The king has also suspended members of the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) — including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer — pending an investigation into alleged potential breaches of the Public Finance Management Act.

The Mail & Guardian reported earlier this month that MisuZulu was under increasing pressure to fire Buthelezi over what were seen as actions undermining the stability of the KwaZulu-Natal coalition government.

In a statement dated 25 December but seen on Friday, the king said the role of traditional prime minister was one of “unwavering service to the throne and the nation, embodying the sacred bond between the monarchy and the people (and) steeped in tradition, wisdom and a commitment to the well-being and unity of the Zulu kingdom”.

“Today, I address you with a heavy heart as I announce my withdrawal with the immediate effect of the name of Rev Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi (MPL) from this esteemed position. Reasons for the withdrawal are to be shared with traditional leaders and the nation in due course, as we are still observing uMkhosi until the end of January 2025,” he said.

MisuZulu urged the Zulu nation to unite behind the process of appointing a successor to Buthelezi, a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) who is also the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs.

Sources have previously told the M&G that provincial leaders from both the IFP and the ANC were concerned that Buthelezi was using the post of Zulu prime minister in a “destructive” way to build his profile.

Earlier this month KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli, who is also the IFP’s provincial chairperson, scuppered the official opening of Buthelezi’s Ulundi office in a move seen as imposing his authority on the MEC.

King MisuZulu appointed Buthelezi as Zulu prime minister in January — despite objections from members of the royal family — to replace former IFP president Mangosuthu Buthelezi who died in September 2023, having served in the traditional role for a succession of monarchs.

The axed Buthelezi is also understood to have played a role in the breakdown in the relationship between the king and the ITB, of which he is the trustee and chairperson. MisuZulu has previously called for the dissolution of the board for refusing to enact his instructions, including appointing service providers to conduct an audit of the nearly three million hectares of land it administers on his behalf.

A separate statement from the king said the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and other implicated board members had been issued with a formal notice of suspension pending the outcome of investigations. It said interim governance responsibilities would be overseen by MisuZulu himself and the remaining unaffected board member. 

But the board members on Friday said the king did not have authority to suspend anyone in the Ingonyama Trust.

In a media statement, they said the suspension followed a “surprising” letter from the king in early December notifying them of the appointment of one Stephen Jabulani Rakwena of Van Rensburg Kruger Rakwena Attorneys to undertake specific trustee functions. 

MisuZulu’s letter, said the board, also conveyed that the monarch was commissioning an independent forensic audit of the financial affairs of the Ingonyama Trust, the Ingonyama Trust Board and the Ingonyama Holdings for the past five years.

The subsequent letters this week suspending the board members were distributed by Rakwena, they said, adding: “His Majesty, the chairperson obviously does not have authority to suspend anyone in the Ingonyama Trust, however he has purported to do so … Mr. Rakwena has not been appointed by the board or anyone delegated by the board hence he is not acting on behalf of the Ingonyama Trust.”

*This story has been updated with the king also suspending members of the Ingonyama Trust Board.

These feelings are normal at this time of the year, says clinical psychologist Chris Kemp. 

“There are a lot of people out there struggling with feelings of loneliness or feelings of insecurity around this time, so if you are someone who feels this way, even though you feel alone, you aren’t alone. 

“There are a lot of people feeling very similar to you,” Kemp said.

The festive season is associated with joy and festivities with loved ones, but for some, these societal expectations induce pressure and feelings of loneliness. 

“The media and social expectations portray this time as one of celebration and connection, but for people who may be experiencing loneliness, unresolved grief or fractured family relationships, this stark contrast can heighten feelings of isolation and sadness,” said another clinical psychologist, Anele Siswana.  

For those who have lost a loved one, the December period is a reminder of their loss and grief, according to Cassey Chambers, the operations director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag). 

“It might be the first — or even fifth — Christmas after losing a loved one, or perhaps dealing with financial stress, so this holiday season is going to look very different than before,” Chambers said.

Sadag receives more calls from older people during December, many grappling with loneliness and depression because they don’t have children or family who visit. 

On the other hand, visiting home and family could trigger unresolved trauma or suppressed emotions, Siswana said, adding that “black tax” — a reference to how many black people feel obligated to provide financial support to extended family members — can cause more pressure. 

“It is seen as one of the socially constructed ideas driving mental health. There’s an undertone of unreasonable expectations and demands from family,” he said. 

Year-end reflections can spark depression because “focusing on perceived failures, missed opportunities or unfinished goals can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and anxiety”, Siswana added.

“Financial stress is one of the most significant contributors to mental health challenges during the festive season. The pressure to spend on gifts, travel and celebrations can become overwhelming.”

She said the reality of “January blues” — where financial strain spills into the new year — also weighs heavily on people’s minds.

Kemp said acknowledging these feelings, instead of suppressing them, is the first step to lessening the load. 

“When we talk about depression or feeling low, obviously we always want people to sit with their feelings. We want people to be able to acknowledge their feelings; we don’t want them to force them aside.” 

People should try the “opposite action” method — doing the opposite of what you feel like doing. 

“Depression tends to drag us down and make us do things that hold us in that space. 

“So, instead of staying in bed all day, or not seeing people or not interacting enough, simple things like getting up, getting dressed, getting out of bed or getting out of the house and going somewhere nice or doing something that sort of feeds your soul or that you enjoy.”

People should also embrace self-awareness and accept their feelings without judgment. They must set boundaries to protect their energy, finances and mental health and say “no” to draining activities and stick to a realistic budget, Siswana said. 

It is also important to reflect on the past year and plan small, achievable changes for growth in the new year, emphasising progress over perfection, he added.

“It’s also important to understand that being human means navigating both light and shadow, joy and pain. 

“Feeling overwhelmed during certain seasons or moments in life doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you; it means you’re alive, you’re processing, and that’s okay. 

“Life brings challenges — whether it’s personal loss, family pressures, financial worries or feelings of loneliness — and your reaction to these experiences is real and unique to you.” 

• Sadag counsellors offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week

• Toll-free helpline: 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 789

• SMS counselling: Send a message to 31393 and a counsellor will call you back

• WhatsApp support: Send a message to 076 882 2775 (8am to 5pm) and chat live to a counsellor for free

• Visit www.sadag.org for more information.

Alain Delon, 88, French actor, producer and writer who won numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or for the director of the Best Feature Film at the Cannes Film Festival, for his contribution to French and European cinema. Died 18 August.

Alberto Fujimori, 86, president of Peru from 1990 to 2000, who was convicted of ordering military death squads to carry out killings and kidnappings, among other crimes including corruption. Died 11  September.

Alexey Navalny, 47, outspoken opposition leader and Kremlin critic who was poisoned in 2020 and later jailed. The prison service said it was investigating his “sudden death”. Died 16 February.

Aletta Bezuidenhout, 76, award-winning actress, playwright and director. Her plays include Time of Footsteps; her TV serials include The Lady of the Camellias and her films include Country of My Skull. Died 13  February. 

Bob Newhart, 94, known for his understated satire, achieved fame as a stand-up comic and TV star. He received three Grammys, an Emmy, a Golden Globe and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Died 18  July.

Breyten Breytenbach, 85, leading Afrikaner poet and critic of apartheid who spent seven years in prison on terrorism charges and went into exile, becoming a French citizen. Died 24 November.

Chris April, 84, veteran actor from Nyanga who performed alongside stars such as Forest Whitaker and John Kani. He was attacked by robbers and admitted to hospital. Died 31  March.

Cissy Houston, 91, two-time Grammy-winning singer whose career began at the age of five. She recorded 10 solo albums and four compilations. She was the mother of Whitney Houston. Died 7  October. 

Connie Chiume, 72, actress made famous in the US for her role in Black Panther. She received the South African Film and Television Awards’ lifetime achievement award in 2022. Died 6 August.

Dingaan Thobela, 57, three-time world boxing champion known as “The Rose of Soweto”. Died 29 April. 

Donald Sutherland, 88, veteran actor of 60 years who starred in M*A*S*H, Klute and The Hunger Games and received a Primetime Emmy, two Golden Globes, a Bafta, an Academy and an Academy Honorary award. Died 20 June. 

Ebrahim Raisi, 63, cleric, prosecutor (known as the “Butcher of Tehran”) and president of Iran (2021–24), during which time citizens protested after the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, who died in custody for wearing “improper” clothing. Died 19  May.

Edna O’Brien, 93, Irish novelist, short-story writer and screenwriter who wrote among other topics about female sexuality and desire (The Country Girls) and the Troubles (House of Splendid Isolation). Died 27  July.

Ethel Kennedy, 96, human rights advocate to whom Barack Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for advancing social justice, environmental protection and poverty reduction. Died 10 October.

Fethullah Gülen, 83, Turkish Islamic scholar and spiritual leader of a movement for social and civic reform, the Hizmet (“service”) or Gülen movement. Died 20 October.

Frances Ndlazilwana, 89, actress who played Lydia Maema in the controversial mini-series After Nine and in TV drama series such as 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, Erfsondes and Diamonds. Died 24 February.

Françoise Hardy, 80, one of France’s most popular singers and a style icon who inspired designers such as Yves Saint Laurent. Her  ballad Tous les Garçons et les Filles launched her career in 1962. Died 11 June.

Franz Beckenbauer, 78, German football player, manager and official nicknamed der Kaiser (the Emperor). Died 7 January.

Gerald “Mac” McKenzie, 72, innovative composer and bassist called the Goema Captain, was the frontman of The Genuines, whose music included the song Die Struggle. Died 29 April.

Gustavo Gutiérrez, 96, influential Peruvian priest who was the father of liberation theology and regarded as a prophet of the poor. Died 22 October.

Hage Geingob, 82, third president of Namibia from 2015 until his death, and prime minister from 1990 to 2002 and from 2012 to 2015. Died 4  February.

Hassan Nasrallah, 64, secretary general of Hezbollah, killed in an Israeli air strike during its bombardment of Lebanon. Died 27 September.

Ismail Haniye, 62, Hamas leader and prime minister of the Palestinian Authority assassinated by a covert Israeli operation in Tehran while there for the inauguration of the Iranian president. Died 31 July.

Ismail Kadare, 88, internationally renowned Albanian novelist and poet. Died 1 July.

James Lawson Jr, 95, American Civil Rights activist who helped devise the movement’s strategy of non-violent protest. Died 9 June.

James Selfe, 68, former Democratic Alliance federal council chairperson. Died 21 May.

Kris Kristofferson, 88, a Rhodes scholar who became a country music star and Hollywood actor. Died 28 September.

Luke Fleurs, 24, a footballer from Mitchells Plain, who played centre-back for Kaizer Chiefs and was called up to play for Bafana Bafana, was shot dead in a hijacking. Died 3 April.

Maggie Smith, 89, British actress whose long career included working with Laurence Olivier in Othello and playing roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Died 27 September. 

Markus Jooste, 63, former chief executive of Steinhoff International, who allegedly masterminded the huge fraud case. Died 21 March.

Mário Zagallo, 92, four-time Football World Cup winner with Brazil as a player and coach. Died 6  January. 

Mpho Sebeng, 32, actor in productions including Miseducation, Ring of Lies and Collision. Died 5 May.

OJ Simpson, 76, NFL professional and broadcaster who was acquitted of the killings of his former wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Died 11 April. 

Peter Higgs, 94, physicist, who in the 1960s developed the theory explaining why the building blocks of the universe have mass. His theory was validated in 2012 at CERN with the detection of the Higgs boson particle, for which he was awarded the 2013 Nobel prize for physics. Died 9  April. 

Peter Magubane, 91, photographer whose images recorded the worst of apartheid and people’s opposition to it. He spent 586 days in solitary confinement, was shot at and his home burnt down. Died 1 January. 

Phil Lesh, 84, the founding member and bassist of the Grateful Dead. Died 25 October.

Pravin Gordhan, 75, anti-apartheid activist who was detained three times and tortured. Post-apartheid, he was the finance minister, South African Revenue Service commissioner and public enterprises minister, and opposed state capture under the Zuma administration. Died 13  September.

Paul Auster, 77, author of The New York Trilogy, Leviathan and 4  3  2  1 and the screenplay for Smoke. He was awarded the Prince of Asturias prize for literature and the Prix Médicis Étranger and was a Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Died 30  April.

Quincy Jones, 91, composer, musician and producer whose style ranged from jazz, swing and pop to soul and funk. He worked with stars such as Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Michael Jackson and composed soundtracks for film and TV. Died 3  November. 

Ray McCauley, 75, evangelical leader and founder of the Rhema Bible Church. Died 8 October.

Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, Ugandan Olympic marathon runner who was doused in petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend. Died 5 September.

Robin Renwick, 86, British diplomat, author and a member of the House of Lords who served as British ambassador to South Africa from 1987 to 1991. Died 4 November.

Sello Motloung, 54, TV and theatre actor whose work included Human Cargo, uBab’ Stivovo, Master Harold and the Boys and Cold Stone Jug. Died 15  September.

Steven Goldblatt, 67, lawyer and one of the founders of the Weekly Mail (now the Mail & Guardian), who made significant contributions to reforms in various sectors after democracy. Died in May.

Tito Mboweni, 65, democratic South Africa’s first minister of labour, South African Reserve Bank governor and minister of finance. Died 12  October.

Tony Cedras, 72, musician who performed with artists such as Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Gigi. Died 29 January.

Tony Heard, 86, former editor of the Cape Times, who opposed the apartheid regime. Died 27 March.

Viktoriia Roshchyna, 27, journalist, detained in a part of Ukraine occupied by Russia. The defence ministry in Moscow gave the death date as 19  September but no cause of death.

Violet Sizani Siwela, 68, member of the ANC’s national executive committee, the National Assembly and of the Mpumalanga legislature. Died 18  January.

Willem Heath, 79, a judge appointed by Nelson Mandela to head the commission of inquiry into maladministration and corruption in the Eastern Cape, from which he became the founding head of the Special Investigating Unit.

Yahya Sinwar, 62, a Hamas leader killed by Israeli troops during a gun battle in southern Gaza. He spent 22 years in an Israeli prison until his release in a prisoner swap. Died 16  October.

Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, BBC, TimesLive

The season holds a special place in many hearts, marked by traditions that have been passed down through generations. The rhythm of life slows down, offering families a chance to connect, share stories and create new memories. 

At a full Festival Mall in Kempton Park, Thandi Mbatha, a mother of three, is doing the final Christmas shopping for her little children. 

“I have worked hard all year, lay-buying clothes for my babies, so they can look good throughout the festive season. I am now going to pay the last instalments and add a few more items,” she says.

“We will be going home to KwaZulu-Natal for the festive season for them to meet my family for the first time. They have never been because I could not afford to take a taxi home with them. 

“I now have a better job and this will probably be the best Christmas I have ever had in years.”

For many African families, Christmas is synonymous with homecoming. After months spent in cities chasing dreams and opportunities, many return to the warmth of their rural homes. 

The joy of seeing loved ones again — parents, siblings, childhood friends — is a gift that no material possession can replace. 

New clothes symbolise the season’s spirit of renewal. For children, nothing compares with the excitement of donning freshly bought outfits, often kept carefully hidden by parents until Christmas morning. 

These garments carry more than style; they represent hope and gratitude, a way to mark the culmination of the year’s efforts. 

Equally significant are the meals that are prepared only once a year. Dishes like roasts, mogodu, pap and braai, or sweet treats like ginger beer and koeksisters, transform ordinary dining tables into feasts. 

For a brief time, families forget the struggles of the year, united in laughter and the comforting aroma of home-cooked food. 

But Christmas is not joyous for everyone. For some, it is a sombre reminder of the year’s unfulfilled aspirations. 

Many leave their homes for the city, hoping to secure a better future. Yet, the harsh realities of urban life — low-paying jobs, high cost of living, and unforeseen challenges — mean there is little to show for a year of toil. 

For Ntuthuko Kumalo* who lives in Madelakufa in Tembisa, Christmas is a painful reminder of what is lacking. 

“I have been spending Christmas in my shack for over 10 years. I can’t go back home. I have nothing to give my siblings or my children. 

“I will just hustle some money, buy a few bottles of beer, hustle a meal and go to sleep — as I have been for many years,” he says. 

Returning home empty-handed is daunting. The cultural expectation to bring gifts or financial support for the family weighs heavily on those who feel they have fallen short. 

In some cases, this burden fosters a deep sense of shame and embarrassment, leading people to stay in the city during the festive season. 

This decision is not made lightly. It often means spending Christmas in isolation, far from family and removed from the warmth and traditions that make the season special. 

The silence of a city emptied by holiday travel can amplify loneliness, leaving many to grapple with feelings of failure. 

Christmas in Africa is thus a season of dualities. For some, it is a time to celebrate the fruits of their labour. For others, it is a reminder of the challenges they face. Yet, even in the hardest of circumstances, the season holds opportunities for introspection and renewal. 

Communities play a vital role in bridging this gap. Churches, for instance, often extend the spirit of giving to those who cannot afford traditional celebrations. 

Soup kitchens, donation drives  and communal gatherings ensure that no one is entirely left out. 

These initiatives highlight the power of collective care, reminding us that the essence of Christmas lies, not in material gifts, but in the spirit of sharing and compassion. 

As urban migration continues to shape the dynamics of African families, perhaps it is time to rethink how we celebrate Christmas. 

Can we create traditions that embrace simplicity, reducing the pressure to present outward symbols of success? 

What if the focus shifted from what we bring home to how we connect with those we love?

Some families are already making this shift. Instead of expecting expensive gifts, they prioritise storytelling, where elders pass down wisdom and recount tales from their youth. 

Others organise group activities such as soccer matches or cooking competitions, emphasising experiences over possessions. 

For those unable to return home, technology has become a lifeline. Video calls and online group chats provide a way to stay connected, when physical contact is impossible. 

These small but meaningful acts help bridge the emotional distance that urban migration often creates. 

Ultimately, the beauty of an African Christmas lies in its ability to bring people together, even across great divides. 

Whether through laughter around a fire or a heartfelt phone call to a loved one, the season reminds us of the importance of community, love  and resilience. 

For those who find Christmas challenging, it is essential to remember that success is not always measured in material terms. The courage to face another year, the ability to hope against the odds  and the love shared with family and friends are achievements in their own right. 

As we celebrate this festive season, let us hold space for both the joy and the struggles that come with it. 

Let us create moments that honour the diversity of our experiences, embracing the true meaning of Christmas — a time to give, to forgive and to cherish the bonds that make us human. 

This year, whether you’re in the city or at home, with loved ones or alone, may the spirit of Christmas find you. 

And may it remind us all that, no matter the circumstances, there is always something to be grateful for.

* Not his real name.

According to data from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group, the prices of some items have gone up slightly while others have eased.

The net result is that the average price of a food basket this year is R1 600.45, down slightly from R1 654.07 last year.

A 10kg bag of rice costs R171.08 compared with R167.54 in November last year, a 2% increase, while a 30kg bag of maize meal went up to R328.17 this year, from R300.09 last year. 

A 10kg portion of frozen chicken costs R403.00 this year, compared with R400.60 last November, showing a 1% increase. 

But the price of 2kg of beef has dipped to R179.65, from R181.64 last year, while 60 eggs now cost R166.69, a 13% drop from R191.83 last year, when prices were driven up by the Avian flu outbreak.

A true South African Christmas meal has the “seven colours” vegetables on the plate.

The food survey shows the cost of a 10kg bag of potatoes is R112.17, down from R130.02 last year, while a 10kg bag of butternut has dropped to R95.04 from R148.87 last year, a 36% decrease. 

The price of eight bunches of spinach has, however, increased to R104.19 this year from R96.28 last year, while two heads of cabbage would now cost R40.56, compared with R38.37.

All in all, the cost of the items in the seven-colour food basket is R351.96, whereas it would have set buyers back R413.83 last year. 

In putting together the food price data, the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group works with women living on low incomes in Johannesburg’s Soweto, Alexandra, Tembisa and Hillbrow, the Cape Town areas of Gugulethu, Philippi, Khayelitsha, Langa, Delft and Dunoon, as well as KwaMashu, Umlazi, Isipingo, the Durban CBD, Hammarsdale, Pinetown, Pietermaritzburg and Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal and Springbok in the Northern Cape.

South African consumers have developed “food coping strategies” when it comes to buying food and other consumables for the festive period.

These often include buying from a more affordable retailer and more affordable food, said Hester Vermeulen, a consumer analyst at Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, a non-profit organisation which provides data and analysis on the agricultural industry.“Considering the significant income pressure that is being experienced by many South Africans, it is very possible that consumers will shop around for special price offerings — possibly resulting in less loyalty to a specific retailer — try less expensive brands and cut back on luxuries,” Vermeulen told the Mail & Guardian.

Many online casinos in SA want to allow you to keep gambling longer. Various bonuses and promotions are the easiest way to do so. Most would go to the players who have been gaming there for quite some time. However, a welcome bonus is mostly given to every new gamer. 

This guide will provide an in-depth look at some of the offers you can expect to find and use at your preferred gaming platform. Read on to learn how to grab the most attractive offers!

1. Sign-up bonus

Most platforms in South Africa will greet you with a welcome bonus right after your registration. You must usually register and make your first deposit to claim it. Matched those requirements? The operator will add your bonus funds right to the account. 

With this offer, you usually get a money match of your initial deposit, commonly topped with free spins. At times, those offers are pretty generous. For example, you can check out these SA casinos with 100 free spins for some great promos.

But what’s the purpose of this sign-up promotion? Most importantly, it is meant to usher you into endless gaming, rewards, and more. However, it is only available to new gamers, and once you deplete it, you will not receive another welcome offer. 

Here are a few factors to keep in mind: 

• The welcome bonus has a validity period. For instance, you could be given 5000 ZAR, valid for 2 weeks. 
• The bonus has rollover requirements. For example, you can be asked to wager 30x before cashing out any funds. 
• It has betting limits, such as 5 ZAR per gaming round. 
• It may also have game restrictions. For instance, the casino may say South African players can only use it on specific online slots, such as Starburst. 

2. No deposit bonus

No deposit bonuses are just what they are called — the promotions that won’t ask you to deposit to be eligible. Just create an account, and you may get some cash to test the game. Yes, those sums won’t be immense. But anyway, getting some free cash is always a good idea.

However, note that this online casino bonus may come with strict terms. For example, you may be asked to complete a rollover requirement of 45x, which means you must bet 45 times before asking for a cashout. 

3. Free spins bonus

Free spins are a bonus most slot enthusiasts are likely to choose. They can be provided autonomously or as part of other promotions, such as welcome offers. Either way, they are usually quite generous, allowing you to win 30, 50, or even 100. The price you’ll have to pay for their convenience is an immense rollover, commonly reaching 50x or even beyond.

4. Cashback bonus

As a player, you should accept that losses do happen. When they do, the operator can decide to give you a percentage of the lost money — just to soften the blow. Some casinos can even give a cashback of up to 30%. However, the terms will still apply, so be sure to read them carefully.

5. Reload bonus

A reload bonus is awarded when you make a second or a successive deposit to your online casino wallet. Actually, when you make those deposits, you show that you want to keep playing on the platform. So, the casino you sign up with gives you a fixed amount as a reload bonus as a thank-you gesture. Most commonly, it will award you a percentage of the total amount you have deposited into your casino account.

6. Loyalty perks

Most online casinos in SA can develop loyalty programs to award the most loyal players on the platforms. It means that if you have been playing at the casino for some time now, you can climb the VIP ladder and get more points. Some online casinos also give points depending on the amount you deposit and wager. They look at your casino account statements to rank you as a VIP player. 

But what can you get? Well, here are the most popular perks to claim once you become a VIP:

• Higher withdrawal limits
• Higher bets
• Immense cashback offers
• Tailored promotions
• Personalized account manager
• Access to exclusive games

Sure, you’d want to grab all these! However, if your casino doesn’t list the exact terms for becoming its VIP, be sure to contact customer support. You can receive a VIP invitation right after your message if you’re lucky enough.

7. Event bonuses 

When a casino needs to keep players, it creates special events or tournaments. Most commonly, these events offer players the chance to win bonuses. You participate in an event to earn points or win a prize. For instance, a casino can hold a tournament and award the top 10 participants ZAR 100,000.

Tips to get the most from bonuses in SA casinos

Using a bonus prudently is half a deal if you want to succeed. Here are the tips to keep in mind:

• Check the validity period — any offer can be used during a specific time frame. Verify that period beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises. It usually won’t exceed 7 days, but in rare cases, it can reach a month in time.
• Go through the playthrough — if you want to cash out your winnings, be sure to comply with them. If they go over 35x, the offer is hardly worth your time.
• Compare bonuses — different casinos have diverse things on offer. Check what’s included and choose the best fitting and beneficial offer.
• Gamble only on licensed platforms — in the first place, your experience should be safe, so verify the license before you play.

Conclusion 

Online casinos reward you for using them and staying loyal by providing various bonuses. Those promotions are also a way to market and register more South African players. Most commonly, the offers you can find in SA casinos are versatile and wide-ranging. So, your task is to choose the ones which appeal to you. Let your gambling be beneficial and fun.

No, I’m not talking about Banksy’s famous Flower Thrower (aka Flower Bomber, or Love is in the Air), a powerfully poignant portrait of a masked protestor on the verge of hurling a bouquet of brightly coloured blossoms.

The figure (or figurine) that I have in mind, a votive statue of the Phoenician god Melqart, prefigures by some 14 centuries the fully flexed physique of Banksy’s pseudo-self-portrait, which appeared in 2003 in a Palestinian town near Bethlehem, a stone’s throw from the wall that separates Israel from the West Bank territories of Palestine.

According to myths current in the ancient civilization to the north of Palestine, Melqart, founder of the city-state of Tyre, was charged both with ruling the underworld and with protecting the Universe – holding dominion over both the living and the dead.

To convey Melqart’s hybrid nature, he was typically depicted brandishing both a battle axe and a lotus flower, an ancient symbol of hope and rebirth. Look closely at the pocked and tarnished bronze statue of the god that stands forever poised to strike in the collection of Seville’s Archaeological Museum and all you see that time has roughly frisked him, confiscating his symbolic props, leaving him a little out of sorts – more flailing than fearsome – cutting shapes in the stale gallery air.

With Melqart rendered empty-handed, we’re left to speculate about which fist gripped the axe and which the flowers. It seems logical, of course, that the arm raised above his head, steadying for thrust, was likely the one that wielded the sharpened weapon.

But I can’t help hoping, imagining in my mind’s eye, that it’s the other way around –that Melqart is waving across millennia with his right hand a big, beautiful lotus blossom to his distant descendant, the Flower Thrower. All I can say for sure is this: I’d rather be hit in the face with a bouquet of painted flowers hurled by a masked silhouette than watch with bleeding eyes the horrors of war unfold before us.

How Banksy Saved Art History is published by Thames and Hudson, distributed by Jonathan Ball Publishers