The Herald

Opinion

Kenneth Macibela PIC FILE
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Allies for what? SA’s leadership crisis beyond the bridge

The Cosatu congress highlights the growing crisis within South Africa's historic Tripartite Alliance, as the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu struggle to define their purpose after the end of apartheid and recent political shifts

Municipalities owed Eskom more than R120bn in overdue electricity debt by the end of July — a growing threat to the utility’s recovery and the country’s power supply

R120bn owed — and the lights are still on?

Despite Eskom reporting a R30.3bn profit, South African municipalities owe the utility over R120bn in overdue electricity debt, threatening Eskom’s financial sustainability and the national economy

AI generated image of Weather Guru working on a non-existent weather station at Churchill dam
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Will AI make weather forecasters redundant?

The article explores whether AI could replace human weather forecasters, noting advancements in AI-driven forecasting models like Meteoblue and the importance of accurate data and computing power.

Georges swimming pool. 
Picture Eugene Coetzee

It’s time to be proactive to fix this ‘broken city’

For many residents growing up in Gqeberha, they will have fond memories of their misspent youth enjoying the St George’s Park swimming pool and usually a meander at Art in the Park on the weekend.

ANC national chair Gwede Mantashe and SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila get together during the 15th Cosatu National Congress in Johannesburg Picture: FREDDY MAVUNDA/BUSINESS DAY

Cosatu blames ANC for collapsing municipalities

Cosatu, a long-time ally of the ANC, has directly blamed the ruling party for the collapse of many municipalities across South Africa, marking a significant shift in the alliance’s political dynamics.

Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Babalwa Lobishe arrives at her state of the metro gala. Photo Fredlin Adriaan

READER LETTER | Gala glamour but governance gloom

Mayor Babalwa Lobishe attended a costly R235,000 state of the metro gala while many residents question the administration's lack of urgency and effective governance in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane.
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Wiser Pitso deserves second spell in Bafana hot seat

Given his many notable successes in African football, Pitso Mosimane has all the attributes needed to keep Bafana Bafana moving on an upward trajectory ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

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Kenya should remove restrictions on GMO maize imports from SA

Kenya faces a severe maize shortage due to drought, with a projected need to import around 2 million tonnes to meet its annual requirements. The country’s ban on genetically modified maize imports prevents it from accessing surplus white…

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Kariega arts centre delay leaves youth without hope

In some communities, art is not just about entertainment; it is a lifeline for people to make something better of their lives. Art gives hope.

A map showing where lightning strikes occurred on September 3
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Buffalo thorn branches will not protect you against lightning

Early spring brought rare lightning to the metro, historically seen as a sign of a wet summer, though modern forecasts predict otherwise. South Africa faces high lightning risks, especially in rural areas

Martin Hansson has the Knysna Hästens franchise
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Sleep priceless on the Garden Route

Swedish luxury bed company Hästens opened a store in Knysna in 2024, attracting attention for selling mattresses priced from R200,000 to millions, yet the business has thrived with 12 beds sold in a year, mainly to affluent local and…

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO Denise van Huyssteen.

Why business is holding the line in SA’s most fixable metro

Business in Nelson Mandela Bay is actively engaging with civil society and local authorities to address challenges in infrastructure, service delivery, and public safety, recognizing that neither government nor any single sector can…

Beuran Hendricks is a notable addition to the Warriors cricket squad
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Go-getting Warriors primed to smash it out of park again

The Dafabet Warriors, coming off a highly successful 2025/2026 season where they won the CSA T20 Challenge and reached the Four-Day Series final, are entering the new season as strong contenders across all domestic cricket formats.

Ipid is investigating an incident in which police raided a home in the middle of the night and allegedly assaulted a 23-year-old Luciano Majwete and stole R95,000 in cash, as well as phones, perfume and a watch. Majwete is pictured here with his mother Noncedo after visiting the Kwazakhele police station on Monday. The pair were happy to have their names published but did not want their faces shown. Picture: WERNER HILLS

Trust in police shaken after alleged Zwide hammer attack

Two Zwide residents allege that people dressed as police officers entered their homes on September 4, assaulted them, demanded information about a firearm, and stole cash and valuables.

Baywest Mall

READER LETTER | Missing the vendors at Baywest Mall

The writer describes visiting Baywest Mall mainly for the unique vendors offering treats, jewelry, and other goods, which enhanced their shopping experience. They express disappointment and concern after the mall management removed these…

Burton Brown (picture byline)
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Football deserves better than a fragmented system that appears to have forgotten players and communities

South African football faces a crisis at the grassroots level, with amateur clubs and community structures struggling due to fragmented administration, insufficient funding, and a lack of unified vision.

UFH Mboneli Vesele murder case

READER LETTER | Capital punishment must be brought back to deal with rampant killings

The author expresses outrage at the high levels of violent crime in South Africa, highlighting cases of murder, rape, and massacres, including instances ordered from prison.

Steven Bantu Biko
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INSIGHT | Black Consciousness as attitude of mind provides tool to convert paralysis into hope

on daily acts of self-worth, Black Consciousness empowered individuals to reclaim agency and resist structural oppression, fostering resilience even amid enduring inequality and disappointment in post-apartheid South Africa.

Steams are flowing strongly due to recent rains, but El Nino could change that
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Mr Newton’s logic still holds up today

The article reflects on recent and historical natural disasters, drawing parallels between cinematic depictions and real-life catastrophes such as the Nepal disaster and local floods, while emphasizing Newton’s Third Law

Pierre Voges (picture  byline)
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A master plan for a city that has forgotten how to dream

A voluntary advisory panel of experienced professionals is helping the Mandela Bay Development Agency shape a focused master plan for Nelson Mandela Bay, moving away from scattered development projects toward catalytic, interconnected…