A recurring refrain in discourses about the state of South African education is that the school system is not producing enough matriculants with adequate skills in mathematics and science, especially in the higher grade. Another is that too few young people are choosing careers in science and technology. Can an ancient fish make education sexy? Maureen Brady finds out.

Just what is it that makes this place so special? Once upon a time, long, long ago, a golden age flourished in Southern Africa. <i>Earthyear</i> explores the magic and mystery of Mapungubwe.

"Our main aim is to increase the tourism economy of Johannesburg. We’re starting off a strong base — six million tourists come into the city per annum. The total value of this to the economy is valued at R7-billion. The question is: how do we get more tourists?" Deon Viljoen, CEO of Johannesburg Tourism Company, speaks to <i>Earthyear</i> about his role in putting Johannesburg on the world map.

"I heard a solitary lion roar close by in the early hours of my first night (which had left spoor through the camp just the night before), a hyena laughing the following morning, fish eagles while I was enjoying my very first cup of morning coffee next to the campfire…". A few days at Sebe-Sebe’s bush camp restores an <i>Earthyear</i> journalist’s soul.