Meeting the gentle, magical spirits of the African rainforest

Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. (Photo: Unsplash) By Don Pinnock – 7 Jan 2025 In a dark, almost impenetrable forest in southern Uganda live huge, near-mythical creatures which remind us of ourselves. Gorillas are outrageous. Nothing prepares you for meeting one on the green-dripping, moss-covered, butterflied equatorial forest floor. They look up at…

Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) Beetle threat

The PSHB is an invasive species that poses a serious threat to Cape Town’s urban forest. It can easily spread across suburbs if extra precaution is not taken. Apart from infected wood, the beetle can spread through clothing, vehicle crevices, or unclean horticultural equipment. We need the support and collaboration of residents and businesses to prevent the…

Civic Honours 2025: Cape Town Mayor calls for nominations

13 January 2025 Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the City of Cape Town are inviting residents to nominate individuals or organisations to be awarded with Civic Honours in 2025. Nominations are now open for two months from 13 January 2025 – 12 March 2025, with the ceremony set to take place later this year… READ MORE

OBSERVATORY LIESBEEK RIVER CLEAN UP STARTED IN 2013

BY CHARMAINE SMITH Anyone who’s started a volunteer initiative will tell you that the biggest challenge is to keep the project going in the long run. Asking people to dedicate their time for free – or donate money towards expenses – is a tough call in an era of busy schedules and economic hardship. But…

Cape Town Open Nights at SAAO

Cape Town Open Nights The SAAO’s headquarters are in the Cape Town suburb of Observatory on the site of the former Royal Observatory. The historic building is recognised as a National Heritage Site, and houses administration facilities, offices, and the SAAO library. You are welcome to visit the SAAO in Cape Town on SAAO Open…

Very Important Contact Numbers please save it on your phone

Emergency Helpline Numbers 💔 Suicide: 0800 567 567 🙏 Rape: 021 447 9762 ✋ Assault: 0861 322 322 😔 Depression: 0800 121 314 🚔 SAPS: 10111 🚑 Ambulance: 10177 🚑 Bester Emergency Medical Service: 087 711 0001 📱 Government Emergency Services: 112 📚 ADHD Helpline: 0800 554 433 💬 Trauma Line: 0800 205 026 🧠…