The Weekend Wrap
Imtiaz Sooliman on Jihadism, Hamas, and The Kiffness; SA rugby’s glory path; and 9 must-visit small towns in South Africa.
‘Iran hates me’ — Imtiaz Sooliman opens up about Jihadism, Hamas and The Kiffness
In the last week of November, Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers, sustained an attack on his credibility from one of South Africa’s most popular musicians, David ‘The Kiffness’ Scott. But the attack did not happen in isolation; it was the culmination of a series of attempts to cast Sooliman, whose organisation had been providing disaster relief in Gaza, as a radical Islamist in thrall to the Iranian regime. Was any of it true? Daily Maverick, after analysing the so-called ‘evidence’, put the questions to Sooliman.
By Kevin Bloom
‘Iran hates me’ — Imtiaz Sooliman opens up about Jihadism, Hamas and The Kiffness
In the last week of November, Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers, sustained an attack on his credibility from one of South Africa’s most popular musicians, David ‘The Kiffness’ Scott. But the attack did not happen in isolation; it was the culmination of a series of attempts to cast Sooliman, whose organisation had been providing disaster relief in Gaza, as a radical Islamist in thrall to the Iranian regime. Was any of it true? Daily Maverick, after analysing the so-called ‘evidence’, put the questions to Sooliman.
By Kevin Bloom

Health Director-General, IDT CEO paved way for dodgy R836m oxygen plant contracts
The health department has moved to withdraw from a R836-million project to install oxygen plants at government hospitals across South Africa. Daily Maverick and amaBhungane first revealed a slew of alleged irregularities regarding the contracts. We now shed light on the involvement of two top government officials.
By Pieter-Louis Myburgh (Daily Maverick) and Azarrah Karrim (amaBhungane)
Rodger Foster — and how Airlink has outlived its peers
The outgoing CEO of Airlink reflects on being at the helm of the airline for nearly 33 years and how it has managed to survive SA’s volatile aviation industry.
By Ray Mahlaka
Drowning in corruption — how South Africa’s water systems fail citizens and erode trust
Corruption has always been the quiet killer of progress, and what we are witnessing now in South Africa’s water sector is no different.
By Ferrial Adam
South Africa set to face its hottest summer on record
Experts warn that record high temperatures could affect mental health and exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. They also offer tips to stay cool and navigate the sweltering temperatures.
By Abigail Baard and Julia Evans
Year of rebuilding sets SA rugby and Springboks on course for greater success
On the field, rugby in South Africa has never been in a better place, but there can be no easing off.
By Jon Cardinelli
Daily Mini Crossword Quickie

Nine must-visit small towns in South Africa you need to explore
South Africa is home to breathtaking natural beauty, scenic drives, and charming small towns, many of which remain hidden off the beaten track. To uncover these gems, we turned to Daily Maverick readers, who helped select the nine best small towns in the country. From coastal retreats to mountain hideaways, these reader-chosen towns showcase the heart and soul of South Africa.
By Ed Stoddard, Talia Kincaid and Hannah Theron
The future looks bright: Study shows optimistic youth lead healthier lives
Research shows that associations between optimism and physical health tend to be positive — meaning that young people who were more optimistic or less pessimistic were healthier.
By Eloïse Fairbank and James Borenstein-Laurie
Beatenberg’s The Hanging Gardens Of Beatenberg — Celebrating a decade of world-class timeless tunes
Is there such a thing as a perfect pop record? Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours? Carole King’s Tapestry? Paul Simon’s Graceland? Michael Jackson’s Thriller? Madonna’s Ray of Light? The Beatles’ Revolver? The Go-Betweens’ 16 Lovers Lane? The Beach Boys’s Pet Sounds?
By Diane Coetzer

A Peppermint Crisp tart to simmer down tensions at the festive table
This easy-to-make tart will be a crowd-pleaser this festive season. It probably has the power to impress your in-laws and shut down any heated debates at the table about the politics of 2024.
By Ray Mahlaka
Moana 2 — Captivating animation and deeper themes make for a worthwhile cinematic adventure
What would the holiday season be without a grand Disney animated adventure? Taking the spot in 2024 is worthy sequel Moana 2, a slightly matured continuation of the original story.
By Tracy Benson
Moana 2 — Captivating animation and deeper themes make for a worthwhile cinematic adventure
What would the holiday season be without a grand Disney animated adventure? Taking the spot in 2024 is worthy sequel Moana 2, a slightly matured continuation of the original story.
By Tracy Benson
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David Scott AKA The Kiffness. (Photo by Gallo Images/Dereck Green) | Dr Imtiaz Sooliman of the Gift Of The Givers (Photo by Gallo Images/Die Burger/Lulama Zenzile)