Author: Chukwu Godlove
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is said to have retrenched several senior managers over the past two weeks in a move that has raised concerns among employees about internal procedures and governance at the state tourism body. An employee affected by the retrenchments, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals said three senior directors and about a dozen heads of departments and managers had been laid off. “The retrenchments started with directors and were later extended to heads and managers,” the source said adding that the letters were signed by the acting chief executive William Stima. The…
It’s no secret that our city boasts some of the most inviting beaches in the world, but the locations might be hidden from view. Picture: Holiday Apartments Beach visits are almost essential at the moment to cool off from the January heat, so here are five secret beaches to check out when the main ones are too packed: 1. Beta Beach Picture: Cape Town with Kids Nestled in Bakoven, Beta Beach is a tiny nook that can accommodate just a small number of people, so get there early. The secluded beach has spectacular views of Lion’s Head and the bay,…
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, together with its 13 agencies, on Tuesday held its annual Nine Lessons and Carols service in Accra to celebrate Christmas and reaffirm the role of culture and creativity in promoting national unity, identity, and economic transformation. The event, attended by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mrs. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, as well as heads and staff of the ministry and its agencies, marked the birth of Jesus Christ through poetry recitals, musical performances, and dramatic presentations depicting the historical events surrounding the nativity. Speaking on the theme: “Light of the…
Cape Town’s festive season is as vibrant and flavourful as its landscapes — sun-soaked beaches, cool ocean breezes, and mountain sunsets. Peter Fazekas / Pexels But Cape Town festive season isn’t complete without a sensational cocktail in hand. From breezy rooftops to sultry speakeasies, here’s your guide to 12 Christmas-ready cocktails to sip and savour around the Mother City. 1. Singapore Sling from Flirt A timeless classic with a tropical twist, Flirt’s Singapore Sling brings a touch of old-school glamour to Cape Town’s festive cocktail scene. Traditionally built with gin, cherry notes, citrus and herbal liqueurs, this version is refreshing,…
THE Government has announced plans to introduce an Electronic Visa (e-Visa) policy in the first quarter of 2026 as part of renewed efforts to deepen engagement with the African diaspora and make travel to Ghana easier, faster and more affordable. The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this at the closing of the 2025 Diaspora Summit held in Accra on Saturday, aimed at strengthening Ghana’s Pan-African commitment. According to the Minister, the e-Visa regime would include a special concession for Africans in the diaspora, who would enjoy reduced application fees compared to other travellers. He explained…
If you have only just decided to travel over Christmas, you are not alone. Simon Hurry/Unsplash Many South Africans book festive getaways late, often assuming that affordability is no longer an option. In reality, last-minute travel can still be budget-friendly if you are flexible, realistic and willing to swap luxury extras for memorable experiences. Think self-catering first Accommodation with a kitchen immediately reduces costs. Preparing your own festive meals avoids restaurant surcharges and allows you to travel with extended family or friends. Look for well-priced self-catering cottages in places such as the Midlands Meander, Clarens, McGregor or Prince Albert, where…
Acting on guidance from the U.S. Department of State, the United States Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria has announced that, effective January 1, 2026, Nigeria will be among 19 countries whose nationals will face a partial suspension of U.S. visa issuance, under Presidential Proclamation 10998 aimed at “restricting and limiting the entry of foreign nationals to protect the security of the United States.” According to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, the policy will take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026, and will affect the issuance of nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, as…
As Cape Town gears up for its busiest travel period, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is rolling out enhanced safety and visitor-friendly measures to ensure everyone enjoys an unforgettable festive season. Rutendo Petros / Unsplash One of Africa’s most breathtaking natural attractions, TMNP has strengthened its ranger presence and emergency response capabilities to match rising visitor numbers. With more than 1.7 million entries recorded between April and October 2025 — nearly a 20 % increase compared to the previous year — the park anticipates even greater interest over December and January as travellers arrive by air and sea. Visitors can…
Funding Shortfalls Cripple Aid for 4.6 Million Drought Victims in Somalia The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that brutal cuts to humanitarian aid budgets are severely hampering efforts to assist millions of Somalis affected by drought. The situation has affected over 4.6 million people, about a quarter of the population, with at least 120,000 people displaced between September and December as water prices rose, food became scarce, and livestock died. Over 75,000 students have dropped out of school. OCHA has warned that the upcoming dry season, which runs from January to March, could…
Vice President Dr Jane Ansah has come under fierce public and civil society attack following revelations that she is travelling to the United Kingdom with a large, taxpayer-funded entourage to attend her husband’s 80th birthday celebrations, at an estimated cost of K2.3 billion. The trip, which Malawians learned about on Monday morning, has ignited outrage across social media and civil society circles, with critics questioning how a private family celebration can justify the mobilisation of state resources at a time when government is publicly preaching austerity and belt-tightening. According to an official document dated 11 December from the Ministry of…