Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-06 i Weekend Argus Saturday

IN HIS upcoming action thriller, Shelter, The Transporter star Jason Statham is once again cast in his familiar role as a hero saving a young woman. The trailer for the action movie Shelter, directed by Ric Roman Waugh (Angel Has Fallen, Greenland), has been released. The film opens on the big screen next month, with Bill Nighy, Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays and Bodhi Rae Breathnach joining Statham. While fans are enthusiastic about his involvement, some are expressing fatigue with the repetitive theme of him fighting people to rescue a girl. The trailer sets the tone with an introduction to assassin Michael Mason when a man explains that what he knows about him, “Mason isn’t just an assassin, he’s a precision instrument. He was one of the first elite operatives.” It…

“Rage bait” will be Oxford University Press’s 2025 Word of the Year. Defined as online content designed to provoke anger and drive engagement, it's a sign of our digital culture. Two words, one cultural mood, and a whole lot of scrolling fatigue. And before you roll your eyes, Oxford swears it isn’t rage-baiting us with the choice. As someone who spends their fair share of time online, I really felt this. Over the past few years, we’ve all learned to spot content designed to annoy us, whether it’s a “modern dating rules” thread meant to stir up arguments, a fake political hot take, or another video comparing milk tart to crème brûlée just to get people talking. That’s not just a trend; it’s a reflection of our online experience. But…

A cursory review of the African National Congress ahead of the 5th National General Council (NGC), scheduled for December 8-12 in Ekurhuleni, forces us to return to the essential question of whether the movement still possesses the organisational stamina, ideological coherence, and moral authority to lead a society undergoing profound structural transition. The NGC convenes at a time when the ANC is simultaneously confronting electoral pressure, governance fatigue, and a shifting public mood that demands results rather than rhetoric. This year’s NGC takes place within the context of a movement whose majoritarian hegemony has been violently slashed after the humiliating outcome of the 29 May National and Provincial Elections. The 2026 National Local Government Elections now present themselves as an existential threat, a moment of truth that delegates can…

Bafana Bafana will be out for revenge when they face Mexico at the 2026 Fifa World Cup opening match, having drawn 1–1 with them in the opening match of the 2010 tournament on home soil. Returning to the global stage for the first time since hosting in 2010 – more than 15 years ago – South Africa have been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and the winners of a March play-off between Denmark, the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, and the Republic of Ireland. Bafana will be based in Mexico for the group stage, setting the scene for both a homecoming and the renewal of an old rivalry. Coach Hugo Broos last featured at a World Cup as a player in 1986. Mexico and South Korea are expected…

SUSPENDED Police Minister Senzo Mchunu came under intense scrutiny during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry regarding his controversial decision to dissolve the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The decision, relayed through a missive dated December 31, 2024, was described by Mchunu as a necessary move based on a work-study recommendation from 2019, which suggested that the team’s functions be absorbed into a more robust murder and robbery unit. As Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and his co-commissioners interrogated the minister’s rationale, they highlighted significant concerns over the timestamps and implications of Mchunu’s directives. When asked about his use of the term “immediately” in the letter, Mchunu attempted to clarify that it indicated the urgency of his decision-making process rather than an instantaneous dissolution. “This immediately is not like switching…

The district of George, resting beneath the Outeniqua Mountains, was once a meticulously engineered landscape of colonial exploitation. By the 1834 emancipation census, the district recorded 1038 enslaved Africans: 592 men and 446 women, including nearly 300 children. Most were Cape-born and Creole, while others arrived from Mozambique, Madagascar, and across the wider Indian Ocean. They farmed wheat and cattle, cut timber, and built the infrastructure that sustained the colonial economy. Cradock’s Pass, opened in 1822, and Montagu Pass, finished in 1847, survived today as heritage that signify “engineering triumphs”. Yet on their foundations sits the energy of the oppressed and imprisoned labourers whose names have been forgotten. The lives of oppressed Khoi and San were governed by a web of restrictive laws: the Hottentot Proclamation of 1798, the Caledon…

Renowned South African choreographer, academic researcher, and theatre-maker Jackï Job is set to unveil a captivating exploration of artistic engagement through her latest collaboration, 1–2–3 As One – A Japanese-South African Butoh experience. Scheduled for performances this weekend at The Little Theatre on Hiddingh Campus in Cape Town, this momentous event invites audiences to delve into the powerful realms of Butoh – a form of Japanese contemporary dance theatre. In collaboration with esteemed Butoh artists Mitsuyo Uesugi and Yukio Suzuki, this presentation highlights a unique synthesis of cultures, dance, and states of being. Marking the first-time appearance of this trio in South Africa, 1–2–3 As One promises to challenge conventional notions of beauty through its choreographies that investigate the evolution of consciousness and the essence of existence. Butoh is famed…

A Brazilian teenager was mauled to death by a lioness in full view of zoo visitors after scaling a six-metre wall and safety fencing and shimmying down a tree into the enclosure, authorities said. Gerson de Melo Machado, 19, struggled with severe mental health issues and dreamed of being a lion tamer, according to those who knew him. The municipal government of the northeastern coastal city of Joao Pessoa said Machado had “deliberately invaded the lioness’ enclosure” at the Arruda Camara Zoobotanical Park on Sunday morning. Viral videos of the attack showed the lioness, Leona, lying next to the glass separating her from visitors, who gasped in shock as the teen climbed down a tree. The lioness made a beeline for the tree, pulling Machado down to the ground. Bushes…

The Western Cape Education department has been ordered to come up with a comprehensive plan to deal with thousands of learners struggling to get placed at the start of the school year every year. Because of the blockages every year that left learners without schooling for months on end, the organisation Equal Education (EE) and the Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) took the Western Cape Education Department to court, to force it to deal with the problem effectively. The case was in reponse to the plight of students from marginalised communities, particularly in the Metro East areas of Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein, Kuils River, and Strand, where children from poor and migrant families were again found without school placements as the 2024 academic year approached. In their complaint, parents, backed by…

VSL Manufacturing has officially opened its new R750 million manufacturing facility in Struandale, positioned alongside the Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) assembly plant. The investment marks a significant boost for South Africa’s automotive value chain, the Eastern Cape’s industrial base, and the country’s efforts to grow black-owned manufacturing businesses. The launch is the culmination of a long rebuild for a company that rose from the liquidation of Stateline Pressed Metal in Komani in 2018. The closure left 123 people out of work, but two retrenched employees – Vuyo Skweyiya and Deon van Zyl - decided to revive the operation. With funding from ABSA, they acquired the defunct company’s equipment and launched VSL Manufacturing. Today, it’s a 51% African female-owned company. The turning point came in 2021 when IMSAf appointed VSL…

When I first moved to New York, I walked into my new dentist’s office and genuinely wondered whether I’d accidentally wandered into a Victoria’s Secret audition. The waiting room was full of stunning young women. Eventually I learned the dentist shared space with a modeling agency. You couldn’t tell who was getting veneers and who was getting a contract until you were halfway down the hallway. Jeffrey Epstein’s life operated on the same architectural principle: two businesses shoved into one building, one involving underaged girls, the other involving powerful political figures, including some tied to the Israeli government. Not exactly whitening trays and catwalks, but equally disorienting. Epstein’s whole operation was like a perverted crossover episode of Law and Order meets House of Cards. The salacious half got all the…

Recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) a national crisis. The statistics are devastating: three women are killed by an intimate partner every day in South Africa, and a quarter of women have reported experiencing physical or sexual abuse, according to the South African Medical Research Council. As we mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, new data from Statistics South Africa reveals 60 000 sexual offence incidents involving 44 000 victims between April last year and March this year. Only 56.3% were reported to police. About a sixth of reported incidents involved a spouse or intimate partner. And some people were abused more than once. Psychological abuse is equally insidious. Almost a sixth of those affected experience it daily, yet only 26.6% report it to…

One topic that continues to dominate in social circles is the medical aid industry. Most people, and even service providers in the industry, are constantly complaining about funds running out long before year-end. The top-end medical aid costs are only for the very wealthy, and most families can only afford the most basic plans. In this context, it is important to consider the role of the CMS (Council for Medical Schemes). One of the main objectives of the CMS is: “Serve beneficiaries of medical schemes and the public in general by reviewing and approving changes to contributions paid by members and benefits offered by schemes. The programme analyses and approves all scheme rules to ensure consistency with the MSA (Medical Schemes Act). This ensures that the beneficiaries have access to…

Proteas in-form top-order batter Matthew Breetzke told Indian reporters on Friday that India’s impressive record in Vizag is irrelevant as the visitors chase an ODI series triumph in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. India and South Africa are deadlocked in the One-Day series, with both teams having won one match each in the three-match showdown, with the decider set to take place in Vizag at 10am on Saturday. India have lost only two One-Day Internationals in Vizag in the past two decades and have turned Visakhapatnam into a fortress over the years. However, it is important to note that they have yet to play South Africa in ODIs at the venue. Regardless, Proteas batter Breetzke believes India’s record at the ground will play no part whatsoever in their upcoming clash. “I didn’t…

A relentless Australia seized a 44-run lead over England in the day-night second Ashes Test in Brisbane yesterday, with aggressive opener Jake Weatherald and Steve Smith leading the charge. By stumps, the hosts had not only reeled in England’s first-innings 334 but raced clear, ending a draining day two on 378-6 in front of a large, boisterous crowd at a humid Gabba. A decent lead is shaping as pivotal, with the pitch likely to deteriorate in the coming days. The hosts are 1-0 up in the series after beating England in Perth inside two days. “That was a crucial last hour there for us. To get to the end of play six down gives us a bit of time in the morning in that day session,” said Marnus Labuschagne, who…

It’s that time of the year again, the season of twinkly lights, Mariah Carey resurfacing like it’s her annual national service, and of course, corny Christmas movies that melt our hearts. And listen, The Jingle Bell Heist fits right into that tradition. It’s the kind of film you curl up with on the couch, pretending it’s snowing outside even though it’s 32oC, you’re sweating through your pyjamas, and the only “cold front” is the one Eskom forgot to schedule. But hey, hot cocoa in hand, fan blasting, we move. From the opening scenes, the film serves warm, festive energy that feels oddly comforting. And because no Christmas flick is complete without a bit of crime, think Wet Bandits in Home Alone and, hello, or the Grinch with the sticky fingers,…

Not long ago, after-work drinks were a regular ritual. Many millennials started their careers with 5pm debriefs over cheap wine, midweek specials, and last-minute plans for “just one drink” that usually turned into three. Sociologists even called millennials the most drinking generation, the cohort that kept the alcohol industry buzzing well into the 2010s. If you’ve tried to wrangle a Gen Z friend into after-work drinks lately, you’ve probably heard some version of: “Can we make it a walk instead?” or “I’ve got Pilates at six”. It’s not personal. It’s cultural. Happy hour, once the sacred decompression window for millennials, is being rewritten by a generation that treats wellness the way previous generations treated nightlife: as a social currency, a lifestyle flex, and sometimes, a lifeline. Forget cocktails; 2025 is…

After the big success of the much-anticipated Cape Town switch-on of the festive lights, festivities continued in Langa with their own switching-on of the lights celebrations, where large crowds gathered along King Langalibalele Drive and Church Street. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis also lit up the streets in Mitchells Plain on Friday, with a stellar artist line-up waiting to be heard, this included comedian Wayne Mckay, DJ Chello, Ricky Vanni frontline and much more. This comes after residents enjoyed an evening of music, food stalls and community celebration as the festive lights were officially switched on in Langa on Tuesday. Mitchells Plain hosted its long-awaited switch-on event on Friday with thousands in attendance. The celebration returned after a 10-year hiatus along Morgenster Road in front of Westridge Garden, between…

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has revealed that over the past decade, more than 21 million criminal cases were opened in South Africa, with 13.2 million of these closed without resolution. He disclosed this in a parliamentary reply to a question posed by Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Dr Mmusi Maimane, who asked: “For each of the past 10 financial years, what total number of criminal dockets have been opened, solved, officially closed without resolution in each province, and how many are still open and under investigation by the South African Police Service?” Cachalia explained that the figures for cases still under investigation for each financial year include dockets carried over from previous years and should not be aggregated to calculate a cumulative total. “For example, the total…

A team of South African scientists has made an unprecedented discovery from the South African Radio Observatory’s (SARAO) MeerKAT radio telescope, uncovering a rare and extremely faint radio glow originating from a colossal cluster of galaxies approximately seven billion light-years away. This phenomenon, known as an ultra-steep-spectrum radio halo, stands as the most distant example ever detected, revealing the universe's complex and dynamic nature. The investigation, led by Isaac Magolego, a PhD student at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), under the guidance of Professors Roger Deane and Kshitij Thorat from Wits and the University of Pretoria, has received acceptance for publication in the esteemed Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters. Galaxy clusters are the universe’s heftiest formations, bound by the force of gravity and housing thousands of…

This December, as the year draws to a close, The Drama Factory invites audiences to indulge in a vibrant tapestry of music, comedy, and magic, all designed to lift spirits and create lasting memories. Founder Sue Diepeveen promises a line-up that caters to every taste, making it the perfect place to unwind and embrace the festive cheer. “There’s something for everyone to move you into the holiday mood and provide a much-needed wind-down from a busy year,” Diepeveen expressed, tantalisingly revealing the highlights of this season’s programme. Festive season highlights The festive programme kicked off yesterday with Now That’s What I Call Music, as celebrated musicians James Stewart and John Ellis took to the stage. Known for their soulful interpretations, the duo will deliver a fresh twist on iconic tracks…

Mopane worms, a protein-rich delicacy commonly harvested across Southern Africa, are more than just a sustainable food source – they are crucial to local livelihoods and cultural practices. However, new research is shedding light on the need for conservation efforts amid warnings of rising environmental threats and overharvesting. Researchers from Stellenbosch University, in collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute and other institutions, recently published a pivotal study in the journal Conservation Genetics, focusing on the genetic diversity and population distribution of mopane worms in Namibia and the Limpopo River Basin, which spans South Africa and Botswana. Their findings reveal alarming trends that could jeopardise the future of this vital species. Known for containing three times more protein than beef or chicken, as well as rich levels of calcium,…

When you see entrepreneur Jamie Thurston Wyngaard’s name pop up, you know something remarkable is brewing. And this time, it’s a full-circle moment. Weekend Argus has followed Wyngaard’s journey from his earliest award wins to the milestones that have defined him as an entrepreneur and innovator and now he has been inaugurated as one of the City of Cape Town’s new Invest Cape Town Ambassadors, joining a three-year initiative to position Cape Town as Africa’s leading destination for business, investment, and innovation. For Wyngaard, the appointment is more than a title; it is deeply personal. Raised on the Cape Flats, an area often associated with struggle rather than success, and brought up in a single-parent household after the passing of his father, Wyngaard’s journey defies every limitation historically placed on…

South Africans haven’t exactly embraced Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) with the enthusiasm that proponents predicted when manufacturers were spending billions of dollars on research and development and telling us that it was the only way forward before the world imploded. The reality is that almost all manufacturers have dialled down their expectations of when to put ICE engines out to pasture and, in the process, brought back some kind of normality to the world of motoring. What we have seen, though, is that buyers are seeing hybrid cars as a real alternative. They provide decent consumption, there’s no range anxiety, and you don’t have to rely on second or third-party infrastructure to keep you mobile. One such option we recently had on test was the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV that…

JMC or Jiangling Motors Corporation have officially returned to the South African market after a few years’ absence and aim to ruffle the feathers of the bakkie market. JMC announced earlier this year that they would be coming, and they have now revealed their line-up, which will include a workhorse single-cab and two double-cabs. The vehicles will be imported under the Salvador Caetano Auto South Africa banner, who also have the GAC brand in its portfolio, and they intend to open 40 dealerships by 2026. With Ford owning a 32% stake in JMC, the company is leveraging their partnership in terms of power plants and engineering. Ford’s Territory, sold here, is the result of that partnership, too. The three-bakkie range includes the single-cab JMC Carrying Plus, Vigus Double-Cab and the…

When former Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi sat down at the Madlanga Commission, South Africans were entitled to expect the steady hand of a veteran public servant. Instead, we watched a spectacle. Lipstick applied mid-session. Faces pulled at the evidence leader. Soft laughter under her breath. Eyes fixed on her phone while senior counsel tried to question her. When pressed for answers, she leaned on stock phrases: “I take your point.” “No comment.” “I’ll talk to my lawyers.” At one point, she told the commission she would rather submit answers in writing because appearing again might cause her to “get a stroke”. It may have been theatre for some – the memes were flying on social media – but it exposed a culture in public administration that treats accountability…

As South Africa marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), our conversations often centre on bruises, broken bones, and emotional scars. Yet, there is another form of abuse that rarely makes headlines but quietly erodes lives; financial abuse. Financial abuse is not simply about disagreements over budgeting or a partner being “bad with money.” It is a deliberate, manipulative strategy designed to strip someone of independence, dignity, and the ability to leave a harmful situation. It is the scaffolding upon which other forms of abuse are built. Scrolling through social media recently, I came across a post from a young woman in Cape Town who bravely shared her experience. She wrote: “I thought I was just being supported when he asked me to quit my job. He…

Earlier this year, the Labour Court found that a restraint of trade was unenforceable due to the dismissal of the employee. This decision was taken on appeal to the Labour Appeal Court (LAC). The judgment provides important guidance for employers seeking to enforce restraints following dismissals and clarifies the scope of the Labour Court’s jurisdiction in related matters. Background Backsports (Pty) Ltd, a company in the internet communications and technology sector, employed an employee as a senior stream lead for 10 months until his dismissal for misconduct on October 16, 2024. His employment contract contained a restraint of trade clause which, among other things, prohibited him from competing with Backsports or any of its subsidiaries, and from soliciting employees, for a period of 12 months from the termination date of…

All the talk before the Proteas Women’s first match of the home summer may have been about former captain Dane van Nierkerk’s return to international cricket after a four-year spell in the international wilderness, but Laura Wolvaardt reminded everyone who really is in charge now. Wolvaardt showed off all her class with a record-breaking 115 not out that powered her team to a best-ever 220/2, and eventual 105-run victory over a helpless Ireland team in the first T20I at Newlands yesterday. It’s been 1014 days since Wolvaardt last graced the picturesque ground at the foot of Table Mountain when she valiantly tried to push the Proteas over the line in their first-ever T20 World Cup final. Since then, she and the Proteas, have featured in two further World Cup finals…

Former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has weighed in on the positives and challenges teams will face when they use the upcoming AFCON in Morocco to gauge their readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The biggest football event on the continent – AFCON – is set to get underway in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, with 24 nations competing for the coveted crown of African football. But of the lot, seven – Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Senegal and Ivory Coast – will be hoping to hit two birds with one stone by using the tournament as preparation. These seven teams will be eager to go all the way at AFCON – win the crown – and use that success as motivation and…

The Covid-19 pandemic has tilted the scales of travel preferences in favour of staycations – a chance to explore local attractions while avoiding the hassles associated with international travel. For many South Africans, December is synonymous with family vacations, often leading to festive gatherings in eMakaya (hometown) or indulging in local escapes. Staycations present the perfect opportunity to enjoy memorable experiences without straying far from home. They foster exploration within our own communities, promoting local businesses and enabling meaningful connections with the surroundings. Whether you’re setting off on a day trip to a family-friendly attraction or embarking on a weekend getaway to a nearby dorpie, there's plenty to do this festive season. If you’re looking for family-friendly fun this holiday, here’s our guide to top attractions across Johannesburg, Durban, and…

It goes to show the calibre of the legal prowess on display when one almost feels sympathetic for the City of Cape Town, whose legal team gave voice to what they had described as one of the “most complex cases that we’ve ever had to articulate”. Advocates Nazreen Bawa SC, Karrisha Pillay SC, and Nick de Jager should be commended for their herculean effort of not only having to articulate the City’s position on its fixed three tariffs, but also doing so in a manner that was as complex as the matter at hand, but still clear enough for everyone to follow. Since Tuesday, Judge President Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana, as well as presiding judges Judge Andre Le Grange and Judge Katharine Savage, heard from legal representatives from SAPOA, AfriForum, the City,…

Activists and political leaders across South Africa are demanding urgent accountability after a series of allegations of sex crimes emerged against four officials from the country’s safety and emergency services, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and City of Cape Town’s Metro Police and Fire & Rescue units. This revelation comes at a time when the nation observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, prompting deeper outrage and serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting survivors from heinous acts of abuse. Recent data from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has brought to light a troubling situation within law enforcement, revealing that in the 2024/25 financial year alone, there were 95 recorded allegations of rape against SAPS officers, with 51…

The Patriotic Alliance’s “Coloured Lives Matter” campaign saw thousands of coloured people from Johannesburg to the Cape Flats, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, and even as far as Kannaland and Ladismith take to the streets in coordinated demonstrations across South Africa. The marches, held this week, aimed to highlight violent crime and social challenges affecting coloured communities. Organisers said the campaign sought to draw attention to gang-related violence, inadequate policing, and the broader marginalisation of these communities. In Ennerdale, Johannesburg, residents filled the streets for the “March for Coloured Lives Matter”, joined by families, youth groups, and local leaders. Many participants described the event as an opportunity to raise awareness and strengthen community solidarity. From Port Elizabeth, Keaton Browers said: “Today, we’re marching to honour the lives lost in our coloured communities.…

The False Bay angling community has been left reeling after Jody Rademeyer known among fishermen for his big heart, positive spirit, and unwavering passion for the ocean was shot multiple times during an attack at Sonwabe in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Rademeyer, who fished not only as a hobby but also to provide for his family, was shot in the head, arm and chest while out angling at one of False Bay’s most well-known fishing spots. In a viral voice note circulating among anglers, his mother pleads for prayers for her son, describing the severity of his injuries and saying: “My child needs a miracle.” She also urged fellow anglers to prioritise their safety. The family has asked for privacy as they process the trauma. Rademeyer is currently…

A baby Jesus has been stolen from a Christmas nativity scene in Brussels which sparked an online furore over its faceless depictions of Christianity’s holy family. In portraying Jesus, Mary and Joseph with patchwork cloth lacking facial features, artist Victoria-Maria Geyer said she hoped to craft an inclusive version of the Christmas tradition which left “free rein for everyone’s imagination”. Yet, despite the local ecclesiastical authorities approving the scene, the installation in central Brussels has come under fire online since opening last Friday, with right-wing Belgian politician Georges-Louis Bouchez even comparing the figures to “zombies”. As debate swirled on social media, the baby Jesus, represented by his fabric head, disappeared from the Christmas cot last Saturday, prompting the authorities to replace the son of God and tighten security. A petition…

This holiday season, as many South Africans prepare for their year-end getaways, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is urging travellers to reconsider their interactions with wildlife. From selfies with lion cubs to riding elephants, popular tourist activities often conceal a darker truth: these experiences typically stem from exploitative practices leading to the physical and psychological suffering of animals. Fiona Miles, director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, stresses the need for responsible tourism, stating, “What looks like fun for us often means a lifetime of suffering for the animals.” She emphasised that genuine sanctuaries prioritise animal welfare and allow for observation only from a distance, denying the direct interaction that is increasingly sought after by tourists. The plight of animals involved in tourism is dire. “Lion cubs are torn from…

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has unveiled the findings of the Digital Engagement in South Africa (DESA) report, an extensive study that explores how South Africans are adapting to the nation’s rapid digital transformation. Conducted in partnership with imec-MICT from Ghent University and imec-SMIT from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the report is backed by the Flemish Interuniversity Council – University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) and draws attention to the urgency of addressing digital inequality in the 21st century. This insightful document not only highlights South Africa’s key digital transformation priorities but also mirrors a broader global momentum towards inclusive, people-centred digital development. The report aligns with essential agendas, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which advocate for equitable participation in an ever-evolving digital…

Car insurance platform MoneySuperMarket has trawled through more than 200 million UK vehicle safety inspection records, giving a glimpse at the faults most likely to trip up everyday motorists. The data comes from the UK’s DVSA MOT database, covering more than 3 200 models from major global brands. While the study is UK-based, the issues highlighted are universal - tyres, brakes and basic maintenance items remain the weak points across almost every brand. What fails most often? Three faults dominate the failure list across all makes and models: Parking brake inefficiency. Tyres worn below the legal 1.6mm tread depth. Windshield washers are not supplying enough fluid. These aren’t complex failures or hidden mechanical bugs. They’re basic, often overlooked issues that only get attention once a car is up on the…

In the aftermath of what many considered a successful G20, the first on African soil, and the subdued Tuesday handover ceremonies, held quietly far from the glare of the media, the US responded. Washington’s reply was swift, voiced through the mouth and pen of US President Donald Trump, who declared that South Africa “will not receive an invitation” to the 2026 G20 Summit in Florida, a statement that reverberated far beyond Washington. On its surface, it is provocative – beneath it, a test of global order, forcing a reckoning between multilateral norms and unilateral prerogatives, between what the G20 was designed to be and the reality that raw power sometimes imposes. At first glance, this appears as a clash of personalities. But beyond the headlines, the dispute exposes a deeper…

Your retirement investments are not static. They need to be reviewed from time to time in accordance with an overall retirement plan, and there will be times in your life when changes will need to be made. It is prudent to reduce investment risk as you get older, especially once you have retired. However, it is also widely agreed among investment experts that, to generate enough income for what may be a long retirement, you may need to maintain a relatively substantial portion of higher-risk investments all the way through. Investment risk is the probability of your investment not performing as expected, typically through market volatility. When you have time on your side, volatility, which is a short-term risk, should not be a concern; in fact, it is necessary to…

If you have worked in the UK and are eligible to claim a state pension, now is the time to act. Big changes are coming. UK expats who once worked in Britain face a closing window of opportunity to secure affordable access to the state pension. The UK government has announced that from April 2026, voluntary National Insurance contributions for those living abroad will rise sharply, and eligibility rules will tighten. At present, anyone who has lived and worked in the UK for at least three years can voluntarily pay £182 (around R4 000) per year to add extra qualifying years to their pension record. This has allowed many South Africans who previously worked in Britain to build up enough years to receive a pension when they retire. But from…

Unbeaten log leaders Cape Town were made to sweat before booking their place in the senior final of the Spar National Netball Championships with a pulsating 57-51 semi-final victory over Dr Kenneth Kaunda in Ekurhuleni yesterday afternoon. They will take on Johannesburg in today’s final, after the defending champions survived an even bigger scare, narrowly prevailing 46-45 over Mangaung in the second semi-final at Dr EG Jansen High School. Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Mangaung only secured their semi-final spots with victories in rain-postponed matches early yesterday with the extra exertion eventually taking its toll late in the afternoon contests. Cape Town goal attack Nicholé Breedt said her side’s come-from-behind victory over Mangaung on Thursday had prepared them for the tough semi-final encounter. “I think we proved yesterday that we can…

Cup finals don’t simply unfold – they are seized, shaped, and sometimes stolen by individuals bold enough to command the moment. As Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants collide with silverware at stake, all signs point to a battle that will be decided by a handful of players whose form and flair have illuminated this tournament. For Pirates, Oswin Appollis has evolved into the club’s most lethal weapon off the bench. The winger carries an infectious energy, always darting at defenders, always asking questions. His goal against Chippa United showcased his sharp instincts, while the assist versus Durban City underlined a growing maturity in decision-making. With four goals and six assists across competitions, Appollis has quietly shifted from a squad option to a genuine game influencer – the kind who can…

Liverpool travel to Leeds this weekend with mounting questions over whether Arne Slot can halt the slide, while in-form Aston Villa take aim at Premier League leaders Arsenal. Slot’s defending champions are showing an alarming vulnerability at the back, with the poor form of captain Virgil van Dijk a growing cause for concern. It is a different story for watertight Arsenal, but the Gunners face a tricky trip to Unai Emery’s Villa. Here are three talking points ahead of the action this weekend. Van Dijk errors mount Mohamed Salah’s faltering form has been a major talking point during Liverpool’s dramatic collapse, but Virgil van Dijk is now also firmly in the firing line. The club’s success in tying down two of their modern greats on new contracts in April was…

Foreign residents living in Saudi Arabia say that restrictions on the sale of alcohol have been further relaxed, just days after non-diplomats were first able to buy booze in the conservative kingdom. Non-Muslim foreign residents earning at least 50 000 riyals a month (R227 175) are now able to purchase drinks at the country’s sole alcohol shop in Riyadh, according to six people who spoke to AFP. Late last month, premium visa-holders were able to buy booze in Riyadh, marking the first time residents who were not foreign diplomats were able to purchase alcohol at the shop in the capital's diplomatic quarter. And then the rules were quietly eased again. In recent days, individuals said they provided their residency documents to staff at the shop, who then checked their salary…