Table of contents for Issue 367 - March 2026 in MiniMag

Known for their strong shields, sharpspears and clever battle tactics, the Zulu warriors built one of the most organised and effective fighting forces in African history. Their legacy lives on today as a story of courage, leadership and unity. The legacy of Zulu warriors Zulu warriors were not only fighters – they were protectors of their people and traditions. Their courage and organisation left a lasting mark on southern African history. Today, Zulu culture is celebrated through ceremonies, storytelling, music and dance, keeping the spirit of the warriors alive for new generations. Who were the Zulu? The Zulu are an ethnic group from what is now KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. In the early 1800s, the Zulu nation grew rapidly under the leadership of King Shaka Zulu, who united smaller clans…

You may think those two things sticking out on the sides of your head are what let you hear sounds. But your outer ears don’t really hear at all. They are just “sound catchers”. Your hearing organs are located inside your head. In fact, you hear through a system made up of two ears, two paths to the brain and two brain halves. This "double" system lets you tell the direction a sound is coming from and how far away it is. It also lets you hear stereo sound. Just as sound from a stereo system comes from two speakers, sound comes to your brain from your two ears. Your two ears are almost identical. The picture shows what one of your ears looks like. From ear drum to brain…

THE BIG QUESTION: What can I do? You don't have to be a scientist or inventor to make a difference. Small actions add up! You can help by: • Sorting your waste so recyclable items don't end up in landfill • Putting bins out for collection on the correct day • Never dumping waste in open areas, rivers or oceans • Reusing items instead of throwing them away • Recycling paper, plastic, glass, metal and batteries whenever possible When waste is dumped incorrectly, it can leak harmful chemicals into the soil, water and air Ð and that affects people, animals and plants everywhere. Recycling can create jobs by turning waste into valuable materials, providing work for people who collect, sort and process recyclables. These jobs help the environment while supporting…

African buffalo can recognise individual members of their herd and will help protect injured animals. A buffalo’s horns grow together at the base to form a hard shield called a boss, which protects its skull during fights. Meet the African Buffalo • They have excellent hearing and smell • They remember danger and won't hesitate to defend themselves • They are responsible for more injuries to humans in Africa than many other large animals This fearlessness is exactly why the African buffalo earned its place among the African Big Five. A grazer with a big job Buffalo are grazers, feeding mainly on grass. By eating large amounts of vegetation, they help keep grasslands healthy and prevent areas from becoming overgrown. Their movements also help spread seeds, making them important ecosystem…

Looking after your ears The ear is such a complicated mechanism that it is not surprising problems can occur, causing deafness or hearing problems. If the eardrum is broken, you will be deaf for a while until it has re-grown. Defects can also occur in the bones of the middle ear and the sensitive cochlea. As long as some hearing remains, a hearing aid can help a lot to make the person hear sounds. You can also protect your hearing by taking good care of your ears every day. Avoid putting objects like cotton buds or sharp items into your ears, as these can damage the eardrum. Very loud noises, such as loud music or fireworks, can harm the delicate parts inside the ear, so it is important to keep the…

Every year, millions of people around the world take part in Earth Hour by switching off their lights for just 60 minutes. It’s a simple act that shows we care about our planet and its future. But it’s more than just darkness - it’s a moment to think about how we use energy, protect wildlife and take small steps every day to reduce our impact on Earth. Whether you light candles, share stories, or enjoy a stargazing evening, your hour counts. Teachers, bring MiniMag into your classroom – visit our Teachers Pay Teachers store for posters and lessons!  Follow MiniMag on Instagram for colourful updates and sign up for our monthly free newsletter! Join the MiniMag community on Facebook – share, like and stay updated with our latest issues! Share…

Become a Waste Warrior! Waste sorting means separating rubbish into different categories, such as paper, plastic, glass, metal and food waste. Sorting waste at home makes recycling faster and easier and helps communities save time, energy and money. People around the world are using more raw materials than ever before. By sorting and recycling our waste, we can greatly reduce the amount that ends up in landfills. Landfills can cause serious environmental problems. They produce leachate, a polluted liquid that can seep into the soil and contaminate rivers and groundwater. Landfills also release biogas, which contributes to air pollution and climate change. Leachate is the dirty liquid that drains – or “leaches” – from waste in a landfill when rainwater passes through it. Imagine if tiny superheroes could swoop in…

Ready for the season March is about momentum. It’s about shaking off the off-season, reconnecting with teammates and building confidence step by step. You don't need a perfect start. You just need to start. Train smart. Support your team. Learn from every game. And most of all − enjoy being back in play. Start with movement, not pressure When a new season begins, it’s tempting to go all-out on day one. But the best athletes know that starting steady is better than starting hard. Begin by moving a little every day. Jog, ride a bike, stretch, throw a ball or play a casual game with friends. This wakes your muscles up and helps your body remember how to move without injury. Getting fit isn’t about one huge workout – it’s…