Every time South Africa loses a heritage site, a part of our history and our culture is lost, as well as the possibility of understanding something new about our past. South Africa’s top ten most endangered sites speak of the fragility of our shared national heritage. Whether they are precious archaeological sites, living cultural landscapes, early commercial industrial sites, … [Read more...]
Eco advocate and folk singer tells her coal story
The unmistakable voice of Grammy Award winner Kathy Mattea explores music’s most basic human essence through timeless melodies and uplifting narratives. Singer, musician, songwriter, public speaker, activist: Mattea’s music and message have taken her to venues across America from Maine to Alaska, and overseas from England to Morocco, from college campuses to capitol buildings, … [Read more...]
‘Knowing Mandela’ to inspire the nation
I have never felt the need to read a book about Mandela, though I have always adored him. But by grace a little book came across my path … Knowing Mandela by John Carlin. Of course I want to learn more now, but I also suspect that having started with this one, it will be very hard to match. John was the South Africa correspondent of London’s Independent newspaper from 1990 … [Read more...]
Destroying the Cradle of Humankind
The historical town of Magaliesburg with it's tranquil surrounds, unspoiled scenic vista's and high quality landscapes stands on the brink of destruction by the mining industry. This highly popular eco-tourist destination, on the doorstep of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site will be destroyed forever if the miners and the Department of Minerals have their way. The … [Read more...]
Honouring the Princess
Correcting the imbalances of the past is the core message arising from the Princess Vlei Controversy. "I tell you I will lie down in front of any bulldozer!" said a resident who has lived within the environs of Princess Vlei for more than 60 years. This desperation was one of many equally urgent responses made at a meeting of the Princess Vlei Forum early in May in response … [Read more...]
Tampering with our past
The Save Mapungubwe Coalition Group in co-operation with Green Renaissance is on a mission to prevent any further development of the intended opencast and underground coal mine that is to be located near Mapungubwe. Many South Africans disagree with this decision. Intellectual and writer Vele 'Christopher' Neluvhalani believes that on a fundamental level, people have always … [Read more...]
First synthetic life form is born
It's been a dramatic week, a milestone in human history, with the development of the first synthetic life form. Two years after biologist Craig Venter (no, he's not South African - he's from Utah) mapped the human genome, he and his team have crossed another boundary, and created a synthetic life form. Technology is a powerful myth, and many respond with fear to any new … [Read more...]
