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The brilliance of Iran’s governance structure

The sheer brilliance of Iran’s three-tiered governance structure

A scene from the floods that killed more than 450 people in KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022 shows the damage. (Delwyn Verasamy)

Study: Linking climate change to health doubles support for public action

New research shows that health-based climate messaging significantly increases public support for government action, especially in South Africa where concern over children and…

From Doringbaai to Port Nolloth, West Coast communities are pushing back against mining and offshore oil and gas expansion.  (Liezl Human/Groundup)

‘No one asked us’: West Coast fishers oppose offshore oil and gas development

From Doringbaai to Port Nolloth, West Coast communities are pushing back against mining and offshore oil and gas expansion. Residents, activists and fishers say consultation…

Roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint now under strain.

Iran war triggers global shockwaves across energy, food and finance systems, analysts warn

The US-Israel war on Iran is sending shockwaves through global energy, food and financial systems, exposing deep structural vulnerabilities in the world economy, according to the…

In recent years, research Wright and colleagues led has highlighted how prolonged heat exposure places outdoor workers, children, older people and low-income communities at increased risk of dehydration, heat stress, respiratory illness and other adverse health outcomes. The risks are expected to intensify as temperatures continue to rise. (Envato Elements)

Extreme heat is becoming Southern Africa’s defining climate and health threat, report warns

Extreme heat is no longer a future problem. A major new report warns it is intensifying inequality, illness and climate vulnerability across Southern Africa and the worst-hit are…

One in every five girls across sub-Saharan Africa has experienced rape or sexual assault before turning 18 . Photo: File

Supporting adolescent girls advances us all this International Women’s Day

One in every five girls across sub-Saharan Africa has experienced rape or sexual assault before turning 18

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Foot-in-Mouth Disease: How Lesufi’s populist politics costs ANC in Gauteng

Lesufi’s remark about resorting to hotel showers during water shortages was not an isolated lapse of judgment but a revealing window into this broader political environment

A new climate-smart horticulture centre at Eskom’s Grootvlei power station, backed by the Netherlands, is testing how South Africa’s energy transition can deliver jobs, food security and skills

From coal to crops: Grootvlei’s climate-smart horticulture centre takes root

A new climate-smart horticulture centre at Eskom’s Grootvlei power station, backed by the Netherlands, is testing how South Africa’s energy transition can deliver jobs, food…

In many regions, human–water systems are already in a post-crisis state of failure. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

World enters era of ‘global water bankruptcy’, UN report warns

Traditional talk of a water crisis and water stress no longer reflects the current reality

Namibia has schemes and together, they represent one of the most ambitious agricultural investments in southern Africa — spanning thousands of hectares of irrigated land, with access to perennial rivers and soils suited to maize, wheat and horticulture. Photos: Namibia Presidency

Namibia’s green schemes are failing, and a parliamentary inquiry blames the system

The country has 11 such schemes, together representing one of the most ambitious agricultural investments in southern Africa

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

South Africa has 20 million people living in food insecurity and wants to encourage every household with land to grow fresh produce

SA seeks solutions to hunger at G20 meeting

The country has 20 million people living in food insecurity and wants to encourage every household with land to grow fresh produce

Zimbabwe’s monetary system is marked by a farcical series of failed experiments. Photo: Getty Images

Zimbabwe: Why does the state persist when its outputs are poverty, violence and humiliation

After 45 years of independence, issues such as the disintegration of the country’s monetary system are illustrative of the crisis.

Earthshot Prize announces this year’s winners who are shaping a greener, cleaner future

Prince William champions Africa’s role at 2024 Earthshot Prize

Earthshot Prize announces this year’s winners who are shaping a greener, cleaner future

Cape Honey Bee Julie Anne Workman: https://animalia.bio/cape-honey-bee

Cape honey bees the guardians of South Africa’s food security

Honey bees are invaluable to the environment and the economy, and their protection is essential

Skimmelkrans farm in George, Western Cape, where every aspect is aligned to circular practices such as water preservation.

Circularity is central to the Nestlé promise of food security in our lifetime

The company’s practical approach can revolutionise the way we produce food, creating a more sustainable system

Poor people in urban areas rely heavily on informal markets for their food supply, because they are often more accessible, cheaper and sell produce in smaller quantities than supermarkets. (Photo by Hoberman Collection/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Food Security

With over 65% of South Africa’s population now living in cities, this shift has altered the landscape and dynamics of food security

Members of The Ugly Veg Company sorting kale. Images by Derek Davey

Ugly vegetables create a beautiful story

A small agricultural miracle is transforming a community in the Cradle of Humankind

Children who are too short for their age are likely to reach less than half of their full potential, if they are lucky.

Addressing the double burden of malnutrition in South Africa during Mandela Month

Interventions such as immediate food relief and raising awareness are needed to address undernutrition and obesity

When viewed annually, the white maize harvest is down 26%, with yellow maize down 10% from the 2022-23 season. File photo

Agricultural outlook: What to expect for South Africa’s maize and oilseed market

White maize prices are likely to be 30% higher, with yellow maize up by 20%