South Africa is changing its Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules in telecom to let companies meet goals by investing in local businesses and creating jobs, instead of just handing over ownership. This new way aims to bring fairness for Black South Africans while inviting more foreign tech companies, like Elon Musk’s Starlink, to join. The move hopes to bring better internet to rural areas and spark fresh innovation, balancing old struggles for justice with the need to grow in a fastchanging world. It’s a bold step that could reshape the country’s economy and digital future.
On the Margins: The Pursuit of Dignity and Water in Cape Town’s Forgotten Communities
In Cape Town’s forgotten communities, people face harsh daily struggles without clean water, toilets, or basic services. Women carry heavy water containers long distances, and unsafe sanitation puts their safety and dignity at risk. Tired of empty promises, residents protest fiercely by blocking roads and burning tyres to be heard. Despite flooding, pollution, and official neglect, the community stays strong, sharing what little they have and demanding to be included in the city’s plans. Their fight is a powerful call for respect, safety, and the simple right to live with dignity.
On 29 May 2025, Cape Town will hold a big property auction with 13 sites across many neighborhoods, from Khayelitsha to Woodstock and Kraaifontein. This auction is special because it helps firsttime homebuyers, encourages new businesses, and supports the city’s growth by putting money into roads and services. It’s a chance for families, entrepreneurs, and investors to bring fresh energy and hope to the city’s streets. With both live and online bidding, Cape Town is opening doors for everyone to be part of its exciting future.
The Vineyard Hotel’s TakeABreather package offers a peaceful escape just outside Cape Town, where guests can slow down and relax amid beautiful gardens and gentle nature. With cozy rooms, tasty breakfasts, and soothing spa treatments, it’s a perfect place to forget the busy world and find calm. Here, time feels softer, and simple moments—like strolling under dappled sunlight or sipping herbal tea—become pure joy. This special offer invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and rediscover the true meaning of rest.
Athlone Power Station in Cape Town stands at a crossroads between honoring its rich industrial past and embracing a greener future. Once a mighty coalpowered giant, its iconic chimneys now watch over a city eager to turn the site into a hub for clean solar energy and innovation. But preserving this history sparks passionate debates, with some fighting to keep its memories alive while others push for urgent renewable development. The battle over Athlone reflects a deeper story about how cities balance memory, progress, and hope for a better tomorrow.
Navigating Uncertainty: The Complex Landscape of SASSA Older Person Grants in South Africa, May 2025
In May 2025, many elderly South Africans face big problems getting their monthly SASSA Older Person Grants. New checks to stop fraud have caused payment delays, while confusing card changes and strict rules make things harder. Pensioners stand in long lines and worry about paying for food and medicine. Though grants recently increased a little, rising costs and slow systems leave many struggling. The system meant to protect them now feels fragile, and their future support hangs in the balance.
Rassie Erasmus changed South African rugby by mixing smart tactics with real kindness. He didn’t just coach players; he cared about them as people, creating a team that felt like family. When the Springboks were at their lowest, he helped them rise up and win two Rugby World Cups. His way of leading showed that true strength comes from respect, unity, and believing in each other. Erasmus proved that great leadership is about both the mind and the heart.
On June 28, 2025, the Springboks and the Barbarians will meet for the first time ever in South Africa, right in Cape Town with Table Mountain watching over the game. This match is special because the Barbarians are a famous team known for their exciting, creative style and inviteonly players from around the world. The game promises to be a thrilling mix of rugby history, skill, and joy, bringing fans together to celebrate the heart and spirit of the sport. It’s not just a match, but a grand rugby festival full of passion and magic.
Cape Town is about to open the exciting Museum of Illusions on Kloof Street, a fun place where art and science come alive through mindbending optical tricks. Visitors can walk through rooms that play with gravity, see endless reflections, and discover how our brains can be fooled by what we see. This interactive museum invites everyone to touch, explore, and learn in a playful way. It’s a fresh, magical experience that turns seeing into an adventure for all ages. Cape Town now joins a global family of museums that celebrate wonder and curiosity.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, is the first American pope, bringing fresh hope to the Catholic Church. His years of humble service in Peru and leadership in the Vatican show his deep care for the poor and a desire to renew the Church. Chosen during a historic moment in Rome, Leo XIV promises a future of unity, compassion, and courage as the Church faces many challenges. His unique journey from Chicago’s neighborhoods to the Andes and then to St. Peter’s Square inspires people around the world.
On May 6, in Kruger National Park’s Mahlangeni Section, a poisoned elephant carcass killed 123 vultures, including Whitebacked, Cape, and Hooded Vultures. These birds, nature’s cleanup crew, were tricked into feeding on toxic meat, causing one of South Africa’s largest vulture poisoning crises. Brave conservation teams raced to save survivors, using helicopters, medicine, and a special “vulture ambulance” to fight this deadly attack. Though many vultures died, the rescue showed hope and sparked stronger efforts to protect these vital birds and the wild spaces they keep healthy.
TEARS Animal Rescue in Cape Town runs the Feed Hungry Pets Programme to help families in poor neighborhoods care for their pets by providing food and support. Many pets face hunger because their owners can’t always afford pet food, and this program stops pets from being given up. Volunteers bring food and advice, keeping pets healthy and homes happy. TEARS shows how kindness to animals also strengthens the whole community, offering hope where it’s needed most.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is fighting hard against corruption in South Africa by accusing Minister Thembi Simelane of approving over R700,000 in fake payments linked to the Kusile Power Plant scandal. They want the police to investigate fully and bring justice. This case has stirred strong feelings because it reminds many South Africans of past scandals and broken promises. With public eyes watching closely, the DA hopes to push for honest leadership and clean government. The battle shows the nation’s deep need for truth and fairness at the highest levels.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Cape Town fights hard to protect animals by rescuing those in danger, teaching people to care, and making sure laws are followed. In a recent case in Heideveld, they saved neglected dogs after warnings to the owner went ignored, showing how they balance kindness with the law. Their work is a powerful reminder that every animal deserves respect and that everyone in the community can help stop cruelty. With ongoing care and courage, the SPCA keeps hope alive for animals in Cape Town.
Good news for drivers in South Africa! Fuel prices might drop in May, giving some muchneeded relief to those feeling the pinch at the pump. This possible decrease comes from falling international oil prices and a stronger rand, which makes fuel cheaper. Recent data shows that there’s been a significant overrecovery in fuel prices, hinting at a second month of savings. As people fill up their tanks, they can feel a glimmer of hope amidst the ups and downs of the economy and global trade.
A recent incident in South Africa stirred up a big debate when the SABC stopped airing the Afrikaans news bulletin for a weekend. Some believe it was just a mistake, while others, like the group AfriForum, think it was a direct attempt to push Afrikaans content aside. This has sparked concerns about the future of the Afrikaans language and culture in the media. Despite the SABC claiming it was an error and not a permanent change, many are still worried about representation and inclusion in South Africa’s diverse society. AfriForum is pushing for more transparency, reminding everyone that language and culture matter deeply in this nation.