A Western Cape ecologist has had a species named after her, and the species in question is a gill parasite. Dr Martine Jordaan of CapeNature has had a newly described parasitic worm called Paradiplozoon jordaanae named in her honour, after researchers found it living on the gills of the endangered Clanwilliam sawfin and redfin fish in the Cape Fold Ecoregion. First time a parasite of this type had ever been recorded in the region. In science, having a creature named after you is a mark of serious respect. Having it be a worm is apparently fine.

The cut-off low that's been sitting offshore isn't messing around. SAWS has issued an Orange Level 8 warning for the Garden Route and parts of the Western Cape from Wednesday, with serious flooding, mudslides and dangerous road conditions expected. If you're travelling anywhere near the passes this week, check before you go. And maybe cancel the mountain pass road trip until Thursday.

If you've ever bought a little heart sticker at a traffic light, you've already met The Secret Love Project. What started as a World Design Capital art installation in 2013 is now a registered charity distributing over 20,000 heart sticker packs across Cape Town every month. Sellers collect packs for free and keep every cent from the R20 sale price. No catch, just dignity. Over 640 jobs created so far, and 20 new sellers joining every month. The next time someone taps on your window, you know what to do.

Salt Circle Arcade sits directly opposite the Old Biscuit Mill on Albert Road in Woodstock and most people walk straight past it. Inside: a loose cluster of studios, creative businesses, a few food trucks, and the kind of small maker shops that survive because locals actually love them. No entry fee. Good for a wander on a grey Tuesday when you need to feel like you discovered something.

Magickal Gem on Lower Main Road in Observatory is exactly what it sounds like: a small esoteric shop stocked with crystals, incense, tarot decks, and things that hum on a frequency most shops don't bother with. Observatory being Observatory, nobody blinks. Free to browse, genuinely strange, very Obz.

Salisburys Deli & Wineshop on Roodebloem Road in upper Woodstock is exactly what a neighbourhood deli should be: fresh produce from local farms, good pastries, a small but well-stocked wine shop, and Tribe espresso that takes itself seriously. They run Friday afternoon wine tastings if the week calls for it. Quiet, local, genuinely useful.

Quote of the Day

“The only safe thing is to take a chance.”

Athol Fugard