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Mail & Guardian

Eastern Cape

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Isinuka healing springs. Image Supplied/Instagram

The microplastics hiding in SA’s sacred waters

A landmark baseline study has discovered microplastic contamination across several sacred freshwater systems in South Africa, including the revered Isinuka Springs near Port St…

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has approved a temporary increase in water abstraction by Rand Water to stabilise Gauteng’s strained municipal water systems (DWS/X)

Majodina apologises after ‘profane’ exchange with Kouga resident

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has issued an apology after a video of her swearing at a resident during a community engagement in the Eastern Cape went viral.

Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Babalwa Lobishe faces defamation suit from Khusta Jack over council remarks

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe faces legal action after struggle veteran and councillor Mkhuseli 'Khusta' Jack filed a defamation lawsuit over comments…

Queen Hoho: An inspirational woman warrior and leader of peace

Exploring the historical legacy of Queen Hoho, the courageous Khoi monarch whose strategic diplomacy with Chief Rharhabe united Khoi and amaXhosa heritage and redefined female…

ANC Eastern Cape crisis deepens: Members demand NEC halt councillor list as IEC deadlines looms

Disgruntled ANC members in the Eastern Cape have threatened legal action against the party's NEC, demanding a halt to the councillor candidate list finalisation amid rising…

ANC elective conference results.

Eastern Cape ANC court battles threaten 2027 national conference

Senior ANC leaders are concerned that ongoing litigation in the Eastern Cape, which has disrupted the provincial conference and seen the Provincial Task Team declared…

SANRAL aims to be a catalyst for the emergence of businesses owned by women

DFFE weighing N2 Wild Coast compliance notice eight months after inspection

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is weighing a compliance notice against Sanral after inspectors found serious environmental non-compliance,…

Amathole East Teachers Lead the Way in Inquiry-Based Science Education

Nearly 60 Natural Sciences teachers from the Amathole East Education District in Eastern Cape are strengthening their ability to inspire scientific curiosity and critical…

Gqeberha Gets a Business Hotel Worth the Trip

Gqeberha's hospitality infrastructure is set to match its economic weight with the opening of The Capital Boardwalk in April 2026. This new property targets business travellers…

Becoming: Bongeziwe Mabandla’s Ndingubani has been gestating for years, waiting for the courage to come into being. Photo: Christopher Saunders

Bongeziwe Mabandla is ready to be fully present

With a new album on the horizon and sold-out shows across the globe, Bongeziwe Mabandla is stepping into the artist he was always becoming

Primary risk: The most important part of scaffolding is the planning, engineering drawings, the load calculations and daily inspections. When the discipline slips, the system becomes vulnerable. Picture: Supplied

Safety vs profit in building sector

Cutting corners while balancing construction pressure and tight deadlines can be fatal

Waiting widow: Noziqhamo Mgidi’s husband died before the settlement was reached. Photos: Delwyn Verasamy

Where are the unions and the ANC for suffering silicosis victims?

Recently, a proposed amendment announced by the Tshiamiso Trust — set up to disburse compensation — now threatens to shut out even more former mine-workers with the disease from…

Spekboom, a hardy, unassuming succulent shrub, has become one of the country’s most quietly powerful climate allies.  (Imperative)

Spekboom restoration at centre of $120m World Bank climate bond

The World Bank has priced a $120m spekboom restoration bond in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, linking investor returns to ecosystem recovery

Privilege: White farmer myth survives while African farmers face a different historical landscape.  Photo Delwyn Verasamy

The great white farmer myth distorts black agrarian input

When foreign governments, organisations or political networks speak about offering South African farmers land, visas or farming opportunities abroad, they should define farming…

Unsafe supply: Qwa Qwa residents use river water to do their laundry. They also collect water from the river for their homes. Photo Delwyn Verasamy

No freedom without water

Across South Africa, communities are marking Freedom Day under the weight of an escalating water crisis, where unreliable supply, contamination and ageing infrastructure continue…