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini will perform music from his new album, The Myth We Choose, in Cape Town this Friday ahead of its release on Blue Note Records. Co-produced with his son Thingo, the album delves into how music shapes cultural memory and how…