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"description": "Daily Maverick is an independent online news publication and weekly print newspaper in South Africa.\r\n\r\nIt is known for breaking some of the defining stories of South Africa in the past decade, including the Marikana Massacre, in which the South African Police Service killed 34 miners in August 2012.\r\n\r\nIt also investigated the Gupta Leaks, which won the 2019 Global Shining Light Award.\r\n\r\nThat investigation was credited with exposing the Indian-born Gupta family and former President Jacob Zuma for their role in the systemic political corruption referred to as state capture.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, co-founder and editor-in-chief Branislav ‘Branko’ Brkic was awarded the country’s prestigious Nat Nakasa Award, recognised for initiating the investigative collaboration after receiving the hard drive that included the email tranche.\r\n\r\nIn 2021, co-founder and CEO Styli Charalambous also received the award.\r\n\r\nDaily Maverick covers the latest political and news developments in South Africa with breaking news updates, analysis, opinions and more.",
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"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2015, the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) promised to honour the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May, remembering SANDF soldiers who died while on duty.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1706131\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8816.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"438\" /> <em>A silhouetted SANDF member stands at attention while the South African flag is raised. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1706144\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8966.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"470\" /> <em>Molima California Khuselo is overcome with emotion during the wreath-laying ceremony. Her young daughters Unathi and Sibongile are with a family member. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1706153\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5E2B9695.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>A technician inspects a Rooivalk helicopter at the venue. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1706150\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8996.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"416\" /> <em>Emotional family members after laying wreaths at the International Day of UN Peacekeepers ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1706140\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8911.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" /> <em>Lerato Sejake prepares to lay a wreath. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of all the families was Lerato Sejake, who lost her father, Jabulani Ben Sejake, on 20 May 2005. He was stationed in Lenasia and was part of One Battalion.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“On this day we honour all current and former members of the armed services, because our country’s greatness is built on the foundation of your courage and sacrifice. You give more to the nation to safeguard the veracity. To hold the flag high as it can be. A big salute to all the heroes,” Sejake said. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While she found the day very overwhelming and emotional, Sejake said she was grateful to have represented the families as she had always wanted to speak on their behalf. The families present at the event praised her speech, saying she said all that they would have wanted to say.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1706137\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8904.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"458\" /> <em>Flags blow in an icy wind. The flags were completely lowered except for the South African flag which was at half mast in tribute to fallen soldiers. The flags were all later raised. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1706135\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8872.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"489\" /> <em>Solemn music marked the wreath-laying ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1706132\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8870.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"422\" /> <em>Families huddle under blankets in the icy weather. The rain stopped before the ceremony began. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-1706152 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5E2B9680.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"5605\" height=\"3066\" /> <em>An army officer on a Badger IFV infantry fighting vehicle during the ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1706143\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8935.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"464\" /> <em>Wreaths are laid at the SANDF’s 8th Annual commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Memorial Day is the day set aside to remember with gratitude and pride, all those who served and died for our country and our freedom. May your day be filled with memories and peace,” the programme for the service read.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. South Africa will never forget their sacrifices.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“To those in uniform, serving today and to those who have served in the past, we honour you today and every day. God bless South Africa.” </span><b>DM</b>",
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Her young daughters Unathi and Sibongile are with a family member. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1706153\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1706153\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5E2B9695.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> <em>A technician inspects a Rooivalk helicopter at the venue. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1706150\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1706150\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8996.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"416\" /> <em>Emotional family members after laying wreaths at the International Day of UN Peacekeepers ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1706140\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1706140\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8911.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" /> <em>Lerato Sejake prepares to lay a wreath. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking at the ceremony on behalf of all the families was Lerato Sejake, who lost her father, Jabulani Ben Sejake, on 20 May 2005. He was stationed in Lenasia and was part of One Battalion.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“On this day we honour all current and former members of the armed services, because our country’s greatness is built on the foundation of your courage and sacrifice. You give more to the nation to safeguard the veracity. To hold the flag high as it can be. 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(Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1706152\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"5605\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1706152 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5E2B9680.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"5605\" height=\"3066\" /> <em>An army officer on a Badger IFV infantry fighting vehicle during the ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1706143\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1706143\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20V8935.jpg\" alt=\"sandf peacekeepers\" width=\"720\" height=\"464\" /> <em>Wreaths are laid at the SANDF’s 8th Annual commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. 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A silhouetted SANDF member stands at attention while the South African flag is raised. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Molima California Khuselo is overcome with emotion during the wreath-laying ceremony. Her young daughters Unathi and Sibongile are with a family member. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
A technician inspects a Rooivalk helicopter at the venue. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Emotional family members after laying wreaths at the International Day of UN Peacekeepers ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Lerato Sejake prepares to lay a wreath. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Flags blow in an icy wind. The flags were completely lowered except for the South African flag which was at half mast in tribute to fallen soldiers. The flags were all later raised. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Solemn music marked the wreath-laying ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Families huddle under blankets in the icy weather. The rain stopped before the ceremony began. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
An army officer on a Badger IFV infantry fighting vehicle during the ceremony. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)
Wreaths are laid at the SANDF’s 8th Annual commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)