Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-12 i Saturday Star

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s here, embedded in our daily lives, reshaping how we work, connect and even care for our mental health. But can a chatbot like ChatGPT truly replace a human therapist? The question might sound far-fetched, but as the use of AI in mental health continues to grow, this debate has become urgent and deeply personal. To explore this, I turned to Cassie Chambers, operations director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), who offered thoughtful insights into this complex conversation. Let’s dive into the pros, cons and the bigger picture of AI’s role in mental health support. What AI can and can’t offer AI tools like ChatGPT are undeniably convenient. Available 24/7, stigma-free, and offering instant responses, they’re a…

HEARTBROKEN Durban parents, Michelle and John Bell, are preparing to bring home the body of their “baby girl” who was murdered in the Bahamas last week. Paige Bell was living the dream; working as a stewardess on a superyacht, surrounded by idyllic beaches and billionaires. Tragically, it ended in a nightmare. Last Thursday, Bell was found dead in the engine room of the yacht where she was stationed, just days before her 21st birthday. Her throat was slit and there were signs that she had struggled with her attacker. According to reports it appeared as if Bell may also have been sexually assaulted. Police are currently investigating a homicide and a suicide attempt. Speaking to the Saturday Star’s sister publication Independent on Saturday via Facebook, her dad John said they…

When Nthabiseng Nale fled an abusive marriage, she had nothing - no job, no support, and nowhere to turn. Today, she’s part of a sisterhood transforming pain into purpose through a remarkable initiative called Biyela. Launched by Community-based Organisation for the Prevention of Violence Against Children and Gender-based Violence (COPESSA), Biyela is more than a warm, multifunctional jacket for the homeless - it’s a symbol of healing, crafted by women rebuilding their lives one stitch at a time. The portable shelter is aimed at providing warmth, protection, and a sense of belonging for individuals living on the streets. The garment serves as a jacket, raincoat, bag, and sleeping bag all in one, making it a versatile lifesaver for the homeless and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Dr Nobs Mwanda, CEO of COPESSA,…

On August 6, educators, investors, entrepreneurs and other key stakeholders from across Africa will gather for the annual Anzisha Entrepreneurship Education in Africa (EEA) Summit at the African Leadership Academy campus in Johannesburg to explore the best practices in entrepreneurship education while celebrating innovative strategies that empower Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic agenda that offers invaluable insights from those actively engaged in transforming the educational and entrepreneurial landscape. The summit will feature the unveiling of new resources, groundbreaking innovations, and essential tools, culminating in the prestigious #AnzishaPrize Awards Gala. Hammanskraal-born entrepreneur and Anzisha alumnus, Godiragetse Mogajane, who will deliver the keynote address, is a trailblazer in township logistics. As the Founder and CEO of Delivery Ka Speed SA, this forward-thinking SME offers creative delivery solutions…

In 2024, Petco spent R70 million on financial support for the value chain, which enabled its contracted recycling partners to purchase approximately R470m in post-consumer packaging materials from small businesses. South Africa’s leading producer responsibility organisation, Petco, has delivered robust annual results for the collection and recycling of post-consumer packaging, meeting the legislated targets for 99% of the tonnage of identified products placed on the market by its members in 2024. The organisation’s 29 members, which include major brands such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Tiger Brands, and Tetra Pak, represent most of the PET plastic beverage bottles and liquid board packaging (LBP) placed onto the South African market. According to the newly released audited data, Petco’s efforts saved 76 000 cubic metres of South Africa’s scarce landfill space – the recyclable…

In the 1997 action film Dante's Peak, Pierce Brosnan plays the role of a volcanologist sent to investigate seismic activity beneath a long-dormant volcano. Years after its release, the story inspired South African Tebogo Makhubela to become a geologist, the 35-year-old said. Winner of one of the prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder awards, Makhubela leads a research team working to uncover ancient clues to human evolution. His turf lies below the surface of the Earth in the limestone caves of South Africa's Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site about 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg. Speaking from inside The Rising Star cave, one of the numerous caves in the area, Makhubela said he and his colleagues have only "scratched the surface" of the site, which dates back five million…

It may look like an ordinary building site but Akmatbek Uraimov’s new house in Kyrgyzstan is being built with blocks of rice. The eco-friendly alternative to conventional construction materials is booming in the Central Asian country, which is vulnerable to global warming and grapples with water shortages. Before selecting the unorthodox material, Uraimov had researched other options, but concluded that the relatively cheap blocks made from rice husks were his best option. “In terms of insulation, cost, as well as for builders, it turned out to be convenient,” said Uraimov, who lives in the village of Kyzyl-Kiya in southern Kyrgyzstan. “People didn’t know about it. Now they see it, they are interested, they call,” he said. Nursultan Taabaldyev is one of the pioneers of the technology in Central Asia hailed…

They call it the “Green Hell”, with 20.832 kilometres of undulating tar, known for its significant elevation changes and bumpy surface. Achieving a new record time at Germany’s Nürburgring-Nordschleife is a notable achievement, and BMW has done just that in the compact class of cars, with its new M2 CS. With BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger behind the wheel, the BMW M2 CS has knocked the Audi RS3 off its throne as the fastest compact car on the ’Ring. With a time of 7:25.5 minutes, Weidinger beat Audi’s previous record by eight seconds. “The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap time of 7:25.5 minutes on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential for combining performance, technology and exceptional driving dynamics into a single vehicle,” BMW M…

System is designed to tackle inequality but falls short South Africa’s personal income tax system is in the spotlight as the country’s tax filing season gets under way. Personal income tax is an important way of redistributing income from higher-earning to less-well-off individuals. But how effectively does it do this and what can get in the way? At the heart of any redistributive tax system is its structure – which incomes are taxed or exempted, which expenses are tax deductible, how the tax rate schedule is designed, and which tax credits are granted, including how much they reduce the tax owed. The schedule translates taxable income into the taxpayers’ tax liability by defining tax rates by tax brackets. The top tax rate is 45%. In a recent study, we explore…

Financial planning is a lifelong journey that shifts in focus with each stage of life, from childhood and schooling to early adulthood, midlife responsibilities, and then, retirement. Hayley Parry, Money Coach and Facilitator at 1Life’s Truth About Money, says it’s vital to distinguish between saving and investing. “Saving is money that you plan on spending in the short to medium term,” she says, typically between three and five years. These savings might go toward a child’s birthday, a December holiday, or a home deposit. Investing, by contrast, is for goals that extend beyond five years and should aim to outpace inflation. Parry strongly recommends building an emergency fund before moving into investing. “Think of your emergency fund as a financial cushion or shock absorber between yourself and your bank account,”…

‘The Man who says he can, and the man who says he cannot. Both are correct. Source: Confucius, a Chinese philosopher whose teachings became integrated into Confucianism, which taught personal morality and correctness of social relationships. We all accept that people’s circumstances and resources play a role. A person’s mindset plays a significant role in his/her life. Thus, what you believe is true leads you to act in one way or another, which eventually determines what happens in your life. In South Africa, two out of three children do not grow up in the same household as their biological fathers. This phenomenon brings with it many disadvantages in growing up and in a person’s development. But no setback must be seen as permanent; it is just something that one can…

Wrexham’s exploits since being bought by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have helped lift “the bonnet” on lower-league English football and boosted its popularity in the US, former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand told AFP. The 40-year-old, who is now an ambassador for the Hammers, said Wrexham’s climb up the English Football League (EFL) pyramid had “opened people’s eyes across the pond on such a great league”. The Wales-based club have scarcely looked back since Reynolds and McElhenney’s surprise purchase of them for around £2 million in 2021. Wrexham are just one promotion away from the Premier League after becoming the first club from the top five divisions of English football to secure three consecutive promotions. Ferdinand has been a keen follower of football in the US since…

Tadej Pogacar won stage seven of the Tour de France yesterday to regain the overall lead with a trademark burst up the short, steep slope of the Mur de Bretagne. Visma’s Jonas Vingegaard was second, doggedly staying right on Pogacar’s wheel to the line with Briton Oscar Onley third after a late nine-rider pile-up marred the finale. On his 19th career Tour de France stage win the 26-year-old Pogacar gained four seconds on Vingegaard with 10 bonus seconds to the Dane’s six. “It was super hot today, and super fast but we had a plan and we stuck to it,” said the Team UAE rider who was champion in 2020, 2021 and 2024. In the overall standings, Remco Evenepoel is second overall at 54 seconds after coming in sixth on…

In a bold move towards modernising the country’s immigration framework, South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, announced a comprehensive digital visa system that will soon be mandatory for all entrants to the nation. Presenting his budget for the upcoming financial year, Schreiber stated: “No person will be able to enter South Africa without first obtaining a digital visa through the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation),” marking a significant shift in how the country manages immigration. The launch of the ETA is set for the end of September, ahead of the G20 leaders’ meeting in Johannesburg in November. According to Schreiber, the ETA will digitalise the entire visa process, enhancing efficiency and combating corruption that has plagued the traditional paper-based system. “The endpoint of all of these reforms,” Schreiber explained, “is…

Weddings are meant to be magical, right? That one picture-perfect day that crowns your love story. But here’s the not-so-secret truth: planning a wedding can push even the calmest person into full-blown panic. You’re not just picking flowers and cake flavours, you’re managing expectations, navigating family politics, handling finances, and trying to keep your relationship strong in the process. Wedding vendors Aura Print found that searches for “pre-wedding nerves” surged by a staggering 5 000% in the past three months alone. And over a quarter of brides have called wedding planning the most stressful event of their lives. It’s no wonder many couples start questioning everything, including whether they’re ready for marriage at all. So, how do you protect your mental health while planning one of the biggest days of…

I’m an absolute sucker for a TV series or movie that is set in the ’70s. Just the aesthetics alone are a vibe. That was one of the reasons that I started watching the crime thriller Duster, which is co-created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan. The other is that the series is helmed by Lost star Josh Holloway as Jim Ellis and Rachel Hilson as Nina Hayes. Set in the Southwest in 1972, the premise centres on the FBI's first black woman agent, Nina Hayes (Hilson), fresh out of training from Quantico, taking on the mammoth task of bringing crime syndicate boss Ezra Saxton (Keith David) to book. She is laughed at by her sexist peers. But Nina has two things in her favour: she’s got the smarts to…

Illicit trading has emerged as one of the most pressing issues facing South Africa, pervading various sectors of the economy and costing the nation billions in lost tax revenue. At the forefront of this crisis are illicit cigarettes, now reaching record high levels in terms of market presence. Research conducted by Ipsos reveals a shocking statistic: more than 76.7% of shops across the country now sell cigarettes below the minimum tax threshold applicable on a standard pack of 20. This trend coincides with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's aim for the South African Revenue Service to collect an additional R20 billion in tax revenue for the financial year, an effort aimed at circumventing new tax measures in the upcoming 2026 budget. Johnny Moloto, Area Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs for…

There must be consequences and punitive measures, which include back payments by medical schemes, that were found to have applied systemic discrimination against black health professionals when they applied risk ratios against them. This call has come after the findings of a Section 59 investigation report revealed that three medical schemes, namely GEMS, Medscheme, and Discovery, applied discriminatory risk ratios to black health professionals, in disciplines such as physiotherapy, psychology, and social work, who are ‘more likely’ to be guilty of fraud, waste, and abuse. It is unclear how many medical professionals were affected by racial profiling and how many lost their business practices. The investigation was launched in 2019 after several healthcare providers made allegations they were being unfairly treated by medical aid schemes based on race and ethnicity.…

In the heart of Data Center Alley – a patch of suburban Washington where much of the world’s internet traffic flows – Visa operates its global fraud command centre. The numbers that the payments giant grapples with are enormous. Every year, $15 trillion flows through Visa’s networks, representing roughly 15% of the world’s economy. And bad actors constantly try to syphon off some of that money. Modern fraudsters vary dramatically in sophistication. To stay ahead, Visa has invested $12 billion over the past five years building AI-powered cyber fraud detection capabilities, knowing that criminals are also spending big. “You have everybody from a single individual threat actor looking to make a quick buck all the way to really corporatised criminal organisations that generate tens or hundreds of millions of dollars…

Lovebugs - so named for how the male and female cling together as they mate in flight - are swarming South Korea. They can be seen in the hilltops that dot South Korea’s bustling cities. They’re on the windows of high-rise office buildings. They’re on sidewalks, inside convenience stores, on hiking trails and all over city streetlights. They’re everywhere. The bugs are harmless, but they are becoming increasingly annoying to the country’s more than 50 million residents. “I thought it was the apocalypse,” said Kim Jaewoong, a 36-year-old welder who ran into a swarm of these bugs last week on Gyeyangsan, a small mountain in the port city of Incheon, an hour drive west of Seoul. Kim was jogging up the mountain on his usual weekend exercise route on Saturday…

Thailand’s pygmy hippo Moo Deng marked her first birthday on Thursday, drawing crowds of diehard fans even as she left behind the cute animal infancy that earned her worldwide internet fame. Big crowds are expected at a four-day festival at Khao Kheow Open Zoo where Moo Deng - meaning “Bouncy Pork” in Thai - frolicked to stardom and amassed five million social media followers. The first day of the extravaganza fell on a Thai public holiday with an agenda including a lecture on “Moo Deng’s cheekiness”, while a skincare beautician paid $3 000 (R53 000) to sponsor her fruit-festooned birthday cake. Around 100 fans gathered outside her enclosure on Thursday morning - fewer than the hordes she commanded at the height of her fame, but still animated with adoration. Jennifer…

The good times are rolling in South Africa’s new vehicle market, with nine consecutive months of sales growth putting the industry 13.6% ahead of where it was this time last year, Naamsa figures show. June was a particularly strong month for the motor trade, with year-on-year sales growing by 18.7% to 47 294 units, as passenger cars and light commercial vehicles made solid gains of 21.7% and 14.9% respectively. But household budgets remain tight and much of the growth is concentrated at the lower end of the vehicle market. “The majority of the growth we’re seeing is centred in the sub-R400 000 segment,” said Brandon Cohen, the chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (Nada). “This price point remains critical for volume, affordability and trade-ins, with a direct knock-on effect…

Have you ever been asked to submit your payslip by a prospective employer, before you’ve even sat down for the interview? For many South Africans, it’s a routine (and often frustrating) part of the job search. But that could soon change. The recently tabled Fair Pay Bill aims to put an end to this outdated practice and usher in a more equitable era of recruitment. If passed, it would prohibit employers from requesting your current or previous salary history and instead require them to be upfront about what they’re willing to pay. In short, transparency becomes the rule, not the exception. According to Norma Mazibuko, partner, and Amandla Makhongwana, senior associate at Bowmans South Africa: “This is a game-changer for both employers and job seekers and, if passed, is set…

South Africans have long grappled with low savings levels, high consumer debt, and increasing financial pressure. As July marks National Savings Month, it serves as an opportune time to reflect on the importance of disciplined saving, not as a luxury for the privileged few, but as a financial necessity for all. At its core, saving is a cornerstone of financial well-being. It creates resilience in the face of life’s inevitable disruptions, such as a retrenchment, medical crisis, or unplanned household expense. Without access to emergency funds, many are forced to rely on costly short-term debt, which often initiates a cycle of borrowing that is difficult to escape. As such, establishing and maintaining a savings buffer not only protects against the unexpected but also fosters the kind of financial independence that…

Crystal Palace have been demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League by UEFA for a breach of multi-club ownership rules, European football’s governing body confirmed yesterday. US businessman John Textor owns a stake in the Eagles and is the majority owner of French club Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League. Under UEFA multi-club ownership rules, Lyon have been allowed to keep their place in the second-tier competition of European football as they finished higher in Ligue 1 (6th) than Palace (12th) in the Premier League last season. Palace qualified for European competition for the first time by winning the FA Cup in May – the club’s first ever major trophy. Textor has since agreed to sell his 43 percent stake in the London club to…

Kaizer Chiefs have officially embarked on their journey into the women’s game through a strategic partnership with Springs Home Sweepers FC, a Kwa-Thema club, playing in the Sasol League, South Africa’s second-tier women’s football division. This landmark development formalises the growing relationship between the two clubs and signifies a significant investment in the empowerment and development of women in sport. The storied AmaKhosi, also known as the Phefeni Glamour Boys, qualified for the Confederation Cup competition after clinching the 2025 Nedbank Cup earlier this year. Under the regulations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), clubs must have a women’s team or a formal partnership with one to participate in inter-club competitions. This new alliance with Springs Home Sweepers, owned by former Chiefs player and ex-Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza,…

Now that the uber-wealthy set has left Venice after witnessing the gaudy nuptials of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, you’d think that it can’t be outdone when it comes to deciding where to host your wedding reception. Well, think again, because there are loads of beautiful destinations you could choose from to say “I do” without breaking the bank or being subjected to ridicule as the Bezos couple were during the high-profile wedding, where spoof mannequins of the bridal couple popped up across the lagoon city. So if you’re dreaming of somewhere unforgettable to tie the knot, a new study has helped refine your choices down to the most sought-after wedding destinations for 2025. With the global wedding services market valued at a staggering $899.6 billion (about R15bn) and…

At the prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas opened up about his thoughts on retirement and the meaning of creativity after an illustrious career spanning nearly six decades. The 80-year-old actor is well known for his roles in iconic films such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Wall Street and Basic Instinct. Douglas, who has graced the silver screen for nearly 60 years, conceded that it was time to slow down. “I’ve had a very busy career. Now, I have not worked since 2022, purposely because I realised I had to stop. I’d been working pretty hard for almost 60 years and I did not want to be one of those people who dropped dead on the set,” Douglas said at the 50th anniversary screening…

The arrest of a close family member in connection with the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek has reignited anger and grief in the Fleurhof community, where residents have been demanding answers since the child's body was found nearly two months ago. Police confirmed yesterday, that a 31-year-old woman had been arrested in Fleurhof, following an extensive investigation led by Florida detectives, supported by the Provincial Investigative Unit and Tracking Team. While police have not named her, they have confirmed it is a close family member. She is expected to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Monday, July 14, on a charge of murder. Jayden-Lee was reported missing by his mother on May 12, after he failed to return home from school, where he had been dropped off by his…

When Bayanda Walaza hits the screen in Showmax’s bold new vision for Africa, he doesn’t just run; he ignites. With every powerful stride, he poses the question: What if the best in the world wasn’t out there... but right here? Joining him is the cream of the crop of local talent: global challengers Grammy winner Tyla, amapiano DJ Kabza de Small, MaXhosa luxury of Laduma Ngxokolo, graphic artist Karabo Poppy, as well as actress Kealeboga Masango of Youngins fame, reality star and billionaire’s wife Sorisha Naidoo (The Real Housewives of Durban), entrepreneur and The Real Housewives star Nonku Williams, and hip-hop artist, Adulting actor and Big Brother Mzansi star Luthando BU Mthembu. They're all part of a creative uprising that pulses with the energy of our streets, our rhythms,…

Africa’s infrastructure boom is unlocking a new wave of opportunities for the continent’s manufacturing sector, positioning local producers to drive industrialisation, create jobs, and foster economic resilience. According to the African Development Bank, Africa requires $130-170 billion (R2.3-3 trillion) annually for infrastructure investment, with a financing gap of (R1.2-1.9 trillion). As governments, investors, and development finance institutions commit to bridging this gap, projects in energy, transport, water, and digital infrastructure are accelerating across the continent. This infrastructure momentum provides an unparalleled opportunity for local manufacturing growth. From cement and steel production for construction projects to the fabrication of transmission towers, pipes, and electrical components for energy and water initiatives, African manufacturers are strategically positioned to supply critical inputs while localising value chains. “By aligning manufacturing capacity with infrastructure development,…

When Feliesiano Muteca started surfing a decade ago, he had the waves at Cabo Ledo on Angola’s long Atlantic coastline pretty much to himself. Now, the unspoilt and sandy beach about 125 kilometres south of the capital Luanda has become a prized destination for international surfers, with a reputation as a hidden gem. The Portuguese-speaking southern African nation is still scarred by a long post-independence civil war that stalled its development, although parts of Luanda flash with oil money. Wary of its dependence on oil and already burned by the market’s volatility, Angola is embarking on a drive to lure back foreign tourists by easing access for travellers and boosting its attractions. These include Cabo Ledo, where Muteca is a qualified surfing instructor with the sport’s accredited body. “There are…

A pioneering study involving international researchers, including a contributor from Stellenbosch University, has revealed that awareness of the connection between extreme weather events and climate change significantly influences public support for climate policies. Published in the esteemed journal Nature Climate Change on 1 July, this research sheds light on how varying extreme weather experiences sway opinions, particularly in the Global South. The study examined how individuals’ experiences with extreme weather events and their belief that these occurrences are linked to climate change predict their support for five key climate policies: increasing taxes on carbon-intensive foods, raising taxes on fossil fuels, expanding public transportation infrastructure, increasing the use of sustainable energy, and protecting forested and land areas. Utilising extensive datasets from 68 countries, the researchers quantified exposure to extreme weather events…

Wayne Corprew cut down a Christmas tree for his family at a farm in 2010 - and when he got to his truck to drive it home, he realised his wedding ring was missing. He searched to no avail, then reported it to Sue Bostic, who owned the 50-acre farm. Bostic wrote Corprew’s name and cellphone number on a yellow sticky note that she pinned onto a bulletin board in her office. “Lost wedding Ring Band,” the note said. “Do not throw Away.” Fifteen years later, Corprew was shocked to receive a call from Joe’s Trees in Newport, Virginia. The farm’s new owners found the ring covered in dirt while planting corn last month. Then they leafed through the sticky notes on the bulletin board, each one with a handwritten…

There’s something deeply satisfying about starting up a naturally aspirated V8 petrol-fuelled engine. It’s even more so when it’s slotted under the long bonnet of a Ford Mustang Dark Horse, which sounds grumpy even when in quiet mode. I’ve had my fair share of exposure to the iconic American Pony Car over the years, including a first drive of the Dark Horse at the Charlotte Speedway in America, which is considered the home of Nascar. It’s difficult to describe the feeling of climbing up the embankment of the famous oval with the side of the big sportscar only a foot or two away from the wall. It’s exhilarating and terrifying at the same time but without a doubt one of the highlights of my career. Performance I also love the…

Walk down the aisles of a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods Market in the US, and chances are many of the piles of oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit will be labelled “produce of South Africa”. They have become a staple in the US – the world’s largest citrus importer – especially during the off-season summer months when in the southern hemisphere, the South African winter harvest is at its peak. But now those supplies are threatened by a potential 30% tariff that US President Donald Trump has slapped on the country. After earlier saying the levies would be imposed on July 9, US officials on Monday signalled that trading partners have until August 1 before the tariffs kick in. The looming levy has cast a cloud over the sunny valleys…

You know it’s tax season when there’s a rise in the old ‘death and taxes’ humour. But this year’s biggest clue has been the media hype around Sars’ artificial intelligence-driven tactics to enforce tax collections. The South African fiscus needs money, in a country where only 7.4 million (12%) of the population of 64m pay personal income tax, while 28m (44%) rely on social grants. However, fearmongering isn’t helpful. I prefer to highlight the positives so taxpayers understand how to use SA’s tax mechanisms for their benefit. Whether you have an accountant, a tax practitioner, or file your own tax return, look out for the following points to legally reduce what you owe Sars, maximise refunds, and combat tax debt in 2025. Take control of your finances Sars is indeed…

Tottenham have signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and are set to capture Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White in a double swoop worth over £100 million. Kudus became the first player since 2011 to make the move from the Hammers to rivals Spurs in a reported £55 million deal. Gibbs-White is set to follow as Spurs have activated the £60 million buyout clause in his Forest contract. The double signing marks the start of the Thomas Frank era at Tottenham after he replaced Ange Postecoglou last month, despite the Australian winning the Europa League to end a 17-year trophy drought for the club. Victory over Manchester United in the Bilbao final also secured Spurs direct entry to the Champions League. Kudus said the combination of playing in Europe’s elite competition and…

Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz reached his third successive Wimbledon final yesterday, battling to a 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) win against American fifth seed Taylor Fritz. With Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio watching from the stands, Alcaraz survived a titanic clash lasting two hours and 49 minutes in searing temperatures on Centre Court. As the mercury rose close to 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit), play was interrupted by several fans taken ill, but Alcaraz kept his cool to subdue the big-serving Fritz with his sublime returns and immaculate serving of his own. The 22-year-old will play seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic or world number one Jannik Sinner in tomorrow’s final. Alcaraz has beaten Djokovic in the past two Wimbledon finals and holds an 8-4 edge over Sinner in their…

As the dawn of a new season creates space for fresh hopes and aspirations, Kaizer Chiefs’ specialist goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzoughi is brimming with anticipation and determination. With the momentum of last season's rare success, namely winning the Nedbank Cup, Mzoughi understands that the expectations of supporters have grown stronger. “Having won the Nedbank Cup, our supporters are expecting more trophies and the technical staff share that aspiration,” Mzoughi said, looking towards the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The connection between the team and the country’s biggest fan base, he continued, is vital in this quest for continued success. “Their support is crucial – our unity gives us power,” he added profoundly, in an interview with kaizerchiefs.com. Mzoughi highlighted the significance of solidarity in achieving their collective goals. His…

As holiday plans begin to take shape for many across the globe, a dark cloud looms over the travel industry: a surge in holiday scams. Globally, fraudsters pilfered over $1 trillion (R17.8 trillion) from unsuspecting victims in 2024, as revealed in a recent report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (Gasa). Travel was cited as one of the hardest-hit sectors. Analysis indicates that nearly $25 million will be lost to online travel fraud this year alone, potentially impacting one in five travel bookings. This alarming trend isn’t confined to the borders of specific countries – even South Africa is witnessing a sharp rise in travel-related scams. Antoinette Turner, general manager at Flight Centre South Africa, stressed the seriousness of the situation. “South Africa is witnessing a significant uptick in scams –…