Mthethwa’s Paris death; Malema found guilty; and does giving to beggars help?

The Weekend Wrap

Nathi Mthethwa's Paris death, Julius Malema’s firearm verdict, and does giving money to beggars make their lives better? All in the Weekend Wrap.

Nathi Mthethwa’s silent and untouchable hand behind illegal Zuma, State Capture prosecutions

The late former minister and South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was seriously implicated in several commissions, including the ongoing Madlanga Commission.

By Marianne Thamm

Tembisa Hospital and the shocking cost of corruption

In any ordinary company, if the costs of one section had jumped the way they did at Tembisa Hospital, someone would have gone to investigate. Why wasn’t it caught sooner?

By Stephen Grootes

Julius Malema’s firearm verdict and the EFF’s fork in the road

The finding by the East London Magistrates’ Court that EFF leader Julius Malema is guilty of an offence for firing a firearm at a rally in 2018 could be a significant step in the continued weakening of his party. But, if he can convince supporters he has been unfairly treated, he might well turn the appeals process into a campaigning tool ahead of the local elections.

By Stephen Grootes

Sea Point’s broken promises — no place for old locals ​

The famous restaurants, bars and cafes of old Sea Point are all closing, making way for a development scape of absentee landlords, micro apartments and short-term rentals. The suburb’s gentrification, which began with a war on its homeless people and working class, is now pushing out its middle-income earners too. Could this be the Cape Town of the future, a place where ‘community’ is a thing of the past?

Kevin Bloom

The Weekend Wrap

Nathi Mthethwa's Paris death, Julius Malema’s firearm verdict, and does giving money to beggars make their lives better? All in the Weekend Wrap.

Nathi Mthethwa’s silent and untouchable hand behind illegal Zuma, State Capture prosecutions

The late former minister and South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was seriously implicated in several commissions, including the ongoing Madlanga Commission.

By Marianne Thamm

Tembisa Hospital and the shocking cost of corruption

In any ordinary company, if the costs of one section had jumped the way they did at Tembisa Hospital, someone would have gone to investigate. Why wasn’t it caught sooner?

By Stephen Grootes

Julius Malema’s firearm verdict and the EFF’s fork in the road

The finding by the East London Magistrates’ Court that EFF leader Julius Malema is guilty of an offence for firing a firearm at a rally in 2018 could be a significant step in the continued weakening of his party. But, if he can convince supporters he has been unfairly treated, he might well turn the appeals process into a campaigning tool ahead of the local elections.

By Stephen Grootes

Sea Point’s broken promises — no place for old locals

The famous restaurants, bars and cafes of old Sea Point are all closing, making way for a development scape of absentee landlords, micro apartments and short-term rentals. The suburb’s gentrification, which began with a war on its homeless people and working class, is now pushing out its middle-income earners too. Could this be the Cape Town of the future, a place where ‘community’ is a thing of the past?

Kevin Bloom

Watch – Minister Tolashe pulls back on senior hire, yet questions remain over employee

Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe’s controversial senior appointment has been rescinded – but young Lesedi Mabiletja still holds a job in the department that she remains unqualified for. Daily Maverick’s Rebecca Davis explains.

Rebecca Davis

Questions Senzo Mchunu may have to answer at the Madlanga Commission

After nine days of testimony at the Madlanga Commission into police corruption, it is becoming increasingly clear that sidelined Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has some difficult questions to answer.

By Rebecca Davis

The radio clash between Zille and Mdoda that exposed our racial fault lines in politics

The heated exchange revealed a point of inflection in political dynamics and how the issue of race that has shaped the country will not go away simply because people refuse to talk about it.

By Zukiswa Pikoli

Boks to show tactical hand in two New Zealand ‘finals’ in Auckland and Wellington

Coach Rassie Erasmus has marked the end-of-year tour matches against Six Nations champions France and northern rivals Ireland as season-defining, but the next two Tests in Aotearoa may well shape this great team’s legacy.

By Jon Cardinelli

Spring into renewal — tapping into the energy of the season

Every year is divided neatly into four seasons, each with its own unique purpose and energy. In nature, colours change, the temperature increases or decreases, and daily activities adjust – all in accordance with a rhythm that is time-tested, and true. These seasonal cycles affect us profoundly, and have a significant impact on our mood, our energy and our sense of resolve.

By Louise Janovsky

WATCH — Giving money to beggars: does it make their lives better?

We asked beggars, the City of Cape Town and homeless organisations what they think about giving money to homeless people.

By GroundUp Staff

Ramaphosa demands Israel free South African activists seized on Gaza flotilla

Global Sumud Flotilla organisers say an estimated 443 flotilla volunteers are expected to arrive at Ashdod, in southern Israel, where they are expected to be ‘processed under illegal detention’.

By Victoria O’Regan

Proteas Women keen to start World Cup on strong note against England

South Africa face a tough challenge in their opening Women’s Cricket World Cup fixtures.

By Keanan Hemmonsbey

WATCH — Giving money to beggars: does it make their lives better?

We asked beggars, the City of Cape Town and homeless organisations what they think about giving money to homeless people.

By GroundUp Staff

In Pictures: Jane Goodall — A life devoted to chimpanzees and conservation

Jane Goodall, who passed away on 1 October 2025, was a pioneering primatologist known for over six decades of groundbreaking research on wild chimpanzees at Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and the Roots & Shoots youth programme in 1991, and championed wildlife conservation, animal welfare, sanctuaries, and reforestation projects. In 2002, she was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

By Daily Maverick Photo Team

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Saying goodbye twice and sharing reflections from The Kasi Cook

From a kitchen disaster with amagwinyas to becoming The Kasi Cook, this final column shares lessons learned, cooking insights, and a festive prawn cocktail recipe to celebrate a delicious journey.

By Ray Mahlaka

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