The Weekend Wrap

Nathi Mthethwa’s Paris death, Julius Malema’s firearm verdict, and does giving money to beggars make their lives better? All in the Weekend Wrap.

The late former minister and South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was seriously implicated in several commissions, including the ongoing Madlanga Commission.

By Marianne Thamm

In any ordinary company, if the costs of one section had jumped the way they did at Tembisa Hospital, someone would have gone to investigate. Why wasn’t it caught sooner?

By Stephen Grootes

The finding by the East London Magistrates’ Court that EFF leader Julius Malema is guilty of an offence for firing a firearm at a rally in 2018 could be a significant step in the continued weakening of his party. But, if he can convince supporters he has been unfairly treated, he might well turn the appeals process into a campaigning tool ahead of the local elections.

By Stephen Grootes

The famous restaurants, bars and cafes of old Sea Point are all closing, making way for a development scape of absentee landlords, micro apartments and short-term rentals. The suburb’s gentrification, which began with a war on its homeless people and working class, is now pushing out its middle-income earners too. Could this be the Cape Town of the future, a place where ‘community’ is a thing of the past?

Kevin Bloom

The Weekend Wrap

Nathi Mthethwa’s Paris death, Julius Malema’s firearm verdict, and does giving money to beggars make their lives better? All in the Weekend Wrap.

The late former minister and South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was seriously implicated in several commissions, including the ongoing Madlanga Commission.

By Marianne Thamm

mthethwa zuma state capture

In any ordinary company, if the costs of one section had jumped the way they did at Tembisa Hospital, someone would have gone to investigate. Why wasn’t it caught sooner?

By Stephen Grootes

Tembisa Hospital
malema firearm case

The finding by the East London Magistrates’ Court that EFF leader Julius Malema is guilty of an offence for firing a firearm at a rally in 2018 could be a significant step in the continued weakening of his party. But, if he can convince supporters he has been unfairly treated, he might well turn the appeals process into a campaigning tool ahead of the local elections.

By Stephen Grootes

The famous restaurants, bars and cafes of old Sea Point are all closing, making way for a development scape of absentee landlords, micro apartments and short-term rentals. The suburb’s gentrification, which began with a war on its homeless people and working class, is now pushing out its middle-income earners too. Could this be the Cape Town of the future, a place where ‘community’ is a thing of the past?

Kevin Bloom

Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe’s controversial senior appointment has been rescinded – but young Lesedi Mabiletja still holds a job in the department that she remains unqualified for. Daily Maverick’s Rebecca Davis explains.

Rebecca Davis

After nine days of testimony at the Madlanga Commission into police corruption, it is becoming increasingly clear that sidelined Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has some difficult questions to answer.

By Rebecca Davis

The heated exchange revealed a point of inflection in political dynamics and how the issue of race that has shaped the country will not go away simply because people refuse to talk about it.

By Zukiswa Pikoli

Coach Rassie Erasmus has marked the end-of-year tour matches against Six Nations champions France and northern rivals Ireland as season-defining, but the next two Tests in Aotearoa may well shape this great team’s legacy.

By Jon Cardinelli

Springboks face the All Blacks

Every year is divided neatly into four seasons, each with its own unique purpose and energy. In nature, colours change, the temperature increases or decreases, and daily activities adjust – all in accordance with a rhythm that is time-tested, and true. These seasonal cycles affect us profoundly, and have a significant impact on our mood, our energy and our sense of resolve.

By Louise Janovsky

We asked beggars, the City of Cape Town and homeless organisations what they think about giving money to homeless people.

By GroundUp Staff

flotilla

Global Sumud Flotilla organisers say an estimated 443 flotilla volunteers are expected to arrive at Ashdod, in southern Israel, where they are expected to be ‘processed under illegal detention’.

By Victoria O’Regan

South Africa face a tough challenge in their opening Women’s Cricket World Cup fixtures.

By Keanan Hemmonsbey

We asked beggars, the City of Cape Town and homeless organisations what they think about giving money to homeless people.

By GroundUp Staff

Jane Goodall, who passed away on 1 October 2025, was a pioneering primatologist known for over six decades of groundbreaking research on wild chimpanzees at Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and the Roots & Shoots youth programme in 1991, and championed wildlife conservation, animal welfare, sanctuaries, and reforestation projects. In 2002, she was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

By Daily Maverick Photo Team

From a kitchen disaster with amagwinyas to becoming The Kasi Cook, this final column shares lessons learned, cooking insights, and a festive prawn cocktail recipe to celebrate a delicious journey.

By Ray Mahlaka

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