The mafia that has blighted the construction industry in South Africa started its tremors 15 years ago on the construction sites of the Medupi and Kusile power stations. This was the preparatory measure for major bids that took center stage after 2017 regulations required 30% local participation in public works construction projects. These are among … Read more
Matt Hogarty doesn’t see himself as Pollyana. Neither Blessing Newney, LeAnn Nixon James, Ray Jumbo or Stephen Herbst. But in a land of weary people burdened by crime and grime, stumbling over broken sidewalks, dodging potholed streets and suffering through incessant blackouts, their positivity is compelling. Philosophers, priests, and psychologists have long championed the power … Read more
In April, I visited Jordan to learn more about the refugee situation there. Amnesty International stated that Jordan hosts 676,606 Syrians, 65,818 Iraqis, 12,957 Yemenis, 5,522 Sudanese, and 650 Somali refugees. It also hosts two million Palestinian refugees registered with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). … Read more
It took three cable thefts in the local area ascom A substation and several days without electricity for Baba Bblos Libona to decide that enough is enough. Taking the livelihoods of thousands of families into his own hands, he decided to protect the substation himself, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a … Read more
Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, the Citizens’ Alliance for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa, has alleged that Mozambique’s ruling FRELIMO party has deployed a vigilante group in some parts of Manicaland province, allegedly threatening businesses and opposition supporters. The allegations come on the heels of President Emmerson Mnangagwa warning foreigners not to interfere in Zimbabwe’s … Read more
It’s tempting to focus on the Boks’ recent performance in Auckland, and consider what it means with less than two months to go before the World Cup in France. The Springboks recorded their third defeat against New Zealand in five matches during this four-year tournament. Unless Jack Nienapper’s side beat the All Blacks in a … Read more
President Cyril Ramaphosa downed the world of Russian President Vladimir Putin this week after much pressure. Denying him a South African invitation was the price of saving South Africa’s reputation and perhaps also South Africa’s valuable trade concessions with the United States. However, the ramifications of this important decision will likely be felt for some … Read more
During the winter school holidays, my 17-year-old son discovered an old book of mine, a treasure from my turbulent youth in the 1980s, when I felt things falling apart around me. It is a translation by Dr. Jun Wu of an ancient Chinese book written around 400 BC Tao Te Ching. I was fascinated by … Read more
InArt’s bimonthly interviews explore culture by asking creators about their lives in the arts and which artists in other media motivate them. This time it’s Toast Coetzer, journalist and poet, co-founder of The Buckfever underground And co-editor of a beautiful literary magazine Our Klyntji. When did you first know that you are a creative artist? … Read more
Libraries are special spaces that attract everyone who appreciates the magic of reading. When the Jagger Library at the University of Cape Town was set on fire in a runaway fire in 2021, Cindy-Lee McBride and Julia Rensing took proactive steps. Rather than just mourning this priceless loss, they have curated a book that celebrates … Read more