2005, Harare, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe

President of Zimbabwe since 1980, Robert Mugabe has emerged as one of Africa's most controversial leaders, in part due to his redistribution of white-owned landholdings without compensation.

Robert Mugabe gestures during a press conference at the State House.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Thursday July 14, 2005, Johannesburg, Sout Africa

Nelson Mandela to turn 89

Former South African President Nelson Mandela will be celebrating his 89th birthday on July 18, 2007. The former president, whose public appearances are becoming increasingly rare, is set to host the launch of a new think tank of fellow retired leaders which will seek to address some of the globe's most pressing problems.

Nelson Mandela

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Tuesday July 19, 2005, Johannesburg, South Africa

Nelson Mandela to turn 89

An emotional visit between Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton at Mandela's home in Houghton, Johannesburg. Mandela will be celebrating his 89th birthday on July 18, 2007. The former president, whose public appearances are becoming increasingly rare, is set to host the launch of a new think tank of fellow retired leaders which will seek to address some of the globe's most pressing problems.

L-R: Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Saturday July 17, 2004, Johannesburg, South Africa

Nelson Mandela to turn 89

Former South African President Nelson Mandela awaits the arrival of guests at the Nelson Mandela Foundation on the eve of his 85th Birthday. Mandela will be celebrating his 89th birthday on July 18, 2007. The former president, whose public appearances are becoming increasingly rare, is set to host the launch of a new think tank of fellow retired leaders which will seek to address some of the globe's most pressing problems.

Nelson Mandela

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Monday November 13, 2006, Maseru, Lesotho

AIDS in Lesotho

Doctoer Edith Maohapi is the Executive Director of the BMS-Childrens Clinical Center of Excellence in Maseru, Lesotho. Since the center's opening in 2005, Maohapi says an average of 60 new cases are examined every day.

Doctoer Edith Maohapi

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Saturday December 30, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa

Two accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership School for Girls

Mxolisi Mathe a resident of Henly-on-Klip stands near his newly built house hope that the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy will bring new investment to the area.

Mxolisi Mathe a resident of Henly-on-Klip stands near his newly built house in hopes hat the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy will bring new investment to the area.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Monday November 13, 2006, Maseru, Lesotho

AIDS in Lesotho

Eight-year-old Bokang Rakabaele takes antiretroviral drugs (ARV) twice a day for the treatment of HIV. Rakabaele, who lives some 60 kilometers from Lesotho, in the village of Thota-Peli Ha Molapo Rantsane Ha Fusi, is already experiencing improvements in his condition. The young boy has gained 8 kilograms over the past two months and spends much of his time playing with friends.

Bokang Rakabaele hides behing a mask in an attempt to scare the photographer as well as his family, outside his home.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Thursday October 4, 2007, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

2,700 South African miners rescued after elecator crippled

Some 2,700 gold miners have been rescued so far after a pressurized air pipe snapped at a South African mine, tumbling down and damaging an elevator shaft, leaving 3,000 workers trapped below the surface. Miners are being brought to the surface in a second, smaller elevator cage and are emerging dazed and exhausted, but in good health.

An emotional Anita Strydom waits for her husband, Johan Strydom.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Monday November 13, 2006, Maseru, Lesotho

AIDS in Lesotho

Eight-year-old Bokang Rakabaele takes antiretroviral drugs (ARV) twice a day for the treatment of HIV. Rakabaele, who lives some 60 kilometers from Lesotho, in the village of Thota-Peli Ha Molapo Rantsane Ha Fusi, is already experiencing improvements in his condition. The young boy has gained 8 kilograms over the past two months and spends much of his time playing with friends.

Bokang Rakabaele takes a dose of antiretroviral drugs at his home.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

2005, Harare, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe

President of Zimbabwe since 1980, Robert Mugabe has emerged as one of Africa's most controversial leaders, in part due to his redistribution of white-owned landholdings without compensation.

An MDC party member with his face wrapped in party campaign materials at a mass rally on the outskirts of Harare. The MDC party is the opposition party to Mugabe's ZANU-PF party.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Tuesday January 2, 2007, Johannesburg, South Africa

Oprah Winfrey academy for girls opens in South Africa

Oprah Winfrey arrives with students to cut the ribbon to officially open the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for girls at Henly-on-Klip, a small village some 35 kilometers south of Johannesburg. Winfrey opened the school for disadvantaged girls to fulfill a promise she made to former South African President Nelson Mandela in 2000. The academy received 3,500 applications from across the country and a total of 152 girls between the ages of 11 and 12 were accepted.

Oprah Winfrey (C) arrives with students for the ribbon-cutting.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Monday November 13, 2006, Maseru, Lesotho

AIDS in Lesotho

Doctoer Edith Maohapi is the Executive Director of the BMS-Childrens Clinical Center of Excellence in Maseru, Lesotho. Since the center's opening in 2005, Maohapi says an average of 60 new cases are examined every day.

Doctor Edith Maohapi (C) greets parents waiting at the BMS-Childrens Clinical Center of Excellence with their children.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Thursday October 4, 2007, Johannesburg, South Africa

2,700 South African miners rescued after elecator crippled

Some 2,700 gold miners have been rescued so far after a pressurized air pipe snapped at a South African mine, tumbling down and damaging an elevator shaft, leaving 3,000 workers trapped below the surface. Miners are being brought to the surface in a second, smaller elevator cage and are emerging dazed and exhausted, but in good health.

L-R: Miners Thulani Soshukuma and Cedric Ndlovu are elated after arriving at the surface.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Thursday October 4, 2007, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

2,700 South African miners rescued after elecator crippled

Some 2,700 gold miners have been rescued so far after a pressurized air pipe snapped at a South African mine, tumbling down and damaging an elevator shaft, leaving 3,000 workers trapped below the surface. Miners are being brought to the surface in a second, smaller elevator cage and are emerging dazed and exhausted, but in good health.

L-R: Thembinkosi Nhlambo greets his friend, miner Siboniso Nmguni after his arrival at the surface.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Thursday October 4, 2007, Johannesburgq, South Africa

2,700 South African miners rescued after elecator crippled

Some 2,700 gold miners have been rescued so far after a pressurized air pipe snapped at a South African mine, tumbling down and damaging an elevator shaft, leaving 3,000 workers trapped below the surface. Miners are being brought to the surface in a second, smaller elevator cage and are emerging dazed and exhausted, but in good health.

Miners arrive at the surface after their rescue.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Saturday December 30, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa

Two accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership School for Girls

Sarah Mosaka neighbor to Palesa and Lebohang Hiine along with Masechaba Hiine Palesa's mother and Lebohangs grandmother prepare food in their living room for a going away party for Palesa and Lebohang Hiine, two of the students attending the Oprah Winfrey Leadership School for Girls.

Sarah Mosaka (L) neighbor to Palesa and Lebohang Hiine along with Masechaba Hiine (R) Palesa's mother and Lebohangs grandmother prepare food in their living room for a going away party for Palesa and Lebohang Hiine.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Saturday November 18, 2006, Pretoria, South Africa

Soccer fans cheer for Mamelodi Sundowns at play-off match against Black Leopards

Fans of the Pretoria based Mamelodi Sundowns cheer for their team during a play-off game at the Attridgeville Stadium 25km east of the capital city Pretoria. This match saw mainly local Sundowns supporters at the match due to visiting supporters not always having the means to travel to away games.

An avid supporter of the Pretoria based Mamelodi Sundowns dances in front of the packed main stand.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Saturday December 30, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa

Two accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership School for Girls

Palesa Hiine (R) one of the girls accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Scool for Girls, dances with a boy from her neighborhood durind a going away party given to the girls accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership School for Girls.

Palesa Hiine (R) one of the girls accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Scool for Girls, dances with a boy from her neighborhood.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Saturday December 30, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa

Two accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership School for Girls

Refiloe Hinne Palesa's older sister along with Masechaba Hiine Palesa's mother, prepare food in their living room for a going away party for Palesa and Lebohang Hiine, both girls will be attending the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Scool for Girls.

Refiloe Hinne(left) Palesa's older sister along with Masechaba Hiine (right) Palesa's mother, prepare food in their living room for a going away party for Palesa and Lebohang Hiine.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Saturday December 30, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa

Two accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership School for Girls

Palesa Hiine is overwhelmed with joy during a going away party held for a couple of the girls accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership School for Girls.

Palesa Hiine smiles and celebrates during a going away party held for a couple of the girls accepted to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership School for Girls.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Friday December 29, 2006, Joahannesburg, South Africa

Oprah Winfrey to host New Year's Eve party at South African palace

The Lost Palace at Sun City, some 75 miles north of Johannesburg, South Africa, will host talk show host Oprah Winfrey's New Year's Eve 2007 party. Guests from across the globe are converging on the area for the gala.

The Lost Palace at Sun City.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Monday November 13, 2006, Maseru, Lesotho

AIDS in Lesotho

Eight-year-old Bokang Rakabaele takes antiretroviral drugs (ARV) twice a day for the treatment of HIV. Rakabaele, who lives some 60 kilometers from Lesotho, in the village of Thota-Peli Ha Molapo Rantsane Ha Fusi, is already experiencing improvements in his condition. The young boy has gained 8 kilograms over the past two months and spends much of his time playing with friends.

Bokang Rakabaele plays with his favorite toy, a home-made wire pickup truck.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Monday November 13, 2006, Maseru, Lesotho

AIDS in Lesotho

Eight-year-old Bokang Rakabaele takes antiretroviral drugs (ARV) twice a day for the treatment of HIV. Rakabaele, who lives some 60 kilometers from Lesotho, in the village of Thota-Peli Ha Molapo Rantsane Ha Fusi, is already experiencing improvements in his condition. The young boy has gained 8 kilograms over the past two months and spends much of his time playing with friends.

Near his home, Bokang Rakabaele plays with his pet cow.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Saturday January 1, 2005, Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africans struggle to cope with violent crime rate

Considered one of the most dangerous nations on Earth for its violent crime rate, South Africa has struggled for years to halt its rising murder, rape and carjacking rates. Many question the effectivenss of the South African Police (SAP), whose officers are often the targets of violent crimes themselves, with one province reporting the murder of 19 police officers in the first half of 2006 alone. As a result of rampant violent crime, many businesses and middle-to-high-income households, and even some police precincts, make use of privately-owned security companies who employ the use of armed guards.

A resident of the Johannesburg suburb of Hillbrow is patched up by emergency medical staff at the local firestation after he was beaten with a bottle during New Years Eve celebrations. On this night, up to 100 residents will visit the station with injures ranging from minor to life threatening as criminals run rampant through the city streets.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

2005, Harare, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe

President of Zimbabwe since 1980, Robert Mugabe has emerged as one of Africa's most controversial leaders, in part due to his redistribution of white-owned landholdings without compensation.

Members of Zimbabwe's ruling party, the ZANU-PF wait with posters for the arrival of President Mugabe at a rally.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Tuesday October 5, 2004, Soweto, South Africa

South Africans struggle to cope with violent crime rate

Considered one of the most dangerous nations on Earth for its violent crime rate, South Africa has struggled for years to halt its rising murder, rape and carjacking rates. Many question the effectivenss of the South African Police (SAP), whose officers are often the targets of violent crimes themselves, with one province reporting the murder of 19 police officers in the first half of 2006 alone. As a result of rampant violent crime, many businesses and middle-to-high-income households, and even some police precincts, make use of privately-owned security companies who employ the use of armed guards.

A man is arrested by members of the South Africa Police Services after a mob threatened to burn down the local police station, in the suburb of Protea.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Wednesday July 7, 2004, Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africans struggle to cope with violent crime rate

Considered one of the most dangerous nations on Earth for its violent crime rate, South Africa has struggled for years to halt its rising murder, rape and carjacking rates. Many question the effectivenss of the South African Police (SAP), whose officers are often the targets of violent crimes themselves, with one province reporting the murder of 19 police officers in the first half of 2006 alone. As a result of rampant violent crime, many businesses and middle-to-high-income households, and even some police precincts, make use of privately-owned security companies who employ the use of armed guards.

A man is arrested by members of the South African Police service after he was identified as one of a group of men that fired on police during a riot that broke out in the informal settlement of Diepsloot.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Monday July 5, 2004, Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africans struggle to cope with violent crime rate

Considered one of the most dangerous nations on Earth for its violent crime rate, South Africa has struggled for years to halt its rising murder, rape and carjacking rates. Many question the effectivenss of the South African Police (SAP), whose officers are often the targets of violent crimes themselves, with one province reporting the murder of 19 police officers in the first half of 2006 alone. As a result of rampant violent crime, many businesses and middle-to-high-income households, and even some police precincts, make use of privately-owned security companies who employ the use of armed guards.

A man is arrested by members of the Johannesburg Metro Police after he fired a pistol at police on patrol in the informal settlement of Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Sunday February 2, 2003, Johannesburg, South Africa

South Africans struggle to cope with violent crime rate

Considered one of the most dangerous nations on Earth for its violent crime rate, South Africa has struggled for years to halt its rising murder, rape and carjacking rates. Many question the effectivenss of the South African Police (SAP), whose officers are often the targets of violent crimes themselves, with one province reporting the murder of 19 police officers in the first half of 2006 alone. As a result of rampant violent crime, many businesses and middle-to-high-income households, and even some police precincts, make use of privately-owned security companies who employ the use of armed guards.

Two couples lie handcuffed near their car after they were arrested by members of the South Africa Police Services for robbing a church in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.

Credit: Halden Krog / Polaris

Halden Krog