The mining industry in South Africa, traditionally male-dominated, is seeing efforts to increase female participation through a mentorship program by Women in Mining South Africa. This initiative aims to support young women entering the field, addressing gender disparities and promoting equality. The report highlights the positive impact of these mentorship efforts in Johannesburg.

Young South African athletes express gratitude for the Basketball Africa League, attributing the rise in junior leagues to the collaboration between the U.S. National Basketball Association and the International Basketball Federation. This joint effort aims to showcase African talent and promote the sport across the continent, with significant developments observed in Soweto, South Africa.

Komane Harold Tijane, a 44-year-old South African, aims to become the country's first Black hot air balloon pilot since the end of apartheid. The profession's expenses vary due to differing gas prices and the cost of hiring the balloon. Reporter Zaheer Cassim provides insights into Tijane's historic efforts from Johannesburg, South Africa.

South Africa's currency is declining amid an energy crisis and rising national prices, a situation exacerbated by a U.S. official's accusation that President Cyril Ramaphosa's administration is assisting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Reporter Zaheer Cassim from Johannesburg has spoken to officials, experts, and citizens about the impact of the rand's depreciation on their lives.

Ashley Ness, an inspector with Highveld Horse Care, discovered a large cache of donkey hides in South Africa, revealing a grim aspect of the illegal wildlife trade driven by Chinese demand for ejiao, a traditional medicine. The Donkey Sanctuary report estimates a global trade of 1.8 million hides annually, with the potential for donkey extinction within five years if the current demand continues. South Africa's NSPCA has reported on the inhumane slaughter methods in the illegal hide trade. Efforts to counteract this include promoting alternative donkey products and considering humane, regulated trade. Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Pakistan have banned donkey trade, while South Africa is exploring regulated trade opportunities to meet Chinese demand without decimating donkey populations.

South Africa's severe power cuts are threatening small businesses like Soweto Creamery, which President Cyril Ramaphosa once praised. The energy crisis, caused by state power company Eskom's load shedding, risks pushing the country into recession and exacerbating unemployment. Despite government promises to resolve the issue, experts like Matthew Cruise from Hohm Energy predict worsening conditions. The crisis has led to protests in Johannesburg, with the opposition Democratic Alliance criticizing the ruling ANC for the recent electricity price hike and ongoing power blackouts.

South Africa is experiencing a high unemployment rate of 34%, one of the highest globally, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest in July. Black women are disproportionately affected, with an unemployment rate of 41%.

The University of Johannesburg is utilizing virtual reality to enable students to replicate laboratory experiences, a need that has arisen due to COVID-19 restrictions preventing physical attendance. Linda Givetash reports on this development, with contributions from Zaheer Cassim and Marcus Harton.

Women in Mining South Africa has initiated a mentorship program to support young women like geologist Baile Sebetlele in the male-dominated mining industry. Despite making up less than 15% of the workforce, women like Sebetlele are breaking barriers and advancing in their careers. The program, which has received positive feedback, aims to address challenges such as inadequate physical infrastructure and unsuitable personal protective equipment. The Minerals Council South Africa's survey highlighted these issues, and companies are adapting to ensure women's safety and comfort. The organization also provides career booklets to schools to showcase the diversity of mining jobs. With the success of the program, Women in Mining is considering expanding to assist mid-career women.

South Africa is experiencing challenges with its COVID-19 vaccination program, including a pause in the rollout of AstraZeneca vaccines.

South Africa's extensive antiretroviral therapy program treats over 4 million people, but the complex nature and side effects of the treatment have led to a significant issue: many patients are reluctant to continue taking the drugs.

Violence between locals and foreigners is increasing in South Africa as tensions rise over unemployment.

Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have escalated, resulting in the deaths of at least four foreigners. A new anti-foreigner political party, the African Basic Movement, led a march in Johannesburg demanding the deportation of undocumented foreigners. The party's leader, Thembelani Ngubane, asserts that even legal foreigners should not run small businesses in South Africa. In contrast, Sharon Ekambaram from Lawyers for Human Rights plans to file a legal complaint against the party for spreading hate speech. Both the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance have condemned the violence and xenophobia. The article also includes personal perspectives from individuals affected by the situation.

The World Cup captivates billions globally, with significant viewership in Africa. As top footballers compete for the championship, Africans are setting aside differences to support all teams from the continent, highlighting a sense of unity.

A South African tech company is testing the Pharmacy Dispensing Unit in Johannesburg, which could revolutionize prescription refills by making them as easy as withdrawing money from an ATM. Health experts believe this innovation could significantly enhance the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa and potentially the broader region.

Cape Town is facing a severe water crisis, with the city potentially running out of water by June. Residents are adapting to strict water usage limits, with affluent areas feeling the impact more than low-income townships. The crisis is affecting livelihoods, particularly in the film industry, and prompting some residents to consider relocating. City officials are implementing measures to reduce water consumption, and the recent delay of 'Day Zero' has given residents a glimmer of hope. The situation underscores the importance of water conservation and highlights socio-economic disparities in the city's response to the drought.

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has decided to press President Jacob Zuma to resign amid ongoing corruption scandals. Despite Zuma's refusal to step down, the ANC's national executive committee has officially informed him of their decision. Zuma, who has faced numerous no-confidence votes and corruption charges, is seen as a political liability. The ANC is looking to remove him ahead of the 2019 national elections, with Cyril Ramaphosa poised as his potential successor. Zuma's legacy as a freedom fighter and his long-standing ties to the ANC add complexity to the situation.

Cape Town is facing a severe drought, with dam levels critically low and the city on the brink of running out of water. Residents are limited to 13 gallons of water per day, and the city will impose a higher levy on those who exceed this limit. Mayor Patricia de Lille has criticized the lack of conservation efforts by residents. The city is preparing for 'Day Zero,' when water levels drop below 13.5%, estimated to be April 21. Measures include designated collection points for daily water rations. The University of Cape Town's Future Water Institute is exploring alternative water sources such as aquifers. The city's water utility is facing a significant budget deficit, and there is public criticism for the lack of contingency plans for drought in a historically water-scarce region.

Cape Town faces a severe water crisis due to prolonged drought, with reservoirs nearing depletion. Residents are restricted to 13 gallons of water per day, and the city has set up collection points for water distribution. Mayor Patricia de Lille criticized residents for excessive water use, while experts like Kevin Winter from the University of Cape Town work on alternative water sources. The city's water utility faces a significant budget deficit, and there are public calls for better drought contingency planning.

Cape Town faces a severe water crisis with less than 90 days of water left in its reservoirs, potentially becoming the first major city to run out of water. Residents are restricted to 13 gallons of water per day, and the city has set up collection points for water distribution. Mayor Patricia de Lille has criticized residents for not conserving water, while experts like Kevin Winter from the University of Cape Town are exploring alternative water sources. The city's water utility faces a significant budget deficit, and there are public calls for better drought contingency plans.

Cape Town is facing a severe water crisis due to a prolonged drought, with the city potentially becoming the first major city to run out of water. Residents are limited to 13 gallons of water per day, and the city has set up collection points for water distribution. Despite conservation efforts, the situation remains critical, with 'Day Zero' projected to occur when reservoir levels drop below 13.5%. The city is exploring alternative water sources, but financial and logistical challenges persist.

Cape Town is facing a severe water crisis due to a prolonged drought, with the city potentially becoming the first major city to run out of water. Residents are limited to 13 gallons of water per day, and the city has set up collection points for water distribution. Despite conservation efforts, the city's water utility is facing a significant deficit, and there is criticism over the lack of contingency plans. Experts are exploring alternative water sources, but the situation remains dire.

Oscar Pistorius, the South African Olympic athlete, was sentenced to five years in prison for the 2013 killing of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Judge Thokozile Masipa emphasized a balanced approach in her sentencing, considering both societal expectations and Pistorius' circumstances. The case has drawn significant public attention, with mixed reactions regarding the length of the sentence. Pistorius' family expressed support, while the prosecution has yet to decide on an appeal. The International Paralympic Committee has barred Pistorius from competing during his sentence, and the International Olympic Committee has not commented on his future eligibility.

A South African judge convicted Oscar Pistorius of culpable homicide in the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, which carries a maximum 15-year prison sentence. Pistorius was cleared of murder charges but found negligent in his actions. Public reactions were mixed, with some criticizing the verdict as insufficient for justice. Pistorius was also convicted of unlawfully firing a gun in a public place but acquitted of other firearm charges. The case may see further legal actions, with potential appeals from state prosecutors.

Spleef Mczaul, a fashion enthusiast opening a vintage store in Johannesburg's Maboneng Precinct, highlights the area's role in bringing fashion diversity to South Africa. Maboneng has evolved from a crime-ridden neighborhood to a cultural hub, attracting artists and creatives. Mczaul emphasizes the personal connection and positive feelings associated with wearing locally made fashion pieces, such as an African-print bucket hat.

Oscar Pistorius, charged with premeditated murder in the death of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, was granted bail by Magistrate Desmond Nair, who ruled Pistorius is not a flight risk and does not pose a threat to the community. Bail was set at 1 million rand, and Pistorius must adhere to strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and avoiding contact with prosecution witnesses. The case has seen significant developments, including the removal of lead investigator Hilton Botha due to mishandling evidence and facing his own charges. Public opinion in South Africa remains divided, with many expressing skepticism about Pistorius' account of the events.

In the second day of Oscar Pistorius' bail hearing, police detective Hilton Botha testified that there was no inconsistency in Pistorius' account of the shooting of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The defense argued the shooting was accidental, while the prosecution claimed it was premeditated murder, citing evidence of an argument and the trajectory of the bullets. The hearing will continue as the magistrate decides on Pistorius' bail eligibility. The case has garnered significant public interest, with mixed opinions on Pistorius' innocence.