Environment
Despite sewerage upgrades, Mogale City still polluting Cradle of Mankind
Tests detect high E. coli levels in water flowing from the Percy Stewart treatment plant into the Blougat Spruit
Text by Seth Thorne. Photos by Ihsaan Haffejee.
News | 3 August 2026
Air and water pollution harming Joburg’s poorest communities
Failing wastewater treatment works, ageing sewage infrastructure, smouldering illegal dumps, industrial and urban runoff and a legacy of mining activities have ruined Joburg’s air and water
Text by Seth Thorne. Photos by Ihsaan Haffejee.
News | 30 July 2026
In photos: Lesotho’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Sehlabathebe National Park is home to spectacular rock formations and San rock paintings
Photo Essay | 28 July 2026
New battle looms over future of Tokai and Cecilia pine plantations
SANParks ordered by forestry department to clear all remaining pines
By John Yeld
News | 24 July 2026
Lesotho’s only snake park: one man’s 30-year battle
Nkhooa Molahlehi has faced witchcraft allegations while building a snake conservation park under a sandstone cliff in Qacha’s Nek
Feature | 20 July 2026
As climate change intensifies, animals need the freedom to move
A desert elephant’s 600km journey reveals why conservationists and governments need to rethink the use of fences
By Fred Kockott
Feature | 17 July 2026
Giant data centres get the first green light from Cape Town tribunal
Two massive water-hungry and energy-hungry data centres are proposed next to the airport
News | 14 July 2026
Court dismisses bid to stop luxury Botmaskop estate near Stellenbosch
Judge finds environmental approvals were lawful and orders residents’ group to pay punitive costs
By John Yeld
Law | 1 July 2026
Parliament questions cancellation of Maseru’s fumbled dumpsite contract
City council says the M27-million agreement was unlawful from the start, but MPs say it remains responsible for the deal
Brief | 29 June 2026