Christmas acts as a punctuation mark in our lives: It gives us a sense of structure. Traditionally, it is a time for sharing and enjoying time spent with loved ones. But beneath the overtly festive overtone, this season tends to expose the missing pieces in our lives. Inevitably, we give more thought to how we and society have changed and where we fit into all of this. By Dr Sulette Ferreira
For those who left South Africa after 2015, the tragic story of the ‘Life Esidimeni’ scam is still etched in everyone’s memory. For those who already lived in the USA, the news of the brutal and inhumane deaths of 144 patients at psychiatric facilities in Gauteng, shocked the world.
In the April edition of Saffamag, I related how Lady Luck has played a huge role in my life. Because of her, far more good things have happened in my life than I would have predicted when I graduated from Wits in 1971. And it seems that she still has an eye on me! By Stanley Trollip
Ask Saffas in the USA about their favourite holiday destinations in South Africa and ninety percent of the time the Kruger National Park will feature. The smell of the bush, wild animals roaming freely, and a night spent next to the fire with a tjoppie on the braai, strike a chord.
Vergelen Estate, a wine estate situated on the slopes of the Hottentot Holland mountains in Somerset West, Cape Town is no ordinary estate.“Vergelegen” is a Dutch word meaning situated far away. Established in 1700, it was a 3 day ox-wagon trip from Cape Town. By Shireen Badat
As a researcher and therapist, I have the privilege of experiencing the world of emigration through the eyes of my clients. Everyone’s experience is unique. Emigrants venture into a new, unknown world, they leave the familiar to start afresh amid new cultures and environments. Some of my clients recall a profound sense of being emotionally uprooted, others fully seize the opportunities presented and continued to thrive. Yet, some experience both. By Sulette Ferreira
Renowned Pan-African poet, praise singer, philanthropist, musician and businesswoman Bishop Jessica Mbangeni knew from a young age that she wanted to be a force for change.
Space travel has never been easier, with Virgin Galactic now fully operational and ready to take passengers into space and experience not only zero gravity, but also breath-taking views of the earth.
Driven by an inherent need and pure passion to create breath-taking artwork and sculptures, Johannesburg-born multi-disciplinary artist Daniel Popper continues to make a name for himself around the globe, by Allison Cooper.
The Grand Canyon is a bucket-list destination and it comes as no surprise that almost six million people visit this natural wonder annually. Irma Green shares the thrill of the helicopter trip she took to the canyon a few years ago.
A new seasonal camp, deep in the heart of the Kruger National Park, offers an unforgettable taste of the African bush where visitors can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
The decision to emigrate comes with disruption and massive challenges, but leaving behind elderly parents is possibly the hardest part of the process.
Soon after South African film maker Desmond Denton completed his studies at film school, he made the film, Anderkant die Stilte. Denton, who now lives in the USA, recently announced that the movie is now available on a few USA platforms such as ROKU.