Photo of Akhona Ndlela

Simple fixes everyone should have up their sleeve

Every household has minor crises that disrupt your day but don’t quite warrant hiring a handyman.

A toilet that refuses to flush. a plug that consistently slips out of the socket, for example. The fundamentals don’t require you to be an expert do-it-yourselfer. All you need are the appropriate resources, a little perseverance, and the courage to try.

You’ll save a lot of time (and a few Ramaphosa’s rands) if you know these easy fixes:

Replacing outlets

According to Bobvilla, replace outlets by turning off the electricity and using a voltage tester to make sure no electricity is passing through them.

Using a caulk gun

For weatherproofing exteriors or filling gaps indoors, use a caulk gun at a 45-degree angle to improve sealant control and slow caulk flow, the above source also adds.

A clogged Toilet

How Stuff Works states that toilet clogs can be stressful, but they can be fixed with a little detective work. Particularly in homes with small children, look for any foreign objects in the bowl. Pour water into the bowl, wait for the water to drop, and fish out objects while wearing gloves. Use flanged or accordion plungers if plungers are ineffective; before plunging, make sure the suction cup is submerged in water. If needed, fill the bowl with water.

Squeaking doors

The above source claims that oxidation can cause hinges to become noisy. Oil the hinges, cover the space beneath the door, and work the oil into the moving parts to silence them. Apply additional drops if the squeak continues. If oiling isn’t successful, use steel wool to scrub the hinge pins and clean the pinholes on a shim underneath the door; the above-mentioned website further adds.

Also see: Teamwork tips that actually make a difference

South African Fashion Awards honour Mzansi’s top style icons

Lights, cameras, fashion! The 2026 South African Fashion Awards were held on Saturday, 3 October 2026, celebrating some of the country’s most hardworking, dedicated, and stylish fashion contributors. The second edition of the awards ceremony was a night of iconic looks, excitement, and appreciation. Here is a roundup of the night’s winners. Also see: The rise […]

Read more...

South Africans oppose resumed asylum applications after court ruling

Public pushback and fierce debate have erupted across South Africa following the formal reopening of the asylum application system, triggered by a landmark Constitutional Court ruling that struck down key exclusionary clauses in the Refugees Act. Also see: RAF FINANCIAL STRAIN DEEPENS AMID R23.3 BILLION CLAIMS FROM FOREIGN NATIONALS The apex court’s decision, arising from […]

Read more...

Celebrating World Teachers’ Day: 6 Gifts teachers may actually use

World Teachers’ Day is a time to celebrate the backbone of our society. On 5 October 2026, teachers worldwide will be celebrated for the tremendous work they do to produce educated, well-rounded people who will become future leaders and contributors to society. Also see: Investing in your child’s future: A guide to education planning Forget the […]

Read more...