24 hours in pictures, 18 July 2025
Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world.
Australia's artistic swimmer Margo Joseph-Kuo and Australia's artistic swimmer Georgia Courage-Gardiner compete in the preliminary round of the women's duet technical artistic swimming event during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on July 18, 2025. (Photo by François-Xavier MARIT / AFP)
Smoke and lava rise from a volcano eruption near Grindavik, Reykjanes, Iceland, 18 July 2025. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, a magma flow has begun at the Sundhnuk crater range on 16 July. Picture: EPA/JAKOB VEGERFORS Thai nationalists wave national flags during a protest rally outside the United Nations (UN) building in Bangkok, Thailand, 18 July 2025. The demonstrators are calling on the UN to launch an investigation into the Thai-Cambodian border crisis, after a landmine explosion injured three Thai soldiers during a patrol operation along the border with Cambodia on 16 July. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated following a brief military clash in May 2025, with both countries increasing their military presence along the border, and imposing measures against each other. Picture: EPA/NARONG SANGNAK Youngsters from the central Johannesburg community drink some water as they queue for food, while wearing their 67 Blankets For Nelson Mandela Day donations of scarves and beanies, 18 July 2025. The distribution forms part of the annual Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Scarves, knitted by volunteers across South Africa, were distributed at Port Plein Park and were available for anyone to help themselves. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen A farmer works at a paddy field in the village of Bardwan, north of Kolkata, Eastern India, 18 July 2025. India is the second largest rice producer in the world. This year's rice prices have increased by 20 percent compared to 2024, as well as the global market. Picture: EPA/PIYAL ADHIKARY Kanwariyas, devotees of the Hindu god Shiva, carry holy water of the river Ganges during the 'Kanwar Yatra' pilgrimage in the sacred month of Sawan in New Delhi on July 18, 2025. (Photo by Money SHARMA / AFP) A woman walks past an apartment building at a newly built residential district in Moscow, Russia, 18 July 2025. Picture: EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV Members of the MK (uMkhonto weSizwe) political party gather as they march in support of the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi during a rally in central Pretoria, South Africa, 18 July 2025. Mkhwanazi has accused South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of sabotaging an investigation into political killings by allegedly seizing 121 open case files in March and pushing to disband the team assigned to the probe. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on leave with immediate effect. Picture: EPA/KIM LUDBROOK An aerial photo shows the banks of Butterley Reservoir which are partially revealed by a falling water level, near Oldham, northern England on July 18, 2025. Extremes in temperature and rainfall in the UK are becoming increasingly frequent, the nation's meteorological service said this week in a report on Britain's changing climate. Records were now being broken 'very frequently', said Mike Kendon, Met Office climate scientist and lead author of the Met Office's State of the UK Climate report. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) Balloonists prepare a hot air balloon for takeoff during the 25th Aero Station King's Cup, as part of the Segovia Hot Air Balloon Festival, in Segovia, Spain, 18 July 2025. The festival aims to highlight Segovia's status as a 'European City of Sport'. Picture: EPA/PABLO MARTIN
PICTURES: Mandela Day blankets bring warmth to Joburg CBD
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The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Afrika Tikkun celebrated its talent day at DP World Wanderers Stadium
Smiles, cheers, and jubilation filled the DP World Wanderers Stadium on July 26 during Afrika Tikkun's talent day. The talent day is a chance for 3 000 children from different Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres around Gauteng to come together to show their talents. Afrika Tikkun is a South African non-profit organisation transforming the lives of children and youth from cradle to career. Also read: Scouts welcome Johannesburg Children's Home for weekend of fun and friendship The talent day was made up of sporting activities, including netball, soccer, running, and dance competitions. Afrika Tikkun's CEO, Marc Lubner, explained that although there were prizes for winners, every single child present would receive a prize. 'The Talent Day Initiative started approximately 12 years ago; we were a much smaller organisation. We've got a new group that's here today from Marikana, which is part of our latest outreach programme.' Lubner added that the NPO has begun to engage with children with disabilities in an inclusion programme. 'So rather than keeping the disabled children separate, we involve the children in mainstream.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
LIV Golf coming to South Africa: Date and venue CONFIRMED
LIV Golf has announced Steyn City in Johannesburg is set to host the first-ever LIV Golf South Africa from 20-22 March 2026. A multi-year commitment, the announcement represents a landmark moment for the league as it expands to the African continent for the first time, extending LIV Golf competition to five continents across the globe. Early bird tickets for LIV Golf South Africa are now available for purchase HERE, including a select number of Club 54 Hospitality Tickets and three-day Ground Passes to enjoy a festival of world-class golf, live music, and family-friendly experiences. A three-day early bird Ground Pass will cost you R2 193.17 down from R2 436.86, while Club 54 Hospitality Tickets will set you back R50 443.20. Free admission for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. The tournament will spotlight Stinger GC, the league's all-South African team, captained by 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and featuring fellow countrymen Dean Burmester, Branden Grace, and 2011 Masters champion, Charl Schwartzel. The team is expected to enjoy strong home support in March, as they compete for both individual and team titles in a field of 54 of the world's best players across three days in front of passionate local fans. In addition to home team Stinger GC, they'll be joined by a host of international stars including current 2025 season points leader Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC), Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), Cameron Smith (Ripper GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), and many more. The LIV Golf field is comprised of 18 major champions with a combined 28 major championships, bringing many of the sport's biggest stars to South Africa. The Club at Steyn City, located just north of Johannesburg, is known globally for its prestigious championship golf course designed by Nicklaus Design. With sweeping fairways, dramatic scenery, and a legacy of hosting professional tournaments, the course will provide the perfect setting for LIV Golf's debut in Africa and an exciting venue for broadcasters to showcase around the world. Post-play concerts and engaging fan experiences have become hallmark features of LIV Golf events, creating a unique festival atmosphere at every international stop. South Africa will be no exception, with marquee music entertainment to be announced in the event leadup. 'Bringing LIV Golf to South Africa is another significant moment in our journey,' said Ross Hallett, LIV Golf Executive Vice President, Head of Events. 'The country has a proud sporting heritage with passionate fans and world-class talent, and Steyn City will be an incredible host venue to celebrate this next chapter. We currently have events in Asia, Europe, Australasia, North America and today we add Africa, marking another exciting opportunity to showcase LIV Golf to a new audience and market. 'Our league is committed to driving the sport forward through competition, an innovative format, new investment opportunities, and collaborative partnerships that support progress throughout the communities we serve. We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the South African government and especially the Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. Together, I know we will deliver a truly unforgettable experience to fans in Johannesburg, drive economic impact and tourism in the region, and showcase all that South Africa has to offer.' 'It's always special to compete at home, and I'm incredibly proud to bring LIV Golf to South Africa for the first time,' said Oosthuizen, captain of Stinger GC. 'For Branden, Charl, Dean and I to play in front of our fans, friends, and families will be an unforgettable experience. 'South African sports fans love their golf, and I am sure they will turn out in large numbers to support Stinger GC. South Africa has given so much to us, and now we get to give something back.' 'We are enormously proud to showcase Johannesburg and South Africa on the global stage, with our world-class lifestyle estate and golf course as shining examples of local excellence,' said Steven Louw, CEO of Steyn City Properties. 'We look forward to partnering with LIV Golf, Gauteng government and other stakeholders to share our country's exceptional golfing experience with the world, and to play a role in advancing the sport we are so passionate about.' 'This is a special moment to announce that the world's most dynamic and innovative new golfing format will make its historic debut in South Africa,' said Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. 'This will be a proud moment for our nation, showcasing our vibrant sports culture and world-class hospitality to a global audience. 'The all-South African Stinger GC team is also testament to our country's rich golfing heritage, and we need to get behind our boys as a country when they are here, so that they can win their nation's inaugural tournament. 'Visitors will truly feel that they are in Africa, with access to a Big 5 reserve with lions and elephants – Dinokeng – less than an hour's drive from Steyn City. No LIV event will be anything like this one and we are confident that the world's golf lovers will make travelling to ours, the world's most beautiful country, a must-do trip on their calendar. 'LIV will also help to popularise golf in South Africa, and I also look forward to using the big concerts each day as a platform to show off our amazing home-grown, internationally competitive entertainment. We take our hats off to LIV as an organisation for heeding the call to include Africa on their calendar if they wish to call themselves a truly global brand. This is what we want to see for other sports too, from Formula One to the Summer Olympics. 'We are excited to work with LIV Golf's team to deliver a festival of sport and culture that will inspire fans, boost tourism, and create lasting opportunities for our communities, because LIV has committed to reinvesting into the countries that welcome them.' More details on additional hospitality packages, grounds passes and entertainment for LIV Golf South Africa will be unveiled soon. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
New South African drama 'Homecoming' to premiere this month
Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163) is set to premiere Homecoming on 28 July at 18:30. This captivating new drama follows the story of Zethu Hlongwane (played by Mpume 'Six' Nyamane). Zethu is a straight-A medical graduate who faces shattered surgical dreams and returns to her rural home in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. Zethu's return to her roots is anything but easy, as after chasing big-city ambitions, she must now navigate the realities of her small town. The series explores themes close to the heart of many South Africans: dreams, disappointment, and the unbreakable ties of community, according to DSTV . Amahle Khumalo, known for her role in Empini , plays a fascinating character in Homecoming : Mthandeni Madlala, a young 'shebeen queen'. This role is quite different from typical portrayals. Amahle shares, 'I was quite shocked when I found out that Mthandeni runs her own shebeen. It pushed me and a friend out of our comfort zones. We spent time in shebeens in Alexandra and Soweto. We wanted to experience the culture deeply, not just the parties but the lives behind the scenes. I'm grateful to those who let me behind the curtain to see how a shebeen really works.' Mthandeni's life is complicated, as she is married to Shwabi, a powerful ward councillor in Bergville. He is charming, calculating, and not very faithful. 'He promised Mthandeni luxury, a car, a ring, a lifestyle. Now, she is envied by many girls in town,' Amahle explains. 'But as South Africans, we understand the dynamic of 'sugar daddies' and 'sugar babies'. Mthandeni may look glamorous, but she's trapped. She's yet to admit this isn't the life she truly wants.' She adds, 'When married to someone like Shwabi, you become his property. Your own wishes come last.' Amahle herself relates deeply to Zethu's journey. 'I went back home in 2023 to start over, reset my goals. Zethu's story isn't one of failure, it's a 'full circle' moment. She's a product of a loving community that has always supported her.' Though Zethu aimed to study in Johannesburg and build a career in Cuba, life brought her back to Bergville. 'She now has the chance to use her skills to help the very people who shaped her. Going back home is not failing, it's an opportunity.' The cast combines fresh and familiar faces. Alongside Amahle and Mpume are Sipho Manzini ( The Queen ), Khombi Phetla ( The River ), Mpilo Mbatha ( Shaka iLembe ) and Khayalethu Xaba ( Shaka iLembe ). Amahle expresses her fondness for the show: 'It's real and relatable. Every South African will see themselves in these characters. The writing is beautiful and unlike anything we've seen before.' Don't miss Homecoming starting Monday, 28 July at 18:30. The series will air Mondays to Wednesdays on Mzansi Wethu (DStv Channel 163). This new drama promises to be a heartfelt reflection of South Africa's hopes, struggles, and the power of community. HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED A 'FULL CIRCLE' MOMENT SIMILAR TO ZETHU'S STORY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
