EDITOR’S NOTE

LIFE (and politics) would be tragic, if it wasn’t so funny. So said a very wise man once. But scientist Stephen Hawking also said no matter how difficult life may seem, there’s always something you can do. Let’s see what you can do about our politics (see page 8).

An “ugly duckling” is about to morph into a beautiful swan and take part in that great race across the Atlantic. Chief reporter Mervyn Naidoo spoke to the owner of the boat about the life-changing sport of sailing (see page 9).

Did you know more people die from “slow violence” and environmental destruction than all the wars and violence in the world? Read what this week’s green champion has to say (see page 13).

What is it with the women in the DA? It’s not me posing that exasperation-filled question, but Durban Poison’s Ben Trovato. He pens an open letter to Mmusi Maimane about Patricia De Lille and other colourful women

(see page 14).

And are you ready for smart cars that talk? Not just to their drivers but other fellow metallic smarties on the road?

This is exciting stuff, but there is also a catch involved (see page 15).

There’s more on the DA troubles on this week’s Big Issue page.

PR guru Makhosini Nkosi argues the likes of MP John Steenhuisen – who this week provoked the ire of the stolid President Cyril Ramaphosa – are keeping black voters at bay.

Zohra Teke says axed Cape Town mayor Patricia De Lille has already won against the party, which has been moving from disaster to disaster (see page 17).

A Unisa professor reflects on the Renamo leader who was buried this week (see page 19). Afonso Dhlakama was one of those polarising strongmen of Africa whose legacy is hard to define. Can we call him the father of Mozambican democracy? in blue