Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Lesego Chepape

Creator

Lesego Chepape

Lesego Chepape is a climate reporting fellow, funded by the Open Society Foundation for South Africa

Aphiwe Sithole is building a new language for African luxury

Founded by Aphiwe Sithole, Cape Town's SITHOLE Luxury House is redefining African luxury on global runways with narrative-driven, limited-edition eyewear.

Petrol-head: Stacey-Lee May represents the feminine side of speedsters
unafraid to rev it up in the mechanic world of spinning. Photos: Supplied

Stacey-Lee May wants spinning to take its place on the world stage

Eldorado Park spin and stunt driver Stacey-Lee May is breaking barriers in motorsport, championing women behind the wheel, and taking South Africa's homegrown car spinning…

Song: Dr Buselaphi Gxowa, a celebrated voice in Maskandi and a keeper of amahubo, which means chants, songs or hymns. Photos: Supplied

Dr Buselaphi Gxowa: a living blueprint of Maskandi

Across nearly three decades and 21 awards, Maskandi icon Dr Buselaphi Gxowa reflects on challenging gender misconceptions in traditional music, preserving amahubo and inspiring…

Celeste Ntuli, pictured, and Siphelele "Pele Pele" Mchunu will host the show. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: Crowned: The Comedy Shutdown hits The Market Theatre, Easy Freak releases Only Like You Do and Mahikeng FM launches #MakeMaftownGreatAgain

Explore the latest in local culture with a comedy showdown at The Market Theatre, Mahikeng FM's creative economy initiative, and Easy Freak's latest single.

Dolly Parton, country music legend, dies at 80

Country music icon and global philanthropist Dolly Parton has died in Nashville at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer.

Gig Guide: She Bellows Comes to East London, Kwanda Mahlombe  releases Ungayeki and Kaza Kamba returns to The Market Theatre

Explore the vibrant arts scene with an interactive theatre experience in East London, the return of the Kaza Kamba Pan African Theatre Festival in Johannesburg, and Kwanda…

Home ground advantage: Award-winning sculptor Kelebogile Marope has found that the home setting can inspire a creative spark. Photos: Supplied

Kelebogile Marope sees the stories we leave

Kelebogile Marope, the 2026 FNB Art Prize winner, shares her disbelief and profound insights into her art practice. From Botswana, she discusses her work which excavates memory…

True grit: Lindiwe Nkuna-Kgopa’s journey has earned her the 2026 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award.

Bold enough to rewrite the industry

Lindiwe Nkuna-Kgopa refused to accept the absence of women-owned, industrial-scale sanitary pad manufacturers in South Africa. Her determination led to the creation of Africa's…

Angélique Kidjo receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first African musician to achieve this prestigious recognition. She…

 Tyla was honoured with the AfriPure International Achievement Award.

Sama32 celebrates South Africa’s musical excellence, diversity and global influence

The 32nd South African Music Awards (Sama32) concluded its Homecoming Edition at Sun City, honouring the rich diversity and evolution of South African music over two nights. The…

Life lessons: Matau’s story is one of resilience, community and an almost stubborn belief in what is possible. Photo: Supplied

Hloni Modise Matau is giving women their flowers, now

Hloni Modise Matau, founder of the Basadi in Music Awards, has dedicated years to building a platform that celebrates women in an industry that often overlooks them. Her story is…

Preview: Get a glimpse of Rorisang Sechele’s latest work shaped by growth, healing and self-discovery. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: Rorisang Sechele’s In Full Bloom at Untitled Basement, Gert-Johan Coetzee launches fragrance line and Zakes Bantwini takes Afro House to Anjunadeep

Get your essential dose of South African arts and culture news, featuring jazz vocalist Rorisang Sechele's upcoming 'In Full Bloom' performance, Grammy-winner Zakes Bantwini's…

Dance: Mbalenhle Mkhatshwa has created a ballet academy that is giving children an opportunity she once lost. Photos: Supplied

Mballet, a garden that grew from concrete

Mbalenhle Mkhatshwa, founder of Mballet Dance Academy, is transforming lives in Tembisa. From her grandmother's backyard, she's created a ballet studio providing children with…

Health advocacy: Nomcebo Dlamini hopes the next generation of women will redefine what leadership looks like. Photo: Supplied

The woman asking South Africa to confront what it has normalised

Nomcebo Dlamini, campaign director of Saapa SA, is leading the charge to challenge South Africa's deeply ingrained drinking culture. She highlights the devastating impact of…

Potent presence: Dr Zakithi Mkhize’s work lives in labs and lecture rooms but also on social media, in schools and in conversations with young women who need to be told: you belong here too. Photos: Supplied

Building belief beyond the laboratory

Dr. Zakithi Mkhize, a virologist specialising in HIV research and founder of Black Girl Scientist Media, is changing perceptions of scientists in South Africa. Through her work…

Resilient: Sissy Obisi Dlamini has never sought recognition for the lives she has quietly held together.

A life built on carrying others

Sissy Obisi Dlamini, affectionately known as Mamkhulu, is a testament to extraordinary resilience. Her life, marked by profound loss and unwavering dedication to others,…

Editorial: Beyond the headlines

In this special Women's Day edition, editor Lesego Chepape reflects on the powerful stories of South African women, highlighting their honesty, courage, and the ripple effect of…

Recognition: The author and her mother, Eva. Photo: Supplied

The women who hold us together

This Women's Day, we honour the remarkable women whose profound contributions often go unnoticed. From community builders to leaders, discover the individuals whose quiet…

Grooving: The trio explore the rich traditions of Afro-Cuban and Latin
jazz through their own contemporary interpretations. Photo: Supplied

Gig Guide: The Ultimate Camping Experience, Lu'Ah Live launches in Cape Town and The Modern Jazz Trio at Centre for Jazz and Popular Music

Discover a diverse array of events across South Africa, from the Modern Jazz Trio's 'A Night in Cuba' in Durban, exploring Afro-Cuban rhythms, to the launch of Lu'Ah Live's…

Inspired: Dr Nontuthuko Mvundla, an aesthetic medical doctor, has built an award-winning practice around a philosophy that sits comfortably between science and art. Photo: Supplied

Dr Nontuthuko Mvundla is redefining African beauty

Award-winning aesthetic medical doctor Dr Nontuthuko Mvundla is challenging conventional beauty standards by placing African identity, artistry, and authenticity at the centre of…