Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-07-28 i Sunday Tribune

During his playing days, says South African football legend Quinton Fortune, he was under the illusion his career would have no finite point. So entrenched was this idea of an infinite career that the decorated Fortune – who made a career-defining move in the late ‘90s to Manchester United – never imagined life after the game. The Cape Town-born Fortune, an English Premiership title winner with United in the 2002-03 season, says the game took over his life to an extent that even the paramount aspects of his finances took a backseat. For the former Bafana Bafana international, whose playing career ended in 2010, the routine of training and a balanced diet sufficed. “When I was playing, I never thought about things like, ‘this will be my plan after…

GRAMMY Award-winning director, composer, producer, singer and songwriter Lebo M has dedicated his life to representing the African continent on the global stage. Since his soundtrack on the world-famous Disney movie, The Lion King, back in 1994, his name has become a force to be reckoned with. Thirty years later, he is the only composer returning to the Grammy Award-winning animation’s prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King, which is set for a grand worldwide release in December. Independent Media Lifestyle caught up with the multi-media personality, who is currently working between Los Angeles and London, to share insights on his role in the much-anticipated upcoming Disney prequel. “The music in Mufasa: The Lion King is different and very special, the first thing I wrote became the very beginning of the movie,…

BY COMBINING her love for nature conservation with her drive to help needy people, a Durban woman has found a way to accomplish the proverbial killing of two birds with one stone, so to speak. Sallyanne Graham, 61, of Yellowwood Park, Durban, has made helping people a way of life from a young age. Graham’s resourceful initiative to supplement her acts of kindness was to collect plastic bottle caps and bread bag tags on behalf of an organisation she supports. The collected items are then handed to the company that recycles them and the proceeds are used for wheelchair acquisitions. Graham said that she was inspired to drive this project out of her love for giving. “I have always liked recycling stuff and I have always loved to help people.…

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has revealed that plans were being made to establish a committee that would manage differences among parties who are in the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). This comes as tensions between senior ANC and IFP leaders seem to be on the rise. Tensions were highlighted by IFP’s MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Thulasizwe Buthelezi and ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo in an exchange of harsh words over Nongoma Municipality. In a statement, Mtolo accused Buthelezi of weaponising Cogta, which Buthelezi did not take lying down. The situation was likely to sabotage plans between the ANC and IFP in turning things around in hung municipalities. In an interview with the Sunday Tribune on Thursday, Ntuli, the IFP provincial chairperson, admitted that there were hostile…

UNITED States Vice President Kamala Harris is no stranger to being the first in many rooms. Now that she’s the likely Democratic nominee in the 2024 presidential race, Harris has the chance to make history again. As a woman of colour, and the daughter of immigrants, Harris, 59, has blazed a trail for others who follow. “My mother had a saying: ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last,’” Harris said in an interview in 2019. Here is a look at the many firsts of Harris’s career and some that might await her if she’s nominated or elected as president. If Harris is elected as president in November, she would be the: ■ First woman president: The US has never elected…

DOUBTS have been cast over a health practitioner’s professional conduct that allegedly led to the death of two young children who underwent dental procedures at a private medical facility in Pinetown in February. The practitioner has been subpoenaed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to attend their “professional conduct” inquiry in September. This after the practitioner attended the HPCSA’s suspension hearing at the end of May, which lasted two days, and concluded with her suspension. HPCSA spokesperson Priscilla Sekhonyana said the government-aligned regulatory body for health professionals confirmed the suspension and professional conduct inquiry subpoena date for the practitioner. In the first incident on February 14, a 4-year-old girl lost her life at the Netcare Medicross Pinetown Day Theatre, and at the same facility a 6-year-old…

The pre-trial hearing of two alleged Durban hitmen was delayed again as they refused to make any formal submissions related to their crimes. Sbonelo “Madanon” Wiseman Shangase and Thalente Mkhize face 28 charges, 15 for murder that included a mass shooting of six people in Inanda in January last year. The men appeared in the Durban High Court this week before Judge Jacqueline Henriques and lawyer Sthembiso Nkatha said they would not be making any formal submissions. Section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 allows an accused to make formal admissions to facts so these would not have to be proven during the trial – preventing delays. Senior State prosecutor advocate Krishen Shah said the State would then have about 100 witnesses who would need to testify.…

The government is tightening its belts and curbing unnecessary attendance at conferences within the country and outside, as well as international study tours and the excessive use of consultants. The National Treasury has issued an instruction revising the government cost containment measures first issued in the 2017/18 financial year that come into effect on September 1. According to the instruction issued by Treasury director-general Dr Duncan Pieterse last month, public servants must make every effort to take advantage of early registration discounts by seeking the required approval to attend conferences timeously. Accounting officers (directors-general and heads of departments) and accounting authority (ministers, premiers, MECs or board members), before approving attendance, must consider if a conference is aligned with the performance agreement or personal development of an employee.They must also ensure…

AN ALLEGED illegal miner is set to lose unlawfully acquired assets valued at over R10 million, including R4.6m in cash and gold worth more than R5.5m, following his arrest in November last year. The zama-zama identified in court as Progress Bayeni Mlambo, who is in his 40s, was arrested by the Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation unit, the head office precious metals and diamonds team, public order police and Protea Coin Security with two alleged accomplices, Leonard Moyo and Kocanai Sithole. Mlambo was busted for contravening the Precious Metals Act. Free State High Court Acting Deputy Judge President Jamela Mhlambi ordered that he forfeit his loot due to contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca). In terms of the act, if a High Court makes a preservation of property…

THE Department of Transport (DoT) and its entities have been slammed over a lack of transparency regarding new driving licences, fees and pricing, as well as the validity of the current licence cards. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) said it was concerned that the secrecy was hiding problematic activities by the department, the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA). The organisation’s executive director, advocate Stefanie Fick, said Outa had for the past few years tried to engage meaningfully with these transport entities on various issues, but to no avail. Referring to the driving licence card printing machine, Fick said: “The tender has been advertised and withdrawn repeatedly in recent years. The most recent tender was issued on 8 March, 2023 – more than a…

SOUTH Africa claimed its first 2024 Olympic Games medal in the rugby Sevens yesterday evening when the Blitzboks scored a try at the death to seal a 26-19 win over Australia. It’s the second bronze the Springbok Sevens side have won at the global showpiece after doing the same at the 2016 Rio Games. After going up 19-7 and Australia reduced to six players through a red card, it should never have been so tight for Team South Africa to secure the win. They made life difficult for themselves by thinking things would come easily after the sending-off of the Australian captain. But the loss of captain Nick Malouf after a high shot on Tiaan Pretorius injected some urgency into the Aussie Sevens side and they scored twice through Corey…

THE first day of the KZN Premier’s Cup saw provincial rivalries renewed, anxiety levels tested and new players on display as clubs unveiled their pre-season signings in Zululand. First to take to the field at the Prince Mangosuthu Stadium was AmaZulu FC and Lamontville Golden Arrows who played the first quarter-final of the day, giving their supporters a preview of what to expect in the 2024/2025 season. In the number 29 kit of AmaZulu was Guinea-born winger Boniface Haba who recently joined the club on a free transfer after a stint in Morocco for Botola Pro side Olympique Safi. The 27-year-old speedster became coach Pablo Franco Martin’s first signing of the new season. Also on the pitch for Usuthu was Etiosa Ighodaro who will be with the club on loan…

DURBAN’S Kearsney College has three former pupils participating in the Olympic Games, including Mpumelelo “Mpumi” Mhlongo, the flag-bearer for Team SA at the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. And in action today in the men’s hockey clash with The Netherlands are Nqobile ‘Bili’ Ntuli and Calvin Davis. Mhlongo is a Paralympic Games record holder, a T44 world record holder in 100m, 200m and long jump, as well as the 2024 winner of Athletics SA’s Sportsman of the Year with a disability. Mhlongo is a hot medal hope for South Africa in the track and field medal field and is happy with his form in pre-Olympic events. Together with swimmer Kat Swanepoel, he will be South Africa’s flag-bearer at the Paralympic opening on Place de la Concorde and on Avenue…

Five tries in 17 minutes either side of half-time saw the Blue Bulls produce a remarkable comeback to set up a heroic 50-34 Currie Cup victory over Western Province at Loftus Versfeld last night. The Pretoria side grabbed seven touchdowns in total against their great Cape Town rivals to retain their unbeaten status after four matches and go to the top of the log with 18 points, three more than the Cheetahs. WP crossed the whitewash first in the 22nd minute through lock Gary Porter, following a line-break by his second-row partner Hendré Stassen. In the same passage of play, Bulls captain Nizaam Carr received a yellow card for making head contact in a passive tackle on WP No 7 Divan Fuller. It went from bad to worse for the…

When it comes to safari hospitality and experiences, there is no place like South Africa. Mzansi dominated Travel + Leisure’s Readers’ Top 10 Favourite Safari Lodges in Africa for 2024 with three safari lodges. The travel site asked its readers to share their opinions on their travel experiences on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas and airlines around the globe in its World's Best Awards survey. Over 186 000 readers completed the 2024 survey and more than 700 000 votes were cast across over 8 700 properties. South Africa’s Monwana Game Lodge in the Greater Kruger took the number spot, while Lion Sands Game Reserve ranked 7th and Thornybush Game Lodge came in at 9th. All three lodges are in and around the Kruger National Park…

It is hardly surprising that women are constantly affected by the feeling of being overwhelmed. While women are making progress professionally, they still have to manage multiple roles. Our society has accommodated women’s professional success without holding men more responsible for being more active in caring roles. I often hear how overwhelmed my clients feel because they constantly have so many balls in the air. If they dare to drop any, they face the outrage of others, with little empathy for how unsustainable this juggling is. The impact on women of being overwhelmed The long-term implications of constantly being overwhelmed can lead to burnout, chronic fatigue and disease. The physical symptoms that accompany feeling overwhelmed can include tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and an inability to focus. While…

With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Paris in full swing, the sporting world has been cast into the spotlight. Capitalising on the hype, Showmax is set to release Dark Side of Glory, a documentary delving into the shocking cases of murder in the world of sport. The true-crime doccie opens with The Durban Axe Murderer: The Rugby Killer episode. The jaw-dropping 76-minute feature follows former rugby player Joseph Ntshongwana, who was arrested for killing four men with an axe and wounding two others. Ntshongwana, who played for SA’s U21 side and Blue Bulls between 1998 and 2001, claimed to be avenging the gang rape and subsequent HIV infection of his daughter. However, during the investigation, the police found that he had no children. In the documentary, his former Blue Bulls…

NOTHING exposes the double standards of the Western nations as starkly as this week’s shameless effort to scupper moves by the International Criminal Court (ICC) from executing a warrant of arrest for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICC had made it clear that it planned to issue the warrants of arrest for Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged crimes the Jewish state committed – and continues to commit – in Gaza. The UK, US and Germany – Israel’s greatest enablers in the ongoing genocide in Gaza – have made some flimsy and irritating intervention to delay the ICC’s move on the identified kingpins behind Israel’s war crimes. The three countries are questioning the ICC’s jurisdiction over Israel, which is not a signatory to the Rome Statute that…

THE Sibudu Cave, a rock shelter in a cliff face above the oThongathi River, which was first occupied by modern humans at least 77 000 years ago, has been declared a World Heritage Site. The Sibudu Cave has become the third World Heritage Site to be declared by the Unesco World Heritage Committee in KwaZulu-Natal, joining the Drakensberg Mountain and Isimangaliso Wetland Park, and the 12th in the country. The cave, which is situated 40 kilometres north of Durban, was given World Heritage status together with the Western Cape’s Diepkloof Rock Shelter and the Pinnacle Point Site Complex, at the 46th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee on Friday. The three sites are part of the South African nomination, “The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites…

MMUSI Maimane and his deputy Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster’s poor leadership had robbed Build One South Africa (Bosa), the party they co-founded in 2022, of a chance to participate in the Government of National Unity (GNU). This is the view of Ntokozo Biyela, a former Bosa KwaZulu-Natal leader who has resigned from the party. Biyela was the party’s premier candidate ahead of the general elections. He resigned from all party structures earlier this month, saying that the party had a slim chance of surviving until the next local government elections in 2026. In his resignation letter, which he sent to Maimane and Hlazo-Webster on July 5, Biyela said he had gained invaluable experience and knowledge of the political space since joining the party in May 2022. “I, however, personally feel that my…

WHILE the EFF is celebrating its 11th anniversary, it is also mourning the murder of an activist in Vryheid, northern KwaZulu-Natal, who was gunned down at close range by a person who masqueraded as a potential client on Thursday night. Simangaliso Zwane, 34, was a community activist, whistle-blower and businessman who operated a tent- hiring business. The EFF’s provincial chairperson Mongezi Twala said Zwane was a well-known community activist who unashamedly spoke out against any form of corruption and wrongdoing. Twala suspected that the incident was linked to Zwane’s efforts to expose corruption in the area. “We condemn the victimisation of whistle-blowers and we reiterate our call that whistle-blowers must be protected at all times,” said Twala. The gunman had made an appointment to meet Zwane in connection with hiring…

IT WAS cheer and joy all around at the Mason Lincoln Special School on Friday as sector education and training authorities (Setas) joined forces to ensure that the pupils received quality education. This was a focus on inclusive skills development, with contributions valued at over R6 million handed over or pledged to the school. The school, based in Umlazi’s V section, provides special needs education for more than 400 pupils living with physical and intellectual disabilities, from grades R to 12. The Setas collaborating to make this Mandela Day initiative possible were: The Finance and Accounting Services Seta (Fasset) donated five mobile rooms, two for classrooms, another as a paraplegic bathroom, one as a staffroom and one that will be used as an office. The Seta will also provide skills…

The Public Protector has been asked to investigate whether it was constitutional for the Democratic Alliance leader to participate in the parliamentary process that voted to remove Judge President John Hlophe from the Bench. On Wednesday last week, community activist Elias Muller wrote a complaint to advocate Kholeka Gcaleka arguing that the process that led to the country’s longest-serving high court judge president’s removal from the Bench was flawed. Muller stated the involvement of DA leader John Steenhuisen tainted the process because when Hlophe, as a judge, presided over a corruption case involving former state security minister Bongani Bongo, he had found that Steenhuisen had lied under oath before acquitting Bongo. The decision was later overturned by the Supreme Court of Appeal. “Advocate Gcaleka, I had tried to remain silent…

IN SOUTH Africa, millions of citizens continuously contend with a basic human right: housing. Fighting for a roof over your head is an arduous, sometimes futile task in modern-day SA, particularly for the majority of the population who live in overwhelming poverty. As of this year, over a third of the entire national workforce is informal. According to Statistics SA, 8.2 million unemployed citizens were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, increasing by over 300 000 since the end of 2023. In a nation where over half of the entire population lives below the poverty line, the ability to attain stable housing is often dire, as many struggle to keep a roof over their heads. A raging societal issue in recent years has been that of disintegrating, unmaintained infrastructures…

A LEAKED internal complaint has revealed tension between top justices at the Constitutional Court for the control of the judiciary following Mogoeng Mogoeng’s departure as the chief justice of South Africa. Justice Raymond Zondo, who deputised for Mogoeng, acted in the role before he was officially appointed to the position of chief justice by President Cyril Ramaphosa. On July 24, 2022, former judiciary spokesperson Nathi Mncube wrote to the head of the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), Meme Sejosengwe, and alleged that she had said Acting Chief Justice Zondo was not happy with the inclusion of Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga in some judicial meetings. “On 8 December 2021, Mr Mncube was advised by advocate Marelise Potgieter that the secretary-general wanted a Teams meeting to discuss the 2020/21 Judiciary Report that…

BRAZILIAN forward Endrick shed tears of pride after signing a six-year contract with Real Madrid, days after celebrating his 18th birthday. The LaLiga club had agreed to sign Endrick from Sao Paulo-based Palmeiras in 2022, with a view to him joining Madrid in July 2024 after turning 18. Spanish media reported that Endrick, who will wear Real’s number 16 jersey, was signed for an initial fee of €35 million (R695m) with a further €25m in possible add-ons. “This is crazy! I’m so happy. Since I was a kid I have always been a Madrid fan and now I am going to play for Madrid,” Endrick said at his presentation ceremony. “I don’t have words to describe what I’m feeling. I always wanted to be here. I wanted to play for…

THE saying “There are no shortcuts in football” truly lives in the hearts and productivity of South African football, and more especially South African coaches at the moment. Over the last few weeks, local football fans have been forced to replace their domestic team kits with the national flag as South African coaches make their mark across the continent. It is just over a year now since followers of the Premier Soccer League saw Fadlu Davids fail to save the top flight status of Maritzburg United while juggling his studies for a Uefa Pro Licence. Fast forward to 2024; the 43-year-old has taken over as head coach at Tanzanian giants Simba FC following a stint in Morocco, where he assisted Josef Zinnbauer (formerly of Orlando Pirates) to claim an invincible…

FERRARI’S Charles Leclerc took pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix yesterday, where Red Bull’s Formula One champion Max Verstappen posted the fastest time in wet conditions but is on a 10-place grid penalty for taking on a fifth engine. Drivers’ championship leader and three-times world champion Verstappen will start 11th on the grid today, after Red Bull decided to take the penalty at Spa which can be an easier track for overtaking, as he goes for a fourth straight win in Belgium. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, under pressure of late after a run of poor performances, will be alongside Leclerc on the front row, with Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes third on the grid and McLaren’s Lando Norris making up the second row. “I definitely did not expect that this…

Beach stroll celebrates the sari Since its inception in 2010, the annual Durban Beach Sari Stroll has become an event showcasing not just the beauty and legacy of the sari, but the diversity of our multicultural society. The sari stroll will take place at 10am on Sunday, August 11, starting at the Amphitheatre, opposite the Elangeni Hotel. Founded by Kamlesh Gounden, the sari stroll started of as her way of celebrating the traditional garment. “She loves saris. She embraces the timeless elegance of a sari, its beauty and grace, so she decided to bring women on board to start this. Now it’s become a family get-together,” said media personality and film-maker Leena Bachu, who is assisting with the event. Over the years, the sari stroll has grown. More than a…

Having a tree house in your backyard where you could chill with your siblings or friends was a fantasy for many back in the day. Popularised by American television, it spread across the globe influencing young minds. Today, tree house holidays and vacation rentals are growing in popularity with would-be travellers hoping to live out their childhood dreams. Part of the eco-travel trend, tree house stays offer travellers the unique opportunity to connect with nature and the environment while embracing sustainable living practices. Travellers get to experience a sense of tranquillity that they wouldn’t find at a conventional hotel or holiday rental. So if you’re looking to embrace this natural side of travel and live out your childhood dreams, here are some affordable local treehouses to visit. Treehouse in Pretoria…

THE majestic vistas and wildlife of the Kruger National Park (KNP) are renowned and can also be experienced up close on a mountain bike. Whether you’re pedalling through the mopane veld along the Olifants River or navigating the challenging terrain between the Letaba and Olifants Rivers, these trails offer an exhilarating way to take in the park’s beauty. With options for both novice and experienced riders, cycling in Kruger is an unforgettable addition to any itinerary. Here are five great options: Trails within the Kruger Park According to Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel, the Olifants Rest Camp is the only official mountain biking departure point within the KNP. He said that along with transport to the start of the trail, personal or rental bikes can be taken out…

Muvhango fans were angered by the SABC’s decision to pull the long-standing telenovela off the air earlier this month, without any warning. They took to social media platforms to vent and the SABC listened. Now, just a few weeks later, they have revealed that the Tshivenda soapie, which has been on TV since 1997, will be back soon. Legendary veteran actress Leleti Khumalo, pictured, will join the show as Dr Nonhlanhla Ximba. The media statement read: “Dr Ximba’s enigmatic presence as a construction mogul is set to disrupt the familiar landscape of Muvhango, paving the way for unprecedented intrigue and groundbreaking storytelling.” As Muvhango ushers viewers into a brand-new universe, it promises to offer a conflict between innocence and purity and the fascinating complexity of human passion and interaction, all…

IT IS incomprehensible that black South Africans who bore the brunt of apartheid are able to trust former apartheid prosecutor Koos Bekker’s News24. Naspers, News24’s parent company, has a notorious history as the media arm of the apartheid National Party, with editors even attending PW Botha’s Cabinet meetings. This close relationship extended to the regime’s most heinous activities, including leaking information that played a role in orchestrating assassinations, torture, and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela and others. News24’s current mission seems clear: protect President Cyril Ramaphosa and attack his detractors. This bias is not just a matter of bigotry but a continuation of a legacy steeped in misinformation. This from the very same organisation that helped legitimise apartheid state terror but now presents itself as a beacon of integrity. This…

A PLAQUE commemorating Indian soldiers who died in service during World Wars I and II was mounted at the Johannesburg War Museum last week. The South African Indian Legion (SAIL) of Military Veterans, a non-profit company with the primary objective to research, document and promote South African Indian military history and its heritage raised funds and erected the plaque at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Parktown, Johannesburg. An unveiling ceremony will officially take place to coincide with a Women’s Day event to honour women in the military with a special focus on Indian women. Among the Indian servicemen whose names feature on the roll of honour are Dharamraj Aheer Goordeen, Sergeant Muhammad Ali Khan Darling, Ghulam Husain and brothers Frank and Donald Augustine. Frank Augustine died on…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is hosting the online timed auction of the contents of a deceased estate. The auction, which will feature the contents of a four-bedroom residence, will start on Tuesday at 10am and close on Wednesday at 3pm. The contents of the property, at 25 Hillary Drive, Ballito, comprises exquisite antiques and collectibles, furniture, porcelain, oil and water colour paintings, cut glass crystal, silverware, general household items and more. Viewing is tomorrow from 10am to 3pm. For more information, please contact tIan Wyles offices at 031 579 4403 or visit www.ianwyles.co.za. |…

More than 150 non-academic staff at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will be without jobs by Wednesday. This week, a group of them took to the streets to protest against their impending retrenchments. The affected departments include human resources, information technology systems and services, real estate management and finance. According to a letter from DUT to the staff members, they were being retrenched due to the university restructuring its operations. “The proposed restructure is aimed at aligning with the university’s ENVISION2030. This is in line with the strategy adopted by the university with a view to optimising operating dynamics of the university harnessing its focus and delivering modalities. “The institutional reviews that were undertaken were informed by key principles such as financial sustainability, the implementation of ENVISION2030, technological changes…

POLICE Minister Senzo Mchunu says further investigations had found a purported security training camp in White River, Mpumalanga – where 95 Libyans were arrested on Friday – was in fact “military” in nature. Mchunu said yesterday that when the application was made to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority for the site to become an accredited security training facility, it met those requirements. “It is not compliant now. There is a gap between what was applied for and what was here. All indicators point to a military camp, which is a concern.” Mchunu confirmed the Libyans were in the country illegally and they were working on having them deported as soon as possible. He said the men were in custody and due process would be followed. General Fannie Masemola said:…

Scrambling to cover their backs, and divert attention from what is really at stake – the subversion of democracy through the use of a network of disinformation operatives – News24’s nonsensical article written by a compromised journalist, Jeff Wicks, about the lawsuit against the mistaken public identification of Mr Mohammed Yacoob Vawda by IOL and Independent Media is a sign of desperation. Whilst Mr Yacoob Vawda is at liberty, thanks to democracy, to launch his legal suits, he should be advised that he now stands on a sticky wicket himself, considering no law has been broken. Indeed, it is our contention that Mr Vawda’s lawyer, Mr Rupert Candy, is potentially aiming to extort money – to the tune of R1.2 million – from our companies, our editors and myself. We…

eThekwini is experiencing a health problem afflicting homeless people – trench foot. This latest challenge has become the norm with young and old alike, and those afflicted are often seen hobbling across the streets, parks and beachfronts, bent over and limping, barely managing to keep themselves upright. Much like in London, where reports have revealed that almost 3○000 homeless people were being treated for skin conditions by the London Inter-community Health Organisation, which operates a mobile care unit in a converted bus, Durban has become a place of pain for the homeless as many suffer from trench foot, a skin condition that thrives when feet are left wet over a period of time. Untreated, it can lead to painful sores, serious infections and, in extreme cases, even amputations. Many believe…

THE country’s cash-strapped municipalities could be forced to fork out up to 15% in salary increases as wage negotiations in the local government sector continue. However, SA Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) deputy general secretary Nanicky Hlangwani has stated that the parties to the talks – the SA Local Government Association (Salga), which represents municipalities, and recognised trade unions, the SA Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) – have agreed to negotiate behind closed doors. Samwu wants municipal workers’ salaries to increase by 15% or R4 000. ”Due to the sensitivity of the engagements and as per the facilitator’s instructions, the parties cannot provide any further details,” Hlangwani told all municipal managers and human resources directors across the country last week. She added…

Radio station ‘used as a tool for political campaigns’ AN EMFULENI-based community radio station, Thetha FM, has allegedly been used as a tool for political campaigns and positions. The station has also been rocked by allegations of staff exploitation, harassment, interference, abuse of power, and flouting media freedom. It also faces allegations of staff victimisation and unfair dismissal. The allegations implicate founder Jimmy Dhlamini, board members Zacharia Nqayi and Frida Motsoikha, and station manager Kabelo Keogatile. The complaints, lodged with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), were leaked to the Sunday Independent this week. They were lodged by a former employee whose name is being withheld to protect him and those close to him. He was allegedly dismissed for fighting for the rights of other employees. The former…

The inspiration of the occasion, the opportunity to be part of history and a chance to inspire others are all driving forces for the South African Women’s Sevens team, according to their coach Renfred Dazel. Dazel spoke on the eve of the Rugby Sevens Women’s tournament at the Stade de France today in what will be their first participation in the Olympic Games. The squad prepared well and were reminded by their male counterparts that no opponent is unbeatable, Dazel said. “We come well prepared, mentally and physically,” said Dazel, who was assistant coach to the Blitzbok squad that won the bronze medal in Rio in 2016. “We had some good sessions last week in Montpellier and once we arrived in Paris, the energy levels stayed up. “The Blitzboks’ performance…

NOVAK Djokovic set up a potential Olympic Games blockbuster with Rafael Nadal yesterday as Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek made winning returns to a rain-swept Roland Garros where they were crowned French Open champions last month. Djokovic, chasing a first Olympic gold to add to his 24 Grand Slams, brushed aside Australia’s Matthew Ebden 6-0, 6-1 in just 53 minutes under the roof of Court Philippe Chatrier. The torrential rain which swamped the opening ceremony on Friday brought havoc to Roland Garros where play on the outside courts was delayed by six hours. Alcaraz, fresh from defeating Djokovic in the Wimbledon final, eased past Hady Habib of Lebanon, while Swiatek enjoyed a straight-sets win against Irina Camelia-Begu. Nadal, who has been carrying a thigh strain, will take on Djokovic for…

THE Sharks broke their Currie Cup duck spectacularly yesterday afternoon when they shocked the previously unbeaten Lions 35-22 in Joburg. The Durbanites scored four tries to earn a bonus point in their rampant win, with the final score made respectable because of a late try by the hosts. In every respect, the Sharks dominated a far more experienced Lions team and the future bodes well for them given that nearly all of their players are under 23. The main man on show was Sharks centre Jurenzo Julius. The 21-year-old scored tries early and then late in the game to ensure the Sharks were always on the scoreboard’s right side. Julius has earned the nickname of “The Boogieman” because of his ability to either sneak up and cover-tackle ball carriers with…

‘Humbled’ by NCOP position THE newly-appointed deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Les Govender, wants to focus on ensuring that all South Africans understand the amendment of bills and their implications. The NCOP is a legislative body that represents provincial interests in the national sphere of government. Govender said when he was requested to take up the position of special delegate in the NCOP, he did not foresee this position would be made available. “For me to take up this position, there had to be agreement and support from all nine provinces or a majority of the provinces, which was received, and I was sworn in. “It was surreal and unexpected to be offered this position. It’s a great honour, and I feel humbled. It’s a testament…

The search is on for the country’s best baker, and 12 teens are set to battle it out in the kitchen to win the title of the Taste Master Junior. The Taste Master Junior launches its debut season on Tuesday on SABC2 at 7pm, showcasing the best young bakers from across South Africa. Based on the original award-winning baking competition reality show, the junior edition sees 12 talented youngsters aged between 13 and 17 years old, and who are passionate about food, compete for a grand prize worth more than R200 000. The 13-part reality show puts the young bakers to the test in weekly challenges, pushing their cooking abilities and creativity to the limit. Among those to don the apron is 14-year-old Jahzara Ranjith from Cape Town, who is…

The 2024 Summer Olympics officially kicked off on Friday, and Team South Africa is ready to represent the country in Paris, France. South African Olympic athlete and professional skateboarder Brandon Valjalo took to TikTok to give supporters a glimpse into Olympic hospitality and where the athletes will be staying. “A first look at the 2024 Paris Olympic beds. Just pulled up to the village and had to run it back up yall,” said Valjalo. It seems the notorious cardboard beds have made a comeback at this year’s Olympics as the pro skateboarder and other athletes shared videos of the type of beds they will be resting on for the duration of the games. The cardboard beds surfaced in 2020 at the Tokyo Games and according to news site Wired.com, organisers…

Imagine a flight where your biggest concern isn’t a nearby toddler’s meltdown but whether to catch up on work or catch some sleep. This scenario is becoming a reality as more airlines test the waters of adults-only zones, offering a potential oasis of calm at cruising altitude. These zones promise a quieter environment, potentially boosting productivity for business travellers, but the trend also raises questions about fairness. According to Bonnie Smith, GM of FCM, several carriers are taking the plunge into age-restricted seating. The business travel expert revealed that European Corendon Airlines has introduced an “Only Adults Zone” programme, reserving the first dozen rows of their Airbus for passengers age 16 and up and these zones cater to travellers seeking a quieter environment, whether for business or pleasure. She also…