Waste pickers in Johannesburg, primarily from Lesotho, face routine harassment, discrimination, and eviction by city officials and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department. Despite their significant contribution to recycling, they are often perceived as criminals due to their appearance. NGOs like WIEGO advocate for their rights, highlighting issues of xenophobia and the criminalization of poverty. Efforts to integrate waste pickers into the city's recycling initiatives have begun, but challenges remain, including the need for safe storage facilities and inclusive policies. The article underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to waste management in Johannesburg.

Iridium Street in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, has been closed due to damage from illegal mining activities by zama-zamas. Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba has closed the road until next year and criticized the national government for not assisting with the illegal mining issue. The Johannesburg Roads Agency is assessing the damage, which could cost between R25m and R30m to repair. Mashaba has initiated efforts to remove illegal miners and plans to start city revival projects. Sibanye Stillwater reported a decrease in illegal mining arrests and employee charges due to increased security.

Durban Deep, a defunct gold mine in Johannesburg, is the site of ongoing illegal mining by zama zamas, predominantly undocumented immigrants. The South African Human Rights Commission reports around 30,000 illegal miners in South Africa, with 350 in the West Wits area. The decline of formal mining and regional instability contribute to this issue. Deputy Mineral Resources Minister Godfrey Oliphant notes that illicit mining results in significant gold loss annually. Violence is rampant, with Roodepoort Police Station's Brigadier Sam Manala attributing 90% of local murders to mining disputes. Residents, facing neglect and lack of municipal services, sometimes resort to vigilantism. Corruption allegations against police are widespread, with claims of their involvement in the illegal mining industry. Despite the dangers, economic desperation drives miners like Blessing to continue. Development plans by Dino Properties and West Wits Mining may offer some hope, but residents fear eviction and remain skeptical about future security and job creation.

Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of Zimbabwe's MDC-T party, returned to Zimbabwe amid a military intervention that placed President Robert Mugabe and First Lady Grace under house arrest. The military, led by General Constantino Chiwenga, insists it's not a coup. Tsvangirai calls for Mugabe's resignation and a road map to political legitimacy through free and fair elections. The situation in Harare remains calm with military presence and checkpoints, but residents carry on with daily life. The future remains uncertain as the political landscape shifts.

Shrien Dewani's legal team announced plans to apply for a dismissal of charges against him for the murder of his wife Anni, citing insufficient evidence presented by the state. The Western Cape Deputy Judge President Jeanette Traverso will hear arguments for and against the dismissal. The state's case has been weakened by inadmissible evidence and reliance on testimonies from Dewani's alleged co-conspirators, who have provided inconsistent accounts. The defense has countered the state's claims effectively, but the state's strongest witness, Captain Paul Hendrickse, raised suspicions about Dewani's involvement. The outcome of the dismissal application could lead to either Dewani's freedom or the continuation of the trial.

The article discusses the role of white identity in South Africa's ongoing racial discourse, highlighting Zelda la Grange's memoir 'Good Morning, Mr Mandela' as a significant contribution. It explores the personal transformation of La Grange from a conservative white South African to a more conscious individual through her relationship with Nelson Mandela. The piece also touches on the views of Steven Friedman and Julius Malema on the racial tensions within the black middle class, and the self-reflection and repentance of Adrian Vlok, a former apartheid minister. The article suggests that white South Africans need to engage in self-reflection to understand their history and role in the future, and that discussions about race should be welcomed to foster a deeper understanding of the present.