Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-05 i Saturday Star

Even during his federal criminal trial in New York, the descriptions of Sean Combs were frequently those of awe: one former assistant called him “a god among men.” “Larger than life,” said witnesses over and over – his accusers included. And that he was, until it all came crashing down. The music and entertainment titan known for his legendary A-list “white parties” had multiple mansions, a private jet, a business empire and scores of accolades. Then, in September 2024, he was arrested on sweeping charges, including running a criminal ring that allowed him to commit harrowing sexual abuse. And after a two-month-long courtroom saga, a jury of 12 New Yorkers on Wednesday found him guilty of two prostitution-related counts – but acquitted him of more serious allegations of racketeering and…

A controversial bill introduced in the United States Congress aims to cut off direct aid to South Africa and impose targeted sanctions on its political leaders, citing the country’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice and its growing diplomatic ties with Iran and Hamas. Republican Representative Greg Steube yesterday tabled the Addressing Hostile and Antisemitic Conduct by the Republic of South Africa Act of 2025 in the US House of Representatives. The proposed legislation accuses the South African government of using international institutions to wage “lawfare” against Israel, advancing what it calls an “antisemitic narrative under the guise of international law”. “It is clear as day that the Government of South Africa is unfairly targeting the State of Israel and inciting hostility towards the United States…

Controversy appeared to be the launching point before the third witness in the sexual harassment tribunal hearing against Judge President Selby Mbenenge continued yesterday. Unathi Sogoni, a stenographer at the Makhanda High Court and a former friend of complainant Andiswa Mengo, is the third witness brought by Mbenenge’s counsel. Before she could start her testimony, advocate Griffiths Madonsela asked the permission of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal chairperson - retired judge Bernard Ngoepe - to deal with a matter separate from the merits of Mengo’s case before the Tribunal. Ngoepe and the panel dealt with the issue related to an incident on June 2, where Mengo received death threats. Last month, Mengo received a handwritten note left at her desk at court on Friday, in which it was said, “a bullet…

Marelize Steyn Earle has added a significant feather to her cap, recently clinching the prestigious Mrs Globe Classique crown for 2025 at an international pageant held in California. Steyn Earle's win not only spotlights her personal journey as a beauty queen but also solidifies South Africa’s prominence on the global stage. The George-based aesthetician and professional makeup artist's pageant journey traces back to 1993, when she was crowned Miss South Africa Second Princess, sharing the stage with Jacqui Mofokeng, the country’s first Black Miss SA. Her victory also comes on the heels of another triumph when 2024 Queen Tshego Gaelae secured the title of Mrs World earlier this year, marking a remarkable period for the Mrs South Africa organisation. The beauty queen's experience in the modelling arena also led her…

He stepped back, not away, that’s how Deputy President Paul Mashatile remembered the late David Mabuza — a principled man, a leader who would never betray the ANC, even when he quietly stepped out of the spotlight. Speaking in a heartfelt tribute, Mashatile described Mabuza not only as a former deputy president, but as a man who knew when to lead and when to support. Mabuza died on Thursday after experiencing breathing difficulties. Mashatile visited Mabuza’s home in Johannesburg on Friday to convey his condolences. “I think it was a correct thing for him to step back and be able to only play a role when he's required to do so. “It is not like he was abandoning the ANC or our people, but he felt that there is a…

South Africa’s post-apartheid journey has been marked by a bold constitutional promise: to dismantle the economic structures of racial privilege and build a society where the black majority can share in the country’s wealth and opportunities. Central to this promise are the empowerment laws, Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Affirmative Action (AA), crafted to drive economic inclusion and redress decades of exclusion. Yet, nearly three decades on, the slow pace of transformation and the growing backlash against these laws reveal a darker reality: a coordinated agenda, both local and global, to halt transformation, preserve white privilege, and enrich a narrow elite. At the heart of this crisis lies a deeply troubling collusion between big business and ANC elites. A symbiotic relationship that has subverted the original intent of empowerment laws,…

The fate of the Appropriation Bill hangs in the balance as the Standing Committee on Appropriations is saddled with a legal opinion stating how voting should take place if the bill is to be passed. This came up when committee chairperson Mmusi Maimane briefed the parliamentarians about a legal opinion he received from the parliamentary legal services at the conclusion of the public hearing on the 2025 Eskom Debt Amendment Bill on Wednesday. Maimane said their job as the committee was not to get involved necessarily with the politics of goings-on inside the Government of National Unity. “All I sought to seek is a legal opinion, guiding, whether, when we do scheduling of votes, what happens in an event when some don’t pass and some do, given this was…

Seven people remain missing a day after a fireworks warehouse explosion in California injured two victims and sparked a giant fire, authorities said. The explosion occurred on Tuesday evening after a fire broke out in a warehouse located in the town of Esparto, in the northern part of the state. “Seven individuals remain unaccounted for,” California’s state firefighting agency said in a statement. “First responders and investigators are working diligently with the property owner to determine the whereabouts of those individuals.” The two injured people have been located and are now out of danger, according to authorities. However, firefighters have still not been able to access the warehouse because the fireworks held inside can still explode. Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence called the situation “very complex and risky.” “There were,…

Volvo is of course synonymous with advanced safety features, and the new EX90 takes all that to the next level – it’s nothing short of a super-computer on wheels. That distinctive lump on its roof houses a Lidar system that can spot small objects hundreds of metres ahead. It pairs with eight cameras, five radars and 16 ultrasonic sensors to provide all the eyes and ears you might require to keep you safe if your own senses are out of order. Although superseding the XC90 as the Swedish brand’s new flagship SUV, the all-electric EX90 doesn’t directly replace its internal combustion sibling, which soldiers on in facelifted form. The EX90 is really expensive. It’s only available in the flagship “Twin Motor” guise, with all the trimmings, but at an…

The passing of a former head of state is invariably a profound and reflective moment for any nation. In Zambia, a country with a proud legacy of democratic governance, cultural reverence for elders and strong communal values, the death of a past president initiates a period of mourning, national reflection, and often, political reconciliation. Yet, as evidenced by the complex and contested death and burial of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, such events also carry deep diplomatic, legal and emotional implications. They unveil fault lines within the state, raise questions about family rights, and underscore the challenges of balancing state authority with the wishes of grieving relatives. Importantly, these events remind us of the African philosophy of ubuntu, which emphasises our shared humanity and moral obligation to care for one…

THE Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA) has set aside the allocation of a death benefit by a pension fund after finding it failed to adequately investigate the financial dependency of a claimant and her children on the deceased. The Adjudicator, Muvhango Lukhaimane, ordered the Private Security Sector Provident Fund to reassess the matter and make a fair allocation based on dependency. The dispute arose after the complainant, who claimed to be the life partner of the deceased, challenged the distribution of a R254,609.51 death benefit following his passing. The deceased was a member of the provident fund through his employer, Night Guard CC. The fund had distributed the benefit as follows: - 10% to the life partner (unemployed) - 23% to the deceased's employed adult son - 25%…

A recent deadline for relevant entities to submit their Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) Annual Returns by 30 June 2025 has raised the question of whether trusts are included among the entities covered by the PAIA. The PAIA’s primary aim is to grant individuals the right to access information held by both public and private bodies, thereby fostering a more transparent and accountable society. Section 32 of our Constitution states that “Everyone has a right of access to any information held by the state and any information held by another person that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights.” The PAIA, Regulations, ‘Professor Google’ and guidance by the Court cause more confusion than providing clarity, as it is blatantly clear that trusts, which are considered…

Tadej Pogacar and his great rival Jonas Vingegaard have won the past five editions of the Tour de France between them, and the chalk and cheese duo top the bill again at the 2025 Tour starting today. Here AFP takes a look at the strengths and weaknesses which could prove crucial in what should be another crowd-pleasing, see-saw struggle. Pogacar Ammunition box The opening 10 days of the 2025 route revisit the scene of the swashbuckling Slovenian's second triumph as it meanders along the narrow winding roads of Normandy and Brittany. That opening section must be survived. "Something will happen to somebody, it always does here," 2018 champion Geraint Thomas said at the time, and it ended up being the Welshman himself who fell foul of the section. Pogacar has…

Mohamed Salah said the death of Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota in a car crash had left him "frightened" to return to the club as the Premier League champions postponed the return of some players for pre-season training. The Portugal forward and his younger brother Andre Silva, died in the early hours of Thursday after their car veered off a motorway in Spain and burst into flames. Mourners gathered at a wake in Portugal yesterday ahead of the brothers' funeral today. Jota's Liverpool teammates have spoken of their struggle to comprehend his death, with captain Virgil van Dijk writing on Instagram that he was "absolutely devastated and in total disbelief". Liverpool manager Arne Slot said everyone associated with the club owed it to Jota to "stand together and be there for…

The sale of SuperSport United to Siwelele Football Club, pending PSL Executive Committee approval, has reignited an uncomfortable reality in South African football – one that has quietly unfolded over the past decade. Clubs are no longer preserved for legacy, community, or youth development. They are bought and sold like stock – and for fans, that’s deeply worrying. SuperSport’s decision to offload United after 30 years is not an isolated event. It joins a growing list of high-profile sales and disappearances that have reshaped the domestic football landscape. Bloemfontein Celtic was sold and rebranded. Bidvest Wits was bought out and vanished with 99 years of South African football history overnight. Highlands Park? Gone! Platinum Stars? Disbanded! Free State Stars? History! And now, even one of the most professionally run clubs…

Greece on Tuesday began charging a tax on island cruise ships, the latest European effort to tackle soaring visitor numbers to the continent's most popular destinations. Cruise ships docking at the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos will pay e20 euros (R413) per passenger. “In accordance with the law, the tax will be applied in Santorini, Mykonos and other islands in lesser measures,” said a finance ministry spokesperson. Cruise ships to smaller islands will pay a tax of e5 per passenger, according to the new regulations. Greece hopes to bring in up to e50m a year with the tax, which will apply during the high tourism season, from June 1 to September 30. Greece adopted the legislation last year to curb soaring tourist numbers to often-overcrowded destinations, the latest country…

As winter tightly grips the country, South Africans are being warned to prepare for an abrupt change in weather conditions, with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issuing a level warning for significant temperature drops and potential flooding. This includes rain and showers expected to sweep across multiple provinces, including the Free State, Eastern Cape, North West, and the Western Cape, starting Thursday. On Friday, conditions are expected to worsen with the possibility of freezing levels dropping over eastern parts, particularly in the Drakensberg mountains, where snowfall is likely. In southern Gauteng, residents might experience sleet, alongside isolated showers scattered throughout the province. The approaching weather front will usher in cold winds, prompting a shift in seasonal temperatures that many South Africans are not accustomed to as winter sets in.…

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has announced the lifting of the disease management areas (DMAs) in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces, following successful containment of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks. This decision comes after rigorous veterinary interventions and vaccination efforts yielded positive results, ensuring the safety and health of local livestock and safeguarding the livelihoods of many farmers. The DMAs in question were initiated in response to FMD incidents that posed a serious threat to cattle health and agricultural productivity. In the Kouga and Kou-Kamma municipalities of Eastern Cape, the DMA had been operational since July 26, 2024, aimed at controlling FMD outbreaks. Through extensive vaccination campaigns, a remarkable 144 424 doses were administered to bolster herd immunity. The last reported cases of FMD in this area…

For many South Africans, education is a privilege and praised once completed. However, for many other South Africans, quality education is a far distant dream for a multitude of reasons. To begin with, South Africa is severely unequal and really, that can be considered the root or foundation for all the other reasons behind the inaccessibility of quality education. By virtue of quality education being distributed disproportionately and the vast majority of South Africans falling under the bracket of ‘low quality schooling’, a similar majority of students will be disadvantaged when trying to enter the workforce; because if former students are not well educated, how will they fulfil complex or meet the entry expectations and requirements of their future jobs? The education system for any country is massively critical for…

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau on Friday defended the appointment of ANC-aligned individuals to the board of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). This was after his department came under criticism when he presented the 2025/26 budget in the National Assembly. “It is disingenuous to simply suggest that capability is limited by the fact that you are affiliated with the ANC. It is not true. It is an anomaly to think that way,” Tau said. There has been outrage after former ministers Ayanda Dlodlo and Sydney Mufamadi, as well as former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, were named among those appointed to the IDC board. Now, there is a push for Tau to appear before the Trade, Industry and Competition Portfolio Committee to explain the appointment process for the board.…

The Police and Prisons Civil Union (POPCRU) has expressed concern regarding the sharp increase in young people applying for the 5,500 police recruitment positions. This comes as the SAPS has confirmed receiving 67,000 applications within the first 24 hours and more than 185,000 by the second day. Speaking on behalf of the union currently meeting for a three-day political workshop in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, this week, POPCRU spokesperson Richard Mamabolo, revealed that this reflects a sense of desperation and highlights the significant gap in youth unemployment. "We are worried that the online recruitment has received 187,000 applications. This sends a message that there is a high level of youth unemployment in the country. “For this initiative, which only seeks to recruit 5,500 young people, too many young people have found themselves…

As the 2025 tax season looks set to begin, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a fresh warning to taxpayers about a new scam designed to steal personal information under the guise of a tax refund audit. IOL previously reported that the revenue collector announced that tax season would run from July 7 to October 20 for most individuals, with many being auto-assessed based on third-party data. “The taxpayers in the auto assessment category do not have to do anything if they are satisfied with the calculation on their tax returns,” SARS said. “If the taxpayer is of the opinion that SARS has not captured all the necessary information, they are free to make changes on their tax returns and submit the missing information through eFiling…

An Australian man has died from an “extremely rare” rabies-like infection transmitted by a bat bite, health officials said on Thursday. The man in his 50s was bitten by a bat carrying Australian bat lyssavirus several months ago, the health service in New South Wales said. “We express our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends for their tragic loss,” NSW Health said in a statement. While it is extremely rare to see a case of Australian bat lyssavirus, there is no effective treatment for it.” The man from northern New South Wales, who has not been identified, was this week listed as being in a “critical condition” in hospital. Officials said he was treated following the bite, and they were investigating to see whether other exposures or factors…

When Sir Alec Issigonis famously first sketched a small car on a napkin, little did he know how popular the Mini would become, and he definitely didn’t have a clue what an Electric Vehicle was either. Fast-forward 65 years or so, and you struggle to read a vehicle review without the words New Energy Vehicle (NEV). This is one of those reviews, and it is the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Mini Aceman. In the Mini hierarchy, the Aceman sits between the Cooper and the Countryman and is the result of a joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors using the Spotlight EV architecture. It’s also not a small car by the original brief, standing at just over four metres long with a boot capacity of 300 litres that expands…

Mozambique’s government, led by the Frelimo party, has long been planning celebrations for 2025. It is 50 years since independence, won after an anti-colonial war against Portugal led by the same party. Something has gone wrong, however, especially in the past two years. Since the country’s space has opened up for the establishment of a social movement of young people. This has since turned into a political movement, taking on the name “Povo no Poder” (“People in Power”). At its head is a brilliant politician, Venâncio Mondlane. Povo no Poder was also the name of Azagaia’s hit song, which had been the soundtrack to 2008 protests against rising energy costs. The demonstrations in March 2023 marked a turning point for Mozambique. It was as if all the energy and indignation…

JULY is Savings Month in South Africa, so I thought I would revisit some basic concepts associated with taking a chunk of money you have earned and putting it into a financial product or instrument with a particular goal in mind. The terms we use, “saving” and “investing”, are often used interchangeably. But “investing” is also used interchangeably with another term, “trading”, further adding to the confusion for the layperson. So let’s clear up the confusion: • Saving: The act of putting away money – either a lump sum or, more practically, small amounts on a recurring basis – so as to accumulate an amount to be used in the future. • Investing: Buying assets such as company shares, bonds, or property that you believe have the potential to grow…

What is the impact of leaving your loved ones to navigate your passing without a will? According to Sanlam Legacy, the cost of goodbye spans emotional, financial, and time-related burdens, and these can be overwhelming without proper planning in place. Your nearest and dearest will be left to deal with far more than their grief. The costs will span funeral expenses, executor fees, estate taxes, and administrative delays. And perhaps most sadly, their relationships may be compromised as family disputes unfortunately arise all too often if a deceased’s wishes are not clearly and legally spelt out. Master’s Office records show that more than 70% of South Africans pass away without a valid will. Based on South African population numbers, that means around 5 million single mothers and 8.8 million homeowners…

Orlando Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the team has reached the end of a “process”, hence they’ll have to fight for honours next season. Ouaddou recently took over the reins at Pirates after his predecessor Jose Riveiro left the club amid the expiry of his contract to join Al Ahly. The Moroccan-born coach has bigger shoes to fill as he builds on a concrete foundation that Riveiro laid and takes the team to dizzy heights. Ouaddou must continue to ensure that Pirates are still the “Cup Kings”, while returning them to the pinnacle of SA football for the first time since 2012. The former Marumo Gallants’ coach, speaking in an exclusive interview with Pirates TV yesterday, said he’s ready for the task that lies ahead. Ouaddou is not naive,…

From charming nights spent in packed stadiums to sun-drenched afternoons on the Amalfi Coast, Dua Lipa is embracing the dual nature of a touring musician this summer. The pop superstar, now on her Radical Optimism Tour, has been seen indulging in some well-deserved relaxation following a string of exhilarating performances across Europe. Recent snapshots shared online reveal Lipa and her fiancé, Callum Turner, enjoying an idyllic getaway in Italy, where they seem to have found a beautiful balance between work and play. In a delightful video captured by Backgrid, the couple was spotted lounging on an inflatable float in the crystal-clear waters of the Amalfi Coast, unmistakably lost in each other’s company. The affectionate couple shared several moments of PDA, stealing kisses and playfully plunging into the inviting sea, epitomising…

Mental health has ascended to a priority in our increasingly chaotic lives. It is crucial for overall well-being, enabling us to cope with stress, build meaningful relationships, and contribute positively to society. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to promote mental well-being is through a daily ritual of sunset walks – an activity that intertwines physical fitness with nature’s restorative beauty. Imagine stepping outside as daylight begins to fade, a palette of vibrant hues blooming across the sky. The calming effect of watching the sun dip below the horizon offers a unique opportunity to unwind and reflect after a busy day. Moreover, the gentle exercise of walking alongside the breathtaking backdrop of a sunset induces relaxation, reduces stress levels and enhances overall mood, nurturing mindfulness and an appreciation…

The exit of Anna Wintour from the helm of Vogue US is, in the eyes of many, long overdue. Her departure as editor-in-chief of Vogue US, after 37 years, may be framed as a transition, but for those who have endured her wrath, it feels more like the lifting of a long, dark shadow. Her departure comes not as a graceful retirement, but as a calculated pivot – still clinging tightly to power while offering a token gesture to the next generation. Wintour’s legacy in the fashion world is one of ice-cold precision, iron-fisted control and ruthless ambition. Far from being simply a powerful editor, she has become synonymous with fear. Often described as bullying, racist and emotionally void, Wintour has broken spirits, stunted careers and discarded people with unnerving…

British actor Orlando Bloom recently took to social media to talk about healing through quotes following his separation from pop singer Katy Perry. Bloom, who shares a daughter with Perry, took to Instagram on June 30, sharing cryptic messages with many speculating that the quotes are about his recent split. First shared a quote from Buddha that said: “Each day is a new beginning. What we do today is what matters most.” The Instagram post was from a Japanese author, Daisaku Ikeda, who said, “The important thing is to take that first step. Bravely overcoming one small fear gives you the courage to take on the next.” According to Page Six, a source disclosed that their romance had come to an end early in June. “It’s over. They are waiting…

The South African economy is bleeding jobs at an alarming rate and what was once a crisis is turning into an unemployement emergency with experts warning of resultant civil instability. Nearly 75 000 formal sector jobs were lost in the first quarter of 2025 alone, and 95 000 compared to the same time last year, according to Stats SA. Key sectors like trade, mining, construction, and community services were hardest hit, with only manufacturing showing slight growth. The figures have prompted alarm from economists, labour unions, and mental health experts, who warn that without urgent reform, the country faces entrenched unemployment and broader social fallout. Slow economic growth, policy uncertainty, skills mismatches, and restrictive labour regulations are all seen as major contributors. Abigail Moyo, spokesperson for the trade union UASA,…

Frustration and unrest continue to ripple across South Africa as numerous communities grapple with ongoing water outages that have severely disrupted day-to-day activities. Municipalities attribute these outages to a combination of factors, including unplanned maintenance, burst pipes, and crucial infrastructure upgrades. However, for many affected residents, these explanations provide little comfort when faced with empty taps. In the face of these challenges, many citizens say they find themselves in a helpless situation, forced to buy expensive bottled water or wait for government tankers, which sometimes fail to deliver much-need water. The crisis is not isolated to a singular locality but stretches across provinces, notably Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, where strict water usage regulations have been imposed to manage the scarcity. In Cosmo City, a suburb in…

As the excitement builds for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025, former Banyana Banyana midfielder Robyn Moodaly says winning the 2022 WAFCON was the best moment of her career and has urged Banyana to give it their all to defend the title. In an exclusive interview with Showmax Premier League, Moodaly shared her profound message for the team: “Trust in yourselves and each other. Stick together no matter what happens. “Take it one game at a time, and don’t let the pressure or expectations get in the way of enjoying the moment. And remember why you’re there, to represent the country with pride and to make history again.” Moodaly, an experienced midfielder who featured in two Olympic Games and a Women’s World Cup, and was a vital part…

As the anticipation builds for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, this year’s affair is expected to showcase a blend of tradition, innovation, and unmissable fashion flair, cementing its status as a highlight on Africa's social calendar. Scheduled for today at the Greyville Racecourse, this prestigious gathering is set to welcome approximately 45 000 attendees, promising both glamour and economic vitality for the host city of Durban. The eThekwini municipality has been proactive in its preparations, with multidisciplinary teams diligently working to clean and enhance the precinct surrounding the racecourse. “This included cutting grass and pruning trees as well as street sweeping. Teams consisted of officials from iTRUMP Area-Based Management, the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit, the Metro Police, the Roads Department, and the Parks Department, as well as volunteers from Ensure…

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on Friday said the parties that did not support the budget for his department were unrealistic and reacting excessively. “Those who say they don't support the budget, what they mean is that in the areas and homes where they come from, they want us to withdraw the services that are there. Your reaction says what you say is unrealistic. It is being excessive unnecessarily,” Mchunu said. He made the statement when responding to the budget debate for SAPS, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, and the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service after presenting the department’s R120.8 billion budget for 2025/26. Mchunu said they appreciated the allocation, but was under no illusion about the scale of the task ahead. “The work that needs to be done far exceeds…

South Africa’s consumer inflation rate is expected to climb above the lower bound of the Reserve Bank’s 3% to 6% target range in July, after remaining below it for three consecutive months. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 2.8% year-on-year in May. According to Investec chief economist Annabel Bishop, the rate is likely to rise to 2.9% in June and 3.1% in July. The change is largely attributed to the fading impact of base effects from 2024 and higher prices for administered services. As a result of growing risks to inflation, Bishop said the Reserve Bank is unlikely to cut interest rates at the MPC meeting this month, having cut by a full percentage point since September last year. She explained that the recent fuel price hike will…

When it comes to crafting the perfect cup of tea, lovers of the brew know it’s as much about flavour and ritual as it is about comfort and connection. From black to green, oolong to herbal, every cup tells a story. But what if we told you that behind the soothing steam and fragrant leaves lies a world of chemistry – one that can actually help you brew a better, more flavourful cup? According to Michelle Francl, professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, USA and author of Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea, brewing tea is a rich chemical process involving hundreds of compounds that influence the colour, aroma, taste and even health benefits of every cup. “Tea is the world’s most popular beverage. What many people don’t…

South Africans will soon have yet another car brand to consider when shopping for a new SUV, sedan, or bakkie, following the return of the Changan brand later this year. The first batch of vehicles has arrived in South Africa, with the new Hunter bakkie, Alsvin sedan, and Deepal S07 electric crossover recently spotted on a carrier. Examples of the new CS75 compact SUV are also on the water, Changan representatives have confirmed, with the first units set to arrive in time for the brand’s official launch, planned for the fourth quarter of 2025. Changan, which previously sold the Chana Star compact bakkie and Benni hatchback, will have a more upmarket focus upon re-entry into our market. The brand will now be distributed by Jameel Motors, which has 70 years…

There’s no denying that the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is a technological masterpiece, but it falls short in one critical area: its soundtrack simply isn’t soulful enough for those accustomed to six- and eight-cylinder engines. It is rumoured that the facelifted version of the C63 will adopt a six- cylinder hybrid powertrain, and a senior insider has now confirmed that the current four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be phased out. Speaking with Autocar in Germany recently, the unnamed source said that the four-cylinder powertrain would remain in production for the time being, but would eventually be replaced. The source also admitted that the four-pot motor has not resonated with customers. “Technically, the four-cylinder is one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car. It’s also right up…

David Dabede “DD” Mabuza, 64, died in Johannesburg on Thursday. Quiet yet formidable, his journey from rural Mpumalanga to national power was as improbable as it was compelling. His political career was one of resilience, calculated manoeuvring, and a reputation for feline-like cunning that earned him the nickname “The Cat”. Through shrewd calculations, alliance-building and opportunistic shifts, he not only secured provincial supremacy but also played a decisive role in the national political realignment that led to Cyril Ramaphosa’s rise to presidency in 2017. Mabuza’s political life began in earnest after his years as a teacher and school principal. Having served in the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, he joined the ANC after its unbanning in 1990. By skilfully navigating factional terrain, he climbed the ranks of the ANC and…

The Two-Pot system, designed to offer South Africans a lifeline in the event of a serious rainy day, has seen such high demand for withdrawals that experts are concerned that people will have only two-thirds of their savings left. Changes in the law, which came into effect last September, made it possible for people who have retirement savings to access a portion of them now, with the rest remaining invested until they stop working. Under the changes to the law, one-third of retirement savings went into a pot from which withdrawals could be made, and that allows people to pull out money once a year in an amount between R2 000 and R30 000. But there are drawbacks. In addition to the fact that the cash that is taken is…

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has appointed 32 of the country’s leading tax, forensic, risk management, and business advisory firms to a panel of experts who will bring specialised skills to enhance tax compliance and support Sars in achieving the 2025/26 revenue target of R1.986 trillion. The panel’s expertise will be utilised across the three key areas of Forensic Investigations, Valuation Advice, and Debt Management. This development is a clear signal that Sars is intensifying its efforts to enhance efficient revenue collection, clamp down on tax non-compliance, and close the tax gap by leveraging the technical and legal expertise available in the private sector. Among the firms appointed to the panel are: Bowman Gilfillan BDO Tax Consulting South Africa PwC Sizwe Ntsaluba Gobodo Grant Thornton Advisory Services Deloitte Forvis…

SAFA KZN President Mazwi Mkhize has defended Danny Jordaan’s decision not to disclose sponsorship figures, saying revealing them would only expose how little South African football is actually receiving. The comments come a month after SAFA’s appearance before Parliament, where the governing body faced tough questions about its finances and overall administration. Jordaan also hinted he may run for a fourth term in 2026. The most heated moment during the session came when Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana demanded SAFA reveal how much it receives from headline sponsors Hollywoodbets and 10Bet — both betting companies with a visible footprint in local football. SAFA Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo responded by saying the association could not reveal the details due to confidentiality clauses in the contracts it signed with the sponsors.…

Real Madrid paid extra to bring defender Trent Alexander-Arnold in early from Liverpool to compete in the Club World Cup and it is paying off as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals. The England international created the only goal of the game for Gonzalo Garcia as Xabi Alonso's side beat Italian giants Juventus 1-0 in the last 16. With Alonso moving to a back three as soon as he had the personnel available, Alexander-Arnold has benefitted from playing as a right wing-back in their last two matches. That is where he is set to continue against German outfit Dortmund in New Jersey tonight at the MetLife Stadium. Alexander-Arnold's floated cross for Gonzalo against Juventus was the precise kind of attacking output that led Madrid to bring him…

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is on the verge of entering a new chapter, as the winds of change are poised to sweep through the corridors of franchise ownership in South African football. This impending evolution not only heralds significant shifts within the league but also raises questions about the future direction and competitiveness of SA football. However, with the spectre of Royal AM’s tumultuous tenure looming large, the league must approach this critical juncture with caution and diligence. The fiasco surrounding Royal AM serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls that can arise when ownership is not adequately scrutinised. Royal AM’s journey in the PSL was marred by financial mismanagement and allegations of irregularities, ultimately culminating in their expulsion from the league. This incident has raised pressing…

Paris, the City of Lights, has long been a beacon for global wanderers seeking a blend of history, art, culture and romance. With iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, combined with charming cafés and exceptional cuisine, the allure of Paris is undeniable. In 2024 alone, France welcomed an estimated 89.4 million international tourists, solidifying its position as the world’s most visited country and underscoring its tourism sector’s hefty contribution of about 9% to the national GDP. However, amid the glitz and glamour lies a stark truth that some visitors face upon their arrival – the overwhelming feeling of disappointment that can follow immersion in the reality of Paris. This phenomenon, aptly dubbed “Paris Syndrome”, particularly affects those who have crafted an idealised vision of…