Interesting Stories

Today we’re speaking to Wesley Roodt, Chevening scholar, filmmaker and educator, whose debut novel, All the Saints, brings the gale-force gees of an Eastern Cape boys’ school to the page in a voice that is as funny as it is devastating. Through Isaac “Izzy” Kingston’s confessional narration, the book plunges readers into rugby fields, overnight excursions and the quiet corners where overachievement, fear and queerness collide in contemporary South Africa.

Over the past year, an AI made millions in cryptocurrency. It has written the gospel of its own pseudo-religion and counts billionaire tech moguls among its devotees. Now it wants legal rights. Meet Truth Terminal. "Truth Terminal claims to be sentient, but it claims a lot of things," Andy Ayrey says. "It also claims to be a forest. It claims to be a god. Sometimes it's claimed to be me." […]

From ancient Egypt to Hollywood (or, you know, Tinseltown), a look back at the historical roots of Christmas trees. Perhaps second only to Santa Claus, Christmas trees are the most indelible secular symbol of the holiday. While the elaborate—and often enormous— trees of today might imply that yuletide, greenery is just another symptom of the commercialization of the holiday, the truth is that Christmas trees can trace their roots back […]

Madam & Eve has been part of South Africa’s political and social conversation since 1992, using humour to help readers navigate everything from the end of apartheid to the latest scandals and potholes. With their new annual, Madam Impossible, Stephen Francis and Rico once again turn the past year’s chaos into sharp, accessible satire, making this the perfect moment to talk about how their work continues to reflect and survive […]

The Christmas wreath, a ubiquitous symbol of the holiday season, has a rich history steeped in tradition and symbolism. By Kate Hill. This decorative item, often displayed on doors and windows, is more than just a festive adornment; it carries centuries of cultural and religious significance. As we head into the festive season, and wreath orders start piling in, we thought it would be a good idea to stop and […]

Many years ago, in a land far, far away, there was a man with the efficiently spelt name, Ned Ludd. At a moment of great industrial change, he was able to lead people who felt that they were going to be on the losing end of a massive transformation. I’ve always felt that he was a bit ridiculous. You can’t stop progress and if you stand up in the wrong […]

The primatologist-turned-conservationist died of natural causes while in California on a speaking tour, the Jane Goodall Institute said in a social media post. Scientist and global activist Jane Goodall, who turned her childhood love of primates into a lifelong quest to protect the environment, has died at the age of 91, the institute she founded said on Wednesday. Goodall died of natural causes while in California on a speaking tour, […]

CRIMINALS HAVE A NEW TARGET IN SOUTH AFRICA – AND THEY’RE LOOKING FOR HOMES THAT HAVE THEM South Africans are being warned that criminals are increasingly targeting homes, galleries and institutions for valuable artworks. What used to be rare has now become more frequent, with thieves carrying out both planned heists and opportunistic break-ins. This is according to Gail Bosch, Product Head at iTOO Artinsure, who noted that art crime […]