Author: Chukwu Godlove

Cape Town is ramping up its mass pet sterilization campaign, targeting 1 500 domestic animals in Ravensmead, Elsies River and Bellville South between August and December. Image used for illustrative purposes/Jonatan Bustos/Unsplash The project, funded by the City of Cape Town and run in partnership with the Cape Animal Welfare Forum (CAWF), has already sterilized 17 876 pets since 2013 at a cost of R8 million. This year, the City has allocated R850 000 to the initiative, which aims to: Prevent unwanted litters Reduce animal cruelty and neglect Improve community health through responsible pet ownership ‘We’re proud of this long-standing partnership,’ said Councillor…

The US State Department said Monday some visa applicants will soon be required to pay bonds of up to $15,000 to discourage visa overstays as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on migration. Starting later this month, the pilot program will require applicants from certain countries to pay a sum of “no less than $5,000” as collateral for the issuance of their visa, with the funds returned if they comply with the terms of their stay or forfeited if they remain past the deadline. “Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000…

In South Africa, hiking is more than a pastime—it’s a pilgrimage through layers of history. Beneath each footstep lies evidence of early humans, ancient oceans, and the first whispers of civilisation. Trails wind past San shell middens, Iron Age relics, and fossilised seabeds, offering outdoor lovers a rare chance to journey through time while surrounded by spectacular scenery. These are the hiking trails where the past is always underfoot—and always awe-inspiring. 1. The Otter Trail – Garden Route National Park Waterfall on Otter Trail/Rotational/Wikimedia Commons One of South Africa’s most iconic hikes, the Otter Trail hugs a rugged coastline that…

Addis Ababa — The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to 15,000 US dollars to enter the United States, a move that may make the process unaffordable for many. The new requirement targets countries like Malawi and Zambia. Critics have denounced the bond scheme as a ‘legalised shakedown’ that profits from vulnerable, lawful travellers. In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, the department said it would start a 12-month pilot program under which people from countries deemed to have high overstay rates and deficient…

Three years. That’s how long it’s been since I last set foot on South African soil. But after settling into our new life abroad, it was finally time to return to Africa to visit friends and family. Here’s why Africa pulls you back each and every time, from my own personal experience…Africa lures you back every time, Image Credit: Lion Sands Tinga LodgeAn Inevitable Return to African Soil After all this time, my spirit yearned for the soft, cool sand of the Cape beaches beneath my feet. I longed to sip flinty, Atlantic-kissed sauvignon blanc, and to lose myself in the…

For safari travellers, the adventure begins long before the game drive. Landing in Africa’s wildest corners often means touching down on remote airstrips where zebras, warthogs or even elephants might be your welcoming committee. Whether it’s skimming over Namibia’s glowing dunes or circling low over herds on the Maasai Mara, these fly-ins redefine the journey as part of the destination. Here are ten of the most thrilling safari airport landings across the continent — where the runway is often as wild as what lies beyond it. 1. Mfuwe Airport, Zambia Mfuwe International Airport/Lord Mountbatten/Wikimedia Commons Located on the edge of…

In a heartening win for African vulture conservation, twenty vulture chicks have hatched at Shamwari Private Game Reserve since the start of the breeding season on 1 July—marking a significant success for VulPro’s recently relocated Captive Breeding Programme. Image: Supplied With more births anticipated before the season wraps up in mid-August, this year’s hatchlings are a strong signal that the relocated vultures are thriving in their custom-built enclosures at Shamwari, following the largest vulture relocation ever attempted in South Africa. “Vultures only lay one egg per year during breeding season, that’s it,” explains Kerri Wolter, CEO of VulPro. “Cape Vultures…

Members of the Ekiti State Caucus in the House of Representatives have commended Cavista Holdings for its significant contributions to agriculture and tourism in the state. The federal lawmakers made the commendation during a recent visit to two of the company’s flagship investments — Agbeyewa Farms and the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center. Members of the delegation, led by Hon. Femi Bamisile, included AVM Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo (rtd), Hon. Olusola Fatoba and Hon. David Kolawole Akinlayo. The lawmakers were received by Cavista Holdings’ management team, including Olumide Olayomi, vice president/executive director of Cavista Holdings, Lanre Sharafa Balogun, General…

South Africa’s story is written not only in books, but in the land itself. From fossil-filled caves and flower-rich biomes to ancient kingdoms and political landmarks, these places reveal chapters of our human, ecological, and cultural legacy. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially recognised several South African sites for their outstanding universal value. Here are five South African UNESCO World Heritage Sites every traveller should experience at least once. iSimangaliso Wetland Park iSimangaliso Wetland Park/Martie Bloem/Unsplash In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Elephant Coast, iSimangaliso Wetland Park lives up to its name — “miracle” in isiZulu.…

The United States has imposed temporary visa restrictions on citizens of Burundi, citing repeated violations of visa regulations and national security concerns. In a public statement posted on its official social media platforms, the US Embassy in Burundi wrote: “Every Burundian who travels carries the hopes of their family and community. Respecting visa rules isn’t just personal, it is national. “Sadly, due to repeated violations, US visas for Burundians are temporarily banned. Let us uphold the rules, because one person’s actions can close doors for an entire nation.” According to the US Department of State, the restrictions–effective since June 2025–are…