Popular Mechanics South Africa

The South African edition of Popular Mechanics was launched in 2002 and has fast become the acknowledged voice of science and technology in South Africa. Underpinning its rich sci-tech content is an ever-changing mix of articles covering everything from automotive news and outdoor adventures to DIY projects. In essence, it explains how our world works

LET’S GET MOVING

Popular Mechanics South Africa

Great balls of fire

UPDATE YOUR DIARY • THIS DAY IN HISTORY

It made per fect sense at the time

A quantum leap in the classical world

Electric shocks might be the secret to better gluten-free bread

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How to fix the planet

PM’s sci-fi film guide

Could TikTok be spying on you?

Pocket gamer

At the Bionic Olympics, athletes and engineers make miracles • THE FUTURISTIC TECH AND HUMAN INGENUITY THAT’S REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE PARALYSED.

GEAR & GADGETS • Must-have hardware for humans on the go

PIERRE REVIEWS FOR POPULAR MECHANICS • Interesting gear, cool gadgets and clever technology is what PM is all about, so teaming up with Cape Union Mart and their top product specialist is a natural fit. Here’s Pierre’s low-down on some items we all should have.

This 20 kg Star Destroyer is leading a LEGO revolution

FLYING IN THE FACE OF GRAVITY • The universal association with Red Bull Sports is that it’s the real-life equivalent to a guild of superheroes, their sponsorships reserved for an elite few who are pushing the boundaries of human capabilities. Red Bull Aerobatics Pilot Patrick Davidson is one such superhuman firmly rooted on South African soil (when he’s not hurtling through the sky).

DOWN TO THE WIRE • Where does the internet come from? Is it from satellites beaming connectivity down from the sky? For the most part, when data moves between countries, it’s thanks to undersea cables.

It start swith a little prick. Then it takes over your life. • Inside Britain’s anabolic steroid epidemic

WORK meals made easy • Don’t let preparing food for your workdays get you down. Follow the advice of our in-house food team, and kick the year off with a healthy start.

HOW TO MAKE A PANEL GAUGE • A new year means a new series of woodworking build articles that will show you how to create handcrafted tools for your workshop. With more and more people working with Baltic birch plywood and MDF, a panel marking gauge is an essential item. This is how you make one.

Make the cut • Set up a sustainable home business – invest in a laser-cutting machine.

HOW TO BE GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO

Citroën / C5 Aircross 1.6T Shine • Opinions on cars we’ve driven

Suzuki / Vitara 1.4T GLX 6MT

POISE, NO NOISE • BMW’s R18 cruiser seems absurdly late to market, and does a 1 800 cc, 345 kg leviathan make any sense in this day and age? PM took a closer look.

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Clever tips and lifehacks

WIN WITH MASTER LOCK • Write to us with your tip and you could win a prize from Master Lock. This issue’s top contribution has won: