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A will isn’t about death. It’s about life — making sure your children, family and friends are cared for when you can’t do it yourself. This Wills Week, I share why I rewrote mine.

There are people in my circle who tell me they do not watch TV news or log in to news websites. They cite maintaining their mental well-being as their reason. Two of my nearest and dearest earn their living as journalists, one in a TV newsroom the other as a radio talk show host. I

On Thursday, South Africa marked a national day of mourning for the victims of the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape. Flags flew at half-mast. Government officials wore black. Moments of silence were observed across institutions. But in the small villages and towns of the province, grief had no ceremonial start or end. It began

As a loving adult child, how do you get yourself and your elderly parent ready for their inevitable departure into the afterlife? Recently, my phone rang. It was the husband of an acquaintance. I was curious – what can be the reason for a call? I take it. I tell him that although I’m in

The first time I planned a funeral, it wasn’t mine — it was my mother’s. But it was during that emotionally intense and beautiful send-off that I began quietly planning my own. That was 21 years ago. My mother left us with many gifts, but among the most enduring was the clarity and relief we

Imagine a fairly tight-knit team, stable – some have worked together for years. They don’t socialise, but during the regular Monday morning team meetings they exchange greetings, their personal news headlines and team members have a good sense of one another’s families and interests. People have shared birthday highlights, children’s school successes – a range

Helena Dolny recounts her transformative 11-day retreat in California’s Death Valley. Participating in “The Great Ballcourt Fast” is an experience rooted in ancient Mayan and Indigenous traditions. Dolny and fourteen others disconnected completely from technology to engage in deep self-reflection. My 11-day sojourn in the California desert, Death Valley, was the fourth time I’ve created

I have witnessed different ways people (husbands, mothers, friends, clients) handle the bad news that they have a terminal illness. Their responses varied significantly and made a noticeable difference in how this news affected the lives of those close to them. None of us can genuinely predict ahead of time how we might respond in

Dr Celiwe Dada is a South African medical doctor and mother of three who has recently gained significant attention on social media, particularly TikTok, due to her candid storytelling about her personal life. She has shared her experiences of surviving an abusive marriage, focusing on the emotional and financial toll it took on her. Have

Obesity’s impact extends beyond the individual, affecting families and communities alike. This week’s Live By Design column delves into the challenges of discussing weight with kindness and understanding, highlighting the need for supportive dialogue and lifestyle changes. Through personal stories and reflections, it underscores the importance of empathy and open communication in addressing this complex