Shortest day, longest night ushers in icy July for eMalahleni
On Saturday night at approximately 22:42, the sun appears at its most northerly position in the sky relative to the Southern Hemisphere – and the hemisphere tilts farthest away from it on its axis.
This is called Winter Solstice and comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning 'sun stands still'. This refers to the notion that the sun's movement is halted before it reverses direction.
This is the 'official' start of the astronomical winter and brings with it the coldest months of the year, and July is very cold in the Highveld.
In the Northern Hemisphere, it is vice versa, as people experience the longest day and shortest night.
Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok
Chat to us: info@witbanknews.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
WATCH: Chilly challenge for charity keeps others warm
The fourth annual Headmaster's Polar Bear Swim Challenge at St Dunstan's Preparatory School made a splash when learners, parents and staff took to the icy water for a good cause on June 27. Upbeat music energised the crowd and set the tone for more than 120 participants who joined the chilly challenge. To enter, swimmers contributed R100 or a blanket, with all proceeds going to local charities. This year's event raised R13 000 and collected 50 blankets to support those in need during the winter months. Headmaster Craig McIlrath, who launched the initiative, participated for the final time before relocating to Namibia in July to lead a school in Windhoek. 'We started the challenge four years ago as a blanket drive to help those less fortunate. What better way to experience this than for learners to spend 30 seconds being cold themselves? Every year, it continues to grow, and I'm delighted by the support, camaraderie and community spirit this event brings. 'I stand here with a sense of gratitude for what I'm seeing today and the community we have. I'm privileged to be part of it,' said McIlrath. The school's head boy and head girl, Barnaby Andanje and Denley McCulloch, described the swim as fun despite the cold, saying it was worth it for a good cause. After each race, swimmers were welcomed by cheering crowds and warm towels. As in previous years, the finishers received a chocolate bar and a hot cup of coffee. Gallery: Also Read: Swimmers take the plunge in polar swim Also Read: WATCH: Taking an icy plunge to warm others At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Bryanston Parkrun draws big crowd despite the chill
A bracing winter morning didn't keep local fitness enthusiasts indoors, as hundreds turned up for the Bryanston Parkrun on June 28. Runners and walkers of all ages gathered at the leafy park, embracing the cold weather with beanies, gloves and layers of bright sports gear. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- The Citizen
Yet another power outage hits Ladysmith
Some parts of Ladysmith are without power this evening (June 22). This follows yesterday's widespread power outage that lasted for hours, well into the night. According to Ward 20 Cllr Abbas Warasally, the matter has been reported to Alfred Duma Local Municipality's electricity department. The affected areas include Hospital Park, lower parts of the CBD, and Acaciavale. Also read: Ladysmith High School teacher collapses and dies in CBD 'We have reported (the matter) and the electricians are investigating. We shall give an update as soon as they locate the fault,' said Warasally. Please follow us on our YouTube channel and do not be shy; please subscribe and comment as well. Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
