Democracy 30: Boosting South Africa’s Township and Rural Economies

According to the 2023 research from Accenture Africa, there are more than 150-thousand spaza shops in South Africa with an estimated market size of 178-Billion Rand.  As the nation commemorates 30 years of democracy, there have been growing calls that both rural and township economies be supported …

Democracy 30: South Africa's Westfalia Fruit Makes Historic Avocado Shipment to China

The first container of locally produced avocados by global commercial farmer, Westfalia Fruit, has arrived in China. The historic shipment follows the successful conclusion of bilateral discussions between BRICS member states, South Africa and China. The supplier, with leading avocado farming opera…

Democracy 30: Crime wave cripples Gauteng businesses

The high crime levels in Gauteng have left many businesses reeling and comtemplating closing shop. Many enterprises face severe financial losses due to burglaries and theft, as well as fearing for their safety and those of their families and employees. Those operating in the townships have to conte…

Democracy 30: Limpopo residents call for the reopening of abandoned factories amid rising unemployment and crime

Residents of various townships, which were once home to industrial sites serving as economic hubs across Limpopo during the Bantustan governments, have urged the government to consider reopening the factories. More than fifty percent of the factories in townships like Seshego, Lebowakgomo, and Nkow…

Democracy 30: SABC Radio Stations promote South Africa's linguistic heritage year-round

SABC radio stations, which have amassed millions of listeners, continue to take pride in promoting all 12 official languages of South Africa. The SABC's language policy plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable treatment of all these languages. In Limpopo, the three radio stations—Phalaphala FM, M…

Democracy 30: Rugby as part of South African culture and heritage

As South Africans celebrate Heritage Month, it has become evident that sport is a crucial component of the country's heritage. Sporting codes such as rugby and sporting heroes occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of ordinary citizens. South Africa's success in world rugby, in particular, …

Democracy 30: Celebrating the legacy of Madosini Mphahleni: Pioneer of Xhosa Heritage

A pioneer of Xhosa heritage, Madosini Mphahleni, passed away nearly two years ago in December 2022. However, this musical icon's legacy still stands proud as she singlehandedly introduced the world to the traditional instruments of the Uhadi and Umrhube. She preserved the tradition of playing these…

Democracy 30: Rethinking Identity: Bloemfontein's coloured community speaks out

Some coloured people in Bloemfontein, in the Free State believe the term "coloured" should be scrapped from legislation as it creates more racial division. As the country commemorates Heritage Month, the group feels most South Africans are mixed races. They say their rare culture is a fusion of var…

Democracy 30 : Women break barriers in male-dominated industries in Limpopo

With a high level of unemployment and saturated job markets, more women in South Africa are entering traditionally male-dominated industries. Over the last few years, Limpopo has seen a significant increase in women participating in sectors such as the operation of heavy vehicles and machinery, as …

Democracy 30: Key Legislative Reforms: Recognising Muslim Marriages in the Divorce Act

As South Africa marks thirty years of democracy, we look at some of the legislation that Parliament had to rectify to align with the Constitution. The Divorce Act is one of the laws that needed to be changed to recognize Muslim marriages. The Women’s Legal Centre, a women’s advocacy group, successf…