Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-02 i Saturday Star

Gaza is slipping deeper into famine as the conflict rages on and humanitarian aid remains blocked. Inside this shrinking strip of land, mothers search desperately for food and water, while children die of hunger. Youmna El Sayed, a mother of four and Al Jazeera English correspondent, left Gaza in January 2024, but she doesn't feel relief. She carries with her the weight of those left behind. Now based just a few kilometres away, El Sayed said every day is a battle to reconcile the horror she’s witnessed with the expectation to “be normal”. “It was and still is very complicated to live like a normal human being when you have your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours still living a daily genocide that you know how horrible it is, while you’re…

This week, the recent observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons has amplified calls for urgent action against human trafficking in South Africa, a crime that is claimed to take advantage of the most vulnerable members of society. In a significant effort to address this critical issue, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel recently launched Local Task Team Offices, aimed at bolstering anti-trafficking initiatives at ports of entry. This initiative is backed by a newly established policy framework designed to enhance the country’s collective response to trafficking. Highlighting the impact of ongoing efforts, Nel pointed to the rescue of 234 identified trafficking victims over the past year. “These are 234 lives saved, and there are many more whose lives are affected by trafficking,” he emphasised. The…

In the sweltering streets of Jakarta, buskers carry towering, hollow puppets and pass around a bucket for donations. Now, they fear becoming outlaws. City authorities say they will crack down on use of the sacred ondel-ondel puppets, which can stand as tall as a truck, and they are drafting legislation to remove what they view as a street nuisance. Performances featuring the puppets - originally used by Jakarta’s Betawi people to ward off evil spirits - will be allowed only at set events. The ban could leave many ondel-ondel buskers in Jakarta without a job. “I am confused and anxious. I fear getting raided or even arrested. But what can I do? I need money to eat,” Adi Sutisna, a 26-year-old Jakarta native who works as an ondel-ondel busker, said.…

The cause, experts say, is bullying, which has reached epidemic levels. Reports suggest that between 40% and 75% of pupils fall victim to it at some stage. One organisation says the situation is so dire that at least 11 children take their own lives each day. Dr Alicia Porter, a board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), says bullying can also intersect with race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to experience bullying in diverse, multi-ethnic environments. “We’re not just dealing with bruises anymore,” says Porter. “I work with children and families, and there's just been such a significant increase," she says. "Before, bullying would be contained just in that environment. But with this now intersecting with the digital space, things can…

While we eagerly await the Community Shield clash between Premier League champions Liverpool and FA Cup winners Crystal Palace next week, on Sunday, August 10, and the Betway Premiership kicking off soon after, all eyes will first be on the explosive MTN8. The world's best football league, the English Premier League, then begins on August 15, with Liverpool facing Bournemouth in the opening fixture. However, the ultimate early season showdown in the Premier League will be at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal take on Manchester United in what promises to be a mouthwatering clash. And that's not all. Showmax Premier League will be your ultimate destination for all the local Cup games, as well as the thrilling action from the domestic English Cups, including the FA Cup and…

In the bustling markets of Benin, gari and tapioca are more than just food. They’re daily staples, part of the rhythm of life. For Deyelin Giles Bossa, they’re also the heart of his business, Fenou Benin. What started as a small cassava processing venture with just four people has steadily grown into a thriving enterprise, now employing more than 15 staff members, most of whom are women. The growth was steady, but what stands out is how women became the backbone of the operation. “The women are deeply involved in processing,” Deyelin said, reflecting on how integral their role has become. What began as a small venture gradually expanded into a team that doesn’t just run the business. They shape it. The core of Fenou Benin’s success lies in…

Despite testing negative and being told they’re fine, millions of people recovering from infections like Covid-19, influenza and glandular fever are left battling crippling fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, gut issues and a strange crash after any physical effort — a pattern that’s becoming too common to ignore. These symptoms are medically known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Both the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially classify ME/CFS as a brain disorder and post-viral fatigue syndrome. Now, researchers from Stellenbosch University believe they may have found a common underlying factor linking ME/CFS and Long Covid: zombie-like cells hiding in our blood vessels. Dr Massimo Nunes, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University, explained: “Uncovering how ME/CFS and Long Covid originate…

In the rarified air of celebrities, royals and moguls, in the star-studded streets of Hollywood and in manicured estates, the Range Rover is a constant in their choice of vehicle. I doubt many of them, except perhaps British royalty, are aware of its illustrious history and the fact that this year sees the 55th anniversary of the iconic luxury Land Rover marque. Many have followed, but when it was first revealed on June 17, 1970, it was the world’s first vehicle that combined a proper 4x4 with luxury, comfort and refinement. Stayed true As the times have changed, so has Range Rover, including its vehicle portfolio, but it has stayed true to the ethos first envisioned as a luxury SUV with exceptional all-terrain capability. So too has the design, but…

While the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) decision to cut the prime lending rate to 10.5% is a welcome reprieve for consumers – especially those with debt or looking at buying houses – it must be seen in the context of an exceptionally difficult economic environment. SARB’s 0.25 percentage point cut in the interest rate is the fifth cut since September 2024 and takes the rate to its lowest level since 2022. While consumers consider what this means for their finances, Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, warns that the broader economic context remains challenging. “It’s certainly great that the financial pressure on households will ease slightly in the short term,” she says. While a R2 million bond means monthly repayments going down by just below R340…

Millions of South Africans were auto-assessed by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) in 2024, a move designed to simplify the tax season. But with convenience comes risk. Financial experts warn that auto-assessments, which rely solely on third-party data, can contain critical errors that might cost taxpayers dearly if left unchecked. According to Procompare, an online platform that connects South Africans with local professionals, Sars auto-assessed around 3.5 million individuals in 2024, nearly half of the country’s tax base. The process draws on pre-submitted data from employers, banks, medical aids, and retirement fund administrators to estimate a taxpayer's return, but the estimation isn't always spot on, it says. Procompare says errors may include omitted income, overlooked deductions, or incorrectly reported figures. “An auto-assessment can be convenient if your tax affairs…

Proteas T20I captain Aiden Markram encourages youngsters Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kwena Maphaka, and Dewald Brevis to continue with their fearless approach ahead of the white-ball tour to Australia. Markram is set to lead the squad in three T20Is in Australia, which includes three exciting youngsters selected for the first time in a Proteas full-strength squad. This follows the youngsters' excellent performances in Zimbabwe last month, the 2024/25 domestic season, the SA20, and the Indian Premier League. For their impressive performances last season, the trio was not only rewarded with national call-ups for the tour to Australia but also earned coveted Cricket South Africa awards at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on Thursday evening. Brevis walked away with the Domestic Players' Player of the Year and the SA20 Rising Star of the Year…

With her maiden national road running title in the bag, Karabo More could get the chance to measure her recent progress against the brightest star currently in South African middle-distance running – training partner and fellow Boxer Athletics Club runner Glenrose Xaba. Running in the colours of Athletics Gauteng North (AGN), the 23-year-old More won the 5km event at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Road Running Championships in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, last Saturday. This victory adds to the 4km cross-country crown she secured earlier in 2024. “I feel incredibly excited, proud of myself, and maybe even a bit in disbelief,” More said, reflecting on the dominant win that saw her cross the finish line in 16:37. “It’s a reward for all the hard work, discipline, and the setbacks I’ve…

Ahead of the Premier League 2025-26 season, Kyle Walker explained his decision to join Burnley and his desire to guide younger players, saying he will try to be a leader on the pitch to mentor the next generation players. Six-time Premier League champion Walker joined Burnley from Manchester City on a two-year contract earlier this month. “It’s great. Being part of this project and seeing what Burnley have achieved over the last couple of seasons has been fantastic to watch from the outside. I already know some faces at the club, and I’m excited to get started this season,” Walker said on JioHotstar. “At this point in my career, I felt I needed something different – a real family club. After spending many years at a great club and a…

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah took to social media to send a farewell message for departing teammate Luis Diaz after the Columbian signed for Bavarian giants Bayern Munich. The Colombian international has signed a four-year deal with the German club to bring his three-and-a-half-year stay at Anfield to an end. “Your energy, drive, and passion on the pitch have left a mark that won’t be forgotten. We were truly lucky to have you at Liverpool, and it’s been an honour to share part of your journey and success story. As a teammate, you were more than reliable – you were inspiring. As a friend, even more so. “We all saw the strength it took to keep going through the tough times off the pitch. What you went through would’ve broken most, but…

A South African doctor who was practising in the UK has been struck off the medical register with immediate effect after he was found putting his semen in a woman’s hot beverages. Nicholas Chapman, a 57-year-old, studied at the University of Cape Town in the Western Cape. The Mirror reported that he committed the devious conduct at Somerset, England, and was previously sentenced to a community order for a sexual crime after a trial revealed that he had loaded hundreds of “specimen” samples before putting them into his victim's drinks. The victim reportedly described how, after sipping a salty coffee, she would throw other liquids away, only to discover a “thick gloopy” material in the sink. “I did not know what it was. I did not suspect it could have…

Taxpayers have forked out a staggering R171 million over the past five years for the protection of VIPs such as speakers of legislatures, members of the judiciary, and “individuals of strategic importance to the country”. This is in addition to the R1.31 billion the taxpayers footed for the bill for the protection and security of President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of his Cabinet over the same period. This was disclosed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu when he was responding to parliamentary questions from Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana. Gana wanted to know the category of persons that received VIP protection services other than the members of the executive and the diplomatic corps, as well as the costs incurred for each category over the past five years. In his written reply,…

With her clear blue eyes and slightly nervous gaze, the reconstructed bust of Mos’anne - a woman who lived around 10 500 years ago - is uncannily lifelike. Reborn via a close partnership between science and art, Mos’anne’s bust was created at Belgium’s Ghent University as part of a project to explore how the region’s last hunter-gatherers lived during the Mesolithic era. “Part of the project is also understanding the genetics of these people, figuring out their kinship and so on, and to be able to really translate the science that we do to a wider audience,” the project’s lead researcher, Isabelle de Groote, said. Scientists chose the skull of Mos’anne - named by public vote in reference to Belgium’s Meuse Valley - for reconstruction, as it was exceptionally well…

Engen proudly congratulates the 2025 cohort of the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP) for successfully completing the first phase of their transformative 12-month ICT journey. The milestone was celebrated during a Learners’ Project Presentation Day at the Blue Roof Life Space in Wentworth, Durban in late July. The event gave learners a platform to present the technical projects they developed during the classroom component of their training, showcasing their growing capabilities in Systems Development and Technical Support. Learners were recognised for their hard work, discipline, and dedication. With the theory portion of the programme now behind them, the learners will transition into the second phase: on-site workplace learnerships, where they will gain hands-on experience and workplace exposure across various host companies. Launched in April 2023, and now active in…

In a powerful mobilisation against the proposed live animal export regulations announced by the Department of Agriculture (DoA) on July 11, Stop Live Export South Africa (SLESA) and Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) are calling on citizens to make their voices heard. They said these draft regulations threaten to continue the controversial practice of transporting live animals by sea, which SLESA categorically condemned as unjust, inhumane, and economically misguided.. Founded in February 2024, SLESA is a coalition of South Africans including social justice and animal welfare organisations committed to the abolition of live animal exports. With support from over 50 groups and a growing number of individual advocates, the organization focuses on education and advocacy to combat the suffering inflicted on animals through this trade. An SLESA spokesperson asserted the…

South Africa’s K53 system, when used correctly, is an excellent defensive driving framework. It teaches situational awareness, anticipation and hazard identification – skills that, if applied correctly, can help a driver go decades without a single collision. Yet despite this, our roads remain among the deadliest in the world. Key factors According to Lunga Ntsendwana, founder and Managing Director of BlueChevron Driver Training Academy in Port Elizabeth, two key factors are at the heart of the crisis: poor training standards and outdated licensing loopholes. He says that the practice of issuing Code 10 licences to first-time drivers is doing more harm than good and must be urgently reformed. “Around 60% of new licences issued in South Africa are Code 10, intended for light trucks,” Ntsendwana says. “Many learners choose it…

Dieketseng Maleke dieketseng.maleke@inl.co.za South African life insurers and investment firms prevented fraud and dishonest activity totalling R1.4 billion in 2024, according to the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa). However, Asisa says actual losses incurred by the industry still amounted to R131.6 million, underscoring the persistent threat posed by financial criminals. Compiled by Asisa’s Forensic Standing Committee, the association’s annual statistics reveal a sharp 26% year-on-year increase in detected cases, rising from 13,074 in 2023 to 16,520 cases in 2024. Despite this spike, the Rand value of actual losses declined from R175.9m in 2023 to R131.6m in 2024, proof, the industry says, of its increasingly effective counter-fraud strategies. According to Jean van Niekerk, convenor of Asisa’s Forensic Standing Committee, the R131.6m loss represents only 0.02% of total honest…

Since 2023, the South African Revenue Service (Sars) has categorised trustees as third-party data submitters alongside banks and other financial institutions, which are required to report their figures to Sars so that Sars can pre-fill this information in the relevant persons’ tax returns, aiming to prevent tax leakage. This has had a substantial impact on how trustees manage trusts and on various individuals involved with trusts, such as donors, funders, and beneficiaries. Why third-party data? Sars explains on their website that third-party data is required for various purposes in administering the Income Tax Act, such as but not limited to verifying whether a person has filed or provided the correct information in their tax returns, ensuring that the information or documents comply with the provisions of relevant tax legislation, and…

Athlone is the home of Cape Town's famous Gatsby, a takeaway dish loved by many. A Cape Town Gatsby is a no-frills sandwich, a French loaf stuffed with slap chips, meat, salads and sauce — designed for sharing between two or more people. Today, the Springbok Women want to dish up something similar — not only to satisfy the appetite for perfection from the coaching staff, but also for their loyal supporters at Athlone Stadium, when they take on the Black Ferns XV in their second international friendly. The visitors won last weekend’s clash 34–26, but Babalwa Latsha, who will again lead the Bok Women out, said too many chefs spoiled the broth for the home side on that occasion. “This time, we’re going to keep it simple and focus…

Max Verstappen ended weeks of speculation about his future on Thursday when the reigning Formula One world champion said he would be staying with Red Bull in 2026. Verstappen said it was time to “stop all the rumours”. “I’ve never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance,” the Dutchman explained at the Hungaroring circuit ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. “And that’s why I had nothing really to add, but I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours. “For me, it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.” Four-time world champion Verstappen’s future became a subject of speculation after rival driver George Russell revealed his Mercedes team were talking to…

The Boland Cavaliers will field an unchanged match-day 23 for tomorrow’s Currie Cup match against Griquas in Kimberley. Fresh off a thrilling 37–35 home victory over the Cheetahs in Wellington – a match that was decided after 88 pulsating minutes – coach Hawies Fourie has opted for continuity as his side looks to build momentum in their return to top-flight rugby in South Africa. “We decided to keep the team unchanged for this weekend’s match,” said Fourie. “We were fortunate not to suffer any serious injuries. Laurence Victor had an ankle injury, but he’s been cleared to play. The other guys just had a few bumps and bruises, but they are all fit.” This means that experienced scrumhalf Louis Schreuder is once again unavailable due to an ankle injury sustained…

If two weeks abroad seems impossible these days, you’re not alone. Between deadlines, burnout and the long wait until the next public holiday, the idea of a proper holiday can feel out of reach. That’s why more and more South Africans are embracing the “micro‑vacation” – a short, sharp break of two to four nights close to home, needing minimal planning but delivering maximum reset. It’s not just smart travel, it’s rest and self‑care in bite‑sized portions. Sandra Kneubuhler, the managing director for Sub‑Saharan Africa at the Radisson Hotel Group, explained why more South Africans were leaning into micro‑vacations. “These are two to four nights away somewhere close – no airport queues, heavy packing, or epic itinerary planning needed. It’s a quick, easy reset that actually fits into real life,”…

In a world where travel is becoming more personalised than ever before, a new and deeply personal trend is gaining momentum – DNA tourism. Also known as heritage travel or ancestral tourism, this trend merges the science of genetics with the emotional journey of self-discovery. DNA tourism is a form of travel inspired by the results of genetic ancestry tests. Travellers use insights from DNA testing services to trace their ancestral roots and then journey to the regions or countries linked to their heritage. The experience often includes more than just a visit to a place – it might involve meeting distant relatives, exploring family records, visiting ancestral homes or towns, participating in cultural rituals or learning about local history that shaped their forebears’ lives. Several cultural and technological factors…

We spend a huge part of our lives at work, which is already a little depressing when you think about it. Right now, stress is sky-high, workplace bullying still happens in too many offices, salaries aren’t keeping up with the cost of living, and yet the pressure to “perform” never lets up. And just when you think it couldn’t get more complicated, a quiet workplace revolution is bubbling up, one that might just change how we work and protect our well-being in the long run. The new generation of workers, particularly Gen Z, is challenging the old “command-and-control” approach – where decisions flow from the top and employees follow orders – but leadership isn't something they're eager to chase. This conscious choice not to climb the ladder is what experts…

As a TV critic, I have watched my fair share of documentaries, but none has left as indelible an impression as Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story on Showmax. To date, it’s won a plethora of accolades, including Best Documentary honours at the British Academy Film Awards and the Producers Guild of America, and several more at the Critics' Choice Documentary Awards (including Best Documentary Feature). Currently, it’s in the running for Outstanding Directing For A Documentary/Nonfiction Program, Outstanding Writing For A Nonfiction, Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special and Outstanding Picture Editing For A Nonfiction Program at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards. These accolades are a testament to the creatives behind the feature, which is co-directed and co-written by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, who share the…

Facing a department rocked by political interference claims and crumbling public trust, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says the real work starts now. He was sworn in at the Union Buildings in Pretoria yesterday by President Cyril Ramaphosa. In an exclusive interview since taking office, he spoke to Independent Media about the weight of the portfolio, the urgent need for reform, and his no-frills approach to the task. “I recognised the tremendous responsibility,” said Cachalia. “I am braced for it. I’ve spent my whole life concerned about the country’s political situation - and when the President asked me to take this on, I accepted it as a duty, not an accolade.” Following explosive allegations from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that a criminal syndicate had penetrated key state institutions…

Smartphone-Free Childhood SA (SFC-SA), a parent-led initiative, is calling for a more cautious and intentional approach to digital access during childhood, as a global study warns of serious mental health risks associated with early smartphone use in children. This follows the release of a comprehensive international study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, which analysed data from over 100,000 individuals across more than 160 countries. The study found that children who received smartphones before the age of 13 were significantly more likely to experience mental health challenges in early adulthood, including anxiety, depression, emotional instability, aggression, and social withdrawal. The research also highlights social media as the biggest contributing factor, accounting for 40% of the link between early smartphone ownership and declining mental health. Other contributors include…

In a suburban Maryland swimming pool, amid scuba divers practicing with oxygen tanks and young children wearing floaties while holding paddle boards, more than a dozen technicoloured mermaid tails glittered through the surface in the nine-foot deep end. The tails - fabric and silicone, purple and gold, some dotted with sequins or lined with seashells - swaddled the lower bodies of the swimmers, adorned with seashell crowns and necklaces, bright blue wigs and colorful streams of tinsel flowing through their hair. “Go,” Margaret Emerick shouted, after the mermaids - most of them members of the Metro MerFolk Facebook group - undulated over to pool’s back wall and assembled in a line. They then swam in pairs from one end of the Merritt Clubs swimming pool in Eldersburg to the other…

Kershnie Govender, a self-taught chef and catering business owner, shares her thrilling experience of reaching the top three in the prestigious Taste Master SA competition. Reflecting on her culinary journey, Govender attributes much of her inspiration to her grandmother’s nurturing kitchen, where meals were crafted with love and fresh ingredients. With a strong belief in food’s power to unite people, she created comforting meals that not only delighted the palate but also fostered a sense of community. “Making it to the top three has been nothing short of a dream come true. I have always dreamed of opening my own restaurant; this achievement feels like a powerful step forward. It’s given me the confidence, exposure, and belief that I have something unique to offer.” Govender shares that the competition intensified…

In a landscape riddled with governance failures, Reimagined SOEs in Africa and Beyond emerges not from frustration, but from a profound sense of hope. Author Dr Nimrod Mbele, whose journey from the township of Thokoza profoundly shapes his perspective, presents a powerful diagnostic and blueprint for transforming State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) across Africa. His inspiration is deeply rooted in a decade of firsthand observation — engaging with boardrooms, public institutions, and media, all while witnessing the persistent governance failures plaguing SOEs. Yet, this experience didn't lead to despair. Instead, it ignited a conviction that reform is possible if governance is reframed "not as compliance, but as a leadership system rooted in public value." “South Africa must shift from leader-centric to leadership-centric systems — where performance is not dependent on individual…

Drew McKenzie-Smith was working as a chef in northwest England when a man knocked on his father’s door with news: A scroll from a long-dead king recorded the earliest known mention of Scottish whisky, and it was traced to the ruins of a monastery next door. McKenzie-Smith, now 61, did his research, took a risk and built a distillery - entering a global industry subject to the shifting tides of war and diplomacy to honour his family and heritage. He braced for recessions and regulatory headaches. He anticipated hard years. But he did not plan for the return of Donald Trump - or the possibility that the American president with Scottish roots could shape the fate of his distillery. After Trump in April launched tariffs on the UK, McKenzie-Smith slowed…

Following a hiatus of more than five years, the “normal” Volkswagen Golf is finally available in Mzansi once again. Initially, the eighth-generation hatchback was released in GTI and R formats, but with the facelifted performance models being delayed due to fuel quality concerns, VWSA decided to reintroduce the once- popular 1.4 TSI version. The C-segment hatchback market has all but dried up in recent years as buyers flock to SUVs, but the new Golf 8.5 TSI has sold in semi-healthy numbers since its introduction. In the past three months, Volkswagen has sold an average of 130 Golfs a month, albeit still somewhat behind the Tiguan SUV’s figure of 247 units. Of course, the Golf is less practical than its SUV sibling, with relatively tight rear legroom by comparison…

South Africa’s Master of the High Court is inching towards digital modernisation, but despite early signals of progress, the journey remains uneven, and for many families navigating deceased estates, frustratingly slow. After years of dysfunction and a near standstill at six Master’s Offices due to vacant leadership posts, the Department of Justice’s 2023 rollout of a new online portal seemed like a long-overdue shift. Yet, as practitioners and families alike quickly discovered, digitisation has not automatically translated into delivery. Stacy Rouchos, managing director of Bannister Trust and estate planning advisor to Hobbs Sinclair Advisory, says that while the portal represents a step forward, it falls short of transforming estate administration in a meaningful way. “The digital system makes it easier to access and submit documentation, which is a win,” Rouchos…

Inflation is something we can’t avoid – it’s a bit like death and taxes. Traditionally, South Africa has had high inflation in comparison with developed countries, and that’s a fundamental reason why the rand has steadily declined against the currencies of those countries. The Covid-19 pandemic upended that trend, and who knows what the effects of US tariffs will be. Whether we return to what now seems was a much safer, more stable world before Covid remains to be seen. As of June, our year-on-year Consumer Price Index inflation rate was 3.0%. Over the years, the SA Reserve Bank (SARB), through controlling interest rates, has done an admirable job of keeping inflation within its target range of 3-6%, for the most part. In comparison with other African countries, our inflation…

LINDA Mntambo was reluctant to spell it out, but the captain of Sekhukhune United clearly believes that this could be the year they win the club their maiden trophy, and his confidence is not without basis. After all, Ba Bina Noko are coached by a man who knows how to win silverware in Eric Tinkler. And as he looked ahead to today’s (6pm kick-off) MTN8 first round clash against TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Mntambo exuded confidence that they could be the “Last Team Standing”. He was initially cautious and spoke about progression past the initial round as their objective given they’d not done so in their previous two appearances. “This is our third season (playing) in the MTN8 and we never got past the first hurdle, so…

Pieter Coetzé narrowly missed out on a second gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in Friday’s 200m backstroke final, while Kaylene Corbett took bronze in the women’s 200m breaststroke final. Coetzé eventually had to settle for silver behind Olympic champion Hubert Kós of Hungary. The Pretoria swimmer went out hard in the final, turning first at both the 50m and 100m marks under world record pace, but was hunted down in the second half of the race by Kós. South Africa’s newly crowned 100m backstroke world champion came back at Kós in the final metres of the race. He touched the wall in a time of 1:53.36, just 0.17 seconds slower than Kos (1:53.19). Yohann Ndoye-Brouard of France took the bronze in 1:54.52. Coetzé’s time took…

A Spanish football federation judge has rejected Real Madrid’s request to delay their opening match of the 2025-26 La Liga season, citing no violation of the established rest period rules. The club had hoped to push back their scheduled game against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on August 19, arguing insufficient recovery and preparation time following their participation in the Club World Cup. Madrid’s campaign at the international tournament ended on July 9, when they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Club representatives claimed that the early league fixture – just 41 days later – violated terms in the collective bargaining agreement governing professional football in Spain. They contended that players were not granted adequate time for both rest…

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent regulatory commission, the club announced on Thursday. The Brazil international was charged with four alleged breaches of Football Association (FA) rules in relation to matches involving the Premier League side. It was alleged the 27-year-old directly sought to influence games by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the “improper purpose of affecting the betting market”. The four charges against Paqueta related to a game against Leicester in November 2022 and against Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth in 2023. He was facing the prospect of a lifetime ban if found guilty. The Brazilian denied the charges and the independent regulatory commission found them not proven following a hearing. The FA said two charges…

Ever found yourself so swept away by the picturesque landscapes of a film or TV series that you added it to your bucket list destination? Of course, not everyone can immediately hop on a plane and explore the place that has captured their heart and imagination – such trips require planning and fiscal flexibility. For me, two films stoked my wanderlust. The first was Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts as the protagonist, rediscovering herself in Italy (Rome and Naples), India (Pataudi and Delhi) and Bali (Ubud and Padang Padang Beach). Everything about her food to cultural experiences gave viewers serious FOMO. Since the movie’s release in 2010, many have flocked to these destinations to either have their own Eat Pray Love moment or simply to bask in the joy…