Scientists uncover evolutionary clues from tiny South African Jurassic crocodile:

Bone scans reveal insights into an ancient South African crocodile ancestor

– The Mail & Guardian

Zulu King MisuZulu fires traditional prime minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi, suspends ITB members:

Zulu King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini has fired his traditional prime minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi with immediate effect, saying he would give reasons for the move “in due course”.

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.

– The Mail & Guardian

Ways to wave goodbye to those December blues:

Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can intensify during December, stemming from issues such as economic pressures, family dynamics and social expectations, but there are mechanisms to cope with this.

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.

– The Mail & Guardian

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