Author: crediblesource

By Lingamandla Mancoba Jazz listenership continues to grow on Spotify, with South Africans streaming nearly 175 million jazz tracks over the past year, and listeners aged 18-29 accounting for 26% of streams. Jazz has traditionally been associated with older generations in South Africa, but Spotify’s latest figures challenge that perception, showing the genre is increasingly resonating with younger listeners. “Jazz is now the new cool,” says Andiswa Makhoba, a second-year Jazz Studies student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. According to Spotify data reported by Lifestyle & Tech, jazz listenership grew by 20% between 2025 and 2026, while monthly jazz streams…

By Andiswa Buthelezi Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted its 12th annual silent protest against gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV/AIDS at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre on 26 August. The event, organised by DUT’s Department of Student Counselling, Health and HIV/AIDS Centre, brought together students, university staff and community organisations to raise awareness about gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS and other challenges affecting young people. The programme began with a symbolic silent walk and “die-in” demonstration. Students observed a moment of silence to honour victims of gender-based violence and people whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. The demonstration highlighted the impact…

By Ntandoyakhe Nxumalo The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Journalism Department hosted its annual Journalism Students’ Achievement Awards at the DUT Hotel School on the Ritson Campus on 26 August 2026. The ceremony recognised outstanding academic and overall performance among students across the different levels of the Bachelor of Journalism programme. The event began with the screening of a documentary produced by DUT journalism students, followed by videos highlighting the career journeys of journalism graduates since completing their studies. A panel discussion on 50 years of television and the future of news followed, reflecting on the evolution of television over…

By Khethiwe Kubheka Residents marched to eThekwini City Hall on Friday, demanding accountability over deaths at public swimming pools and beaches across the municipality. The peaceful march, organised by the Water Safety and Advocacy Group, proceeded from King Dinuzulu Park to City Hall, where demonstrators handed over a memorandum to the City Manager. Protesters called for improved safety measures at municipal swimming pools and beaches, as well as accountability from officials responsible for public recreational facilities. They also called for the removal of eThekwini Head of Parks, Recreation and Culture, Simphiwe Ndlovu. Leader of the Water Safety and Advocacy Group,…

Condolences continue to pour in following the death of Democratic Alliance (DA) eThekwini councillor Welekazi Sibiya. Sibiya, who was known for her outspoken views and active presence on social media, died over the weekend following a short illness, according to the DA. DA KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Dean Macpherson confirmed Sibiya’s death in a post on X. “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of eThekwini Councillor, Welekazi Sibiya after a short illness. “As a party and province, we are heartbroken. We pray for her partner, children and family during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace,”…

By Nhlakanipho Mnqayi and Ndumiso Khuzwayo Emergency response teams conducted a disaster preparedness exercise at Durban’s North Beach on Saturday, simulating a plane crash into the ocean. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 5 in Durban, in conjunction with the South African Navy, South African Air Force, South African Police Service (SAPS) and Port of Durban personnel, took part in the exercise. Residents and visitors around North Beach witnessed increased emergency activity offshore as helicopters, boats, divers and emergency response teams participated in the simulation. The exercise was designed to test the coordination and response capabilities of search and…

By Nyiko Moloi The KwaZulu-Natal government has handed over disaster-relief houses to families in Nongoma who were affected by natural disasters in April 2025. The handover, held on Friday, is aimed at providing affected families with safe and secure homes as they rebuild their lives following the destruction of their properties. The ceremony was officiated by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, at the Nhlophenkulu Mlokolothwa Sports Field. KZN COGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi addressing community members. Image: Nyiko Moloi The houses are intended to assist families whose homes were destroyed by the disasters and…

By Nokwanda Ncwane Last week, I attended an In the Park music festival at Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga for the first time, and honestly, it was a splendid way to spend the day outdoors, enjoying Durban’s sunny winter. Headlining the festival was the incredibly talented Zonke Dikana, with performances from vocalists Skye Wanda and Tugela Fairy Simmy, as well as Radio 2000 DJ Ismail Abrahams. And, of course, the Durban weather showed up! People arrived with blankets, cushions in tow and various picnic setups, making the park feel relaxed and festive. It was just the atmosphere where one could…

Student organisations have welcomed the Public Protector’s findings on longstanding challenges at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), while calling for greater accountability and a thorough investigation into the scheme’s administration. Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka released a report this week following an investigation into complaints concerning NSFAS. The investigation found that more than 40,000 students across 76 higher education institutions were improperly funded to the value of approximately R5.1 billion. The findings point to systemic and administrative failures within the scheme. The report comes as NSFAS continues to face scrutiny over governance, funding decisions and its ability to…

By Nokwanda Ncwane Collaboration and internationalisation are key to exposing university students to different cultures, experiences and perspectives, helping prepare them to become globally minded citizens, speakers at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) International Week have said. Held under the theme “Inclusion, Innovation and African Agency,” this year’s International Week brought together academics, researchers, students, international partners and representatives from higher education institutions across Africa and around the world. The week focused on the transformative role of international education in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing global landscape. It also provided a face-to-face platform for participants to connect with…