Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-28 i Saturday Star

Celebrity couple Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom have reportedly split after being together for nearly a decade. The news of their separation comes after Bloom was spotted attending the high-profile wedding celebrations of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice as a “single man”. According to TMZ, Bloom is reportedly embracing his newly single life following his rumoured split from the Roar hit-maker, while the singer is on her LifeTimes Tour in Australia and will not attend the star-studded wedding. The separation rumours have been making the rounds for the past few weeks after Perry was spotted without her engagement ring while on tour. The 40-year-old was also spotted without the ring in her latest Instagram post. To add fuel to the fire, while performing, the singer made a…

Two Reddam House schools recently demonstrated their choral excellence at one of South Africa’s most esteemed cultural showcases – the Drakensberg Boys Choir’s Music in the Mountains Festival – hosted on the school’s picturesque campus in the heart of the Drakensberg. Invitations to perform at this prestigious event are typically extended only to top-tier ensembles, making the inclusion of both Reddam House Umhlanga and Reddam House Waterfall a significant honour. For Reddam House Umhlanga, the invitation marked a continuation of an already growing relationship with the renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS), following earlier collaborations. Celebrated for their uniquely South African flair, musical discipline, and captivating stage presence, the Umhlanga choir earned high praise from both DBCS members and appreciative audiences. College Head at Reddam House Umhlanga, Shelley Peringuey, said:…

AI is currently generating widespread discussion, from debates about its potential to end humanity to excitement over innovations like ChatGPT, with its rapid progress likened to the world wide web's seismic shift 32 years ago. However, what's often overlooked is Africa's absence in the data that powers AI. Less than 5% of AI training data pertains to Africa and less than 3% of that 5% comes from the continent itself, highlighting a significant gap in representation. In this context, what does AI mean for Africa and what does it mean for African food systems? Will it help dismantle the power structures that reinforce injustice and drive bad outcomes, or will it turbo-charge them? What difference can we make in re-shaping our food system to be more healthy, sustainable and just…

Premium fashion brand from Johannesburg, Lugar Couture is expanding its footprint to other provinces with the launch of a new store in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, just days ahead of the annual Durban July festival. With just a year in business, Lugar Couture has quickly carved out a niche in the luxury fashion market, attracting a high-profile clientele that includes corporate and public figures. The brand’s growing reputation for elegance, exclusivity, and premium tailoring has driven its expansion into KwaZulu-Natal. The new Umhlanga store will be officially launched tomorrow, at the Protea Fire & Ice Hotel. The opening of the new franchise coincides with the brand’s first anniversary and will also serve as a celebration of its growth. Ticket holders and invited guests will get a first look at the collection…

At the screening of the Legacy of Hope documentary premiere, Executive Chairman of the Sekunjalo Group, and guest of honour, Dr Iqbal Survé highlighted the importance of solidarity among the Global South, and building solidarity amongst South Africans at home. The issues of inclusivity, unity and global solidarity was among the top points highlighted by panelists at the premiere of the "Legacy of Hope" documentary, which took place on Thursday, at The Wave Theatre Café in Cape Town. Organised by Zoetic Management, in collaboration with Moja Multimedia, “Legacy of Hope, Freedom Through Solidarity: The Russia, Cuba, South African Chapter” is a new documentary exploring the crucial role of international support in ending apartheid. Many people gathered to hear panel members, which included members of parliament, Bheki Radebe and Fadiel Adams,…

STANDING in the vast ruins of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, hundreds of gulls circle above. Their haunting cries echo voices from 1 800 years ago. Today, the bare shell of what was one of Rome’s largest bath complexes mostly sits empty, occasionally playing host to opera performances. But what were the baths of ancient Rome actually like back then? And why were the Romans so into public bathing? While living in Rome for almost a year, I noticed the remains of ancient baths (thermae in Latin) everywhere. Virtually every emperor built them, and by the middle of the fourth century there were 952 public baths in the city. The largest were the baths built by the emperor Diocletian (284–305). Around 3 000 people a day could bathe at…

While reviewing the Ford Wildtrak Supercab, the question most people asked me is: “Can you sit in the back?” The short answer is: “No, and it should not be used as such.” That said, if it is raining or cold or driven by need, I would sit in the back, but it is squashed and uncomfortable. And if you are just a bit taller than I am (1.74m), then it will be far too tight with limited leg room. It was certainly not suited for the road trip we were venturing out on. There are no seats, no backrest and no safety belts. It is a safe, dust-free and spacious space to pack and store goods in, with two secure compartments, one of them housing the vehicle’s jack equipment and…

AI deepfakes, video game footage passed off as real combat, and chatbot-generated falsehoods – such tech-enabled misinformation – is distorting the Israel-Iran conflict, fuelling a war of narratives across social media. The information warfare that unfolded alongside ground combat – sparked by Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leadership – underscores a digital crisis in the age of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI tools) that have blurred the lines between truth and fabrication. The surge in wartime misinformation has exposed an urgent need for stronger detection tools, experts say, as major tech platforms have largely weakened safeguards by scaling back content moderation and reducing reliance on human fact-checkers. After Iran struck Israel with barrages of missiles last week, AI-generated videos falsely claimed to show damage inflicted on Tel…

The National Financial Ombud Ombud Scheme (NFO) has been operating for just over a year, and last week it released its first annual report, for 2024. The scheme incorporated the ombuds offices for insurance, banking and non-bank credit providers under an overarching Chief Ombud, with separate divisions for the different industries. Thus the annual report covers, among other things, consumer complaints across these financial services industries, with each division presenting its own statistics and case studies. (The report is available to download at nfosa.co.za – see QR) What struck me in the case studies for the banking and credit divisions was the number of cases that were decided in the complainant’s favour because of administrative failures on the part of the product provider, including the absence of transaction records. These…

Manchester City’s statement 5-2 hammering of Juventus in their final group stage game at the Club World Cup on Thursday left new captain Bernardo Silva purring over the new-look team’s future. After a frustrating trophyless season last term, City delivered a performance that indicated they have a real chance of battling for the title of world champions in New Jersey on July 13. “We’ve always been potential winners in all competitions that we play. Obviously it’s just one game, but we’re happy that the performance was the way it was. It shows that we’re improving, we’re coming back to the levels and to the standards that we got people used to at this club,” said Silva. “That’s good. That’s a good sign for next season. Not only for this competition,…

After a lengthy build-up, the Junior Springboks are “feeling the energy” ahead of their World Under-20 Championship opener against Australia in Italy on Sunday. Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote announced his match-23 on Friday for the clash against the Junior Wallabies at the San Michele Stadium in Calvisano (3.30pm SA time kick-off), which boasts a number of top-class youngsters eager to make their mark on the global stage. Powerful forward Bathobele Hlekani will hope to make a big impression at blindside flank, having featured for the SA Under-20 in last year’s tournament as well. The Junior Boks will be will be captained by Western Province lock Riley Norton, while other notable figures include fullback Gilermo Mentoe, flyhalf Vusi Moyo and scrumhalf Haashim Pead. “We are extremely excited about starting the…

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns may have exited the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the group stage with heads held high after showcasing an exhilarating style of play that resonated with fans and football pundits alike. In an interview aired on several social media platforms, renowned football icon Thierry Henry expressed his admiration for the South African club, acknowledging their spirited performances in a fiercely competitive Group F that included notable teams like Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense. Henry noted, “Looking at Group F, I must say, Mamelodi Sundowns were the one team that truly brought excitement to the game. Their style of football kept you on the edge of your seat.” While they faced challenges in securing advancement with just four points, Henry emphasised that their exit was…

The advent of a unique guided jogging tour through Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest township, has sparked a debate among netizens about the ethics and value of such an experience. Local tour operator ABCD Travel is at the centre of this controversy, offering both local and international tourists a chance to lace up their running shoes and jog through the township’s streets for R1 050 via Webtickets. The tour, which includes an introduction to Khayelitsha’s history and community, promises more than just a run – it offers insights into the growth of informal communities, the current population size of the township and its cultural dynamics. The experience also includes stops at a local school, a co-working space and a coffee shop. “This experience is perfect if you want to explore…

As part of efforts to diversify tourism offerings and promote rural tourism development, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille is set to launch a dinosaur interpretation centre in the Free State. The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre will provide a state-of-the-art visitor experience, nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Tourism, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Free State provincial government. This R120 million investment, funded by the EU through the South African National Treasury, represents a significant step forward in the country’s mission to create inclusive, educational and globally compelling tourism experiences. The new centre will celebrate Africa’s ancient history, highlighting one of the world’s oldest…

In a world increasingly defined by wealth and capital mobility, understanding the epicentres of affluence is crucial. The World’s Wealthiest Cities Report 2025, published by wealth migration specialists Henley & Partners, in partnership with the data intelligence firm New World Wealth, sheds light on where the globe’s millionaires are congregating. With 10 cities clamouring for recognition on the Top 50 Cities for Millionaires list, the US maintains its stronghold, led by New York City, boasting the highest concentration of high-net-worth individuals. Here are the world’s 10 wealthiest cities and what makes each one unique. New York City: The unrivalled financial capital: New York City tops the list, housing an astounding 384 500 high net-worth individuals, including 818 resident centi-millionaires and 66 billionaires. The city’s wealth stems from a diverse economic…

Ever notice how your pet dog has got you taped, knows how to get its way with those uber-cute approaches and dreamy expressions? Perhaps you've even pondered whether your faithful furbaby is taking you for a ride with its manipulative prompts, side-eyes and pitiful glances at the door, telling you it wants to go for a W.A.L.K? Well, according to scientists, this is because canines are continuing to evolve to take on the ever-changing demands placed on them as man’s best friend. They suggest that our canine companions are evolving in real-time right in front of our very eyes. We all know that today’s domesticated dogs are quite different from the wild wolves that first ventured into human settlements, where they were ultimately used to hunt, guard our homes and…

This documentary is not for the faint-hearted, and when I say that, I mean it. If you're easily grossed out, then maybe stick to a cooking show, because Trainwreck: Poop Cruise is exactly what it sounds like, a holiday that turned into a s***show. What starts as a luxury cruise turns into a stinking, sewage-filled disaster that unlocks a fear I didn’t even know I had. When most people think of cruise holidays, they picture cocktails on sun loungers, that corny Titanic pose with your partner at the bow, and overly friendly staff offering you a smile at every turn. It’s supposed to be endless sunshine, buffets big enough to feed a small country, lots of sex apparently and just the right amount of chaos at the karaoke bar. Cruises…

The case involving a Grade R teacher at a primary school in Cape Town, accused of sending explicit videos to a Grade 7 learner, has brought renewed attention to the often-overlooked issue of female-perpetrated sexual abuse. Clinical Psychologist Dr Gérard Labuschagne explained that such crimes are underreported, especially when the offender is female. “Like many sex crimes we don’t know the true reporting stats, but also for female offenders I think society sees them differently compared to male sex offenders which contributes to less reporting compared to males.” He added that female-perpetrated violent and sexual crime is less common overall, though he has seen several cases involving women abusing children, either alone or in connection with male partners, while some of these women are coerced, others act independently. Labuschagne cited…

The Gauteng Department of Health has warned communities against groups of people going around recruiting men and boys for circumcision drives, purporting to represent the provincial department. The Gauteng Department of Health has urged communities to be cautious of people conducting unauthorised recruitment drives for circumcision. “The Gauteng Department of Health would like to advise communities that no person or organisation is permitted to conduct door-to-door recruitment for voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) on behalf of the department. This comes after a video went viral on social media, wherein a woman is seen recruiting boys for VMMC on behalf of an unidentified doctor in Tshwane,” said spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba. “The department urges communities to be cautious of people conducting unauthorised recruitment for circumcision. The safety and dignity of all residents…

Former Transnet and Eskom CEO Brian Molefe is facing arrest over fraud and corruption charges during his time as Transnet CEO. He is currently a member of parliament for the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party. "Brian Molefe is an MK MP, and we note his impending arrest in his capacity during his time at Transnet. "While the law must be applied fairly, unfortunately, as a party, we have noted this is not always the case. There seems to be a purge of black professionals, particularly those from MK. "Our president, Jacob Zuma, has not received a fair process from the justice system, and we hope that Molefe's process will not be a repeat of this and that he will not be victimised due to his association with MK," MK spokesperson…

AUSTRALIA’S world-leading ban on under-16s joining social media sites has cleared a big hurdle as a trial found digital age checks can work “robustly and effectively”. Sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and X could face fines of up to Aus$50 million (R578m) for failing to comply with the legislation, which was passed in November. They have described the law –which is due to come into effect by the end of this year – as vague, rushed and “problematic”. There has been widespread concern over children’s use of online platforms as evidence shows that social media can have negative effects on children’s mental and physical health. Digital age verification systems – which would be critical to the ban – can work, said the interim findings of an independent Age Assurance…

Jo’burg parents, gather your little ones around the fire for a sparkling storytelling experience, fuelled with colour, giggles and life-long lessons. The Market Theatre opens its Kippies Fringe programme curated by The Art Cave with a bang by presenting an award-winning children’s play, The entertaining and empowering play with music is prompted by recent reports of children dying after consuming poisoned foods sold at tuckshops and schoolgrounds, leading to greater need for innovative children’s health and safety campaigns in townships. At the centre of it is a slick and cunning hyena who runs a dodgy tuckshop on a school playground. His prices are sky-high and his products are not in good condition. Yet, he always gets away with it…or so he thinks, until a brave and intelligent rabbit calls him…

The countdown is on to the 2025 Manufacturing Indaba, the continent’s leading platform for industrial growth, innovation, and collaboration. With a powerful mix of exhibitions, high-level conferences, CEO-led workshops, and networking, this year’s event will bring together Africa’s top manufacturing minds to shape the future of “Made in Africa.” The event will play host to key business engagement platforms aimed at growing African Manufacturing, including: Discover Africa’s industrial value chain – from cutting-edge machinery and automation to logistics, components, and green manufacturing. Companies will showcase innovations and practical solutions driving competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability. Powerful Conference Programme Hear from manufacturing CEOs, policy leaders, trade experts, and investors as they tackle the pressing challenges and opportunities facing African industry. Key themes include: l Financing industrial growth l Skills and workforce development…

While a recent study by the University of Cape Town (UCT) has sounded the alarm about the alarming levels of vape usage among teens, the industry has sought to reassure that they are taking the matter seriously, but are also concerned how vaping is viewed in the Tobacco Products & Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. The Health Department has previously said that, due to tobacco use remaining one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease worldwide, “the government has proposed legislation on Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems as part of its efforts to enforce strong tobacco control policies in South Africa”. The department explained that the Bill aims not only to protect current and future generations from the harms of tobacco but also to promote health equity…

Most African governments have consistently failed to meet global and regional education funding targets to ensure quality public education, Human Rights Watch reported earlier this month. The 2025 theme for the Day of the African Child is “planning and budgeting for children’s rights: progress since 2010”. Yet only one-third of African countries met the globally endorsed education funding benchmarks between 2013 and 2023. That dropped to just one-quarter by 2022. Fourteen African countries didn’t meet the target even once in a decade. This paints a sobering picture. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With more than 60% of the continent’s population under the age of 25, the future is young and full of opportunity. Artificial intelligence is creating new pathways to reimagine education. We have the tools and…

The Camel Trophy is back! Well, it’s not called that anymore, obviously, but the ethos of those gruelling and epic challenges in yellow Land Rovers returns with the new Defender Trophy. Inspired by Trophy and Challenge events of the past, this Defender Trophy will create its own legacy across three demanding rounds of training and competition. Defender says only those who embrace the impossible, with a passion for global conservation, need apply, as well as individuals who embody the values of the original British adventure brand. They are inviting entries from more than 50 countries. Local selections will begin this year, before national finals early next year to determine who will make it to the global final hosted with Defender conservation partner Tusk – in Africa – in 2026. New…

I’ve loathed the dictatorship of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I’d roll my eyes every morning during the obligatory salute to our supreme leader in the schoolyard. I resented the strictures, the atmosphere of moral probity the man in robes presided over. In other words, you’d think I would be applauding Benjamin Netanyahu’s attack against the Iranian regime. And yet, I’m not sold. Since launching airstrikes against Iran on June 13, the Israeli prime minister has insisted that the bombs raining down on Tehran serve the interests of people like me. Framing his attack as a battle for liberation, he urges Iranians to rise up against Iran’s decades-long theocratic regime. He has even gone as far as to dub the Israeli operation…

Economist Azar Jammine did a little bit of investigative work recently, reviewing a life insurance policy. What he found was rather astonishing: it would pay more for the policy owner to die now because, in about a decade, the premiums paid would amount to more than the value of the policyholder’s life in terms of the policy – the sum insured. Jammine, director and chief economist at Econometrix, tells Personal Finance that, in the case of this policy taken out in 2002, this is because the cost of the monthly debit order increases each month, yet the amount someone has insured their life for doesn’t. Denise Gabriels, Lead Ombud at the Life Insurance Division in the National Financial Ombud Scheme, said that her office had received some complaints that mirror…

During a recent speech, Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (Sars), stated that the total amount of tax collected from retirement fund members who made Savings Pot withdrawals amounted to around R15 billion. Put differently, Sars on average received about R25 of each R100 withdrawn, and members only received R75 or less of their own money. Our collective retirement savings pool has been robbed of R57 billion that will never grow tax-free to provide a future tax-free lump sum benefit or a higher monthly pension amount after retirement. In the whole Two Pots debate, the negative effect that income tax has on early withdrawals from our Savings Pots does not seem to be high on the agenda. As a result, fund members make ill-informed…

Ruud van Nistelrooy has left Leicester nearly 10 weeks after they were relegated from the Premier League, the club announced on Friday. Leicester said in a statement they had “mutually agreed” with the Dutchman that his contract would be terminated with immediate effect. Van Nistelrooy, 48, joined the struggling Foxes in late November after a brief spell as Manchester United’s caretaker boss. But he was unable to stop their slide and they returned to the second-tier Championship after just one season back in the top division. “Ruud has overseen a challenging period for the club,” Leicester said. “From his appointment in November 2024, he approached the role with professionalism, integrity and a clear commitment to our aims, including through the integration of several promising players from the club’s academy into…

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana believes their second appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup was a vital learning experience – and clear proof that African clubs can match global footballing standards. Sundowns, who previously featured in the tournament in 2016, earned their place this time through continued domestic and continental dominance. And while their campaign ended in the group stages, Kekana insists the Brazilians showed enough resilience and structure to believe they belong on the biggest stage. “It was a good learning experience,” said the 32-year-old. “It’s a tournament that shows we are capable and have the talent to compete. We weren’t humiliated or overrun – we just ran out of time in most games.” One of the standout moments of the campaign came in the 4-3 loss to…

The Luxury Travel Report 2025 has unveiled a notable shift in traveller preferences, revealing that holidaymakers are increasingly rejecting what is termed “beigeification” – the unnerving sameness that has pervaded hotels globally. Stepping into hotel rooms across the globe, from Bangkok to Birmingham, one may encounter a strikingly uniform aesthetic characterised by neutral colours, predictable artwork and standardised amenities. While this homogeneity once promised reliability, today’s luxury travellers crave vibrant, unique environments that reflect character and context. According to the report, about 70% of premium travellers feel that modern hotels have “lost their soul”, and nearly three-quarters say they are unwilling to pay for what they describe as “generic luxury”. With plans to embark on eight leisure trips in 2025, these discerning guests are ready to spend significantly, but…

As the cost of living steadily climbs, many South Africans find themselves grappling with the daunting task of stretching their budgets while still enjoying nutritious meals. The sharp increase in food prices has left many singletons wondering how to maintain a balanced diet without straining their finances. However, creative culinary approaches and mindful shopping can transform mealtime into a satisfying, budget-friendly experience. Understanding the market dynamics is the first step. According to recent reports, inflation rates have significantly impacted staple foods, making fresh produce a luxury for some. With a little creativity, anyone can become a master in the kitchen, even with limited resources. Here are some tips to help navigate the complexities of cooking for one while keeping expenses low. Plan, shop and prepare One of the most effective…

If you are looking for a delightful movie to enjoy this weekend, look no further than Semi-Soeter. Directed by Joshua Rous, this Netflix romcom is bolstered by Mzansi’s crème de la crème of Anel Alexander, Nico Panagio, Sandra Vaughn, Louw Venter, Diaan Lawrenson, Neels van Jaarsveld and Hélène Truter bringing the script to life. And a rib-tickling one at that. Firstly, picturesque Cape Town shines in several of the frames. It evokes a European atmosphere. This sequel to the 2012 Semi-Soet kicks off with Jaci van Jaarsveld (Alexander) and JP Basson (Panagio) having their hands full babysitting the rambunctious brood of Hertjie Greyling (Louw Venter) and Karla (Vaughn). While they love their best friends' little ones, they are grateful to be able to give them back to their parents. The…

AS South Africa grapples with deepening inequalities and a faltering public service, the recently adopted Budget Vote Reports for 2025 expose a troubling reality: while the government touts nominal increases in budget allocations, the harsh truth reveals a significant erosion of real-term funding. The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), Public Service Commission (PSC), and National School of Governance (NSG) all face budget cuts that threaten to undermine service delivery and exacerbate existing disparities. In a virtual meeting this week, the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, chaired by the DA’s Jan Naudé De Villiers, confronted these critical issues head-on. The reports presented revealed a complex interplay between budget allocations and the pressing needs of public service delivery. Julius Ngoepe, the committee content advisor, noted that the overall…

Parliamentarians debated robust measures to curtail the drug epidemic in South Africa on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The United Nations General Assembly in 1987 decided to observe June 26 as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and co-operation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. Alcohol abuse is a complex socio-economic issue that requires a multi-stakeholder and integrated approach towards a drug-free society, captured in the National Drug Master Plan. ANC MP Keamotseng Ramaila said cartels are motivated by financial greed, with many individuals who have been destroyed by drug abuse. Ramaila said tragedies were unfolding in homes and shattered the very foundation of family life. “Children in these households face neglect and abuse throughout their lives, compromising…

BRITAIN’S competition watchdog has proposed measures aimed at tackling Google’s dominance in online search, with the US tech giant warning that “punitive regulations” could impact UK economic growth. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it proposes to designate Google with “strategic market status”, subjecting it to special requirements under new UK regulations. A similar tech competition law from the European Union, the Digital Markets Act, carries the potential for hefty financial penalties. Britain’s CMA in January launched an investigation into Google’s dominant position in the search engine market and its impacts on consumers and businesses. It followed the 2025 implementation of Britain’s Digital Markets Competition Regime, which the regulator this week said “can help unlock opportunities for innovation and growth”. Google’s spokesman on competition, Oliver Bethell, warned that the…

In a world increasingly defined by fast-paced living and self-focus, volunteering stands as a quiet, powerful act of connection and contribution. Yet, despite the known benefits – community impact, personal growth, skills development, and even career enhancement – many people hesitate to say “yes” to volunteering. The reasons vary: time constraints, uncertainty, fear of the unknown, or simply not knowing where to begin. It’s like exploring the common reasons people hesitate to volunteer and offers practical tips to overcome them so that more of us can step into the deeply rewarding space of service. Before we can move past resistance, we need to understand it. Some of the most common reasons people hesitate to volunteer include: Lack of Time: Many believe they don’t have enough hours in the day. Fear…

School evaluation is a vital component of the broader educational landscape. It is not a static or mechanical process but one that should evolve in response to the communities it serves. It must be fit for the age groups involved and sensitive to the specific needs and contexts of the school, including size, history, location, and socio-economic background. A major flaw in many evaluation systems is that they impose standardised instruments without adapting them to local realities. Small schools are often disadvantaged because anonymity cannot be maintained. Teachers may withhold honest feedback due to fear of reprisal, particularly when politics or interpersonal dynamics affect internal school relationships. In such environments, the purpose of evaluation is easily distorted. Moreover, evaluations must reflect the lived experiences of pupils and the teachers who…

Amapiano pioneers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, better known as the Scorpion Kings, have reflected on the inspiration behind their chart-topping tribute “Lorch” and the footballers current brilliance. When asked about the reasoning behind the song "Lorch" in 2019, DJ Maphorisa revealed, "When we made Lorch, it was during a time when Thembinkosi was dominating South African football,’ said Maphorisa. “He was the player that everyone was talking about - whether you were a football fan or not, you knew about Lorch. His performance in the Soweto Derby where he scored against Kaizer Chiefs really stood out. But beyond just one game, it was the flair, the confidence, and the swagger he carried on the pitch. That energy is the same energy we wanted in the song -…

Wimbledon is guaranteed to be picture-perfect when it gets under way next week but the courts will never look the same again after the demise of line judges. For the first time in the tournament's storied 148-year history, the men and women stationed at the back of the courts, calling "out" and "fault", will be missing. The Grand Slam announced in October that it was scrapping its smartly dressed officials in favour of electronic line-calling (ELC) from 2025, following the general trend in tennis. The Australian Open and the US Open have already gone down this route, leaving the French Open as the only one of the four Grand Slams still to use humans in the role. Wimbledon is cherished for its traditions, from the white kit worn by players…

Recently I was on the N1 driving to Johannesburg when I passed three trucks carrying proudly made in South Africa vehicles. There’s a tinge of pride knowing that a load of Nissan Navaras, Ford Rangers and BMW X3s are on their way to foreign lands. I happened to be testing the BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport at the time and knew that the new owners would be well pleased. The X3 is a crucial mid-sized SUV for the Munich-based company and remains one of its top sellers and is also the most popular model in South Africa. With its overall refinement, it’s not difficult to understand why. Exterior Now in its fourth iteration and first launched in 2003, it has aged well, and as the generations have progressed, it…

Donald Trump’s decision to bomb Iran’s hard-to-reach nuclear site at Fordow couldn’t have worked out better. Operationally, it was flawless, and the response it drew from Iran was the best that US President Donald Trump could have hoped for – bloodless and de- escalatory by design. Most important of all, Trump then tried to bounce Israel and Tehran into a ceasefire. Kudos where it’s due. And yet, this is not over. There will be more tough decisions for the White House to make, with profound implications for the cause of nuclear non-proliferation. The problem here isn’t that the ceasefire announced on Monday night was breached within hours. That’s hardly unusual and, in this case, there’s a good chance it takes hold over the coming days. Israel has run through most,…

South Africa’s short-term insurer, Santam, has released its 2025 Insurance Barometer, which paints a sobering picture of the risks confronting local households and businesses. Economic strain, infrastructure decay, crime, and increasingly erratic weather patterns tied to climate change have emerged as key concerns. Now in its fourth edition, the biennial report offers a detailed pulse check on global and local risk trends. Drawing insights from nearly 900 consumers, businesses, and brokers across the country, the report captures shifts in public perception alongside expert industry analysis. Atang Matebesi, CEO of Santam client solutions, said the short-term insurance sector must remain agile. “Once again, weather volatility, infrastructure concerns, and socio-economic challenges have created a tough environment for local insurers. This has been exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical turmoil... threatening the affordability of the…

Wimbledon is guaranteed to be picture-perfect when it gets under way next week but the courts will never look the same again after the demise of line judges. For the first time in the tournament's storied 148-year history, the men and women stationed at the back of the courts, calling "out" and "fault", will be missing. The Grand Slam announced in October that it was scrapping its smartly dressed officials in favour of electronic line-calling (ELC) from 2025, following the general trend in tennis. The Australian Open and the US Open have already gone down this route, leaving the French Open as the only one of the four Grand Slams still to use humans in the role. Wimbledon is cherished for its traditions, from the white kit worn by players…

For a long while Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez struggled under the weight of his hefty price tag but as he prepares to face his former side Benfica tonight in the Club World Cup, he is finally showing why the Blues splashed out on him. The 24-year-old set up two goals in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Esperance of Tunisia which sent his team through to the last 16 and a date with the Portuguese giants in Charlotte this weekend. With England international Cole Palmer struggling for form, Fernandez has been Chelsea’s key creative influence over the past few months. The Argentina star helped the Londoners qualify for the Champions League by claiming fourth place in the Premier League, as well as winning the Conference League in May. After Real Betis took…

Kaizer Chiefs director of marketing and commercial affairs Jessica Motaung has moved to address growing concerns around the club’s inability to attract top-tier talent in recent seasons, saying efforts are ongoing despite a highly competitive market. Speaking at Thursday’s launch of the Toyota Cup – which will see Amakhosi face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 26 – Motaung was confronted with more pressing matters. While the exhibition match is a marketing success, the bigger issue for supporters remains the lack of elite signings to lift the footballing side. Chiefs are coming off a bittersweet campaign – they lifted the Nedbank Cup, ending a decade-long trophy drought, but still slumped to ninth place in the league, underlining the inconsistency that has plagued the club for years.…

South African wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso “KG” Montjane is gearing up for the defence of her Wimbledon doubles title, alongside Japanese partner Yui Kamiji, and is hoping for back-to-back Grand Slam wins. KG is keen to carry the momentum from the defence of their French Open title on the clay of Roland Garros onto the grass courts of the All England Club. The title in Paris was the fourth Grand Slam win for the South African tennis superstar who recently celebrated her 39th birthday. They had to dig deep to see off the Chinese pairing of Xiaohui Li and Ziying Wang in the women’s doubles final, coming back from a set down to secure a 4-6 7-5 (10-7) victory. Her major victories also include the 2023 US Open. While she…

After a year filled with exploration and adventure, American expat couple Kourtney and Kenzo, known as “4K Family TV” on YouTube and TikTok, find themselves grappling with a dilemma. Should they call Durban or Cape Town home? Leaving behind their life in Las Vegas, Nevada, to pursue “The American Dream” in South Africa, they are neck-deep in the charms and challenges of their new life. When Kourtney and Kenzo first arrived, the choice seemed simple, with the picturesque coastal metropolis of Cape Town and the vibrant hub of Johannesburg leading as top contenders. However, as they ventured across the breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures of South Africa, their recent getaway to KwaZulu-Natal showcased the allure of Durban and nearby Ballito, reshaping their decision-making process. “After I saw South Africa, we…