Against a backdrop of 1 000 exhibitors, buyers from more than 40 countries and thousands of delegates at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Africa’s Travel Indaba is positioning tourism as a major economic driver for both the city and the continent. The continent’s largest tourism marketing event, which included the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), has provided a platform to showcase Africa’s diverse tourism offerings while generating significant economic spinoffs for local entities such as Durban Tourism and the South African National Parks (SANParks). According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism could contribute $168 billion to Africa’s economy and support more than 18 million jobs over the next decade. The council said this would include investment in conferencing, hospitality and travel infrastructure — driving Africa’s growth and strengthening regional business connections to unprecedented levels.  Asked about the impact of the Indaba on the host city, Durban Tourism deputy director Winile Mntungwa described Africa’s Travel Indaba as “highly significant to Durban’s tourism sector, as it positions the city as a leading tourism, business and events destination in Africa”.  Mntungwa said the events has contributed to increased occupancy rates in hotels, stimulated local transportation, hospitality and several businesses in the tourism events ecosystem. Projections for 2026 indicate a strong economic outlook, with an overall hotel occupancy rate of 87% recorded. Mntungwa said the event and related activities were expected to attract about 9 900 visitors, generating about R240 million in direct spending, with total tourism expenditure reaching R835 million. “The indaba has also created numerous jobs, both directly and indirectly, through increased demand for services and supplies. Overall, it has reinforced Durban’s reputation as a vibrant tourism hub and events capital, with ongoing benefits for the city’s economy and employment landscape,” she said. “It has highlighted Durban’s commitment to growing its tourism economy through infrastructure investments, increased global connectivity and the promotion of diverse attractions — from beaches, cultural heritage and exclusive culinary [experiences] to sports, cruise tourism and endless tranquillity.” SANParks CEO Hapiloe Sello and interim board chairperson Beryl Ferguson. Photo: Brian Sokutu Speaking to journalists at the SANParks exhibition stand, chief executive Hapiloe Sello and interim board chairperson Beryl Ferguson said the entity’s participation in this year’s Indaba was centred on using the global tourism platform to reflect on a century of conservation leadership while actively shaping the future of inclusivity and sustainability in the sector. A global leader in conservation, SANParks oversees iconic protected areas such as the Kruger National Park, which this year celebrates 100 years since its establishment. The public entity is responsible for managing the country’s 21 national parks, covering more than four million hectares and protecting diverse flora, fauna and cultural heritage. SANParks’ participation at this year’s Indaba is anchored on the theme “Our Heritage, Our Future”, aligning with the centenary of the Kruger National Park — one of Africa’s most iconic conservation landscapes. Sello said Africa’s Travel Indaba provided a powerful continental and global platform to position national parks “not only as tourism destinations, but as contributing meaningfully to nature, community development, cultural heritage and economic inclusion”. Kruger National Park’s centenary is both a moment of commemoration and reflection, said Sello. “It honours extraordinary conservation achievements, while acknowledging lessons learned from the painful past of land dispossession and displacements. “As we look ahead, our focus is firmly on inclusive conservation models that ensure national parks deliver lasting value for both nature and people,” she said. “‘Our Heritage, Our Future’ encapsulates SANParks’ commitment to honouring all aspects of the rich natural and cultural legacy of South Africa’s protected areas, while pioneering forward-thinking approaches to conservation and tourism. “‘Our Future’ signals responsibility, continuity and safeguarding value for generations to come,” she added. As part of its Indaba programme, SANParks hosted its flagship “Conversations about Conservation” dialogue — a platform aimed at improving understanding of the contribution conservation makes to South Africa’s tourism economy. Hapiloe said this year’s discussion would reflect on the centenary of the Kruger National Park, including “lessons learned that must shape the future, exploring how conservation, tourism, science and community partnership must work together to ensure resilience over the next century. “The dialogue will bring together conservation leaders, tourism stakeholders, media and partners to engage openly on the role of tourism in funding conservation, creating employment and supporting inclusive growth in and around protected areas.” President Cyril Ramaphosa used his keynote address at the Indaba to underscore efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to advance the SADC Tourism Univisa. The regime will enable seamless, borderless travel for tourists across SADC member states. “Tourism is more than a sector of the economy. It is a living expression of who we are as a people,” Ramaphosa said. “Last year, South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international visitors to our shores, a clear sign that the world is rediscovering our country with renewed enthusiasm. It is significant that three-quarters of international arrivals come from the SADC region. “This tells us something important: Africans are choosing Africa. We are also working to expand our one-stop border posts and develop cross-border itineraries that showcase the richness of our region. “When Africans travel within Africa, we strengthen our economies, deepen our cultural ties and build a more integrated continent.” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the department would continue enabling investment in the tourism sector through the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit. “During the inaugural summit last year, we unveiled eight projects from both the public and private sectors, valued at around R1 billion,” she said. De Lille said the tourism sector was shifting from recovery to growth, with forecasts from the World Travel and Tourism Council suggesting tourism could contribute about $168 billion to Africa’s economy and support more than 18 million jobs over the next decade. According to Nick Dickson, group custodian at Dream Hotels & Resorts, events such as Africa’s Travel Indaba highlighted how business travel across the continent was evolving. “There is growing demand for travel within Africa itself and for experiences that balance productivity with a strong sense of place. This is where the industry has a real opportunity to create more connected and experience-driven travel across the continent,” said Dickson.

The voice of a five-year-old Palestinian girl trapped in a car under Israeli fire became one of the defining sounds of the genocide in Gaza.  More than a year later, that voice is arriving on South African cinema screens through one of the most internationally recognised films of the past awards season.  The Voice of Hind Rajab, the Oscar-nominated film reconstructing the final hours of five-year-old Hind Rajab, will screen in South Africa from this weekend following a global festival run that transformed the production into one of the most politically resonant films of the year. Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September last year, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and reportedly received a 23-minute standing ovation.  From Venice, the film moved rapidly through the international awards circuit, earning nominations at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and BAFTAs. Its arrival in South Africa marks the latest stage in what has become an unusually politicised global journey for a documentary-drama built around one child’s final calls for help. The production reconstructs the emergency calls made on 29 January 2024 after Hind became trapped inside a vehicle surrounded by the bodies of her relatives while Israeli forces advanced in Gaza City.  The recordings, captured by the Palestinian Red Crescent, circulated globally during the early months of the war and became one of the conflict’s defining civilian testimonies. But the film’s international impact has reflected more than the tragedy itself. It has become part of a wider cultural and political reckoning around Gaza, emerging during a period in which artists, filmmakers and major cultural institutions have faced growing pressure over how they respond to the war and the scale of civilian devastation. Its executive producers include Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón and Jonathan Glazer, underscoring the extent to which Gaza has moved into the centre of global cultural discourse rather than remaining confined to diplomatic or humanitarian debate. The South African screenings are being organised by Social Intifada and arrive in a country where public solidarity with Palestinians has remained visible across civic, religious and political life. South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice has also placed the country at the centre of international legal efforts surrounding the war, giving the screenings a significance that extends beyond film culture alone. In that context, the move from Venice to Johannesburg is not merely geographical. It reflects how the story of Hind Rajab has travelled across political, legal and cultural spaces internationally, carried through activism, media and now cinema. Selected South African screenings will include panel discussions focused on the humanitarian impact of the war and the broader questions raised by the film. “Hind’s voice is not something we hear and move on from. It is something we carry. Within us. For the rest of our lives,” said Khalid Vawda of Social Intifada. The national screening tour begins in Johannesburg on 16 and 17 May before moving to Durban and Cape Town later this month. Tickets are available through Quicket. Screening dates are: Johannesburg — 16 and 17 May Durban — 20 May Cape Town — 23 and 24 May

Businessman Edwin Sodi and his business partner Jeophrey Ramahlaleroa face a court order to pay nearly R40 million to Hollard Insurance following a failed prison construction project.

April's household affordability index reveals a concerning rise in food prices in South Africa, driven by escalating fuel costs and geopolitical tensions.

Marble Magical Family festival has changed family fun in South Africa forever. From giant flowers to smart safety tags, this family festival completely wowed Johannesburg parents and children. Picture: Supplied There are family festivals, and then there is the Magical Marble Family Festival, a dreamy wonderland that managed to pull off something rare. It entertained children while making parents feel completely at ease. Held over Mother’s Day weekend at Johannesburg’s beautiful James & Ethel Gray Park, the inaugural event transformed the lush green space into a living storybook. It was bursting with music, colour, imagination and thoughtful details around every corner. Picture: Supplied But beyond the dazzling attractions and celebrity appearances, one thing stood out more than anything else. Child safety was not treated like an afterthought. It became part of the entire experience. From the park and ride, where families parked at Melrose Arch, got onto a bus or a Mercedes-Benz, and were whisked to the entrance, everything was catered for. Getting in was also safe and easy. The game-changer: Children’s tags From the moment parents booked tickets through Howler, organisers required guardians to input detailed information about their children. This included names, ages, medical details, guardian contacts and an emergency contact not attending the festival. Children also received colour-coded tags that made them easily identifiable. It was simple, smart, and honestly a masterstroke. Picture: Supplied In a country where crowded events can sometimes make parents anxious, the system instantly created a feeling of comfort and trust. The organisers clearly understood that their most important guests were the children. And once inside, the magic truly began. Magic everywhere The sold-out festival became a fantasy playground filled with giant flowers, magical forests, roaming characters, colourful installations and immersive experiences. These were spread across the massive park. Everywhere you turned, something was happening. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Magical Marble Family Fest (@magical_marble_family_fest) Children squealed with excitement as Minions and fairy tale-inspired characters wandered through the crowds, posing for photos and interacting with families. A gorgeous classic carousel quickly became one of the festival’s visual centrepieces. Meanwhile, the Ferris wheel attracted snaking queues of eager parents and children wanting a turn high above the park. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mercedes-Benz South Africa (@mercedesbenzsa) The atmosphere felt warm, playful and nostalgic. Radio personality Anele Mdoda, who hosted the event as the festival’s “Fairy Godmother”, brought heart and humour to the main stage alongside her son. Their presence added an authentic family touch that matched the spirit of the weekend. Anele Mdoda hosted the event as the festival’s “Fairy Godmother”. Picture: Facebook Even the entertainment lineup was carefully curated to appeal to multiple generations. Saturday brought upbeat performances from crowd favourite Jeremy Loops and GoodLuck. Sunday leaned into soulful local favourites including Mi Casa, DJ Zinhle, Sun-El Musician and Babalwa M. Different age groups were thoughtfully catered to through themed zones and activities. Toddlers enjoyed soft play spaces, balloon art and slime stations while older kids disappeared into Nerf battlefields and gaming hubs. Creative children could customise sneakers, paint pottery or build terrariums while parents explored gourmet food stalls and stylish lounges. Picture: Facebook Practicality was also woven into the experience. There were baby changing areas, pram-friendly spaces and quiet zones where mothers could take breaks away from the crowds. The Magical Marble Family Festival did not just create a fun day out. It reimagined what family entertainment can look like in South Africa. And judging by the excitement already building for the 2027 edition, this magical story is only just beginning.

South Africa is set to move beyond the era of pill fatigue with the official rollout of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, scheduled to roll out from 5 June in Mpumalanga. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi unveiled the rollout plan during the department’s budget vote on Wednesday, describing the drug as a pivotal tool in the country’s mission to eliminate HIV as a public health threat. Unlike current regimens that require daily tablets or bi-monthly shots, Lenacapavir provides six months of continuous protection with a single dose. “In the next two weeks, we will be delivering Lenacapavir stocks to depots and health facilities. We will be starting with 360 health facilities in the high-burden districts of the country,” Motsoaledi explained. Targeting high-burden groups The department has identified specific demographics for the initial phase of the rollout to ensure the most vulnerable populations receive immediate access. The priority list includes adolescent girls and young women up to the age of 24, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and transgender individuals. The minister emphasised that the simplified injection schedule is expected to significantly improve adherence. “We have specifically targeted the following categories of our population for prioritisation: Adolescent girls and young women up to age 24 years, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, female sex workers, men-having-sex-with-men, transgender people and injecting drug users,” he said. The ‘new HIV pandemic’ While the injectable rollout took centre stage, Motsoaledi warned that the department is simultaneously pivoting to address cervical cancer, which he labelled South Africa’s “new HIV pandemic”. Because 65% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in South Africa are also HIV positive, the minister announced a localised “90-70-90” elimination formula. This plan extends the recommended screening ages of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to better protect South African women. “We are forced by our unique and unwelcome position of being the world’s highest HIV/Aids burdened country… Hence, we extended our age cohort to start 10 years earlier and end 10 years later than the WHO determination,” Motsoaledi noted. Legacy of the HIV campaign The minister linked the introduction of Lenacapavir to a decade of success in taming the HIV scourge, noting that life expectancy in South Africa has climbed to 66.9 years as of 2025. Reflecting on the progress made since 2010, Motsoaledi expressed confidence that the new injectable technology would finally allow the country to deal with the virus decisively. “Honourable Members, we are in a position where we dare say we can eliminate HIV/Aids as a public health threat. All we have to do is to work hard and work hard together,” he concluded.

A Zimbabwean family is mourning after a devastating chain of road accidents near Bela-Bela claimed the lives of three relatives, including a mother and child who were struck by a vehicle linked to Aaron Motsoaledi’s security detail. South African authorities said the tragedy unfolded on Saturday along the busy N1 highway when a Zimbabwean, Paul Masunda, was allegedly hit and killed by a vehicle driven by an off-duty member of the South African Police Service. Father killed while crossing highway According to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, Masunda had reportedly escorted his wife Beauty Shoperai and children to a bus station before attempting to cross the highway. The family’s 14-year-old child witnessed the fatal collision and immediately alerted the mother, who rushed back toward the scene carrying another young child strapped to her back. Moments later, tragedy struck again. Mother and child struck by Motsoaledi-linked vehicle Police said another vehicle linked to Health Minister Motsoaledi then struck the mother and child. Authorities confirmed that a member of the minister’s Protection Security Services unit was driving the vehicle at the time. Both the woman and the young child died at the scene. Teenager left traumatised The horrific sequence of events has left relatives in Zimbabwe devastated, while the surviving teenager now faces the trauma of witnessing both parents and a sibling die within minutes. Mathe said Motsoaledi, his close protection officer and the driver stopped immediately after the crash and remained at the scene until emergency responders and police arrived. IPID probes Motsoaledi-linked crash Authorities have since opened two separate culpable homicide investigations. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has also taken over the matter because both drivers involved are members of SAPS. The incident has sparked shock and sympathy on social media, with many Zimbabweans expressing heartbreak over the family’s loss and concern for the surviving child. The tragedy also highlights the painful realities faced by many Zimbabwean families living and travelling across the border in South Africa, where a single moment can leave families torn apart and communities grieving across two countries.

The South African entertainment industry is mourning the loss of beloved DJ, publicist and fashion designer Maria McCloy, who has sadly passed away at the age of 50. McCloy died on Tuesday evening, 12 May 2026, at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg after suffering heart failure. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news in an official statement shared with the public. MARIA MCCLOY’S FAMILY CONFIRMS HER PASSING In the emotional statement, the family described McCloy as a vibrant and creative soul who embraced life wholeheartedly. They also remembered her for the love and warmth she shared with everyone around her throughout her life and career. The statement read, “It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of our beloved sister and media industry giant, Maria McCloy (50). Maria sadly passed away on Tuesday evening, 12 May 2026 at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg following heart failure.” Her family explained that McCloy touched many lives through her kindness, generosity and unwavering support for others. They also asked for privacy as they grieve this painful loss. “She had a special way of bringing people together and her presence brought comfort, laughter and love to all who knew her,” the statement continued. McCloy leaves behind her mother, sisters Thandiwe and Natasha, as well as close friends, colleagues and supporters who continue to mourn her passing. MARIA MCCLOY’S IMPACT ON ENTERTAINMENT Over the years, McCloy built a respected name for herself in South Africa’s entertainment and fashion industries. McCloy co-founded multimedia company Black Rage Productions alongside Kutloano Skosana and Addiel Dzinoreva in the mid-1990s. The company became known for its contribution to the entertainment and media space in South Africa. As one of the founding members of Black Rage Productions and Outrageous Records, McCloy stood at the head of the companies responsible for talents including Siyabonga Ngwekazi, ProVerb and Reason. She also made a lasting impact as a DJ, publicist and fashion designer, helping shape South African pop culture over the years. Her influence stretched across music, media and fashion, where she worked with different artists and creatives throughout her career. Recently, McCloy appeared as a guest on 702’s Clement Manyathela Show for the Hanging Out feature, where she openly spoke about her life, journey and career. TRIBUTES POUR IN Following the announcement of her passing, social media filled with heartfelt tributes from fans, celebrities and industry colleagues. Many people expressed shock over the sudden loss and remembered McCloy for her work and creativity. Her family thanked the public for the outpouring of support and condolences they have received since the news broke. Details regarding her memorial and funeral service will be announced in due course.

Icasa has told minister Solly Malatsi that full alignment with the ICT sector code requires changes to legislation.

Government must lean more on the private sector in a fiscally constrained environment, communications minister Solly Malatsi has said.