Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-19 i Saturday Star

Scrolling through TikTok lately, you might have come across videos about the “Orange Peel Theory”. At first glance, it sounds oddly specific. Why is peeling an orange suddenly a relationship trend? But the idea behind it is as sweet and thoughtful as it sounds, and it’s making many people rethink what love truly looks like. The Orange Peel Theory suggests that the small, everyday acts we do for our partners, like peeling an orange, can mean far more than big romantic gestures. Not because someone can’t peel their own orange, but because it shows care, thoughtfulness and the kind of gentle attention that makes us feel safe and loved. While you won’t find the “Orange Peel Theory” in any psychology textbook, the conversation it sparked is deeply rooted in relationship…

Unlike their Hollywood counterparts, such as Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Aniston, who have demonstrably moved on from their divorces, many high-profile personalities in Mzansi are still navigating their healing journeys. This couldn’t be more apparent than on Showmax’s Untied, where the well-known guests share their no-holds-barred take on marriage and divorce. With Relebogile Mabotja tactfully broaching issues that audiences want answered, she does a sterling job in celebrating her guests while empathising with them too. Of course, some of the scandals made headlines, too, while others were kept low-key. I watched episode one with Nonku Williams, who unpacked her tumultuous marriage before her rise to fame on The Real Housewives of Durban. And who could forget the “cheesecake saga” between Sonia and Matthew Booth that turned the country…

Tiffany Meek made her second appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court yesterday for the murder of her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee Meek. The 31-year-old mother faces charges of murder, crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. She is applying for bail and brought her private attorney on record. The court heard Noven Naidoo will represent the mother, and Olga Mapokgole will serve as the State Prosecutor in the matter, which will be presided over by Magistrate Annelin Africa. After claiming to have been denied access in court, Meek’s mother, Debbie Dunn, could be seen seated in the gallery. Dunn claimed her daughter was being framed and stated the family had lost hope in the justice system. According to a…

Local creatives fear being sidelined as French media giant Canal+ moves to merge with MultiChoice - a deal that could reshape South Africa’s TV industry and put local jobs and content at risk. Actors, filmmakers and industry bodies say the deal lacks clear guarantees for local content production, fair pay, and intellectual property rights, warning that without regulation, foreign control could come at the cost of local voices. The Competition Commission Tribunal hearing this week, will focus on public interest clauses of the merger, especially around commitments to support local content creators and historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs). Regulators and commissioners sought to understand how local content creators and HPDs will be supported under the merged entity. Canal+ and MultiChoice had committed to obligations to continue procuring goods and services from…

Under-fire Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was recently placed on special leave, said he is patiently waiting to share his side of the story before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry following serious allegations of corruption made against him. The allegations were raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who implicated Mchunu in misconduct alongside others. “Those allegations were not only against me,” Mchunu said. “They were against a range of other departments, and I would also say the justice system as a whole in the country, as he said it there.” He was speaking on the sidelines of the ANC Musa Dladla region’s International Mandela Day celebration in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. This was Mchunu’s first public appearance since being placed on leave. Mchunu emphasised the importance of fairness and…

When Christian Kaembe started Bwangu Delivery, he wasn’t trying to copy big courier companies. He was solving a problem that nobody else was paying attention to. In underserved towns in Angola, food delivery wasn’t just slow, it was almost impossible. Christian saw an opportunity to build something meaningful, not by following the playbook of global delivery giants, but by creating a local solution that truly served his community. With limited resources, little personal savings, and the support of family, friends, and one incredibly supportive customer, Christian grew Bwangu Delivery into a fast-rising logistics business. Along the way, he has navigated tough hiring decisions, the growing pains of entrepreneurship, and the power of truly listening to his customers. For young entrepreneurs ready to start but unsure where to begin, Christian’s story…

The provincial Department of Health has intensified its public health efforts in response to a surge in measles cases across Gauteng. A public health expert from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has also urged a further scale-up of measles vaccinations to help curb the ongoing outbreak. Prof Talitha Crowley, the Academic Division Head at the School of Nursing, said that vaccination coverage in the province, reportedly under 75%, is well below the threshold to prevent outbreaks. “To prevent any measles outbreak, we actually need less than 5% who are not vaccinated in a community. In other words, 95% vaccination coverage.” In Gauteng, a total of 181 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from 1 January to 13 June 2025, with many of these cases emanating from Johannesburg, Tshwane…

Snout pressed to the ground, a border collie named Delta zigzagged through the shrubs on a private nature reserve near Cape Town, frantically sniffing for critically endangered tortoises. The dog stopped abruptly in front of a small bush and lay down, signalling a find as Delta’s handler moved in to search the surrounding area. Hidden in the tall grass was a tiny reptile, its shell marked with yellow star-like patterns – a clear sign it was a geometric tortoise, a species found only at the southern tip of Africa. “It’s an adult female, you can tell by its flat belly,” said Esther Matthew, the dog’s handler and a conservation officer for South Africa’s Endangered Wildlife Trust. She explained that the organisation uses canines to sniff out the endangered species by…

After a nearly six-year hiatus, Nissan has reintroduced the Navara Stealth double-cab bakkie to the South African market. Built at their Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, the Stealth uses the LE grade Navara as the foundation and fits in below the premium Warrior and Pro range. And what’s not to like when manufacturers add a couple of nice-to-haves to make it stand out from the rest? Black is back Black is, of course, the favourite colour to replace the silver and chrome bits, so the roof rails, grille, mirror caps, door handles, and side steps get the deep black finish treatment in addition to the Stealth signature on the doors and tailgate. It also receives a black nudge bar, a sports bar and 17-inch alloys. The interior is refreshed and…

Gang-related crime in South Africa is widespread, but is under-reported outside hot spots such as the Cape Flats in Cape Town or Westbury in Johannesburg. In these areas, gangs are deeply rooted and contribute to ongoing violence, drug trafficking and territorial conflict. But gangs have continued to evolve and gang violence has consistently increased throughout South Africa, particularly in the Gauteng and Free State provinces. In the Free State in the east-central part of the country, devil-worshipping and witchcraft-related gang practices have been reported. Gang-related violence is fuelled by poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and the need for protection from rival gangs. In my doctoral study in criminology, I explored the phenomenon of occult-inspired gangs in the Free State. I interviewed 23 active gang members, 16 offenders who weren’t affiliated to…

It seems that everyone has a story to tell about insurance companies seemingly trying to get out of settling claims. One recent one involved someone who was hijacked. If that isn’t traumatic enough, the jacker then went on a joy ride around the Alexandra township, near Sandton in Johannesburg, completely writing off the car before stripping it bare.’ There was no car left to recover. And the only reason it was recovered was because she phoned the tracking company. The insurance company had insisted that she use a policy-mandated tracking device. To use a tired cliché, to add insult to injury, that person’s insurance company tried to argue that the car was written off instead of forcefully stolen. Many policies have a clause saying that you have to give permission…

Debt may seem like a means to an end – a necessary part of modern life. But for many, it’s more than just money owed. Debt is a weight that holds you back, a chain that limits your freedom, and a slow drain on your financial future. The harsh reality is that every rand of debt you carry isn’t just a number – it’s a claim on your time, your income, and your choices. For those caught in the cycle of debt, financial progress can feel like running on a treadmill. No matter how hard you work, you’re not moving forward. The burden of repayments eats into your salary before you even see it. That car loan, those store cards, the mortgage – they all claim a portion of your…

KEVIN Lerena steps into the ring for his second ever heavyweight title bout when he squares up to Englishman Lawrence Okolie at the Wembley Stadium tonight. South Africa’s boxing darling – the WBC bridgerweight champion – will be looking to do better than he did against Daniel Dubois back in 2022 when he was sent crashing on his backside on the canvas in the third round, having himself sent his adversary to the deck on two occasions in the first round. Prior to his departure to London, Lerena oozed confidence and promised to knock Okolie out so he can bring home the WBC silver heavyweight title. It is a mammoth task but should he be successful, he will put his name on a very short list of South Africans who…

Scottie Scheffler ignited his bid for a maiden British Open title by surging to within one shot of the clubhouse lead held by 2023 champion Brian Harman and China's Li Haotong at Royal Portrush yesterday. The world number one brushed aside a brief heavy rain shower to pour in four birdies on the front nine of his second round and reach seven-under for the tournament. Matthew Fitzpatrick was also four-under on the day through 11 holes and tied at the top of the leaderboard alongside Harman and China's Li. Home favourite Rory McIlroy carded a two-under par 69 to reach three-under for the tournament, five strokes off the pace, as he continues his bid for a second Claret Jug. Scheffler struggled off the tee on Thursday but still carded a…

SNOOP Dogg has become co-owner of Championship side Swansea City in an unlikely alliance between the world of rap and football, the Welsh club announced. The 53-year-old American star joins former Real Madrid stalwart and Croatia World Cup finalist Luka Modric in the club’s ownership structure. Snoop Dogg made a surprise appearance on the club’s social media channels last week modelling their new home jersey for the 2025-26 season and the club announced on Thursday that he has become an investor. His involvement comes after American businessmen Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen took over the club last November. Swansea will hope that Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, can use his 100 million-plus social media followers to boost the club’s profile as they seek to return to the…

In an increasingly fast-paced world, the concept of work-life balance has never held more importance. With escalating demands from employers and intense personal commitments, individuals are striving to find a harmonious co-existence between their professional and private lives. This pursuit is more than merely managing time – it encompasses managing energy and prioritising what truly matters for overall well-being. Understanding this, many people are looking towards relocation in the hopes of achieving a better balance. In 2025, several countries stand out for their commitment to work-life balance that promotes both employee satisfaction and productivity. As we delve into the best countries for work-life balance, it’s important to consider the benefits that emerge from a balanced lifestyle. A healthy equilibrium mitigates stress, reduces burnout and even amplifies creativity, leading to better…

If you’re a South African living in New Zealand, chances are you’ve experienced the agonising wait for passport renewals, often dragging on for six to 12 months. For many, it means rearranging work leave, enduring costly international flights and waiting in limbo for travel documents that should be far easier to obtain. But there's good news on the horizon as new processing offices promise to cut those timelines down to mere weeks. Traditionally, South African passport renewals in New Zealand have been handled by the South African High Commission in Wellington. While applicants could submit their documents locally, everything still had to be sent back to South Africa for final approval and processing. According to the High Commission’s official website: “It takes six to 12 months to process new South…

We all love a good gadget, but I never expected to find life-changing gems while sitting in bed casually scrolling through Temu when bored with the choices on Netflix. These weren’t expensive, flashy tech buys, just simple little tools that have now become part of my everyday life. I didn’t think I needed any of them until they arrived… and now, I honestly can’t imagine living without them. From speeding up my morning routine to solving problems I didn’t even know I had, here are 5 gadgets I never knew I needed, but am so glad I bought. 1. Hairline powder for quick coverage I didn’t expect much from this little compact of hairline powder, but wow, it works. It comes with a sponge applicator that inserts into the…

While Mandela Month is a time for reflection, kindness and generosity, it is also a reminder to help combat poverty and inequality. And The Academy on Disney+ reveals how some of the issues are being championed in pioneering ways. As part of the streaming platform’s People & Places: Shorts collection, it celebrates individuals who have made giant strides in their profession despite facing numerous socio-economic obstacles. Under the direction of award-winning film-maker Julia Jansch, the short feature spotlights Azile Arosi. This young woman from Khayelitsha discovers healing and purpose through sailing at The Academy, a transformative training programme offered by the Royal Cape Yacht Club. In a chat with Jansch, she shed light on how the project came about. “I made a movie called My Father the Mover, which won…

A bombshell scandal has exposed the hidden desires of Thailand's saffron-robed monks. Police this week revealed a woman's alleged year-long scheme: bedding dozens of revered holy men, secretly snapping their intimate moments, then demanding millions in hush money - funds pilfered directly from sacred donations. The monks are said to have paid nearly $12 million (R212m), funnelled out of their monasteries, funded by donations from laypeople hoping to increase their merit and prospects for reincarnation. The scandal provoked outrage over hypocrisy in the monkhood, concern their status shields them from scrutiny, and soul-searching across society about the role of religion. "I'm not involved in the religion like I used to be," 33-year-old motorbike taxi driver Mongkol Sudathip told AFP. "I don't have full respect for it anymore." King Maha Vajiralongkorn…

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has disclosed that the National Gambling Board (NGB) has recorded at least 90 online gambling websites that are currently operating illegally in South Africa. Tau said the illegal gambling websites are registered and licensed overseas. “The National Gambling Board did not engage with the operators of the illegal gambling websites, and operators did not block their illegal sites as the National Gambling Board did not engage with them,” he said. Tau revealed this when he was responding to parliamentary questions from Rise Mzansi MP Songezo Zibi, who enquired about the approaches used by the NGB to identify illegal gambling websites and the engagements undertaken by the board with South African network operators to block illegal online gambling websites in the past five financial…

A single peach can ruin a career. The roll of the eyes, a friendship. Emojis are now globally accepted as part of everyday language, a go-to tool when words fail us. But what happens when they say far more than what was intended. This week a group of lawyers debated a loaded question; whether or not emojis are acceptable in the workplace. During a webinar, they examined how emojis can blur the lines between friendliness and misconduct, and why context, culture, and relationship dynamics matter when using emojis at work. Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr employment lawyers Anli Bezuidenhout and Yvonne Mkefa agree that a workplace policy on emojis is definitely needed. They were joined by forensic and legal linguist, Dr Zakeera Docrat who explored the impact of emojis on workplace…

When Rapheal February left the Eastern Cape in 2019 to settle in the rural Western Cape town of Saron, his only employment option was as a farmworker. Located approximately 130 km from Cape Town, Saron is home to approximately 7 000 people, many of whom are employed on the surrounding farms. “This area only knows farm work. There are no other jobs. When I got here, they said, ‘Here’s work.’ So,” he shrugs, “I climbed on a lorry.” The adaptation was not easy, he says. “It was my first time. I didn’t know anything. I mean, I came from a place where there are malls and stuff, but here I am: In Saron,” February says, laughing. In addition to having to adapt to this new environment, there was also the…

A Nigerian university has ignited an online row after a video showed female staff members touching the breasts of women to check if they were wearing bras before taking part in an exam. Hundreds of thousands of people have viewed the video of staff at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in the southwestern Ogun state enforcing the policy that female students must wear bras during exams. In the online row sparked this month, some denounced the practice as archaic and sexist, while others likened it to sexual assault. “This is harassment. People have different reasons for not wearing bras,” a user identified as @kaysheila posted on X. “That’s human rights violation. Sue them!!!” added another user, @kastrotwits. But others have defended the checks, saying it is “inappropriate” for women to go…

Sandton Convention Centre was abuzz this week as industry leaders, government officials, and key decision-makers gathered for the annual Manufacturing Indaba 2025, a vital platform for showcasing products, technologies, and solutions within the manufacturing ecosystem. This two-day expo is not only a marketplace of ideas but also a meeting point for professionals aiming to expand their networks and grasp emerging market trends. The Saturday Star attended this gathering, speaking with several business owners who shared their personal journeys and the motivations behind their innovative enterprises. Albertina Maseko, the founder of Mailaka Textiles, is on a mission to empower young girls through the production of reusable sanitary towels. Maseko’s entrepreneurial drive stemmed from her experiences as an educator over nearly two decades. She says she has witnessed the hurdles many girl…

Customs officials smelled that something was amiss even before they unpacked roughly 1 500 tarantulas that had been hidden in boxes that should have been filled with about 15 pounds of chocolate-flavoured cake. The tarantulas – large and hairy arachnids – were in a packet for shipment from Vietnam to North Rhine-Westphalia in western Germany. The venomous spiders were crammed into small plastic containers that were then filled into the bright-red cake boxes. A “noticeable smell” – inconsistent with the alleged contents – emanated from one of the packages when it was opened, Cologne Bonn Airport officials said in a news release. Maja Ley, a spokesperson for the Cologne Main Customs Office, said that the majority of the smuggled tarantulas were alive when discovered. The survivors were placed in professional…

At a remote bone bed in Arizona, dense with fossils dating back around 209 million years, a Smithsonian-led team of researchers has discovered North America’s oldest known pterosaur, according to a news release. Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to develop powered flight, soaring above dinosaurs and other surreal creatures that called the prehistoric world home. The finding, detailed in an article in PNAS published Monday, offers clues to the evolution of the winged reptiles, which have more than 150 named species, including the Hollywood favourite – the pterodactyl. Before the study, there were only two known Triassic pterosaurs from North America, Ben Kligman, a paleontologist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and an author on the study, said in an email. This is the only early pterosaur globally…

Mercedes-AMG has unleashed its E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ Edition 1 model in South Africa, featuring an exclusive colour palette and a “meticulously curated” list of high-value options. Only 12 units will be available locally, priced at R3,228,200, a significant premium over the “standard” E53, which costs a shade over R2.5 million, but exclusivity and meticulous curation don’t come cheap these days. To that end, the E53 Edition 1 flaunts an AMG Exterior Carbon Package, AMG Night Package, and larger forged alloy wheels, at 21 inches versus the regular version’s 20” rims. The cabin treats occupants to AMG Performance seats and the MBUX Superscreen with hybrid-specific displays, which stretches across the dashboard and includes a screen for the front passenger. This model is also set apart by yellow seatbelts, an AMG Performance…

South Africans are no strangers to online scams. From dodgy emails promising instant riches to fake investment groups on WhatsApp, we've seen them all. But a new scam is doing the rounds that should have everyone on high alert. This time, it’s not just fake profiles or phony schemes. It’s deepfake videos, disturbingly realistic clips using artificial intelligence to impersonate some of the most trusted figures in the country’s financial sector. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has issued an urgent warning after videos began circulating on Facebook and other platforms, falsely featuring their Group CEO, Dr Leila Fourie, and Mark Randall, Director of Information Services. In these manipulated clips, the executives appear to be promoting fraudulent investment schemes. They are not. These videos are complete fabrications, designed to mislead and…

Leaving an inheritance to minor children requires careful planning, especially when it comes to selecting appropriate vehicles, structuring beneficiary nominations, and complying with legislation. In the absence of property planning, your children’s inheritance could end up in the hands of unintended parties or be sub-optimally managed. In this article, we explore how to safeguard an inheritance for your minor children by considering the type of asset, the role of legal guardians, and the benefits of testamentary trusts. Bequeathing fixed property to a minor child Our law allows a minor child to inherit fixed property and transfer it with the help of a legal guardian. While this provides a degree of legal protection, it’s important to be aware of the practical risks. Firstly, it’s important to ensure that your estate is…

THE Premier Soccer League has officially announced its nominees for the 2024/25 season, recognising the standout performers across all domestic competitions. From established stars to emerging talents, the nominees reflect the depth of quality in South African football. Here are our picks in each category – and why they deserve the accolade. Footballer of the Season: Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns) Costa was central to Sundowns’ undefeated league campaign. His creativity, consistent goal contributions, and intelligence in tight spaces made him the most feared attacker in the league. Betway Premiership Coach of the Season: Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns) Taking over mid-season is tough. Going unbeaten while doing it is extraordinary. Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season: Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) Mofokeng didn’t just show promise – he…

Former Liverpool and Manchester United star Paul Ince has been banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £7,085 after a drink-driving offence. Ince admitted driving his black Range Rover while over the limit on June 28 in Cheshire. The ex-England captain had a reading of 49 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when he was stopped by police, Chester Magistrates court heard yesterday. Nigel Jones, prosecuting, said: “On the day in question, the defendant was witnessed by an off-duty police officer driving a vehicle perceived to be swerving across the road.” He said the 57-year-old’s car swerved across the central reservation, hitting bollards and causing two tyres to burst. Frank Rogers, defending Ince, said: “My client finds himself today facing the huge impact of a…

SARINA Wiegman heaped praise on England icon Lucy Bronze after she stepped up to help drag the Lionesses through to the semi-finals of Women’s Euro 2025 on Thursday. England were trailing by two goals and looked to be heading out of the tournament with 11 minutes remaining before Bronze halved the deficit by heading home Chloe Kelly’s cross. And after Michelle Agyemang fired home the leveller, Bronze stepped up to smash in what turned out to be the winning penalty of an eventful shootout won 3-2 by England. “Lucy Bronze is just one of a kind. I have never, ever seen this before in my life. And I’m a very lucky person that I’ve worked with so many incredible people, incredible football players. And there are so, so many,” England…

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi recently took his children on a heartfelt township tour during their holiday visit. Sharing the experience on TikTok, Kolisi posted a video of himself walking through the township of Rolihlahla (named after the late former president Nelson Mandela) in Gqeberha with his sister, Liphelo (Phelo), and his daughter, Keziah. “This is Phelo’s hood. This is where she lived. I’m just showing her so she doesn’t forget eRolihlahla,” Kolisi explained in the video, playfully teasing his younger sister about her blonde braids by saying, “You’re blonde at the moment.” As they strolled down a street lined with informal dwellings on a warm winter’s day, Kolisi reflected on his roots. Rolihlahla informal settlement, behind the Nelson Mandela University’s Missionvale Campus, was established in 1999 and has been waiting…

Chasing away illegal immigrants from hospitals, clinics, and other government institutions will not help resolve the illegal immigration crisis South Africa is facing. This is according to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who called on Operation Dudula Movement and other groups manning hospital and clinic entrances in a bid to stop alleged undocumented immigrants from accessing healthcare, to refrain from this approach. On Thursday, scores of Operation Dudula Movement members in Durban and Johannesburg marched to the respective head offices of the South African Human Rights Commission against NGOs, such as Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI), the Helen Suzman Foundation, and other organisations, who are being accused of protecting undocumented foreign nationals at the expense of poor South Africans. Over the past few months, March in March and Operation Dudula members have…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has warned that South Africa stands to lose around 100 000 jobs due to US tariffs if a trade deal is not renewed. In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Godongwana said the country’s automotive sector, which exports heavily to the US, would be hardest hit because of the tariffs. "We heard from the central bank governor saying, potentially, if the current deal, the current tariffs stay in place, 100 000 jobs could be at stake", Godongwana said. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all vehicles imported into the US and has since upped the ante on South Africa, informing President Cyril Ramaphosa last week that South Africa will be hit with a 30% tariff on all its exports to the…

With tax season fully underway in South Africa, taxpayers have been warned not to "blindly accept" their South African Revenue Service (SARS) auto assessments without reviewing them carefully. The tax season officially commenced on Monday, July 7, 2025, with SARS setting deadlines for different categories of taxpayers. According to the revenue service, most taxpayers will be auto-assessed this year. "This season marks an important period in which the income tax returns of most taxpayers will be automatically assessed. 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. What is auto assessment? Auto assessment is a process in which SARS uses data from employers, medical aids, and financial institutions to complete tax returns for…

It was September 2012 when Brad Squires and Anita Moran decided to cap off their impromptu romantic picnic on Canada’s Bell Island by flinging a bottle containing a handwritten note about their day together into the sea. The young couple were around one year into their relationship but were living apart at the time, making that date particularly special to them, Anita told The Washington Post in a phone interview. Brad was posted with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, while she was training to be a nurse in Newfoundland and Labrador, she explained. “We had this bottle and it just seemed kind of old-timey and romantic, I guess,” Anita said. “We wrote a private note to us, not thinking that it would make it anywhere.” Nearly 13…

As part of honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Survè Philanthropies spent Mandela Day giving back to the communities of Athlone and Simon’s Town. In Athlone, the staff and trainees of Athlone’s Training Workshop Unlimited, a project of Cape Mental Health, were treated to a warm meal and drink. Training Workshops Unlimited provides skills and employment training to empower persons with intellectual disability to achieve their fullest potential. Madiga Ryklief, speaking for Survé Philanthropies, said they chose to work with Training Workshop Unlimited as many in the area are poverty-stricken, and disabled people are left on the periphery of society. Ryklief said that they decided to focus on uplifting the Athlone area because they’ve witnessed just how great the need is in the community with previous outreach efforts. Cape Mental…

The role of artist management has become a growing concern within South Africa’s entertainment industry, prompting commentary from key industry figures who underscore its critical importance. This conversation has been fuelled by several high-profile incidents where comments made by local celebrities on social media sparked public debate and media attention. International speaker and podcaster Lebo Lion has weighed in on the matter, stressing the vital role artist managers play in navigating social media controversies. Lion tells Saturday Star that effective management involves offering strategic guidance, crisis communication, and reputation protection. “The misconception with artist management is that it is a tool that is used for crisis management. An artist's managers job is to nurture the business ecosystem that enables the talent to thrive while simultaneously making strategic decisions that support…

The gruesome and heartbreaking murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek has reopened a dark and painful question: what causes a mother to murder her own child? Jayden-Lee’s body was discovered in May at a residential complex in Fleurhof, Johannesburg. His mother, Tiffany Nicole Meek, who initially appeared to be a grieving parent, now stands accused of his murder, crimen injuria, and defeating the ends of justice. The horrifying allegations have not only shattered public trust but also drawn renewed focus to a string of similar incidents across South Africa. “From the beginning, this case raised serious concerns about the circumstances of his death,” said Siya Monakali of Ilitha Labantu. “The formal charges against the mother now confirm the worst fears that another child has allegedly been killed by the very person…

In South Africa’s townships and informal settlements, millions of cats and dogs live side by side with people, often in poverty and largely without access to basic veterinary care. It’s here, in the heart of De Doorns, just outside Worcester, that a small but powerful intervention is changing lives. In 2022, Sidewalk Specials opened the Sidewalk Steri Clinic, a community-based project aimed at providing accessible vet care, sterilisation, parasite control, vaccinations and pet education to township residents. For Rachael Sylvester Van Wyk, the organisation’s founder, the idea was born from an urgent need. “In South Africa, it’s estimated over 10 million people live in townships and informal settlements. In turn, millions of domestic dogs and cats are living alongside them, facing a daily struggle to survive and with limited or…

Ford South Africa has added some luxury and spice to its Tourneo Custom passenger van range with the introduction of the Sport and Titanium X models. These slot above the existing Tourneo Custom Active and Trend long-wheelbase models, which are priced at R1,063,000 and R1,104,500 respectively. Expect to pay R1,218,000 for the new Sport model and R1,264,000 for the Titanium X. The two new models are both built on the short-wheelbase platform, and seat eight occupants. Power comes from the familiar 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine, which delivers 125kW and 390Nm, an increase over the 100kW and 360Nm offered by the Active and Trend versions. It drives the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Also setting the new models apart are their specification levels. The Sport, as its name suggests,…

The simplified, somewhat apocryphal story I was taught about the origins of vaccines is this one: In 1796, at the height of the smallpox epidemic, physician Edward Jenner noticed that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox, a related but milder illness, appeared to be immune to the more severe disease, which killed 30% of the people who caught it. Jenner took a cowpox sample from an infected milkmaid and injected it into the arm of a willing subject, and the subject became immune, and smallpox became eradicated, and we never looked back. What I didn’t learn until recently is that the subject was an 8-year-old boy. His name was James Phipps, and he was the son of Jenner’s gardener. Only a small amount is known about Phipps’s life, pre- or postvaccination,…

In spite of heightened global tensions and local squabbling within the GNU, investors, especially in local assets, fared surprisingly well in the second quarter to the end of June. When one would have expected equity markets to buckle under the various pressures they were facing, including an alarming but mercifully brief war involving Iran, they held up and, for the most part, delivered very pleasing returns. The JSE enjoyed an excellent quarter to the end of June. The FTSE/JSE All-Share Index (Alsi) closed at 96,429 points, off slightly from a record 97,029 points on Thursday, June 12. It began the three-month period at 88,637, but almost immediately plunged by 9.3% on April 2 in response to US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements. When Trump backed off, postponing the…

In preparation for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, Pakistan will host South Africa in a three-match 50-over series, with the games to be played on September 16, 19 and 22. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also said the side will play a three-match T20I series against Ireland in Dublin in early August. Following the home ODI series against South Africa, Pakistan will travel to Sri Lanka to participate in ODI World Cup, where they are set to play their seven league-stage matches from October 2 to 24 in Colombo. Should Pakistan qualify for the knockouts of ODI World Cup, their semi-final on October 29 and the final on November 2 will be held in Colombo. After this, Pakistan women’s international schedule will be majorly focused on preparing for the…

DAY two of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg is underway at Wits Marks Park Sports Ground, and the tournament continues to attract scouts and technical teams from some of the country’s top clubs all keeping a close eye on the rising talent on display. Tournament ambassadors Brighton Mhlongo and Coach Thabo Senong expressed how encouraging it is to see experienced football professionals dedicating their time to support and guide the next generation. “This tournament has always been about giving young players a chance to be seen and supported,” says Mhlongo. “Seeing people from different clubs here, showing interest and giving these players just a portion of their time it reminds us why platforms like this matter. These are the moments that can shape a player’s journey.” Coach Senong…

Liverpool are preparing to launch a bid for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after missing out on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, according to reports that surfaced yesterday. The Premier League champions have switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle’s refusal to sell Sweden striker Isak, who is valued at around £150 million by the Magpies. The Reds are trying to complete a deal for France international Ekitike by this weekend after he reportedly indicated he was willing to move to Anfield. Liverpool are set to offer over £70 million for Ekitike, who has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Manchester United. The 23-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo…

Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles insisted he was ready to bring his showman persona to a sell-out London Stadium in the 11th Diamond League meet of the season today. A crowd of 60,000 is expected to pack out the home stadium of Premier League club West Ham, which served as the venue for track and field during the 2012 Olympics in the British capital. Lyles, with his outspoken persona, is used to being the posterboy for such meets, and the 28-year-old American said it would be no different this time around. “It’s definitely my type of place,” Lyles said of London Stadium yesterday. “I love a big crowd and l like it even better when they’re engaged and they want to be there and want to see something. “Being a…

There’s something about travel that opens your eyes to how other people live, and makes you quietly question why we aren’t doing things the same way back home. South Africans are resilient, warm and inventive, but it’s always fun to dream about ways we could make everyday life just a little bit better.Whether it’s sipping an espresso at 10pm in Italy, napping after lunch in Spain, or enjoying a city where bicycles and dogs are welcomed just about everywhere, it’s hard not to come back from Europe with a bit of lifestyle envy. Brent Lindeque from digital platform Good Things Guy recently took to social media to list 10 things he’d love to bring back to South Africa from his European travels, and honestly, I’m right there with him. Here’s…