Southern Africa’s history is heavily marked with the spoor of the El Niño weather phenomenon. And with a potentially monster version expected to emerge in the coming weeks, the trail it points to is mostly one of hunger, economic hardship, environmental woes and calamity.
No two El Niño events are the same, and even intense ones in the recent past have not always heralded crippling drought. But climate scientists warn that the signs this time round are extremely concerning.
This El Niño, they say, could rival the intense event of the late 19th century that triggered “the Great Famine” on a global scale, killing millions of people. And its scythe sliced through southern Africa.
“The…
Max du Preez: A prominent journalist and author known for his work on political
issues and social justice.
Snow Pharaoh
Fun South African Fact: Table Mountain, one of the iconic landmarks of South Africa, is one of the oldest mountains in the world
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Fun South African Fact: South Africa has continuously paid tribute to Dr Christiaan Barnard’s groundbreaking medical achievements.