Cape Times 2025-12-22

While children everywhere are sending in their Christmas demands and parents are bracing themselves for pricey wish lists, Cardi B says she’s in the clear after sharing her daughter’s list. Taking to X, the rapper shared that her daughter’s wish list had no designer items or extravagant things in it, but only clothes from some of our favourite online fast-shopping retailers. Expressing relief, Cardi B shared: “Kulture just sent me like 40 outfits from Fashion Nova and SHEIN she wants for Christmas… I love that for me.” It seems the Press rapper is happy her wallet won’t be bleeding this year. However, Cardi B is known for going all out when it comes to gifting. She buys her children expensive jewellery, designer handbags, extravagant toys and making separate Christmas trees…

The festive season is a time for generosity, celebration, and connection, but increasingly, it’s also a moment to gift with intention. While many South Africans scramble for last-minute Secret Santa presents or flashy seasonal items, a growing movement is shifting toward conscious gifting: choosing gifts that meaningfully enhance the health and well-being of loved ones. “Conscious gifting means buying with the intention of wellness and the well-being of the receiver,” says Jillian Nyakane, JILLIE’S NATURAL Founder. “The gift must genuinely benefit the receiver, not just exist for the sake of giving.” Natural skincare and haircare products are particularly meaningful gifts because their benefits extend far beyond a momentary thrill. Plant-based formulations nourish, moisturise, and protect the skin and hair without the harmful side effects often associated with synthetic products. “The…

With rain and chilly conditions forecast across South Africa this Christmas, festive menus are shifting from cold salads to hearty comfort food. The persistent wet weather that began in spring is sticking around for the holidays, likely moving the party indoors. According to South African Weather Services (SAWS) forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela, families should prepare for a cold and rainy Christmas Day. “It looks like in the afternoon we might still see a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers, especially in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, as well as into KwaZulu-Natal.” Thobela further stressed that even though there is a “medium-term likelihood that it will rain during Christmas week, it is better to be prepared for the weather. A rainy Christmas week just doesn’t feel right. We are people of the sun, defined by…

In our quest for the proverbial “fountain of youth”, we’ve turned to 10-step skincare routines, collagen supplements, and the latest trends in wellness. But the truth is, the key to ageing gracefully and living a vibrant life into our golden years lies not in serums or supplements, but in something far simpler: our plates. Modern science and the wisdom of centenarians, those extraordinary individuals who live to 100 years or more, are showing us that longevity is deeply rooted in the way we eat, move, and connect with the world. This brings us to a practical question: what can we learn from people who have mastered the art of living well for a century? Let’s unpack the habits of centenarians, the foods they embrace, and the ones they avoid, to…

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is considering postponing its elective conference to 2027 in order to avoid divisions ahead of the local government elections next year. Two sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said postponement is being discussed by the national leadership and the decision would be taken when the leadership meets early next year. “We have heard that there will be no conference next year as was expected. No party would want to hold an elective conference on the year of elections so I suspect it is the same reason why the leadership wants to postpone it,” said a local leader. The leader, who is a known backer of IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa, said he would welcome the decision because he does not see the reason for a conference…

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the presence of asylum seekers in the country and bona fide refugees has no impact on border security. Schreiber was responding to parliamentary questions by MK Party MP B B Muhammad, who wanted to know the current backlog in the processing of asylum, refugee, and permanent residence applications. Muhammad also enquired about how the backlog impacted border security and service delivery. In his response, Schreiber said there was no backlog in the processing of both asylum applications and the review of asylum seekers’ claims. He said only 13 cases were reflected as not adjudicated on December 1 for asylum applications. However, Schreiber said the Standing Committee on Refugee Affairs (SCRA) has a backlog of about 3,700 cases awaiting outcomes on Section 27 adjudications –…