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One could probably end up with an award-winning thesis by pointing out the idiosyncrasies of the war in the Middle East.
But that would take up too much space here, so let us briefly list some examples to show how fact can be stranger than fiction.
A country can start a war without being provoked, attacked or threatened, except perhaps through propaganda that terrifies its citizens into believing that a satanic religion could suddenly consume them if they did not strike first.
A country that started a war and later realised it made a mistake can presume it is in a position to press a “war cancelled” button and simply walk away with complete impunity – unperturbed, undamaged and undisturbed.
To cowardly murder previously proven dangerous leaders at the start of a war, followed by threats to do the same to yet-unelected, unproven future leaders, is apparently considered acceptable.
To bomb and annihilate an entire, very young, 100% innocent girls’ school on the first day of the war is also presented as acceptable. It is even admissible – without challenge – to blame such bombing on Iran. This is often followed by the destruction of hospitals and the targeting of mainly civilians.
Having failed with the “Iron Dome”, which was supposed to protect Israel against missiles, it seems a convenient alternative to instead build a “virtual iron curtain” to block out videos and pictures of death or destruction in Tel Aviv or the Occupied West Bank. Severe penalties are proposed for those who dare to show images of destroyed buildings or shattered bodies anywhere in Israel.
Perceptions, especially among Americans, about the state of the war appear to rely heavily – even in this highly advanced technological age – on narratives fed to journalists by the Trump–Netanyahu alliance. As a result, the average American may never know the full truth about the causes or conduct of this war, yet may be quick to blame Iran for rising fuel and food prices.
Other strange claims also emerge. There has long been a narrative portraying Islam as a threatening cult, yet we also hear claims that some Christian evangelists in the United States promote beliefs linking conflict in the Middle East with biblical prophecy and Armageddon.
There is much more. Perhaps on another day. | Ebrahim Essa Berea
As Durban and Cape Town prepare for new property valuations in July 2026, pensioners and responsible homeowners face steep municipal rate increases.
Yet a largely unreported issue persists: the cities may be losing hundreds of millions of rand each year due to unapproved and unrecorded home improvements.
Across the cities, second-storey extensions, backyard dwellings, garage conversions and informal rental units are often built without approved plans or inspections. Undeclared improvements remain undervalued on the municipal roll, meaning rates are calculated on incomplete data and plan-related fees go uncollected. Compliant homeowners effectively subsidise those who ignore the rules.
The City’s reporting system worsens the problem. Residents flagging violations must use the Building Regulations Contravention Complaint Form, which does not allow anonymous submissions, provides no whistleblower protection, and exposes citizens to potential retaliation or neighbour conflict.
This discourages reporting, leaving the City blind to many unmonitored developments while compliant taxpayers shoulder the burden.
Critical questions demand answers: How many unapproved alterations exist? What systems identify them proactively? How much revenue is lost annually? Why are whistleblowers unprotected?
Estimates suggest losses of hundreds of millions of rand – a gap that could fund essential infrastructure, housing programmes and services in the City’s Integrated Development Plan.
If Cape Town is serious about fairness, action is needed now: introduce confidential reporting with whistleblower protections, audit unapproved property improvements, and quantify lost revenue while communicating openly with residents.
Undeclared improvements widen the fiscal gap, pushing rate hikes onto compliant, often fixed-income households. Until addressed, the City risks a system where compliance is punished and non-compliance goes unchecked.
The public deserves clear answers: How large is this revenue leak, and what will be done to stop it? | Concerned Ratepayer Cape Town
March is National Water Month in South Africa, coinciding with World Water Day on March 22.
This initiative highlights the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of this vital resource, while the UN aims to ensure universal access to safe water by 2030 while protecting the environment.
This year’s theme, Water and Gender, with the slogan Where Water Flows, Equality Grows, is especially relevant.
Women and girls must be placed at the centre of water solutions, with their voices heard and leadership recognised in decision-making.
Lack of reliable water supply remains a major barrier to gender equality. Women, particularly in rural communities, spend hours collecting water daily, limiting time for education, work and family responsibilities. Many young girls miss school or drop out entirely, leaving them disadvantaged compared to boys.
Access to safe water would reduce these burdens, improve health and safety, expand opportunities and preserve dignity.
South Africa is water-scarce, receiving only about half the global average rainfall, unevenly distributed across the country. Population growth, urbanisation, rising living standards, wetland degradation and climate change further threaten water security.
It is therefore essential that all citizens use water responsibly, reduce waste, prevent pollution and support sustainable practices.
Equal access to water is a crucial step toward gender equality. When women and girls have leadership roles in water governance, services become more inclusive, effective and sustainable.
Water can be a force for a healthier, more prosperous and more equal society – but only if we all play our part. | Themba Khoza Department of Water and Sanitation
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