Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-07 i Saturday Star

Eminem’s publishing company, Eight Mile Style, filed a lawsuit accusing Meta of unlawfully using 243 of his songs without permission. According to court papers dated May 30 and seen by E! News, the rapper (real name Marshall Mathers) alleges that Meta allowed the “unauthorised storage, reproduction and exploitation” of his music across its platforms. The lawsuit specifically points fingers at features like Reels and Original Audio, claiming these tools encourage users to use music, including Eminem’s, without proper licensing or credit. Now, the multi-Grammy Award- winner is demanding financial compensation for what he calls the theft of his creative work. He’s asking for either lost profits or damages from Meta’s earnings or the maximum statutory damages of $150 000 (about R2.1 million) for each track, which adds up to more…

South African consumers may face higher meat prices this winter as outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, an avian flu-related ban on Brazilian poultry imports, and financial turmoil in the local poultry sector tighten supply. Prices of mechanically deboned meat (MDM) have already surged by 140%, pushing up costs for processed products like polony, while disruptions in the beef sector create a complex picture for meat affordability - posing particular challenges for lower-income households. Gordon Nicoll, chairperson of the South African Meat Processors Association (SAMPA), outlined the challenges: “We’re currently facing a serious supply issue when it comes to raw materials, specifically mechanically deboned meat from Brazil. The problem isn’t just about price anymore; it’s about whether you can get stock at all. That’s the first issue.” Mechanically deboned meat is essential…

Police have offered a R100 000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the gunmen behind a deadly shooting at the Mfuleni, Cape Town taxi rank on Friday morning that left four people dead and three others injured, including a commuter. Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the incident took place around 6am at the old taxi rank when two unknown gunmen opened fire, striking seven people before fleeing the scene. “Of the seven victims, one was a commuter that was injured,” said Potelwa. The Western Cape Taxi Violence Unit has since launched a full investigation and is pursuing several leads. No arrests have yet been made, but detectives are pursuing several leads. The shooting, believed to be linked to ongoing taxi-related tensions, has drawn widespread…

Performance-enhancing drugs destroy the bodies, minds and reputations of athletes. Nonetheless, a group of investors, including Peter Thiel and Donald Trump jr, see a business opportunity. They recently announced the first edition of the Enhanced Games – a kind of doping Olympics in which athletes are allowed and even encouraged to take performance-enhancing drugs – will be held in Las Vegas next May. It’s a perverse concept, but that hasn’t stopped four Olympians from already signing on. Other athletes will likely follow, lured by millions of dollars in prize money and appearance fees. The actual Olympics have nothing to do with this, but the world’s most popular sporting event isn’t blameless. Its business model, under which athletes are paid little – if anything – creates the opportunity for…

Julia Reynolds, a Grade 9 Treverton College student, is part of the KZN Western Riding Club which kicked off with their first show for 2025, The “Giants Classic.” Julia rode her horse Bronco Fare Chic Olena with the following results: • Ranch Trail – 1st (in all age groups) • Ranch Reining – 2nd in youth and 4th overall (in all age groups) • Ranch Cow – 2nd youth & 3rd overall (in all age groups) • Combined Reining Cow Horse – 3rd overall Congratulations Julia.…

South Africa’s top winemakers are headed to Johannesburg for the annual Stellenbosch Winter Wine Showcase, which returns to the City of Gold with a full line-up of tastings, food pairings, and festive flair. Taking place on June 9, 10 and 11, the showcase will bring together more than 40 wineries and winemakers from the country’s most awarded wine region. Attendees will have the chance to sip premium wines, engage with the people who make them, and discover why Stellenbosch remains the heart of South African wine. The events - happening in both Soweto and Sandton - will feature big names like Ntsiki Biyela of Aslina Wines, Shawn Matthyse of Ken Forrester Wines, Dirk van Zyl of Glenelly Wines, Rianie Strydom of Cavalli Estate and Narina Cloete of Blaauwklippen Estate.…

Award-winning media personality, actress, and South Africa’s first working model with albinism, Refilwe Modiselle, has entered the literary world with her debut children’s book, Zizi’s World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes. The book tells the story of a young girl with albinism who moves to a new city and learns to embrace her uniqueness despite challenges. Zizi, a confident girl supported by loving parents, faces uncertainty when she starts primary school and notices few people look like her. With her parents’ help, she finds strength in her identity. Zizi’s World is aimed at children aged 4 to 12 and addresses the everyday experiences of children with albinism while encouraging empathy and respect among all readers. The story tackles misconceptions about albinism, especially in African communities, and reflects authentic South African settings…

At a studio in central Johannesburg, dancers from various countries moved together to the rhythm of South Africa's amapiano sound that is taking social media by storm. With energy and purpose, they rehearsed a sequence in the style of the house music subgenre born on the streets of the townships around 15 years ago and now showcased by stars like Beyonce and Tyla. Soweto's Finest Dance Studio draws dancers of all kinds - from ballerinas to party-goers - to learn the amapiano moves sweeping the world through TikTok tutorials and challenges. Amapiano "is not about the words but you feel it inside of you," said Venus Chidinma, 25, a professional dancer from New York who studied at the studio for several weeks. "It doesn't matter where you come from, what…

University of the Western Cape Analytical Chemistry Prof Priscilla Baker's groundbreaking career has earned her the top global recognition as the 2025 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate, for Africa and the Arab States. In a world where healthcare disparities persist and women remain underrepresented in science, Prof Baker is breaking barriers with her pioneering research in wearable electrochemical sensors while advocating for greater inclusivity in STEM fields. Growing up in Bellville South, Prof Baker said that, until recently, she would still go back to her old high school to motivate learners. Like many high schoolers in the mid-1980s, under PW Botha’s State of Emergency, her schooling was also disrupted as she started matric in 1986. However, Prof Baker’s path to scientific leadership was fraught with obstacles. In 1990,…

The Big Bang is often described as the explosive birth of the universe – a singular moment when space, time and matter sprang into existence. But what if this was not the beginning at all? What if our universe emerged from something else – something more familiar and radical at the same time? In a new paper, published in Physical Review D, my colleagues and I propose a striking alternative. Our calculations suggest the Big Bang was not the start of everything, but rather the outcome of a gravitational crunch or collapse that formed a very massive black hole – followed by a bounce inside it. This idea, which we call the black hole universe, offers a radically different view of cosmic origins, yet it is grounded entirely in known…

It shocked me to learn that the Trump administration in the United States, with the assistance of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, had dismembered and severely impeded the function of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This US government agency was established in 2011 under President Barack Obama in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2008. According to the US Treasury Department, the bureau is tasked with the responsibility to “promote fairness and transparency for mortgages, credit cards, and other consumer financial products and services”. On its website, the CFPB says its central mission “is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans – whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other…

South Africa faces many challenges, but a clear trend is emerging of expats returning home. Stats SA’s Migration Profile Report for South Africa, released last year, shows that since 2000, the number of South Africans in the UK has grown from 136,720 to 247,336. But in a move that some have dubbed “reverse emigration”, many are heading back. The top reasons for coming back range from missing the South African lifestyle and family and friends, to the bad weather and high cost of living in the UK. The UK is significantly more expensive than South Africa, especially when it comes to housing, eating out, and labour costs. For the same income, South Africa offers families better homes, an affordable lifestyle, and access to good schools. Here are the financial…

Springbok Women's skipper Anathi Qolo said being handed the armband for the 2025 Rugby Women's Africa Cup in Madagascar helped unlock hidden leadership potential. The Bulls Daisies lock will guide the SA team in the defence of their title at Stade Makis in Antananarivo that kicks off with today's clash against Uganda (noon kickoff). Kenya and Madagascar are the other two teams taking part in the tournament. “I never thought that I have leadership skills in me until I got this opportunity to lead this brilliant pack," Qolo told Independent Media Sport exclusively this week. The number of experienced players included in the squad named yesterday will surely only help the new skipper find her feet. Qolo will captain a Springbok Women's side with a combined 174 caps in…

SA hockey star Onthatile Zulu is looking forward to her first big tournament experience since the Paris Olympics, as she embraces her role as one of the veterans in a young national team brimming with exciting talent. The SA women’s national hockey team is gearing up for the FIH Women’s Hockey Nations Cup 2 tournament in Poland from June 16 to 22 that includes Uruguay, Malaysia and hosts Poland. It is a platform for emerging national teams to showcase their talent on the international stage, with the opportunity to gain promotion to the FIH Nations Cup. “Preparations are going well. Although I haven’t been centralised with the team, playing league games weekly and training have helped me prepare physically and mentally,” said the 25-year-old hockey player who is based in…

Coco Gauff said she will try to downplay the magnitude of todays French Open final against Aryna Sabalenka and learn from her runner-up finish at Roland Garros three years ago. The 21-year-old American swept into her third Grand Slam singles final with a 6-1, 6-2 win that put an abrupt end to surprise French hero Lois Boisson’s improbable run in Paris. Gauff lost the 2022 French Open final to Iga Swiatek before beating Sabalenka a year later to capture her first major title at the US Open. She said she is a much more confident player than the teenager beaten in her maiden Grand Slam final. “My first final here I was super nervous, and I kind of wrote myself off before the match even happened,” said Gauff, the world…

In a bid to improve visitor experiences and alleviate congestion during the bustling summer tourism months, Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced the extension of visiting hours for various museums and archaeological sites. The programme, which follows a successful trial period in summer 2024, seeks to allow tourists to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage under cooler evening skies. As of June 1 to October 1, an impressive roster of 27 historic and cultural attractions will be at the public’s disposal well into the night. While most sites will close by 9pm, some, including the iconic Istanbul Archaeological Museum and the majestic Hagia Sophia, will extend their hours until 11pm. This initiative not only provides greater accessibility but also enhances the ambience of these spectacular sites, with the…

7 reasons to experience a South African safari for a roaring winter adventure As the chill of winter envelops Mzansi, it heralds the start of a much-anticipated safari season. From the sun-kissed shores of Cape Town to the sprawling savannas of Limpopo, South Africa offers a spectacular array of safari getaways that promise not just adventure but also a connection with nature like no other. The peak of the safari season typically runs from May to October, when animals gather at water sources and the sparse vegetation allows for clearer, more intimate animal sightings. With areas like the Kruger, Pilanesberg, Hluhluwe, Madikwe and Welgevonden coming alive, here are compelling reasons to embrace the magic of a safari this winter. See the Big Five without the fuss: There’s an exquisite thrill…

Social media has become a lifeline for many seeking mental health support, with platforms like TikTok offering a space where users share personal stories, coping tips, and advice. But beneath the surface of bite-sized videos and catchy #mentalhealthtips lies a troubling reality: misinformation is rife, and it’s spreading fast. A recent investigation by The Guardian revealed that more than half of the top 100 mental health advice videos on TikTok contain misleading or outright false information. The problem with TikTok therapy From eating an orange in the shower to reduce anxiety to promoting supplements like saffron and holy basil as cure-alls, the mental health advice circulating on TikTok is often dubious at best. Some videos claim that trauma can be resolved in an hour, while others mislabel normal emotional experiences…

Nearly 30 years after their breakthrough movie, Goodwill Hunting, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck will be sharing the screen in their upcoming crime thriller, The Rip. This collaboration marks another chapter in their long-standing friendship that dates back to elementary school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where their journey began as neighbours and best friends. The film, directed by writer Joe Carnahan, known for his work on films such as Narc and Smokin’ Aces, features a stellar cast that includes Steven Yeun, Kyle Chandler, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Sasha Calle. Produced by Artists Equity, the artist-led studio founded by Damon and Affleck in 2022, The Rip promises a gripping narrative infused with personal experience and the classic spirit of 1970s cop thrillers. Carnahan said in an online interview: “Working with…

The scene is set for a spectacular second-last round of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and at least one South African team will again contest the final this year. It will be the fourth season in a row where a local franchise features, which underpins the strength of SA rugby sides in the European tournament. Who will the team in the final be? That will be answered this evening in Pretoria. The Bulls will host the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld (6.15 pm start) and with home ground as their ally and news that Bok lock Eben Etzebeth is out of the semis, the hosts are in the inside lane to make it through to another final. They can still host a final should defending champions, the Glasgow Warriors, triumph over…

The KwaZulu-Natal Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has confirmed that the province is ready to deal with the cold front this weekend which will affect the 98th Comrades Marathon. On Friday, Buthelezi said that after receiving alerts from the South African Weather Service (Saws) on Thursday, disaster management centres were activated to ensure a co-ordinated response and issue the early warning notifications. Saws predicted very cold weather in KZN starting Sunday evening and lasting until Tuesday. The province was also mentioned as one of eight provinces where disruptive snowfall is likely. "We would like to reassure all runners, spectators, visitors, businesses, motorists and residents that our disaster management teams are fully prepared to respond to any incidents that may result from the extreme weather," said the…

Fifty-one days have passed since the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) requested a response from Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni regarding allegations that South African-made weapons are being used in conflicts abroad, yet no official reply has been received. The controversy began during a JSCD meeting on April 4, 2025, when Carl Niehaus, the EFF’s permanent representative on the committee, raised concerns about South Africa’s arms exports. Niehaus accused the government of neglecting its responsibility to monitor and regulate weapons sales to conflict-affected countries, including Israel and Ukraine. In response to these serious allegations, Ntshavheni requested additional evidence to support Niehaus's claims. Subsequently, on April 14, Niehaus submitted a comprehensive 11-page letter outlining South Africa’s obligations under key international treaties, such as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the United Nations Register…

Gabi Matos looks the quintessential doting mom as she changes Ravi's nappy, cooing reassuringly as he stares up at her. But this Brazilian "newborn" doesn't seem to mind having his nappy changed. In fact, he has no real emotions whatsoever. Ravi is a hyper-realistic doll with an eerie resemblance to an actual infant. Some of the so-called "reborn" dolls cry, suck dummies, pee, have nails, eyelashes and veins. But what really sets them apart from traditional dolls with waxy, smooth complexion is their puckered features and blotchy skin. Blink and you could mistake the bundle in the stroller in Rio de Janeiro for the real thing. Demand for these replica babies, which first emerged in the United States in the early 1990s, targeting adults chiefly, has rocketed in the South…

A golden egg, or an alien, on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean? Scientists have discovered a mysterious dome-shaped specimen deep on the Alaskan seafloor. Ocean researchers using a remotely operated survey vehicle were amazed last week when they spotted the strange item on a rock about 3 300m deep in the Gulf of Alaska. It is over 10cm in diameter and has a small tear near its base. “As cameras zoomed in, scientists were stumped as to its identification, with initial thoughts ranging from a dead sponge attachment, to coral, to an egg casing,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. “Invoking almost fairytale-like imagery, the specimen has since been dubbed a ‘golden orb’ and even a ‘golden egg’.” As theories swirled, including that of it being an…

In a country where children and young people are far too often victims of unspeakable violence, Afrika Tikkun, a leading non-profit organisation, is calling on every South African to take a stand during Child Protection Week 2025, under the urgent and timely theme: “Every Conversation Matters.” The devastating cases of children like Cwecwe, and more recently Olerato Phali, a brilliant young Wits University student whose life was violently taken, are not isolated tragedies. They are echoes of a deeper crisis threatening our communities. These names must not become statistics. They must be the reason we rise. This week is a call to action, not observation. It is a week of walking, speaking, listening, and learning together. The protection and safety of our children cannot wait. Not one more child should…

The final whistle has blown on the 2024/25 Premier League season, and as the dust settles, one electrifying name echoes louder than most: Antoine Semenyo. AFC Bournemouth's relentless, marauding Ghanaian forward didn't just play – he dominated, leaving defenders in his wake and fans on the edge of their seats. We managed to corner the man himself for a chat, diving deep into the season that saw him explode onto the Premier League stage. Get ready to hear his incredible story, in his own words. Bournemouth have reached incredible heights this season. What do you think has clicked this season? I think it started from pre-season, really. I think everyone was just ready to go. Kind of repeat what we'd done the season before. And I think we've exceeded the…

English footballer David Beckham is set to receive a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours list next week. The 50-year-old father of four has long been considered a prime candidate for the honour, thanks to his contributions to football and charity. He was previously honoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to football. At the time, Beckham had already achieved remarkable success on the pitch, having captained the England national team. Beckham, a Manchester United legend and now the owner of Inter Miami, retired from professional football in 2013 but has continued to serve as an ambassador for British sport and culture. His work with charities, including Unicef. He has been a…

As the nation reels from the brutal discovery of 14-year-old Lukhona Fose’s mutilated body in a Roodepoort field, the horror of her killing lands in the shadow of two other recent tragedies: a mother sentenced for trafficking her missing six-year-old daughter Joshlin Smith, and another accused of poisoning her two-year-old to conceal the child’s gender. All three cases point to a disturbing and growing pattern of ritual, occult and gender-based violence against children - often with women, shockingly, cast as perpetrators or enablers. The SAPS’s specialised occult unit has now been called in to investigate Lukhona’s killing, after her body was found partially hidden under vegetation, her genitalia removed - fueling fears the murder may have been a hate crime or a muthi killing. The Grade 8 learner’s grandmother raised…

Michael September, a respected community leader from Mamre, is working to realise a long-held dream: to create a Centre of Excellence for Disabled People that brings support, dignity, and opportunity to those often left behind. For years, Michael has led Lief en Leed, a grassroots organisation he helped establish in the 1980s to support disabled people in his community. From skills training to handcraft projects, food distribution and social inclusion events, the organisation has made a meaningful impact but September said it’s time to grow. “A lot of people are still being left behind,” he explained. “We did a survey earlier this year and found 146 disabled people in Mamre who are not involved in any support programmes, not working, and not connected to anything. We need to reach…

When we think of bakkies, our attention mostly is focused on double cabs ranging from the super luxurious to entry-level versions. However, there’s an entire industry out there that exclusively uses single cabs purely as workhorses to transport goods. Look at the courier companies, builders, agriculture, FMCG companies, mining, and add conversions like emergency services, mobile workshops and fridges to understand the versatility. Base model It’s not often that we get a base model single cab on test, never mind a converted dropside, which was the case with the converted Ford Ranger in the driveway. It forms part of their new Ford Pro Converter (FPC) programme that transforms vehicles for the commercial market. It’s not restricted to the Ranger and also includes the Everest SUV and Transit van. On the…

On May 22, 2024, at a joint IEC- Unisa engagement hosted at the UnisaDurban campus, I had the privilege of presenting my research on electronic voting (e-voting) in South Africa. The audience – comprising about 200 participants from academia, civil society, and industry – grappled with the future of elections in a digital democracy. Core concerns included the digital divide, inadequate voter education and the technical infrastructure required to support secure and inclusive e-voting. Amid this robust debate, one audience member posed an intriguing question: Why not piggyback on banking apps or ATMs to collect votes securely? The suggestion – lateral and bold –demands thoughtful consideration, as it taps into the increasing appetite for leveraging familiar, trusted technologies to solve public challenges. We must have clear credible reasons for any…

Thulani Cele was, very sadly, a victim of low economic growth and the receiving end of retrenchments. While he did the smart thing and started making payment arrangements to cover his loans, especially one he took out to do an MBA, paperwork around an insurance policy that would have helped cover part of this loan somehow got lost in the mix. While not commenting on this particular matter, Denise Gabriels, Lead Ombud at the Life Insurance Division of the National Financial Ombud Scheme, said it’s important to not only read the paperwork carefully but also to check bank statements. “There is a general duty on clients to go through their financial statements. “This may alert the client that a credit life insurance premium is included in their loan instalment, and…

Delays in winding up an estate can create unnecessary hardship for grieving families, and while the Master’s Office is often blamed for backlogs, the root cause frequently lies in poor or incomplete estate planning. Ensuring your estate is structured and documented properly can go a long way in easing the burden on your loved ones during an emotionally taxing time. Original Will cannot be located: One of the first requirements when reporting a deceased estate is providing the Master’s Office with the original Will and any codicils. If your loved ones are unaware of the location of your original Will or unsure whether you even have one, this can lead to significant delays. Locating the Will may require contacting your bank, financial planner, attorney, or insurance company, which can take…

Johan Goosen trained like he hasn’t been away and that is one of the reasons why Jake White included him in the Bulls’ starting team for the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld. The Pretoria side will look to snap a two-match losing streak this season on Saturday evening (6.15 pm kick-off) as they aim for a consecutive finals berth in the tournament. Goosen is the only change to the starting lineup, with Keagan Johannes dropping to the bench for the do-or-die duel. White says considering how well Goosen has played next to scrumhalf Embrose Papier and inside centre Harold Vorster, he has no doubt the flyhalf will slot in with ease. “One thing about him (Johan) is that he is always in and out…

Spain starlet Lamine Yamal said tomorrow's Nations League final against Portugal would give him the chance to "prove who I am" after helping his side past France in the semis on Thursday. Yamal scored twice and was named Player of the Match in a 5-4 win over the French in Stuttgart, sealing progress to this weekend's Nations League final against their Iberian rivals. A late French flourish obscured Spain's dominance, with La Roja cruising at 5-1 before dropping their intensity, allowing France to score three late goals. As they did on their way to winning Euro 2024 in Germany last season, Spain's success was built on the foundation of wingers Yamal and Nico Williams. Williams, who got a goal of his own and set up another, was Player of the…

Weddings are often a reflection of the couple’s personality and values, but what happens when a guest takes control of the menu? One Redditor shared her experience on the Wedding Shaming forum after attending a friend's wedding that unexpectedly went all-vegan. The twist, however, was that neither the bride nor the groom was vegan. “A good friend of mine from college was about to get married, which I was happy and excited for,” she wrote. But things got strange a few weeks before the big day. “She calls to tell me that the wedding will be vegan. She wanted me not to tell my partner because she was afraid he wouldn’t go.” She reassured the bride, noting that while her partner had the “palate of a four-year-old,” he was still…

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Teyana Taylor and Sherri Shepherd, who are part of the principal cast of Tyler Perry’s thriller, Straw. Now these phenomenal women are legends in the industry – and not just for acting. Taylor is a respected singer, songwriter, model, dancer, choreographer and music video director, while Shepherd is also a daytime talk show host as well as podcaster and comedian. Engaging with them, even briefly, was mind-blowing. Especially with it being about a project that undeniably carries Perry’s signature ability to portray poignant stories of socioeconomic hardship. He’s proven his Midas touch in his popular Madea franchise and Good Deeds. Straw dropped on Netflix yesterday. It centres on Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson), a single mother with a sick little girl,…

South African former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius took part in a triathlon in Durban last weekend, 12 years after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in a crime that drew worldwide attention. Pistorius, 38, was freed from jail in January 2024 after completing more than half his sentence and is on parole until 2029. Singabakho Nxumalo, spokesperson for South Africa's Department of Correctional Services, said Pistorius had approval to attend the race, the Ironman 70.3 Durban. "There was no breach of his parole conditions," Nxumalo said. Conrad Dormehl, an attorney for Pistorius, confirmed Pistorius had participated in the Durban race. "This forms part of his rehabilitation into society. While he particularly enjoyed participating in the event and seems to have been bitten by the bug that is triathlon, he isn't eyeing…

If you’ve flown through Denver lately, you may have noticed the luggage hanging from the ceiling. Painted in pastel hues mimicking the colours of the Rockies at sunrise, nearly 200 suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks, briefcases and other personal items hover above Concourse B at Denver International Airport. Arranged in a loop that resembles an infinity sign, the three-ton, 26-foot-long art installation by Thomas “Detour” Evans is meant to symbolise the stories that each traveller carries. “Bags are so universal and hold so much history, so it felt like a no-brainer that I use them as the medium,” Detour said. This addition, titled “It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back,” is the latest in the airport’s vast and ambitious public art programme. The collection has long been a…

The Masque, on Youth Day, will hold its first-ever Battle of the Bands: High School Edition. Enjoy the high-octane energy and talent of four high school bands that have been mentored by industry professionals to present this afternoon of entertainment and community pride. The event takes place on Youth Day, June 16 at 2pm. Bands taking part include ReHab (Fish Hoek High); Entropy (Muizenberg High); The Honeys (Muizenberg High) and Chromatic Kisses (Westridge High). These incredible young artists have been hand selected and guided by top local musicians and performers in a mentorship programme that has helped sharpen their skills and boost their confidence. Battle of the Bands: High School Edition is part of The Masque’s commitment to creating accessible platforms for youth engagement in the arts, celebrating talent, building…

Breakups can be catastrophic, and when they happen on a global stage, they morph from private heartbreaks into public spectacles. Add social media into the mix, and it’s a full-blown circus. Such is the case with Elon Musk and (US President) Donald Trump, whose relationship has unravelled in a way that’s equal parts cringeworthy, comedic, and political chaos. Since Musk’s exit from his government role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on May 30, the gloves have come off. And while most breakups involve a few sharp words, maybe an awkward run-in at the grocery store, this one comes with viral tweets, passive-aggressive barbs, and a nation’s economic future hanging in the balance. In true breakup fashion, even the ex got involved. Ashley St Clair, Musk’s former partner…

As June dawns and South Africa steps into Pride Month, the contradiction between what is promised and what is lived becomes impossible to ignore. On paper, South Africa boasts one of the most progressive constitutions in the world - a beacon of equality, dignity, and protection for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. But for many in the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those living on the margins, that promise remains unfulfilled. Legal protections offer hope, but discrimination persists, violence goes unchecked, and many queer South Africans still live in fear, forced to justify their existence in a society that too often refuse to see them. For organisations like Ilitha Labantu, Pride Month is not just about rainbow flags and celebration - it is a solemn call to affirm the…

Sho’t left, tjom, chakalaka, boerewors, braai, chesanyama, vuvuzela, braai broodjie, brandewyn, bra, boet, broer, bakkie. You don’t get more South African than that, and when you are standing around a braai fire, the discussion inevitably turns to South Africa’s favourite vehicle – the bakkie – because they’re embedded in our cultural heritage. Test of time And while the death march slowly plays for saloon cars as everyone clamours to get behind the wheel of an SUV or Crossover, the bakkie continues to stand the test of time. In a country like South Africa with its vast distances, rural areas with gravel roads and the need to transport goods and people, bakkies will always be the first choice. If you’ve travelled to isolated rural areas with their limited infrastructure, bakkies play…

Every year, tax season creeps up on us, and somehow, despite all our good intentions, many of us still scramble at the last minute. With Sars officially opening the 2025 tax filing season from July 7 to October 20, now is the time to get your affairs in order before the inevitable rush. There’s good news for taxpayers—Sars has streamlined the process through auto assessments, meaning that a large group of non-provisional and provisional taxpayers will receive pre-completed tax returns based on third-party data from employers, medical aids, and pension funds. Those affected will be notified between July 7 and 20, and if the information is accurate, there’s no further action needed. If corrections are necessary, changes can be submitted via eFiling before the October 20 deadline. For those not…

Historically, trusts’ financials, if they were prepared, did not receive the attention they deserved from trustees. Typically, under pressure from often unforeseen deadlines, it was left to the accountant to make do with bank statements, if they existed for the trust, or to literally compile the trust’s financial statements on a one-page journal, massaging the numbers until they appeared satisfactory. The loan account usually serves as the balancing entry to balance the figures. Clearly, no supporting documents, such as resolutions and loan agreements, were in place, and the accountant had little understanding of the trust’s affairs to enable them to question or interrogate the numbers. In a tax case, Taxpayer D v CSars (IT 35476), in which the Johannesburg Tax Court delivered judgment on 5 February 2025, a taxpayer ended…

GERDA Steyn's status as a firm favourite to win the women’s race in tomorrow’s Comrades Marathon is a given. Sure, there are some competitive runners who are likely to run her close. But you are not going to find punters putting high odds against her. The men’s race on the other hand is not so clear-cut. As it is, predicting a winner is tantamount to attempting to tell dark blue from black in the dark – impossible. But that has never stopped us from trying to play Nostradamus, has it? And I am not going to start now and shirk out of having a go. The South African in me of course wants one of our own to keep the title home. And there are a few athletes who can…

Australia pacer Scott Boland, who is finally "pain-free" for the first time in 18 months, is determined to give selectors a tough decision as he pushes for a place in the World Test Championship final next week, ahead of Josh Hazlewood. The 36-year-old seamer is fighting for a spot in the WTC final XI, despite being named Player of the Match in his most recent Test appearance against India in Sydney this January. He was left out of the squad during the Sri Lanka tour, where Australia opted for one fast bowler and three spinners in both Tests. Since then, Boland hasn't played any cricket, last appearing for Victoria in the second-last match of the Sheffield Shield season in early March, due to persistent knee soreness. "I'm happy with how…

Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad has named a 16-player squad for the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, set to take place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from 28 June - 10 July. Test captain Temba Bavuma will lead the group that includes five uncapped players. Among the new faces are Momentum Multiply Titans batting duo Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane, both of whom have received their maiden call-ups to the national setup. They are joined in the squad by another first-timer DP World Lions fast bowler Codi Yusuf. At just 19, Pretorius enjoyed a breakout season in the CSA 4-Day Series. He struck three hundreds in five first-class games at an impressive average of 72.66, including a crucial 114 in the final that helped secure a hard-fought…

As winter blankets South Africa in its cold embrace, many sun-thirsty South Africans find solace in dreaming of vibrant summer days gone by. The warmth of summer in Europe presents the perfect opportunity for these sun worshippers to swop winter coats for beachwear and escape to sunny island getaways. These islands not only promise sunshine but also a unique blend of relaxation, adventure and a chance to leave the mundane behind. Explorers looking for warmth are in for a treat as Europe boasts a myriad islands, ranging from country-sized hideaways to quaint rocky outcrops. Here are some winning island destinations sure to banish the winter blues. Procida, Italy: An authentic Italian escape Set in the picturesque Gulf of Naples, the small island of Procida is a hidden gem that captures…

The landscape of visa applications for travellers – including those from South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini – heading to Germany is set for a significant shift. In a decision announced by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, the remonstration procedure, which previously allowed applicants to appeal visa denials, will be abolished starting on July 1. This change comes as part of a broader effort to streamline the visa application process. Until recently, applicants who faced visa rejection could challenge the decision through an appeal process, which, while not legally mandated, was a common practice within the visa sections of German foreign missions. However, findings from a pilot project conducted across various German embassies revealed that suspending this procedure could enhance efficiency. Since June 1, 2023, this project has been trialled, and the…