Submit an article to Indago - a peer reviewed journal
Submit an article to Indago - a peer reviewed journal
Submit an article to Indago - a peer reviewed journal
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Culna Articles

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The Common Girdled Lizard (Cordylus vittifer) is a rock-dwelling reptile found in the South African provinces of Free State, North West, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as in Eswatini and peripherally in Botswana and Mozambique. These lizards are characterised by a ‘girdle’ of thick protective scales, and the first row of scales behind the head forms a distinctive collar.

As we prepare to celebrate Peer Review Week later this month, news broke about an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can conduct the full cycle of scientific experimentation and produce research papers. The AI Scientist proposition is that its research process emulates the scientific process, and that its AI can run on an open-ended loop whereby it uses its previous ideas and feedback received, to improve and create better ideas.

Thirty years after the end of apartheid it is hard to imagine what life was like for black South Africans under the apartheid rule (1948–1994). Although this period in South Africa’s troubled history is well documented, the testimonies of people’s personal experiences of apartheid portray a startling picture of conditions in the so-called ‘locations’ (townships). Interviews conducted with elderly residents of Bloemfontein’s (Mangaung) Batho township (est. 1918) by oral historians of the National Museum provided interviewees with an opportunity to testify about their experiences of the apartheid system.

The term Queen is commonly used to refer to a hereditary female ruler or a wife of a ruler. However, not all female rulers or royals are called Queen. Some bear other titles, such as Princess or Duchess, depending on their rank and relation to the monarch. The titles of King, Chief and Prince are usually reserved for men. The distinction in title usage is rooted in historical and cultural norms, but some monarchies have adapted gender-neutral titles.

Each year Bloemfontein’s Catholic Portuguese celebrate their May Feast at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in St George Street. This religious festival – typically held over a weekend in May – honours Our Lady of Fátima. Rosa Maria Jardim of Bloemfontein explained that the local May Feast was originally initiated by the Portuguese community to “honour and thank the Virgin Mary for blessings received”.