Tag Archives: Colombia

Travel & Tourism

My Cape Town: Matthew Sterne 

Maravi Post Reporter

Matthew Sterne, a tour guide, storyteller, and travel writer, has dedicated his life to celebrating and sharing his deep love for Cape Town. Through his engaging walking tours, he brings the city’s past and present to life, connecting visitors to the people and places that make the Mother City exceptional. 

As the founder of Natural Wanders and a proud Sea Point resident, Matthew spent his early twenties on what he affectionately calls a “gap decade,” collecting stories and passport stamps from around the world. He worked for a pub crawl in Amsterdam, an ice cream factory in Norway, and even as a door-to-door lightbulb exchanger in Melbourne. Along the way, he volunteered at a turtle sanctuary in Nicaragua, joined a camel safari in India, and contributed to a newspaper in Colombia. When he eventually returned home, his work as a travel writer took him across South Africa, which ultimately led him into tour guiding. “What I love about being a tour guide in Cape Town is that the city is even more fascinating than it is beautiful. It is full of characters, legends, and these icons,” he says. Here’s how he spends his ideal day in Cape Town. 

“Secret” beach at Maiden’s Cove  

If you’re looking for a beach that’s off the beaten track but offers stunning views, Matthew is happy to share details about his favourite “secret spot” at Maiden’s Cove near Camps Bay. Park your car by the picnic area and take a walk down the path. The beach is a short stroll from Maiden’s Cove tidal pool. As Matthew describes it, “It’s one of the best secret swimming spots in Cape Town!” Just a quick note: there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is at your own risk. 

Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Price: Free 

Signal Hill View Point 

For one of the most breathtaking panoramic viewpoints in Cape Town, drive along Signal Hill Road towards the Kramat of Sheikh Mohamed Hassen Ghaibie Shah. Parking is available at the Kramat or at the Lion’s Head parking area. From the Kramat car park, follow the trail towards Lion’s Head, but when you reach the signpost, turn left to reach the lookout.  

Matthew says: “I love this viewpoint because you can see all the major landmarks in the city: Robben Island, Sea Point, Devil’s Peak, the City Bowl, the Harbour, Table Mountain, and Lion’s Head.” There are benches available, making it a great spot for a picnic. Remember to carry water and sun protection, as it can get quite hot. 

Location: Signal Hill
Price: Free 

The Rooftop Bar, Trade Boutique Hotel 

Sip your favourite cocktail while taking in sweeping views of Cape Town’s inner city from The Rooftop Bar, situated at the Trade Boutique Hotel on Shortmarket Street. For cocktail enthusiasts, the menu offers a creative and refreshing range. Wine lovers can sample a variety of cultivars and blends that showcase the unique terroirs of the Cape Winelands. Day visitors are welcome to relax by the pool — towels are provided — as long as you purchase from the bar. “I’ve been to almost every cocktail bar in the city, and this place is one of my favourites,” Matthew says. “The views are incredible, I love being on the rooftop, and the drinks are top class too.” 

Location: 55 Shortmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
Price: From R100 for cocktails
Website: thetradehotel.co.za/rooftop-bar  

Ganesh   

Ganesh, formerly known as Café Ganesh, is where you’ll find Matthew when he’s searching for a lekker meal. This iconic spot is where the best of Obs gather — from artists and students to locals and travellers, all united by the mouthwatering Thai-inspired menu and a lively events calendar. The menu may be seasonal and small, but every dish is full of flavour.  

“The food is amazing and extremely affordable. They host music events throughout the week.”  

Location: 38 Trill Road, Observatory
Price: From R50
Website: www.instagram.com/ganesh_capetown 

 

Related Articles  

 

 

 

 

The post My Cape Town: Matthew Sterne  appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

Entertainment

Channel Aprés-Ski Style in These Cozy Sweaters, Earmuffs and More

Maravi Post Reporter

You don’t have to hit the slopes to master the art of Aprés-ski dressing. All it takes is the addition of luxurious cold-weather essentials to make your dreams of winter style come true. Ready to recreate the luxurious winter aesthetic? Amazon has you covered with the coziest, most chic Aprés-ski styles around.

From cozy sweaters that spell out the buzzy trend to brand-name boots that keep you dry from snow and rain, these pieces offer just as much luxury as they do practicality. With prices as low as $7, you don’t want to miss these budget-friendly picks.

Amazon Winter Essentials to Channel Aprés-Ski Style

Luxe Sweaters and Outerwear

1. Our Favorite: This mock-neck bodysuit is an Amazon bestseller for good reason. With stretchy fabric that smooths curves, this top is a fierce standalone product, but it looks great paired with roomy cardigans and open-front sweaters.

2. Runner Up: With plush fleece-lined fabric, this lightweight jacket delivers all the comfort you need after spending hours in the cold.

3. Crystal Clear: All it takes is a glance at this cozy sweater, and everyone will know which vibe you’re out to achieve. With ‘Aprés’ spelled out on this soft top, you’ll look like the queen of the slopes.

4. Luxurious Fabric: There’s no denying the rich mom appeal of this wool-blend sweater. It’s so soft and versatile, you’ll wear this underneath heavyweight winter coats.

5. Fuzzy Find: We love the fuzzy, almost teddy bear-like fabric on this oversized sweater. With exaggerated cuffs on the sleeves, this comfy top will instantly become a cold-weather staple.

6. Perfect Puff: Unsurprisingly, puffer jackets, like this dreamy pink style, are trending this winter. With a cropped silhouette, this vibrant jacket channels major NYC influencer style.

I Work From Home and Refuse to Wear ‘Real Pants’ — 15 Everyday Styles That Feel Like Pajamas

Comfy Matching Sets

7. On the Move: Whether you’re snow tubing or taking your first ski lesson, you’ll look like a pro in this cozy jumpsuit.

8. Seamless Fit: The stretchy fabric on this curve-enhancing jumpsuit fits like a glove. We can envision styling it with fluffy faux fur knee-high boots and a matching hat. It brings all the drama!

9. Feminine Flair: Deliver posh, dainty style in this houndstooth print two-piece. With faux fur details along the collar and sleeves, everyone will want to know where you got this set from.

10. R&R: Once the thrill of outdoor fun wears off, you’ll want to relax and unwind in this butter-soft sweatsuit.

Must-Have Accessories

11. Statement-Maker:  Ready to look like the richest mom of them all? With smooth, designer-looking fabric, fleece lining and a plush faux fur design around the wrist, these faux leather gloves do all the heavy lifting. The best part? They only cost $9!

12. Winter White: Bring your love for winter white pieces all the way down to your shoes with these cozy fur-lined snow boots.

13. All Eyes on You: Don’t be surprised if people stop and stare. This fluffy, faux fur bucket hat is so posh and unique, you’ll earn tons of compliments.

14. Brand Name Pick: Looking for a trusted brand to keep you cold in frosty conditions? These Colombia snow boots feature a waterproof design to keep you dry during unexpected snowball fights.

15. Dainty Flair: Keep your easy cozy in these dreamy faux fur earmuffs. They fold for easy storage!

16. Trending Topic: Prepare for endless likes on your snowy OOTD posts when you add this cozy red balaclava to your lineup.

17. Last but Not Least: Don’t forget cozy styles, like this oversized scarf, for an added layer of protection against brisk winter wind.

These Elevated Sweatpants Nail the Anti-Jeans Trend Celebs Are Obsessed With

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

Lifestyle

Shutdown Economics, U.S.- Colombia Tensions, Louvre Heist Fallout

Maravi Post Reporter

The economic cost of the government shutdown is mounting, as workers miss paychecks and contracts stall. President Trump’s feud with Colombia is deepening, with threats to cut aid testing a decades-long alliance. And in France, outrage is growing after the Louvre jewel heist, with political backlash and a security crackdown underway.

Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

<

p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″ data-pm-slice=”1 1 []”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Raphael Nam, Tara Neil, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland.

<

p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>

<

p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas

<

p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>

<

p class=”readrate”>

<

p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>

<

p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″ style=”text-align: left; line-height:undefined;”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

AMA

New Podcast ‘Future of Africa’ Amplifies the Voices of African Youth Re-shaping Our World

MaraviPost

Launched by the African Union Youth Envoy, the United Nations Foundation, and The Elders in collaboration with The Global Dispatches Podcast. 

NEW YORK, USA 12 August 2025 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The United Nations Foundation today announced the launch of Future of Africa, a new podcast series that amplifies young African voices in global policy conversations. Future of Africa is co-hosted by the African Union Youth Envoy, the UN Foundation and The Elders, in collaboration with the Global Dispatches Podcast.

This limited-series podcast, presented by Kenyan media personality Adelle Onyango alongside Mark Leon Goldberg, brings together young changemakers and global leaders, exploring the global challenges and opportunities shaping the world today — and Africa tomorrow.

Through a mix of personal storytelling and policy dialogue, the podcast tackles issues ranging from climate justice and financing for development to trust in democratic institutions and the future of education. As multilateralism faces a crisis of trust and relevance, Future of Africa offers a fresh model. By platforming conversations between global leaders and young African changemakers, the series explores how human stories can disrupt conventional thinking, build empathy across borders, and forge shared purpose around urgent global challenges.

“As the world’s youngest continent, Africa holds the key to shaping the global future,” said Harshani Dharmadasa, Senior Director at the UN Foundation. “The Future of Africa podcast elevates the bold ideas, lived experiences, and leadership of young Africans already driving change from the grassroots to global platforms.”

The podcast is a signature output of the Panel of the Future, an initiative of the African Union Youth Envoy that convenes young leaders advocating for inclusive, youth-centered policymaking. Each episode pairs these emerging voices with statespeople and global policy experts in unscripted, intergenerational conversations designed to share innovative ideas and practical solutions with listeners.

“I’ve seen powerful ideas buried in reports that many people will never read. This podcast is about amplifying the voices of young Africans who are building a new future for our continent and the world,” said Chido Mpemba, Advisor to the African Union Commission Chairperson. “This series is a reminder that stories, especially when led by young people, can humanize global challenges, challenge outdated assumptions, and help reimagine how international cooperation works for the next generation.”

This podcast brings young people’s energy into direct dialogue with the institutions shaping our continent and our world. Guests include:

  • Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
  • Chido Mpemba, formerly the African Union’s Special Youth Envoy and currently the Advisor to the African Union Commission Chairperson focused on Women, Gender and Youth
  • Minister Serigne Mbaye Thiam, Chair of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Minister of Education of Senegal 
  • Ms. Tina Muparadzi, Executive Director for the Education and Transitions programming platform at Mastercard Foundation’s Education, Learning & Youth Livelihood Team 
  • Ms. Graça Machel, First Education Minister of Mozambique, Co-founder of the Elders

For the full episode lineup, visit unfoundation.org/FutureOfAfrica

Season 1: Spotlight on Africa’s Global Voice

Launching on International Youth Day, August 12, 2025, the first season of Future of Africa features seven episodes:

1. Africa’s Role on the Global Stage (Aug 12)

A high-level conversation on Africa’s growing diplomatic power, inclusive governance, and how a new generation is shaping international relations.

2. Climate, Peace and Security Nexus (Aug 19)

Exploring how climate stress fuels insecurity — and how Indigenous knowledge, diplomacy, and gender equity can drive peace.

3. Global Partnerships and Delivering on Finance (Aug 26)

What does meaningful financing for Africa look like after the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development? These guests unpack real commitments, youth agency, and equitable global finance.

4. The Trust Deficit (Sep 2)

Addressing the erosion of trust in governance, this episode highlights how inclusive leadership, electoral integrity, and youth-led civic renewal are essential to rebuilding trust.

5. Educating the Next Generation (Sep 9)

From school systems to startups, this episode examines how Africa can equip young people with the skills needed to shape the future economy.

6. Women on the Rise (Sep 16)

In honor of Beijing+30, this episode celebrates women and girls leading change, and explores policy and investment as tools to unlock their full potential.

7. Vaccines, Progress, Potential (Sep 18)

This episode highlights how vaccines have transformed public health in Africa and what’s next for regional manufacturing, equity, and youth leadership in immunization.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of United Nations Foundation.

About the Podcast

Co-created by the African Union Youth Envoy and the United Nations Foundation, and produced in collaboration with The Elders and Global Dispatches, Future of Africa is a new model for intergenerational, intercontinental dialogue. It translates complex policy issues into accessible, story-driven formats that resonate with youth audiences while informing global decision-makers.

The podcast will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms. 

About the Partners

The African Union Office of the Youth Envoy (AU-OYE) works to promote, empower, and engage youth in the continent’s development through leadership, policy, and advocacy. The Panel of the Future is one of its flagship initiatives to embed youth voices in Africa’s multilateral future.

The United Nations Foundation has built novel innovations and partnerships to support the United Nations and help solve global problems at scale for over 25 years. As an independent charitable organization, the Foundation was created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity’s greatest challenges and drive global progress. 

The Elders is an independent international non‑governmental organisation founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007. Comprising former heads of state, Nobel laureates, and human rights champions, they use their collective integrity, global standing, and moral courage to address the planet’s most urgent crises, free from national or political constraints

Global Dispatches Podcast is a long-running, award-winning international affairs show hosted by journalist Mark Leon Goldberg. With a global audience of diplomats, policymakers, and engaged citizens, it explores trends and ideas shaping the world.

Media Contact:

Amy Minnie

African Media Agency (AMA)

Amy@africanmediaagency.com

The post New Podcast ‘Future of Africa’ Amplifies the Voices of African Youth Re-shaping Our World appeared first on African Media Agency.

Lifestyle

US-funded flight returns self-deported immigrants to Honduras

Maravi Post Reporter

The first US-funded flight carrying Honduran immigrants returning home arrived in San Pedro Sula on Monday.

After highly-publicized migrant detentions in the US and the deportation of hundreds of migrants to a high security prison in El Salvador, the passengers had accepted an offer to self-deport in exchange for a free flight back home.

The offer has been paired with highly-publicized migrant detentions in the US and the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to a high-security prison in El Salvador.

Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio Garcia was there to meet the returning Hondurans:

“They say it’s difficult, that there’s a hostile atmosphere towards migrants, that they’re afraid to go out to work or walk down the street, that sometimes there are raids in restaurants and workplaces. So it’s a very unpleasant environment and they say: ‘no, I’d rather not live like this, I’m going back to my country’.”

Monday’s flight carried 68 Hondurans, including four children born in the US. Twenty-six more migrants aboard the flight were headed home to Colombia

Limited appeal

Experts believe the self-deportation offer will only appeal to a small portion of migrants already considering return, but unlikely to spur high demand.

Honduras immigration director Wilson Paz says the number of Hondurans deported from the U.S. so far this year is below last year’s pace:

“I don’t think it will be thousands of people who apply for the program, but we will have quite a few cases, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they arrive in an orderly fashion on charter flights, that we have the manifests in advance so that there are no delays, and that we can support them in everything they need upon arrival to the country.”

The Honduran government will support the returning migrants with $100 cash and another $200 credit at a government-run store that sells basic necessities.

US President Donald Trump has promised to increase deportations substantially.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/15/36/75/07/ED_PYR_1536757_20250520060943.mp4
Sports

Malawi Flames stumble on FIFA ranking: overtaken by Madagascar

Lloyd M’bwana
Malawi Flames
The Malawi National Football Team Flames

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost) – Malawi national football team, the Flames, have attained the worst-performer in the Month of March, after dropping by biggest points from position 100 to 114 on FIFA/Coca-Cola World ranking.

 

The Flames stumble follows the two careless defeats on the bounce to a low-ranking team Madagascar, which has painted mad string on the country’s football in recent times. Continue reading Malawi Flames stumble on FIFA ranking: overtaken by Madagascar →