A journalist recounts their experience while covering the US invasion of Iraq as an independent correspondent. Amidst the tension and fear of entering a war zone, an encounter with a hedgehog in the desert provided an unexpected moment of joy and a reminder of life beyond the distress of war. This brief interaction with the hedgehog evoked childhood memories and a sense of wonder, offering a respite from the harsh realities of conflict.

The article is a personal account of a journalist who covered the genocide in Rwanda for the BBC nearly 30 years ago. The journalist describes the lasting psychological impact of witnessing such atrocities and the moral complexities encountered. The story focuses on the journalist's experiences, the shifting narrative around a local governor named Sylvain Nsabimana, and the journalist's later interactions with a survivor named Beata. Nsabimana was initially seen as a protector of Tutsis but was later found guilty of aiding and abetting genocide. The journalist also reflects on the broader implications of reporting on war and the responsibility to the stories of those who suffer. The article intertwines personal reflection with broader themes of human rights, the search for truth, and the ongoing impact of war on individuals and societies.

The Russian émigré community in South Africa lives under the shadow of Putin's influence, with the war in Ukraine exacerbating their fears and affecting their lives. Despite the outward appearance of a peaceful immigrant life, many grapple with the consequences of Russian propaganda and the lack of truth in their homeland. Interviews with Russian immigrants reveal a shared support for Ukraine and a desire to escape the reach of Putin's regime. The article highlights the challenges of conducting open journalism within this community due to the pervasive fear of retribution. It contrasts the freedom of speech enjoyed in South Africa with the oppressive silence enforced in Russia, urging South Africans to cherish and protect their liberties.

The article reflects on the contributions of Steve Tshwete, a key figure in South African sports and politics, who is largely forgotten today. The author, Hamilton Wende, recounts his personal experience meeting Tshwete in 1984 when he was in hiding from the Ciskei Security Police. Wende highlights Tshwete's role in uniting South Africa's racially divided sports codes and his work as the first democratic minister of sport. The article connects the past struggles against apartheid and the individuals who fought for democracy to the recent Rugby World Cup victory, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past and the people who shaped the nation's journey. The author also touches on the current state of South Africa, acknowledging the problems of corruption within the ANC and the disunity of the opposition, while still maintaining a sense of hope inspired by the legacy of figures like Tshwete.

Hamilton Wende recounts a traumatic experience from 1983 when he and a friend were violently attacked at Wits University after being perceived as gay for dancing together. Despite trying to defend themselves, they were left to fend off a group of attackers alone, resulting in Wende sustaining a broken nose and ankle. He reflects on the long-lasting impact of the assault, including feelings of self-blame and trauma. Wende connects his experience to the broader issue of rising hate against LGBTQIA+ individuals globally, emphasizing the importance of fighting back against bigotry and supporting the rights of LGBTQIA+ people to live freely without fear of violence.

In Lesotho, high poverty and unemployment rates drive young men to work as zama zamas in South Africa's dangerous, abandoned mines. The story of Mathabang Moliko's son, Thabong, who was killed and thrown down a mine shaft, exemplifies the plight of many. The intertwining of Famo music, a Basotho tradition, with gang violence has led to deadly feuds, particularly between the Seakhi and Terene gangs. These conflicts have escalated into mass murders, with the government eventually intervening by deploying the army. The violence has permeated Lesotho's society, with gang influence allegedly reaching high political levels. The article, while reporting on these issues, also touches on the cultural significance of Famo music and the historical context of Lesotho's economic struggles.

The author recounts their experience embedded with the US Marines in Afghanistan's Helmand Province in 2012, detailing the physical and psychological burdens of combat. They describe witnessing the impact of war, including the death of a soldier and their own close calls with danger. The narrative then shifts to the author's personal battle with chronic back pain, exacerbated by their time in the field, leading to a severe injury and eventual surgery. The author reflects on the journey of recovery, both physical and mental, highlighting a moment of clarity provided by a cleaning lady's words post-surgery. This encounter, along with overcoming the fear of re-injury by changing a car tire, marks a turning point towards mental restoration and self-belief.

Robert Harris, author of 14 best-selling novels, discusses his latest book 'Act of Oblivion' which explores the aftermath of the English monarchy's restoration in the 1660s and the ensuing manhunt for those responsible for King Charles I's execution. Harris, a former journalist, prefers writing fiction to navigate through historical events and their relevance to contemporary issues, such as the parallels between the 17th-century English civil war and South Africa's past. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging history and learning from it, suggesting that the Act of Oblivion passed by the English parliament in 1660 has lessons for modern societies. Harris also shares his personal journey as a writer, his creative process, and his views on the universality of stories and politics.

South Africa has surpassed the peak of its Omicron outbreak, with a significant decline in cases, particularly in the populous province of Gauteng. Senior researcher Ridhwaan Suliman from the CSIR and top scientist Michelle Groome from the NICD confirmed the trend, noting a decrease in new COVID-19 cases across most provinces. Despite high test positivity rates, the decline in infections is considered genuine. Hospitalizations and deaths from the Omicron wave are significantly lower than previous waves, and the fourth wave was shorter and steeper. South African scientists were instrumental in identifying the Omicron variant.

South Africa has surpassed the peak of its Omicron outbreak, with a significant decline in cases, particularly in the populous province of Gauteng. Senior researcher Ridhwaan Suliman from the CSIR and top scientist Michelle Groome from the NICD confirmed the trend, noting a decrease in new cases across most provinces. Despite high test positivity rates, the decline in infections is genuine, and the fourth wave has been steeper but shorter than previous ones. Hospitalizations and deaths are lower compared to the Delta variant, and South African scientists were instrumental in identifying the Omicron variant.

Green Man Flashing, a play by Mike Van Graan set just before South Africa's second democratic elections in 1999, remains relevant in its exploration of ethical and emotional challenges following a powerful politician's rape of a woman. The play's structure, which includes flashbacks and dialogue-driven storytelling, allows the audience to form and adjust their opinions on the characters. The production, directed by Malcolm Purkey at the Auto & General Theatre On The Square in Johannesburg, is critiqued for moments of hyper-reality in the dialogue. Performances by Litha Bam and Sechaba Morojele are highlighted, and the play's encouragement of scrutiny on its themes is noted, especially as it has become a school setwork.