Illegal miners threaten infrastructure chaos

Roads and bridges in and around South Africa's largest city are in serious danger of collapsing, a leading newspaper reported this week.

Illegal miners trying to access remnants left in long-abandoned former gold mines are the cause of potential infrastructure collapses in Johannesburg, The Citizen newspaper reported

The illegal underground miners, known as zama zamas, are causing damage to hghways and other roads around Gauteng province that are in imminent danger of collapse, the newspaper said.

The Witwatersrand reef system beneath Johannesburg and neighbouring towns including Benoni, Brakpan and Springs is a sedimentary gold deposit formed millions of years ago by rivers and lakes.

Over the decades, legitimate mining carved out vast underground networks supported by rock pillars deliberately left intact to stabilise the ground.

But when those mines were abandoned, much of the gold remained. For zama zamas, deposits left behind are their target.

To add to the instability, dolomite rock beneath much of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni (formerly the East Rand) is inherently unstable.

The newspaper says Johannesburg is literally built on a hollow honeycomb. Research by the University of Johannesburg found flooded mine voids increase hydrostatic pressure on dolomitic rock.

A study by the University of Pretoria documented over 3,000 cases of subsidence and sinkholes across Gauteng, showing a clear link between disturbed dolomitic land and ground collapse.

Places like Springs and Brakpan are seeing bridges slowly erode and roads collapsing.

Security operative Marius van der Merwe told the paper: “Roads are literally falling away. The unused part of Eloff Street extension in central Johannesburg has collapsed twice because there’s nothing holding it up any more.

“It’s not even a sinkhole in the traditional sense; it’s a tunnel right beneath the road surface that’s been hollowed out. And it’s happening in multiple places at the same time.”

The Citizen said that inside the zama zama tunnels there is evidence of mining equipment, the bare basics, old filthy shoes and overalls, half-eaten meals.

Some zama zamas sleep underground every now and then, others stay for months.

The illegal miners risk their lives by primarily repurposing old and unused mine shafts and tunnels by blasting away support structures left behind by legitimate miners, which held up the roofs of the mines.

They also collect surface rocks and mine whatever else they can find that contains or may contain a smidgen of gold.

This happens at Putfontein, outside Benoni, on Snake Road between Benoni and Brakpan, and a host of other sites.

Crushed rocks are washed using any available water source and the runoff, often containing poisonous chemicals like mercury and cyanide, flows back into the groundwater system, eventually into rivers and dams.

In Putfontein, an entire community has spring up catering to zama zamas.

There is often violence between rival groups of miners. The Benoni City Times last month reported shooting incidents between different gangs. There have been multiple deaths across different mine sites.

Image: Sunday World  

Go west. Qantas unveils new international routes

Qantas is spreading its wings westward with an announcement that two new routes will join its international network, with flights from Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg set to take off from December 2025

The routes will unlock more connections for Australians across the airline’s international and domestic network which now spans more than 100 destinations around the world.

The new services add to the growth of Qantas’ western hub, adding over 155,000 seats in and out of Perth each year and is timely given the large number of South Africans and New Zealanders living in Western Australia. 

The flights have been made possible by funding allocated from the Federal Government to Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry to deliver additional border services at airports, Qantas said in a statement. 

The funding will enable Perth Airport to invest in additional staffing, equipment and facilities that increase border and biosecurity capacity and in turn allow the airport to host more international flights.

“We’re so excited to be launching two new international routes, unlocking more options and greater choice for all Australians to connect to the world through our growing network," said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace:

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“By connecting Perth directly with Auckland and Johannesburg, we’re supporting the local economy by opening valuable inbound tourism opportunities for Western Australia, as well as generating new jobs for the state. These routes also enable further growth throughout Australia with connections across our domestic network.

“Our new Perth to Auckland route offers a convenient one-stop connection for West Australians to New York via Auckland on our popular QF3 service while the new direct flight to Johannesburg provides a vital connection for customers in Perth to visit popular cities like Cape Town through our partnership with Airlink."

Perth Airport Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove said: “The launch of two new Qantas international services to Perth is great news for Western Australia.

“Perth is a dynamic, expanding hub with incredible growth opportunities and we remain focused on working with our airline partners to grow aviation connectivity to create more opportunities for Western Australia’s tourism industry and provide more options for Western Australians to travel."

Both routes will operate three times per week on a Qantas A330 aircraft with 27 business class seats in 1-2-1 configuration, each featuring direct aisle access and converting into a lie-flat bed, and 224 economy seats.

Meet a luxe South African lifestyle precinct with a purpose

 

The Saxon Hotel, in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, is one of the best addresses in Africa. Food, wine, accommodation and service are all top notch. Nelson Mandela wrote his autobiography while in residence.

Now the team behind Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, led by owner Douw Steyn, is full steam ahead with an ambitious new project: Steyn City.

The Steyn City residential lifestyle estate - an ambitious project is an unlikely location - has just opened Saxon Spa Steyn City, Steyn City Hotel and Guild restaurant, with shared workspace and conferencing.

Steyn City is located next to Deepsluit, one of the most impoverish settlements in South Africa, and the Lucky 7 informal settlement (shanty town), but insurance magnate Steyn wants the project to benefit locals through employment and business opportunities, and by actively engaging with the community, which is just a short distance from the business hub of Sandton.



“It is with great pleasure that we introduce our newest offerings nestled within the prestigious Steyn City residential lifestyle estate," says George Cohen, managing director of Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa.

"These additions to our portfolio mark our dedication to reshaping serenity and luxury within an environment that is truly incomparable."

The precinct includes Steyn City Hotel by Saxon, a luxury apartment hotel with 50 luxury serviced apartments set in 2,000 acres of indigenous parkland, only 50% of which can be developed.

Also on site are a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a private 50km mountain bike track and a 300-metre lagoon.

There are also padel and tennis courts, walking and trail running tracks.

The new hotel apartments boast a hotel cocktail bar and a rooftop pool.

“This is a rare partnership: the power of our brands coming together is certain to provide guests with a unique experience that is not easily forgotten,” says Steven Louw, CEO of Steyn City Properties.

“As we unveil the Steyn City Hotel by Saxon, we are not just introducing a new chapter in luxury hospitality, but an unparalleled experience where sophistication meets convenience." OK hypemaster. 

The Steyn City Hotel is part of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World collection, along with the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, and family-owned Shambala Private Game Reserve.

The Saxon Spa, a wellness and rejuvenation centre, will open soon.

See https://www.steyncity.co.za/ and https://steyncityhotel.co.za/

Gauteng hopes new flights will boost tourism numbers

 

The Kruger National Park and the wine regions of the Cape are probably the two major tourism drawcards in South Africa for Australian visitors. 

That said, Gauteng Tourism is hoping the new South Africa Airways Perth-Johannesburg direct route will open myriad African experiences for Australian travellers - including the much-maligned city of Johannesburg. 

The non-stop three times a week flight takes-off from late April and has already seen a keen uptake of seats, particularly in economy class. 

"We are really excited that this flight has recommended after a three-year hiatus," says Sthembiso Dlamini, CEO of Gauteng Tourism Authority, with takes in both Johannesburg and Soweto, 

"The route provides an easier and direct passage for both leisure and business travellers and promotes trade and cultural exchange between South Africa and Australia." 

She says the new flights give Australian travellers easier access to the rich tapestry of experiences that Gauteng offers – from its edgy urban lifestyle to natural landscapes. 

Having visited regularly, I can assure it is a fascinating destination if you take sensible precautions. 

"It is an invitation to explore the #GPLifestyle - a unique blend of adventure, culture, and gastronomy that the province is renowned for," Dlamini adds.

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Among the attractions being touted are the Cradle of Humankind, the caves where early man lived; and Soweto, the former residence of Nobel winners Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu, who actually lived in the same street in Dube. 

There is also plenty to thrill the outdoor adventurer and those hooked on adrenaline from bungee jumping, the world's longest SCAD freefall at the Soweto Towers, kayaking, mountain climbing, cycling and water sports. 

The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is recognised as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world; and there are multiple nature reserves and game reserves. 

The direct flights (SA 280) depart OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and arrive at Perth International Airport, the following day. 

Flights from Perth (SA 281) are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and arrive the same in Johannesburg.

Flights between Israel and South Africa to suddenly end

Just ask the people of Gaza how accomplished Israel is at taking revenge.

And it now appears the national airline of Israel, El Al, is equally good at that art. 

El Al Israel Airlines has said it will scrap its South Africa route and end flights to Johannesburg within a few weeks.

Just coincidentally, the decision followed South Africa's International Court of Justice action against Israel over genocide against Palestinians.

The airline has said it will end all of its Johannesburg flights from the end of March 2024.

The long-standing service has been operated for close to 50 years, being an important link between South Africa and Israel.

The airline is the sole carrier operating flights between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport and Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

This service is the only direct scheduled service between the two countries, meaning that it is an important connection for South African communities living in Israel, as well as South Africa’s Jewish communities who travel to Israel from Johannesburg.

There is a large Jewish population, particularly in Johannesburg's northern suburbs.

El Al Airlines said it will be scrapping its direct flights to South Africa due to "a significant fall in demand by Israeli travellers".

The axing of Johannesburg flights will allow El Al to expand the frequencies of its flights to other destinations, the airline said.

SAA to resume flights between Perth and Johannesburg

 

South African Airways has announced the return of its flights to Perth, Australia.

The inaugural flight from Johannesburg to Perth is scheduled for April 28 with bookings open now.

Professor John Lamola, CEO of SAA, says operations to Perth are in line with the airline’s strategic plans to scale its operations to a profitable level by leveraging SAA’s unique capabilities as a national carrier with wide-body aircraft that can provide South Africa with long-haul intercontinental air connectivity.

The Perth route marks the second interoceanic route to be reopened within six months, following the successful launch of the Sao Paulo, Brazil, route on October 31 last year.

A Southern hemisphere travel package that goes from Perth to Sau Paulo through Johannesburg, and the way back, is now a possibility for adventurous travellers.

“Besides the global interconnectivity potential of this route, Perth has long been a favoured destination for South African and Australian travellers, with approximately 80% of our target market being visiting family and friends,” says Lamola.

“The recommencement of the route provides an easier and direct passage for both leisure and business travellers, promoting trade and cultural exchange between South Africa and Australia”.

Flight SA 280 will depart OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 20:55 and arrive at Perth International Airport, the following day at 12:20.

Flights from Perth (SA 281) are scheduled three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and depart at 14:40, arriving at 19:35 in Johannesburg.

For the launch phase of the route, SAA will operate an Airbus A340-300, with a total seat capacity of 253 (38 business class seats and 215 economy seats).

destinations this year will be realised,” concludes Lamola.

Visit www.flysaa.com for more details.

Mixed news for flyers from Qantas

Qantas has good news for international flyers and bad news for domestic travellers. 

Post-Covid, the Australian national airline is resuming flights to Johannesburg and Jakarta from Perth, but is cutting back on some domestic routes as it struggles to cope with demand. 

"After a faster-than-expected Covid-19 recovery for the travel industry, we have had to adapt to meet increasing demand and rapidly changing circumstances," Qantas said in a statement. 

"We sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding while we work through what has been a challenging restart for our industry globally."

Qantas says it has deployed extra staff to assist at check-in and manage queues, and made operational changes to improve on time performance. 

All much needed as Qantas has not been delivering over recent months. 

"In the current environment, we know it will take some time for our operations to normalise, but we're working every day to ensure we deliver the level of service you have come to expect from Qantas." the airline said.

The had news is that "the Qantas Group is adjusting its domestic capacity levels to assist with the recovery of sustained high fuel prices". 

That means fewer flights on some routes due to rising fuel costs. 

"Capacity is being reduced from high frequency routes, so the impact to customers is expected to be minimal," Qantas says. 

The good news: Qantas will significantly boost its international network from Perth with flights to Johannesburg and Jakarta set to take off later this year. 

The routes are the latest of eight new international services the national carrier has announced since Australia's international borders re-opened in November 2021.

Qantas will operate the only direct service from Perth to South Africa - taking over from struggling South African Airways - operating three return flights per week on its Airbus A330 aircraft starting from November 1. 

Qantas flights will reconnect Perth with Jakarta for the first time since borders closed in March 2020, beginning with three flights per week on its Boeing 737 aircraft from November 30. 

Nelson Mandela’s former home now a luxury boutique hotel

Want to stay somewhere special when you visit Johannesburg? How about sleeping in the former home of one of the greatest men of our generation: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela? 

Before his death, the anti-apatheid icon and South Africa’s first black president owned three home: one in Qunu, the village where he was raised; the second in Soweto and the third in he leafy Johannesburg suburb of Houghton, where he lived until his death in 2013. 

The Nelson Mandela Foundation in conjunction with the Motsamayi Tourism Group has converted his last home into a luxury boutique hotel that is dotted with Madiba memorabilia.

It was here that the great leader - an inspiration to millions - hosted the likes of Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton. It later became the headquarters of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. 

Sanctuary Mandela offers guests nine rooms capable of hosting up to 18 people and offers retreat spaces for reflection and healing. 

Sally-Anne Grinter, the hotel’s operations manager, describes the experience in these three words: reflection, peace and freedom.

Officially opened last month, Sanctuary Mandela rooms start at around $AU400 a night. 

The presidential suite was Mandela’s old bedroom and there are two meeting rooms, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and a lovely garden. 

The bar and restaurant are open to the public. 

Grinter says the Nelson Mandela Foundation wanted the property to be self-sustainable instead of standing vacant. 

Accoutrements include replicas of letters Mandela wrote during his lifetime, historic photographs and artworks. 

The green chair at the entrance is the original chair he sat on while reading his daily newspaper under a tree.

Some of Madiba’s favourite dishes, including oxtail - which he ate a boy - are on the menu. Other dishes are traditional to South Africa, like the Nguni sirloin steak and Cape Malay-style fish. 

Cook Xoliswa Ndoyiya, who prepared meals for Mandela and his family for over 22 years, is part of the team that cooks in the restaurant. 

My favourite Johannesburg hotels are the grand The Saxon, coincidentally where Mandela wrote his autobiography, and the delightful boutique Ten Bompas. The Maslow Hotel and the Radisson Blue Gautrain in Sandton are other good options, but Sanctuary Mandela sounds special. 

Bookings are required before visiting the restaurant or bar. For accommodation bookings or more information visit the website.