It was a hot Thursday afternoon, December 12, in Burgersfort, East of Limpopo Province in South Africa. As I embarked on this unforgettable journey through the heart of the mining town, my day was filled with fascinating history, captivating stories, and surprises. From the Echo Caves’ depths to a family-run shoe shop that feels like a home, here’s a peek into what made the day so special. The Echo Caves: A Journey Beneath the Surface Our day began early with…

Polokwane, Limpopo – The annual Mapungubwe Festival is one of Limpopo’s most significant cultural events, drawing thousands of visitors from all walks of life to celebrate the province’s rich heritage and diverse cultural history. The Mapungubwe Arts Festival on Saturday, December 14, was an unforgettable experience, packed with energy and vibrant performances. This year marks the 15th edition of the festival, a key fixture in the South African cultural calendar.  As we arrived at Polokwane Cricket Stadium, the festival venue,…

Drakensberg, South Africa – The rolling hills of Bonjaneni served as the backdrop for the third annual Rural Inclusion and Sustainability Film Festival (RISFF), a celebration of creativity and community empowerment. Over November 29-30, villagers gathered to explore themes of sustainability, conservation, and economic inclusion through the lens of film. This year’s festival at Emazizini village in Bonjaneni area near Bergville, KwaZulu Natal, struck a powerful chord with its diverse programming. Local and international films, such as the conservation-focused Rhino…

A think tank report released on Wednesday offers an in-depth analysis of how the world is invited to experience a real China up-close, as foreign tourists swarm into the country buoyed by a raft of facilitation measures. The report, “China Travel — Inviting the World to Experience a Real China,” was issued by New China Research, a think tank under Xinhua News Agency. The report summarizes and explains the domestic and global relevance of China’s inbound travel boom. It notes…

African Times has published this article in partnership with Xinhua News Agency

The “BRICS Melody” international festival was held in Ulyanovsk. The event was attended by 50 performers of traditional music from eight countries of the group. Visitors heard the sound of 25 instruments such as Indian sarangi, sitar and tabla, South African umahweyana, djembe, mbira, Arabic oud, Chinese guzheng, Ethiopian krar, Brazilian pandeiro, Iranian daf. During the three days, the city hosted concerts, masterclasses and lectures on the culture and history of the BRICS countries. They were attended by musicians, art…

Strolling through the winding streets of the ancient city of Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, you will come across a cozy café called Dili & Diya. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifts through the air, much like the heart-warming love story of the café’s owners, spreading warmth to all who visit.   The young owners, Dilshat Tursun from Kashgar, and his wife Hadiya Msham Abdulla from Tanzania, are well-liked by the locals as well as visitors, adding…

After graduating in Beijing in 2020 during the tumultuous period of COVID-19, I didn’t think that I would be able to return to China anytime soon. The pandemic had disrupted lives globally, and like many international students, I was not sure if I would be able to ever set foot in China again. Travel restrictions were stringent, and the idea of returning seemed like a distant dream.  However, life has a way of surprising us. In May this year, I…

The provincial governments of Limpopo and Gauteng have taken a significant step forward in their plans for a high-speed rail network that will connect the two provinces. According to a joint media statement released on October 9th, 2024, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi met at Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro in Mookgophong, Waterberg, where they approved the implementation protocol document for the project. The two provinces also committed to joint consultations with key national bodies,…

The Mpumalanga Tourism Expo has emerged as a landmark event for promoting sustainable tourism practices in South Africa. Organized annually by Jakada Holdings in partnership with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), the event showcases the province’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and tourist attractions, positioning Mpumalanga as a premier tourist destination. This year’s expo was held from 04 to 06 October 2024 at the Riverside Mall in Mbombela, and featured more than 60 exhibitors from across the country, including Gauteng,…