The Countdown is on for Black Friday!

Black Friday, traditionally the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Its origin dates back to the 1950s in Philadelphia, where police officers coined the term to describe the chaotic scene of heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic as people flocked to stores for post-Thanksgiving sales. By the 1980s, retailers embraced the term, rebranding it to symbolize the time when businesses “move from the red to the black”—meaning they start to become profitable for the year.

In recent years, Black Friday seems to be associated with overspending and buying things that we don’t necessarily need, but rather desire.

Many shoppers fall into the trap of buying items in bulk simply because they’re on sale, even when they have no immediate need for them. This impulse buying can lead to wasted money and clutter. Before making a purchase, it’s important to ask yourself if you truly need the item or if it’s simply a result of the sale. Taking time to make a thoughtful decision can help avoid regret and unnecessary purchases.

Not all products or services are discounted on Black Friday, and some items are often excluded from these sales. Essential goods like medication or fuel rarely see significant discounts. This is because the price of such items is often regulated by strict industry standards, and companies may not have the flexibility to slash prices without affecting their operations. Additionally, certain retailers may focus on high-demand items like electronics and clothing, which are more conducive to seasonal sales.

The reason why some products don’t go on sale during Black Friday is tied to market dynamics. Essential items are usually not subject to heavy discounts because their demand is consistent and urgent, regardless of price. Similarly, retailers in industries like fuel or groceries face tighter margins and can’t afford to drop prices too much. These exclusions serve to maintain stability and ensure that businesses can continue to provide their core services without financial loss.

Tips for Getting the Best Deals on Black Friday

  1. Plan Ahead: Research deals before Black Friday. Many retailers release their sales ads early, allowing you to plan what items you want to purchase and compare prices across different stores.
  2. Set a Budget: Black Friday deals can be tempting, but it’s important to stick to a budget to avoid overspending. Make a list of essential items and focus on those to avoid impulsive purchases.
  3. Shop Online: Many retailers offer online-only discounts or extend Black Friday sales through the weekend, making it easier to avoid crowds and score deals from the comfort of your home.

New Heaven New Earth Church Protests Venue Cancellation Following Record-Breaking Graduation Celebration

On November 15, over 25,000 members and supporters of the Shincheonji (New Heaven New Earth) Church of Jesus gathered near the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office to protest the last-minute cancellation of a major religious event. The peaceful demonstration, which caused partial lane closures, aimed to spotlight what the church describes as “biased administration and religious suppression.”


The rally followed the abrupt cancellation of New Heaven New Earth Church’s “Religious Leaders’ Forum and Graduation Ceremony” at Paju Imjingak Peace Nuri Park on October 29—just one day before the scheduled event. The Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation cited security concerns related to recent North Korean military activity as the reason for the decision, despite previously approving the venue on July 22.
Police deployed six riot squads, with over 400 officers stationed to maintain order, but no clashes were reported. New Heaven New Earth Church has since submitted a formal letter of protest to the Gyeonggi Province, demanding an official apology and compensation for damages caused by the abrupt decision, which disrupted months of preparation and impacted 30,000 international participants.

New Heaven New Earth Church representatives expressed frustration, pointing out that other events in the area proceeded as planned despite similar security concerns. “This is biased administration and an act of religious suppression,” said Lee Ki-won, General Manager of New Heaven New Earth Church Head Quarters in South Korea. “We repeatedly checked with authorities to ensure there were no issues, and yet, the decision came without warning.” Despite these challenges, the church proceeded with its record-breaking graduation ceremony, celebrating 111,628 students who completed New Heaven New Earth Church’s comprehensive Bible education course, including 3,377 pastors.

The main event was initially held on October 30 at the Cheongju branch, with the church coordinating additional gatherings for graduates and special guests across multiple branch churches in South Korea. The ceremony was later streamed globally, including to Southern Africa, enabling participants from 153 countries to join the celebration.

“This last-minute change could have dampened the occasion, but seeing our graduates overcome this challenge with unity and hope speaks volumes,

shared Andre van der Westhuizen, a church representative in Cape Town, South Africa. “This graduation showcases how faith can bridge communities and bring about positive change.”

In Southern Africa alone, 1,125 students from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana,
Mozambique, and Malawi completed the course.
The disruption ahead of this event has reignited international discussion on religious freedom and discrimination in South Korea. New Heaven New Earth Church and the Association for Buddhist National Unification are urging the South Korean government to uphold human rights and prevent future restrictions on religious gatherings.


Chairman and Senior Pastor Man-Hee Lee addressed the graduates, saying, “The Bible says that the tree of life bears 12 fruits every month. You are the embodiment of that tree. Since you have graduated, I hope you will freely give what you have learned to others. This is a fundamental expression of gratitude as believers. Even if you face persecution, let’s do good deeds and never curse or slander others.

Celebrating Eastern Cape Christmas Cuisine: From Braai to Bunny Chow

When it comes to celebrating Christmas in the Eastern Cape, food is more than just a meal—it’s a reflection of the region’s rich cultural history, diversity, and love for gathering around the table. From sizzling braais to hearty stews and spicy street food, Eastern Cape Christmas cuisine is a sensory experience steeped in tradition, local ingredients, and a true sense of community.

A Summer Feast with a Local Twist

Unlike the northern hemisphere, where Christmas is often associated with winter feasts, the Eastern Cape enjoys warm summer days, making the festive season a perfect occasion for outdoor cooking. The region’s food reflects this unique setting, combining traditional dishes with the bounty of the season, creating a culinary celebration like no other.

Braai: The Heart of Eastern Cape Christmas Celebrations

No Christmas meal in the Eastern Cape is complete without a braai (barbecue). A true social ritual, the braai is central to many South African celebrations, and Christmas is no exception. What sets a Christmas braai apart is the array of meats—beef, lamb, chicken, and often pork—seasoned with local spices, garlic, and herbs. In some coastal areas, seafood such as snoek (a local fish) and prawns are also popular additions to the grill.

Sides are just as important as the meat. The Christmas braai feast often includes salads made from fresh, locally grown vegetables, such as beetroot, potato, and green bean salads, with tangy dressings or creamy mayonnaise. Pap (a traditional maize meal) and rich tomato-and-onion relish are staples, while many families will serve their braai with a traditional South African chutney or pickled vegetables.

Xhosa Influences: Stews, Tripes, and Traditional Dishes

For many in the Eastern Cape, Christmas also brings out beloved Xhosa dishes that have been passed down through generations. A hearty lamb or beef stew—richly flavored with garlic, onions, and local herbs—is often the centerpiece of the meal. Some families prepare “umphokoqo,” a dish made from maize meal and sour milk, served alongside the stew.

One beloved festive dish is umngqusho, a hearty mix of samp (dried corn kernels) and beans, which pairs wonderfully with slow-cooked stews and meats. It’s a filling, comforting dish that reflects the agricultural roots of many families in the region.

Street Food Staples: Bunny Chow and Other Delights

As the festive season unfolds, Gqeberha and Port Elizabeth’s bustling streets come alive with food vendors serving up traditional street food favorites, which are as essential to the local culinary landscape as the Christmas meal itself.

One of the most iconic street foods of the Eastern Cape is the Bunny Chow, a dish that originated in the Indian community of Durban but has become a beloved staple across the country, especially in the Eastern Cape. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry—often mutton or chicken—and is usually served with a side of salad or a dollop of yoghurt. While not a traditional Christmas dish, Bunny Chow is a popular choice during the festive season for those seeking a quick, flavorful bite after a day spent shopping or socializing.

Sweet Traditions: Desserts and Festive Treats

No Christmas feast is complete without a few sweet treats to round off the meal. In the Eastern Cape, traditional desserts often feature locally sourced fruits, such as peaches, apricots, and guavas, which are abundant in the summer months.

Milk Tart (Melktert) is a firm favorite during Christmas. This creamy, cinnamon-spiced dessert is made with a custard filling and served in a pastry shell. It’s delicate, sweet, and a perfect way to end a festive meal. Another local favorite is Malva pudding, a rich, syrup-soaked sponge cake served with custard or ice cream.

A Future of Culinary Heritage and Innovation

As Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape continue to evolve as hubs of creativity, the region’s food culture is also undergoing a transformation. Many chefs, home cooks, and food entrepreneurs are taking traditional dishes and infusing them with modern twists—whether it’s reinventing the classic braai or incorporating new ingredients while staying true to the region’s roots.

Christmas is more than just a festive season; it’s an opportunity to celebrate food, culture, and community. Whether through old family recipes or new culinary experiments, the food of the Eastern Cape remains a vibrant reflection of the region’s history, diversity, and enduring spirit of hospitality.

Religious Freedom Violation and Intolerance Spark International Controversy

South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage

On October 29th, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.

The “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly canceled the venue rental without prior notice. This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the international event. Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, said that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also said that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasize that other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, suggesting that the cancellation was “administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution.”

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were permitted within the same designated area.

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve mosque construction.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and rectify this unjust decision. They urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.

Revolutionizing Environmental Innovation: The Earthshot Prize’s Impact in South Africa

In 2020, Prince William launched the Earthshot Prize, a prestigious global environmental award aimed at incentivizing innovation and solutions to repair the planet. South Africa, with its rich biodiversity and pressing environmental challenges, has been a key beneficiary of this initiative. This article explores the Earthshot Prize’s impact on South Africa, highlighting local winners, innovative projects, and the potential for sustainable development.

The Earthshot Prize: A Catalyst for Change

The Earthshot Prize is awarded annually to five winners, each receiving £1 million, in five categories:

  1. Protect and Restore Nature
  2. Clean Our Air
  3. Revive Our Oceans
  4. Build a Waste-Free World
  5. Fix Our Climate

This year, the Earthshot Prize Awards took place in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 6, 2024. This was the first time the annual celebration was held in Africa, and it was a momentous occasion . The event was hosted by Billy Porter and Bonang Matheba, featuring incredible performances from Lebo M, the Ndlovu Choir, and more .

The 2024 Earthshot Prize Winners

Five extraordinary innovators were awarded £1 million each to accelerate and scale their game-changing environmental solutions.

The winners were selected from over 500 nominations from 38 different African countries, showcasing innovative solutions to environmental challenges . These visionary innovators are not just solving environmental challenges; they’re lighting the path for a sustainable future for us all.

Impact and Benefits in South Africa

The Earthshot Prize has:

  1. Fostered innovation: Encouraging local entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions
  2. Created jobs: Supporting green economy growth and employment
  3. Promoted collaboration: Facilitating partnerships between government, business, and civil society
  4. Raised awareness: Highlighting South Africa’s environmental challenges and opportunities

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite progress, South Africa faces:

  1. Funding constraints: Limiting the scalability of environmental projects
  2. Policy gaps: Hindering the implementation of sustainable solutions
  3. Climate change: Exacerbating environmental degradation and social inequality

The Earthshot Prize has ignited a spark of innovation in South Africa, demonstrating the potential for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. As the country continues to address its pressing environmental challenges, the Earthshot Prize serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of South African innovators and leaders.

Shincheonji Church Celebrates Record-Breaking Global Graduation Despite Last-Minute Venue Cancellation

The Shincheonji (New Heaven New Earth) Church of Jesus recently celebrated the graduation of 111,628 students from its comprehensive Bible education course, marking a milestone as the fourth global graduation of this scale.

115th Class in the 110 000 graduation ceremony in Cheongju,
South Korea

Originally, the event was set to take place at Imjingak Pyeonghwanuri Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, an expansive venue reserved to accommodate tens of thousands of expected participants, including 1,000 religious leaders from diverse faiths. However, in a sudden and unexpected move, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation canceled the reservation on October 29, just one day before the main ceremony, citing security concerns related to recent North Korean military actions.

Shincheonji representatives condemned the cancellation, calling it “an act of administrative tyranny” and noting that the decision disrupted months of planning and left 30,000 international participants and religious leaders from 78 countries scrambling. Despite having received official confirmation of the event’s approval, Shincheonji Church and the Korean Association for National Unification Buddhism believe that the abrupt decision reflects unconstitutional religious discrimination. Questions were raised when nearby public events were permitted to continue as planned, causing frustration among organisers who felt their gathering was unfairly targeted.

Undeterred, New Heaven New Earth Church mobilised quickly, coordinating with its branch churches to host the graduation across multiple church buildings in South Korea. The main ceremony proceeded in Cheongju, and the event was successfully live-streamed on November 2 to various satellite locations across Southern Africa, enabling graduates, and special guests worldwide to take part in the celebration despite the logistical challenge.

“This last-minute change could have dampened the occasion, but seeing our graduates overcome this challenge with unity and hope speaks volumes,” shared Andre van der Westhuizen, a church representative in Cape Town. “This graduation showcases how faith can bridge communities and bring about positive change.”

The graduation marked a significant milestone in Shincheonji’s mission to provide deep, scriptural education, uniting participants from 153 countries. In Southern Africa alone, 1,125 students from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Malawi completed the course.

Government officials graced the event with their presence in the Gqeberha region. Councillor Lenny of Ward 10 (Malabar) shared, “what captured me the most was the discipline of the organization, the youth that are getting empowered, the gospel of Jesus Christ that is going out… it was amazing!”

Mr. Omari Roberts, Church Head of the Gqeberha branch church (3rd from left) and fellow representatives of the church are pictured with Ward Councillors for Motherwell (center) and Malabar (4th from right) and SANBS representative, Mr. Grootboom (4th from left).

Councillor Bulelani Matenjwa of Ward 59 (Motherwell) encouraged that government should become more involved in activities where the youth is concerned at church, particularly pertaining to having a more inclusive funding model. This can include lender availability, resource availability and participation in Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) programs and have government incorporate them into their programs.

New Heaven New Earth Church’s Bible course continues to grow in popularity worldwide, focusing on instilling values of faith, unity, and hope through an intensive Bible study. The graduation celebrations also reinforce the church’s dedication to promoting a genuine love for God, His Word, and the transformative power of faith in building communities.

Pastor Thembisile Matoto of Back to God Crusade Church shared that the journey was certainly exciting. Although he faced challenges due to balancing work while enrolled in the bible study course, he valued the support of the instructors and evangelists and helping him get through the course and be able to share God’s word with his congregation members.

“To the graduates, I would like to say congratulations… So go out there and teach the others, especially those who have no idea about the organization and the church, spread the gospel, spread the word so that the church can grow even stronger,” Somizi Grootboom of SANBS shared enthusiastically.

In his address, the Chairman and senior pastor of New Heaven New Earth Church, Man-Hee Lee encouraged the new graduates to freely share the Word they had received. “To many people we have to proclaim this Word. (It) doesn’t matter whether I’m in Protestantism or Shincheonji, what I know I want to share it with others. That’s the appointed task that we all have. It is an expression of thanks and faith.”

Graduates of the New Heaven New Earth Bible Study Course in Cape Town

The disruption ahead of this event reignited international dialogue around religious freedom and discrimination in South Korea, with New Heaven New Earth Church and the Association for Buddhist National Unification calling upon the South Korean government to uphold human rights and prevent future restrictions on religious gatherings. The church has appealed to international organisations to monitor and advocate for fair treatment, ensuring that all religious groups can exercise their freedom of worship without interference.