Does anyone have old photos of Observatory, Cape Town?

DONATE TO THE HERITAGE PORTAL Expiry: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – 00:00 I’m working with OBSID – the Observatory Improvement District – to promote the attractions and activities of the area. Obs has a tangible historical aspect that I’m keen to explore, possibly in an ‘Obs Then and Now’ photo essay. Would anyone from the…

We tested if a specialised magnetic powder could remove microplastics from drinking water: the answer is yes

Collecting plastic bottles on a beach in South Africa. iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus The Conversation – October 8 2025 Microplastics are the crumbs of our plastic world, tiny pieces that come from bigger items breaking apart or from products like synthetic clothing and packaging. They’re now everywhere. Scientists estimate there are about 51 trillion of these particles…

Thrift and party like a student in Cape Town’s vibrant Obz

Photograph: Gabi Zietsman Want to party with the students, hippies and Southern Suburbians who prefer walking to their favourite bar? Cape Town’s Observatory is one of the most central neighbourhoods in the city, home to academics and activists and a big thrifting scene. I have lived a large part of my Cape Town life here,…