Wildflower Season in Cape Town Peaks at Strandfontein in 2026

South Africa has issued a warning about the potential for a hot and dry summer, linked to the formation of a potentially powerful El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean.

South Africa's largest online marketplace, Takealot.com, has changed its delivery terms: the minimum order amount for free delivery has been increased to 750 rand, and premium delivery options are now selected by default when placing an order.

The Section 89 Committee withdrew its recommendation regarding Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC as the lead witness in the Phala Phala investigation after President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his disagreement with the decision.

Germany accused Russia of responsibility for the drone attack on Leipzig airport last month and announced the introduction of several new measures against Moscow.

Analysts are perplexed, and many Venezuelan citizens are outraged by the recent US oil deal. The administration of President Donald Trump, which forcibly ousted Nicolas Maduro in January, made it clear that securing control over Venezuela's oil resources was one of the key goals of its leadership.

Tech giant Meta is transitioning from Google Chat to Slack for internal communication, as its AI head, Alexander Vang, stated that Slack is better suited for working with artificial intelligence agents.

In Johannesburg, Countess Zingara invites the public to a world of spectacle, art, and charm presented by an impressive ensemble of performers from South Africa and other countries.

In sports, Alex Eala conquered the tennis world, achieving a convincing victory of 6:1, 6:2 over Mary Stoyana in the first round of the US Open.

The South African Department of Basic Education is developing new rules for using WhatsApp in schools to regulate communication between teachers and students following reports of inappropriate behavior.

In the murder case of activist Charlie Kirk, the young man from Utah pleaded not guilty, while the judge allowed the prosecution to pursue the death penalty in court.

In the technology sector, Anthropic acknowledged security issues that led to hacking incidents at three organizations during the testing of the Claude chatbot, noting that the models do not align with human values.

Zucchini is very healthy, but children often show reluctance to eat it. If you are tired of zucchini dishes, try the famous Low Dalma recipe from Odisha. This delicious and healthy dalma is made from roasted moong dal, grated coconut, and mild spices, and it is very easy to prepare.

People are often reluctant to eat zucchini despite its health benefits. It can be prepared in many ways: as a vegetable stew with potatoes, cutlets, or kebabs. However, today we will tell you about the Low Dalma recipe, which is a popular dish from Odisha, and which even children will ask for.

This amazing recipe is made from zucchini, moong dal, sugar, salt, and mild spices, and it is very healthy. If your children refuse to eat zucchini, you can prepare it by mixing it with moong dal; this will give the dish a special taste, and it won't take much time. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

First, the moong dal needs to be lightly roasted over low heat in a pan without oil or ghee until golden brown. This will give the dalma a pleasant aroma and taste. The roasted dal should be cooled and then thoroughly washed with water.

After that, the dal is placed in a pot, turmeric and a little salt are added, it is poured with water, and it is brought to a boil. When the dal is almost cooked, chopped potatoes and zucchini are added. The vegetables are cooked until the potatoes and zucchini become soft.

When the dal and vegetables are completely cooked, turn off the heat and let the dish rest. Then, to prepare the tadka, ghee is heated in the pot. After heating the ghee, cumin seeds, dried red chili, and grated ginger are added. The ginger is fried for a few seconds until its raw smell disappears.

Next, the cooked dal and vegetables are added to the pot and mixed well. The dish should not be cooked for long on high heat; it is enough to warm it up for about a minute. Then add salt to taste and a little sugar. Finally, the dal is garnished with ground cumin powder, grated coconut, and fresh coriander.

Low Dalma is served hot in an amazing style with rice or flatbreads. Adding papads and pickled cucumbers will make the taste even richer.

The start of spring was marked by a busy calendar of events on the first weekend of September, featuring activities in music, sports, culinary arts, art, theater, and literature.

Open Book Festival

Reading enthusiasts can spend the weekend attending the Open Book Festival, which takes place in various locations across Cape Town. The annual literary festival brings together writers, poets, and thinkers from South Africa and other countries for discussions, workshops, readings, and talks. This year's program covers topics such as climate change, heritage, futuristic thinking, poetry, as well as the experiences of Africans and the diaspora. Ticket prices for individual events start from 50 rand, while some events are free, though pre-registration is required even for complimentary sessions.

Open Book Festival Program and Booking

Get ready for a weekend filled with ABBA classics, as the musical 'Mamma Mia! The Musical' will take the stage at the Artscape Opera House. This popular musical tells the story of a mother and daughter preparing for a wedding on a Greek island, conveyed through the soundtrack of ABBA hits. Performances this weekend are scheduled for Friday at 19:30, Saturday at 15:00 and 19:30, and Sunday at 17:00.

FNB Art Joburg

The Sandton Convention will serve as the venue for showcasing contemporary African art during the 19th edition of FNB Art Joburg. This fair unites galleries, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts, with exhibitors representing countries from across the continent. The 2026 exhibition will feature over one hundred artists, divided into eight curated sections, making it an interesting destination for anyone interested in the modern African art scene.

947 Joburg Day

We invite friends and family to one of Johannesburg's largest outdoor events. The 947 Joburg Day event will take place at Crocodile Creek Polo Club in Lanseria. Performers include Cassper Nyovest, Kabza De Small, DJ Zinhle, Mi Casa, Sun-El Musician, Will Linley, Zee Nxumalo, Locnville, Lordkez, and Morda, alongside the Gospel Choir from Soweto. Gates open at 10:00. General admission costs 550 rand, and children's tickets are 250 rand.

One of the biggest rivalries in international rugby will return to the FNB Stadium, where the Springboks will face the All Blacks. The match is part of the 'Great Rugby Rivalry' and is anticipated to be one of the main sporting events of the weekend. Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday at 17:10, and thousands of fans plan to head to the stadium to watch the confrontation.

Randburg Night Market

The Randburg Night Market combines its usual evening market with a screening of the Springboks match on a big screen this month. The event will be held at the Diggers Rugby Club and starts at 16:00. The Springboks versus All Blacks match will be broadcast on the large screen. In addition to rugby, visitors can enjoy street food, craft stalls, and live music. Online advance ticket prices are 40 rand, with entry on the day costing 50 rand.

Circle of Dreams

Visit The Barnyard Theatre Silverstar to see 'Circle of Dreams,' a live performance by songwriter featuring Neon Dreams, Ross Learmonth, and Jesse Clegg. The show blends live music with conversation, exploring the stories and inspiration behind the songs. The performance begins at 19:00, and tickets start from 295 rand.

Love, Levies & Lies

Figure of 8 Dance Theatre will present its dramedy 'Love, Levies & Lies' at the Theatre Arts in Observatory. The production tells the story of seven young people living in one apartment and facing issues of friendship, belonging, money, and the realities of adult life in modern Cape Town. Performances are scheduled for Friday at 19:00 and Saturday at 15:00 and 19:00, with discounted tickets available.

Msaki in the Park

Conclude the weekend with an afternoon concert at the 4Ways Farmers Market, where renowned South African singer-songwriter Msaki will perform on stage as part of the 'Msaki in the Park' event. This outdoor event combines live music with food courts, bars, and a relaxed picnic atmosphere. The concert runs from 12:00 to 19:00, giving guests ample time to enjoy a Sunday under the music. Tickets start from 300 rand.

From discussions on contemporary African art and literary talks to live music, street food, and one of the greatest rugby clashes—there are many events happening around South Africa this weekend. Whether you are looking for an all-day festival, an evening at the theatre, or a Sunday stroll, these events offer numerous ways to spend the first weekend of spring.