Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Soweto

latest news & developments
Talking film: Opening night at the Soweto Film Market 2025 after the screening of the documentary The People And Mental Health with Leddi G. Radebe (left) leading a discussion with the MTV team led by Monde Twala (second from left). Photos: Supplied.

From Soweto to the world, one film at a time

Founded by presenter and actor Thapelo 'Tabz' Motloung, the Soweto Film Market returns for its second edition, connecting emerging filmmakers with distributors, broadcasters, and…

Thapelo 'Tabz' Motloung

At 28, Thapelo "Tabz" Motloung is building more than platforms for African storytellers — he is creating pathways into an industry that has too often felt out of reach. From film…

How Soweto and Lesotho inspired Thandi Moagi’s breakout debut

Thandi Moagi's debut novel, Wisani and the Bafokeng Brothers, draws inspiration from the vibrant streets of Soweto and the mountainous landscapes of Lesotho. This compelling…

Thinkers: Trevor Tambo (left) and Lunga Williams. Photo: Brian Sokutu

A stamp for Mama Winnie

Former aides reveal how she became the first South African to be honoured on a postage stamp while still alive, and how the 2017 tribute reached her in hospital before her death

The name of Tokyo Sexwale has emerged as a possible contender to succeed ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa. File Photo

Tokyo Sexwale’s name enters ANC succession debate ahead of 2027 elective conference

The ANC succession debate is beginning to take shape ahead of its 2027 elective conference, with former minister Tokyo Sexwale emerging as a possible contender after a lobby…

Resonance: Long before China was thinking about crowds, gigs or longevity, he was thinking about emotion,
about what happens beneath the surface when sound interacts with the human spirit. Photo: Supplied

China’s 20 year journey in sound

China isn’t chasing trends, he’s building legacy, one intentional set, one emotional transition and one timeless story at a time

In circulation: Highly hazardous pesticides, including Terbufos, flood informal markets where they are sold
illegally as cheap, effective pest control. Picture: File

SA moves to ban deadly pesticide

Given the rate of deaths in 2023 and 2024, averaging one every second day, a delay of six months or more could mean up to another 100 deaths

Research from the University of the Witwatersrand shows that more than half of the deaths in newborns and about a third in infants were caused by just two types of bacteria. (Aditya Romansa/Unsplash)

Two superbugs causing over half of infections that kill newborns in Soweto and outsmarting treatment

Over the past 10 years, researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand’s vaccines and infectious diseases analytics unit analysed small tissue samples of 1 586 children…

Layered: Lebo Mazibuko’s novel Fabrics of Love came out in August. Photo: Thandukwazi Lungelo Gcabashe

Exploring the fabric of family and identity in Lebo Mazibuko’s Fabrics of Love

Lebo Mazibuko’s second novel, Fabrics of Love, looks at themes of family trauma, black womanhood, absent fathers and heritage

Good food makes good neighbours: The Brixton community cook-out, which formed part of the LongKitchen series of events. Photo: Nkululeko Motloung LongKitchen

A longer kitchen, a fairer table: Stories of food sovereignty in Johannesburg

In Johannesburg, farmers, chefs and activists are gathering around shared meals to reimagine food systems, resilience and justice for South Africa’s future

ROOM WITH A VIEW: Ndiviwe Mphothulo at home in Glenvista, not far from where he grew up in Jabavu in Soweto. (Sean Christie)

At 16, he mediated a highjacking. Now he’s negotiating for the survival of HIV programmes

Ndiviwe Mphothulo, a medical doctor and president of the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society, is trying to make sure the Trump administration’s funding cuts don’t collapse…

Out of the blue: Producer of the annual Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival Mantwa Chinoamadi advises young women who aspire to succeed in the music industry to listen, learn and always be a student.

Rakgadi of the rhythm: Mantwa Chinoamadi and the soul of jazz

A tribute to Mantwa Chinoamadi — the beloved nurturing force and fearless leader behind the soul of South African jazz

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. (File photo)

Lesufi calls relocated Afrikaners ‘untransformed human beings’

He also said that ‘white only’ enclaves such as Kleinfontein would be dealt with within the ambit of the law

Off the wall: Art installer Bafana Zembe and his team at Nazo Arts and Projects are responsible for hanging exhibitions in galleries. (Photo supplied)

Bafana Zembe has no hang-ups about his job

Behind every work on a gallery wall is someone like the unsung art installer

Late last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a state of disaster after six children from Soweto died from eating chips. Could a single agency that monitors food safety be the answer? (Canva)

How a single body could make South Africa’s food safer

Researchers say part of the problem is the lack of coordination across the nation’s sprawling multi-agency system