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Fire in the Jukebox at The Market
EventsFire in the JukeboxThe Market

Fire in the Jukebox at The Market

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Bunny chow contest
Events

Bunny chow contest

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Harriette Emily Colenso (1847–1932), widely known by her Zulu name Udhlwedhlwe / Dlwedhlwe
History

Harriette Emily Colenso (1847–1932), widely known by her Zulu name Udhlwedhlwe / Dlwedhlwe / Udlwedlwe (often rendered as something close to “Dlwedlwe”), was an English-born Anglican missionary, political activist, and advocate for Zulu rights in colonial Natal and Zululand (present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa).

She was the eldest child of John William Colenso (the first Bishop of Natal) and Sarah Frances Bunyon. Born on…

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court
NewsLocal news

A 65-year-old Durban (La Lucia/Umhlanga area) businessman and former policeman, who cannot be named due to the sexual assault charges, appeared in the Durban Regional Court / Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, facing multiple charges stemming from alleged events in early 2022.

He faces around 20 charges in total (some reports list a slightly varying mix), including trafficking in persons, kidnapping, sexual…

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zambia ferry
NewsInternational news

On Tuesday, 11 August 2026, the government-operated ferry Mbuya Nehanda (run by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency / RIDA, formerly linked to the District Development Fund) capsized on Lake Kariba while travelling from the lakeshore town of Kariba toward Chalala fishing camps / Long Island area.

Key details Capacity vs. actual load: The vessel’s registered capacity was 90 people. Early police statements referred to 90 passengers…

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Burnham made the remarks while chairing (or ahead of) an emergency Cobra meeting on the government’s response to extreme heat, drought, and wildfires. Key points from his statements include: Single-use/disposable barbecues have been linked to a number of recent blazes. He said people “should not be using them ‘at this moment in time’” and that many wildfires (including in areas like the New Forest and northern regions) were created by them. He described a ban as something the government is “certainly going to consider,” with references to a possible temporary or seasonal (summer months) restriction. He emphasized the need for a “loud and clear message” on public care in the countryside regarding both cigarettes and temporary barbecues. After the Cobra meeting, he urged “all retailers big and small” to immediately withdraw disposable barbecues from sale, noting that a voluntary framework (agreed with fire chiefs and the British Retail Consortium) restricting retail sales is being extended. Longer-term, the government would examine whether a temporary summer ban is justified. He did not immediately detail the exact form of any ban (e.g., on sales vs. use, permanent vs. temporary, national vs. targeted). Broader background Wildfire and weather situation: England and Wales had already recorded around 1,017 wildfires in 2026 by mid-August, matching the full-year total for 2025. Nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales were in drought, with amber extreme heat warnings and temperatures projected toward the mid-to-high 30s°C (possibly up to 38°C in places). Extreme conditions were expected to persist for some weeks. Retailer and local actions: Many major retailers (including Asda, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, and others) have already voluntarily suspended or withdrawn sales under existing guidance, especially during high-risk periods or in response to local requests. Some chains (e.g., Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, M&S) had stopped selling them earlier in certain areas or entirely since around 2022. Local councils and national parks already restrict or ban their use in high-risk public spaces (parks, beaches, nature reserves, etc.), with possible fines. Campaigns and petitions: There has been growing pressure, including from MPs (such as High Peak’s Jon Pearce, who wrote to retailers), the National Farmers’ Union, fire chiefs, and public petitions calling for a ban or stronger restrictions. One petition had gathered significant signatures (tens of thousands in some reports) seeking a nationwide ban on sales to reduce fire risk and waste. Nuances and implications Disposable barbecues are cheap single-use charcoal grills that can remain hot long after use and are easily left behind or discarded improperly, creating ignition risks in dry, tinder-like conditions. They also generate waste (hundreds of thousands go to landfill annually in some estimates). Supporters of restrictions argue they are a preventable cause of damage to habitats, wildlife, property, and emergency service resources amid climate-driven increases in extreme weather. Critics or more cautious voices have previously noted that product safety rules already exist, councils have powers for local bans, and a full national sales ban might be disproportionate or face enforcement challenges—though Burnham’s comments mark a shift toward stronger consideration at the national level. This fits into the wider response to the 2026 heatwave/drought, which has included health warnings (with reports of excess heat-related deaths), water restrictions being explored in some areas, and calls for longer-term adaptation measures. No formal ban had been enacted as of the latest reports around 12–13 August 2026; the emphasis was on immediate voluntary retailer action plus further government review. In short, the statement reflects accurate, timely reporting on Burnham’s position as PM amid a genuine wildfire risk driven by extreme weather. Developments could evolve quickly depending on conditions and policy follow-
NewsInternational news

UK PM Andy Burnham has said a disposable BBQ ban is under consideration.

Burnham made the remarks while chairing (or ahead of) an emergency Cobra meeting on the government’s response to extreme heat,…

admin5 hours ago