Western Cape

Cape Town residents gather to collect water at a spring with makshift spigots ear Table Mountain. It's one of dozens of open springs across the city where residents come to collect extra water to add to their meager daily quota of 13 gallons.

In drought-stricken Cape Town, parched residents gather at a watering hole

A natural spring in the shadow of Cape Town's Table Mountain provides a measure of relief — and a new pop-up community — for drought-strapped residents.

In drought-stricken Cape Town, parched residents gather at a watering hole
Saya Pierce-Jones records a recent report on Cape Town's water crisis for Smile 90.4FM radio. In more than a year on the full-time water beat, Pierce-Jones helped listeners understand the roots of the crisis and find ways to dramatically cut their water u

Journalist on water beat helped Cape Town avoid ‘Day Zero’

Journalist on water beat helped Cape Town avoid ‘Day Zero’
People queued to collect water as fears over the city's water crisis grew earlier this year in Cape Town, South Africa.

'Day Zero' has been postponed, but Cape Town is still scrambling to deal with its water crisis

'Day Zero' has been postponed, but Cape Town is still scrambling to deal with its water crisis
Protesters atop a police van in Cape Town last month

Students in South Africa vow to keep protesting over tuition fees

Students in South Africa vow to keep protesting over tuition fees
Students march at Stellenbosch University earlier this year

A South African university sheds the language of apartheid

A South African university sheds the language of apartheid
SiveAnders

Three lessons from my year reporting on a South African high school

When reporter Anders Kelto embedded himself in a South African high school for a year, he expected to learn a lot from the experience. But there were several lessons he didn't anticipate.

Three lessons from my year reporting on a South African high school
crf

School Year Blog: South African high school students learn radio reporting

Over the past year, reporter Anders Kelto has profiled a public high school in Cape Town. Now, he's not the only one asking questions and holding a microphone.

School Year Blog: South African high school students learn radio reporting
Bahle

When graduating from high school, even top students need guidance

At the beginning of her senior year in high school, a South African student had big dreams. But by the end of the year, she was forced to reconsider her future.

When graduating from high school, even top students need guidance
Sugar Daddies Animated Film

This is why South African schoolgirls say 'yes' to sex with sugar daddies

For years, high schools in South Africa have warned female students about the risks of dating older men. But for one girl in poverty, it is hard to say "no" to a sugar daddy.

This is why South African schoolgirls say 'yes' to sex with sugar daddies

Video: Those in Cape Town celebrate Mandela's life

On Friday morning, about a hundred people gathered outside Cape Town City Hall to pay tribute to former South African president, and beloved icon, Nelson Mandela.

Video: Those in Cape Town celebrate Mandela's life
NASA scientist speaks at COSAT

School Year Blog: South African students meet a NASA scientist

What happens when students from a low-income high school in Cape Town meet a NASA scientist? Let's just say the scientist may have been a little caught off guard.

School Year Blog: South African students meet a NASA scientist
Students at COSAT shave each other's heads

School Year: A dress code to keep the 'gangsters' away

Boys at COSAT often spend a lot of time on their hair. But what happens when teachers decide their hairstyles are a threat to student safety?

School Year: A dress code to keep the 'gangsters' away
Three seniors perform a song at COSAT.

School Year Blog: Students celebrate Senior Day with musical performances

Two girls sing a cute duet, the choir performs an African song (with dancing), and a trio of boys does some a capella.

School Year Blog: Students celebrate Senior Day with musical performances
Two seniors at COSAT

School Year Blog: For low-income students, life after high school can be daunting

The end of the school year is always an emotional time for seniors. For poor students, fear and anxiety can be the dominant emotions.

School Year Blog: For low-income students, life after high school can be daunting
Sive wears a hat to symbolize his transition to manhood.

School Year Blog: An Update on Sive, the COSAT Student Who Lost His Mother

A junior at a South African high school, Sive traveled on a three-week leadership program to the US, where he had an incredible, eye-opening experience. Then, shortly after he returned, his mother’s health deteriorated. He took her to the hospital. A few weeks later, she passed away.

School Year Blog: An Update on Sive, the COSAT Student Who Lost His Mother