The article discusses the issue of book theft in downtown Johannesburg, highlighting the experiences of street vendor Mahle Mavimbela, who recently had his entire stock stolen. Despite the risks, books are in high demand, with both street vendors and bookstores like Exclusive Books and Books Galore suffering significant losses due to theft. The article also touches on the challenges faced by vendors, such as police confiscations and the need to restock with limited funds. Mavimbela's personal journey from managing a takeout place to becoming a self-employed bookseller is explored, as well as the broader context of the urban book trade and the demand for books by black authors. The author of the article is conducting PhD research on urban booksellers and uses Mavimbela's story to illustrate the complexities of the book market in Johannesburg.

In Johannesburg, street art is transforming the once neglected city centre, with artists like Dbongz leading the movement. The city's past decline is being countered by vibrant murals that attract visitors and investment. Real estate firms commission artworks to revitalize buildings, and public art is seen as adding meaning to urban spaces. Artists like Hannelie Coetzee and Shepard Fairey have contributed notable works, and brands like Apple Music and Heineken South Africa are engaging with the art scene. Dbongz's work, including a recent mural for Apple Music, has become a visual trademark for Johannesburg, inspiring others and bringing hope to impoverished areas.

Iran has been engaged in negotiations in Vienna for eleven months to save the 2015 nuclear agreement. The deal, which is aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon in exchange for lifting economic sanctions, has deteriorated after the US withdrawal in 2018 and the reinstatement of sanctions. Iran has since gradually freed itself from the imposed limits on its nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian criticized new demands from the US, which he says contradict Washington's expressed desire for a quick agreement. The US indirectly involved in the Vienna negotiations has been accused of complicating the talks by Iran's Ali Shamkhani. Russia has also demanded written assurances from the US that sanctions imposed over the Ukraine war will not affect its cooperation with Tehran. US spokesperson Ned Price stated that an agreement is close and only a few difficult issues remain. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei emphasized the importance of continuing the nuclear program for the country's future needs.

At least ten civilians were killed in attacks by Boko Haram near Diffa, Southeast Niger. The assailants attacked several villages, with six deaths in the village of Fiego, two in Ngarwa-Lawandi, and two in Ngarwa-Koura. The attacks began at 8:00 PM local time in Lada and continued through the night to other villages. Maman Kaka Touda of the NGO Alternative espace citoyen reported twenty deaths, with ten in Lada. These attacks break a period of calm in the region, raising concerns about returning insecurity. The government had not confirmed the attacks as of Wednesday afternoon. The region has faced jihadist raids since 2015, and President Mohamed Bazoum recently acknowledged security improvements, announcing the recruitment and training of soldiers for deployment in the area.

Damon Galgut, a South African author, has gained significant attention for his Booker Prize-winning novel 'The Promise'. His Cape Town apartment, filled with books and antiques, reflects his literary success. 'The Promise' is a tragic comedy that explores the lives of the Swart family over four funerals, each in a different decade, against the backdrop of South Africa's societal changes. Despite international acclaim and a year of Africans winning top literary awards, Galgut notes a lack of official recognition from South Africa's department of arts and culture.

A child's skull fragments and teeth, part of the Homo naledi species, were discovered in a South African cave, suggesting possible death rituals dating back 250,000 years. The find, made 30 meters underground in the Cradle of Humankind, adds to the complexity of human evolution. The difficult-to-access location required researchers to navigate narrow passages. The discovery, which includes the first known child's skull of the species, could indicate ritualistic behavior predating previous evidence by hundreds of thousands of years. The research was published in PaleoAnthropology and involved 21 researchers from South Africa's University of the Witwatersrand among others.

The article details the author's attempt to interview George Clooney in Armenia regarding his humanitarian efforts, as the country commemorated the Armenian genocide. Despite the author's extensive efforts, they never managed to speak directly with Clooney. The article describes Armenia's capital, Yerevan, and the author's observations of the city and its people. It also touches on the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan border conflict and the broader context of Clooney's activism, including his work with Not On Our Watch and his involvement with the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. The author reflects on the challenges and impacts of celebrity involvement in humanitarian issues, citing examples of other celebrities' efforts and the complexities they face. The article concludes with the author's realization that Clooney's absence from media engagement during the event was intentional, aiming to keep the focus on the humanitarian issues rather than on himself.

The article lists real-world destinations where 'Star Wars' films were shot, including Wadi Rum in Jordan, Puzzlewood in England, and various locations in Tunisia, Bolivia, Iceland, California, Norway, London, Italy, Thailand, China, Spain, Guatemala, Arizona, and Ireland. These places have become travel attractions for fans of the franchise, offering a glimpse into the settings of iconic scenes and planets like Tatooine, Hoth, and Endor. Some locations have preserved sets and props, while others are natural landscapes that provided the backdrop for the fictional worlds.

A critical incident occurred involving two stowaways on a British Airways flight from Johannesburg to London. One man was found alive but in critical condition in the undercarriage of the plane at Heathrow Airport, while the other man's body was discovered on a building's roof in west London. The survivor, a 24-year-old man, endured freezing temperatures during the 8,000-mile flight. The Metropolitan Police are investigating the connection between the two men and the security breach at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. The incident has raised serious security concerns and highlighted the desperation of individuals trying to reach the UK for a better life. British Airways and the authorities are working to establish the facts of the case.

Griffin Shea discusses the public response in South Africa to the World Cup soccer final. The article likely covers the atmosphere in the country, the engagement of fans and citizens with the event, and possibly the impact of the World Cup on South African society and infrastructure. It may also touch on the performance of the national team, the economic or social benefits of hosting the tournament, and the legacy that the World Cup leaves behind in South Africa.

The article discusses the release of 'Conversations with Myself', a book containing Nelson Mandela's private papers, which reveal his personal struggles and thoughts during his imprisonment. The Nelson Mandela Foundation has compiled letters, diaries, and recordings that shed light on Mandela's feelings of missing his family, his concerns about being idolized, and his views on corruption. Despite his global stature, Mandela expressed in the excerpts that he did not want to be seen as a saint. The book also touches on his relationship with his ex-wife Winnie and the personal sacrifices he made for the liberation struggle. Mandela, who is now 92 and retired from public life, is unlikely to comment on the book, which aims to foster a more nuanced understanding of his life.