South

The conversation about space exploration and technology has taken an intriguing turn with the interest of Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, in the Denel Overberg rocket test site near Arniston, just outside Cape Town. This site could potentially become a launch pad for SpaceX operations, which raises various questions about the future of space activities in South Africa. Developed by the Aerospace Systems Research Institute at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Overberg site has demonstrated its…

The recent tumultuous weather has wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, leaving behind a trail of destruction that no one anticipated. Over 80 homes have been obliterated, and more than 500 families are grappling with the aftermath. The chilling scenes painted by heavy snowfall, fierce winds, and violent hailstorms in KZN speak volumes about nature's unpredictable fury and its impact on fragile infrastructure. Power outages ripple through communities, leaving them in darkness and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the…

Tragic Stabbing of Marjama Osman Sparks Community Outcry On the morning of May 31, 2025, Croydon, a vibrant suburb in South London, became the scene of a tragedy that has sent shockwaves through the local community. 26-year-old Marjama Osman, affectionately known as “MJ” by her friends and neighbors, was fatally stabbed, prompting a murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police. As the dust settles on this shocking event, questions about community safety and rising knife violence loom large. Police were alerted to the…

Astronomers utilizing South Africa’s Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope are sounding the alarm regarding potential disruptions to their critical astronomical studies. With the advent of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet project, these scientists are pressing for the government to incorporate stringent protections within any licensing agreements to ensure that their sensitive observations remain undisturbed. The implications of such a deal extend beyond mere technological advancement; they intertwine with the…

Starlink's Service Interruptions: Understanding the Impact and Challenges in South Africa Recently, a wave of unsettling emails swept through the inboxes of customers subscribed to Starlink’s Roam Unlimited and Global Roaming packages. The messages delivered unwelcome news: accounts had been terminated due to utilization in an “unauthorized territory.” One particularly alarming excerpt read: “You are currently using Starlink in an unauthorized territory. As a result, your service will be suspended…

The Growing Challenge of Business Closures in South Africa As we step into 2024, South Africa finds itself grappling with a troubling trend: the continued rise in business closures. In April alone, over 100 companies faced liquidation, marking a 13.2% increase compared to the same time last year. This statistic isn't just a number; it reveals the deep-rooted challenges that continue to plague the South African business environment. Digging deeper into the data, we see a notable increase in voluntary…

South Africa's Telecom Landscape: A Controversial Shift in Policy Recently, the Financial Times reported significant developments in South Africa’s telecommunications policy, initiated by the government's Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi. He announced a plan that would permit telecom companies, including Starlink, to bypass the mandated 30% Black ownership requirement through measures such as ‘equity equivalence’. This initiative proposes that these companies might engage in local partnerships, create jobs, or…

Recently, South Africa has been added to the growing list of countries under a 'Level 2' travel alert, joining Namibia, Botswana, Belgium, Greenland, Denmark, and Germany. This classification encourages travelers to exercise increased caution while navigating these regions. As of the May 27 update, South Africa’s designation comes amidst mounting diplomatic tensions between the United States and the nation. But what does this classification truly mean for prospective travelers? A Level 2 alert indicates a…

In a remarkable display of civic engagement, South Koreans are queuing in record numbers to participate in the upcoming presidential election. This surge in voter turnout is largely a response to the political chaos triggered by the former leader's ill-fated declaration of martial law. The nation finds itself striving to move past months of political instability that began with Yoon Suk Yeol's suspension of civilian rule last December, an act that ultimately led to his impeachment and removal from office. As a result,…

The landscape of South African politics underwent a seismic shift one year ago. In the wake of the national and provincial elections, no single party emerged with the definitive majority that has long characterized the nation's governance. The year 2024 will be remembered as a historic turning point; for the first time since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) found itself without its traditional parliamentary dominance. This unprecedented scenario paved the way for a coalition government,…