Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-09 i Saturday Star

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn’t just about hyperactive little boys who can’t sit still. That’s the outdated image many of us were taught, and it’s part of the reason why so many women are silently living with undiagnosed ADHD, blaming themselves for years of mental overload, emotional exhaustion, and never feeling “together enough”. This Women’s Month, the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) is urging the public to reframe how we understand ADHD, particularly in women and girls. For too long, ADHD has worn a masculine mask, hiding the often invisible reality of how it presents in females. “ADHD in women is not less severe. It’s just less visible,” says Dr Wisani Makhomisane, psychiatrist and SASOP member. “These women aren’t lazy, disorganised or overemotional; they’re living with a neurodevelopmental condition…

Fans of the original 2004 film The Passion of the Christ have something to look forward to. Award-winning actor and director Mel Gibson’s sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ, is set to be released in two parts, with both films hitting the silver screen in 2027. Each release will fall on significant dates in the Christian calendar. The first instalment, The Resurrection of the Christ Part One, is scheduled to release on Good Friday, March 26, 2027. Following that, viewers can anticipate Part Two, which will debut 40 days later on Ascension Day, May 6, 2027. The Passion of the Christ originally grossed more than $610 million (over R10bn) globally off a $30 million (R535m) production budget. It also earned nominations at the Oscars for best make-up, cinematography and original…

A four-year-old girl from Eldorado Park has died from injuries sustained in a brutal assault, allegedly at the hands of her father. The father, who was initially charged with attempted murder, now faces a murder charge, while the girl's mother has also been arrested for allegedly defeating the ends of justice. The death has sent shockwaves through the community. The child was still on life support yesterday when her father appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder, rape of a minor, and child abuse. She died later that evening and the father is now facing a murder and an additional rape charge, Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed. He is set to return to court on August 12 for a formal bail application. “Police can confirm…

Gauteng police have arrested three women members of Operation Dudula after they allegedly stormed into a medical care centre in Diepkloof, Soweto, and demanded identity documents from patients to verify their nationality. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspects, aged between 49 and 60, were arrested on Thursday and face charges including contravention of the National Health Act and public violence, Masondo said police were called to the facility after the suspects were locked in one of the labour wards by nursing staff and patients, who felt their rights were being violated. “The suspects were arrested and charged with contravention of the National Health Act and public violence, among other charges,” he said. They are expected to appear in the Orlando Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Operation Dudula,…

Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu says he was never comfortable with the party’s disruptive behaviour in Parliament during his decade-long tenure, calling it “childish” and without purpose. Shivambu, who is now the national convenor of the Mayibuye Consultation Process, said on Thursday that even if the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party had not existed, he would have still left the EFF. “One of the things I was not comfortable with throughout my 10 years in Parliament was the culture of disruption and rootedness that characterised those we served with,” he said during an event in Midrand. “All of those things were just planned, like in a childish way, with no purpose.” Shivambu, who served as EFF deputy president since the party’s formation in 2013, left the red…

l Build One South Africa (BOSA) MP and Co-founder, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, said Women’s Day is deeply significant to her because it honours women who, despite having far fewer rights, resources, or recognition, were daring enough to confront an unjust system. Hlazo-Webster tells of her mother’s courage that shaped who she is. “My mother was born into poverty and patriarchy, and yet she rose to become a leader in her field, to this day. She was told girls didn’t need education beyond learning how to write to their husbands. But she pushed through, completed matric and earned a Master’s degree. Her life is proof that strength is not about loudness. It is about perseverance and purpose.” Hlazo-Webster said she is inspired by women she has seen lead up close, like Hannah…

In Tokyo, a man watches a woman slowly bind another with ropes attached to chains hanging from the ceiling. But this is no S&M bar, it’s a workshop led by “shibari” master Hajime Kinoko. Kinoko teaches the knot-tying techniques of Japanese bondage, untangling the practice from its associations with kink and emphasising instead art and aesthetics. “I see attaching not only people, but also objects or spaces... as a form of painting on canvas,” the 48-year-old said at his studio in central Tokyo. “It is simply another type of expression.” Kinoko discovered shibari - the art of ropes - in the 2000s while managing an S&M joint in Roppongi, an area of Tokyo known for its nightclubs and bars. “I wasn’t particularly drawn to fetishism at first,” he said. “At…

Learners at Glenvista Primary School received tablets during a handover ceremony on Thursday, part of a national effort to expand access to digital learning tools in under-resourced classrooms. The initiative, led by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the Department of Basic Education and the Primedia Group, aims to bridge the digital divide starting at school level. Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi and Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube officially handed over the tablets. Both ministers stressed the role of technology in transforming education and the need to equip learners with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing digital environment. Bongumusa Makhathini, Joint CEO of Primedia OOH and Primedia Studios, said: “This occasion is not merely ceremonial; it reflects our collective commitment to dismantling the barriers that…

The UK’s announcement that it will lower the voting age to 16 ahead of its next general election has stirred fresh debate in South Africa, where experts warn the country is not ready to follow suit, as it prepares for the 2026 South African Municipal Elections. According to a BBC report, the UK proposal is part of a broader reform package. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the changes, saying young people who “pay in” to the system deserve to have a say in how their money is spent. But the decision has drawn mixed reactions. UK Conservative MP Paul Holmes criticised the timing, arguing that there will be no parliamentary scrutiny until September due to the recess, and called the proposal “hopelessly confused”. Public reaction has been just as divided.…

DURBAN conservationist Nonkazimlo Mafa is working hard to protect endangered amphibians only found in the wetlands, like the Pickersgill reed frog and the Kloof frog. Mafa is the Urban Ecology Project Manager in the EWT’s Threatened Endangered Species Unit. Her main focus is wetland habitat protection which she does by implementing biodiversity stewardship programmes in the eThekwini region. “What we do on a daily basis is waste management, removing invasive alien plants and working with the community to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands, and environmental education in schools.” “The main reason I’m in this job is my love of nature, love of disadvantaged communities. I was born and raised in such a setup, realising that people do not actually appreciate the land that they have and the opportunities…

There’s a German electric SUV showdown looming, and it starts at the IAA Mobility Summit next month when the new BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology will be revealed for the first time. Not only will the two battery- powered midsize SUVs be direct competitors when they hit the market, but both will usher in new design and engineering eras for their respective carmakers. The Mercedes GLC electric debuts a brand new design language for the firm’s electric vehicles, with the softer lines of its current EQ models having faced criticism for their lack of imagination and identity. To whet our appetites, Mercedes released a teaser image this week, showing the new upright, and more traditional-looking, “grille” that will feature on its electric GLC. As EVs do not…

Every year, Women’s Day invites us to pause, reflect, and honour the women who’ve shaped our country’s history and the women in our lives. But it also calls us to celebrate the women who are shaping its future, quietly, boldly, and often without fanfare. In the world of personal finance, that future is being written every day by women who are budgeting with precision, investing with purpose, and making decisions that secure not just their wellbeing, but that of their families and communities. As a woman editor in this space, I see the power of financial literacy not just as a tool, but as a form of liberation. I’ve watched women navigate debt, negotiate salaries, start businesses, and buy their first homes, sometimes with support, often against the odds. These…

Unlike financial freedom – which means never having to stress about money again – financial independence is more about having your own safety net or personal buffer to fall back on during those tough times. It’s a more realistic and attainable goal. Yet the reality is that 45% of South Africans would struggle to cover a R5,000 emergency without borrowing from somewhere or someone, according to the South African Reserve Bank. And it's not just about handling the immediate financial stresses, but also the future stresses. Whether it’s unexpected medical bills or retirement, your ability to gain financial independence depends on the reserves you start building today. Start with the basics, as early as possible There is a massive difference between starting to save at 25 versus 35. Even if…

TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic has made it clear that his side should no longer be spoken about in relegation terms, as they prepare to open their Betway Premiership campaign against newly promoted Durban City tomorrow The Rockets finished last season inside the top eight, and the Serbian tactician wants to build on that momentum rather than dwell on survival battles of the past. The Mpumalanga-based club were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 by Sekhukhune United last week. “I think this season I don’t want to talk about surviving. I don’t want to talk about the same issues,” Beganovic said. “I saw exactly what we have, and we analysed everything, and we just use what we have in that moment.” He further added: “I can promise you…

AmaZulu will open their Betway Premiership campaign with a potentially tricky home assignment against new boys Orbit College FC at the Princess Magogo Stadium today at 3pm. Arthur Zwane is under no illusions about the challenge his side faces, despite their opponents being debutants at this level. The Usuthu mentor believes the element of the unknown makes Orbit a dangerous first hurdle. “This is a difficult match because people haven’t seen Orbit and they have seen us,” Zwane explained. “This gives people hope that already AmaZulu [should get the better of] Orbit. But we’re treating this game as we would any other, just like we did with Stellenbosch. “We will give all the games the same respect. Yes, the approach might be slightly different because we don’t play the same;…

After bidding farewell to July – a month that seemed to stretch endlessly for many – we find ourselves grappling with mid-year fatigue. This common phenomenon, often dubbed the mid-year slump, manifests itself in decreased motivation, energy and productivity. Whether it’s the disill sionment following our New Year’s resolutions, relentless work pressures or the seasonal shifts, the urge to recalibrate is palpable. One of the most effective ways to combat this fatigue? A refreshing road trip. It’s more than just a break from daily routines; it’s a chance to embrace a change of scenery, indulge in mindfulness, and rediscover joy. Driving through picturesque landscapes can be therapeutic, inviting moments of introspection and clear-headed reflection. Whether journeying alone or with loved ones, road trips offer an escape – allowing you to…

Ever tried to walk a mile in Nicki Minaj’s heels? Russian influencer Mariana Barutkina did and paid a high price for it. What started as a playful attempt to join a viral TikTok trend ended with a fractured spine and a powerful lesson for us all about social media, safety, and why chasing likes shouldn’t mean risking your life. When virality turns dangerous If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen it: people balancing precariously in stilettos, recreating Nicki Minaj’s iconic High School pose. The Nicki Minaj Stiletto Challenge has swept through social media feeds, with users taking the dare to new (and dangerous) heights, balancing on everything from dumbbells to wine bottles to kitchen counters, all for those viral views. Mariana Barutkina, a 32-year-old mommy blogger from Russia,…

On a day meant to honour the strength and sacrifice of South African women, 82-year-old Nomavundla Nkosi’s story stands as a quiet reminder of those who have endured far too much for far too long. After 27 years of cooking with firewood and struggling to keep clean, warm, and connected, Gogo Nkosi’s life has changed - not with grand speeches or promises, but with the flick of a switch, thanks to persistent community activism and a long-overdue breakthrough. Nkosi, has lived in her Gawe Street home for over 40 years. Her daughter, Ntombikhona, provided a glimpse into their challenging life, explaining how isolation became their norm due to their circumstances. “From 1996, electricity was cut off here at home because most people had been making illegal connections. Our house, unfortunately,…

Several prominent foundations have withdrawn from the structures of the Preparatory Task Team (PTT) and the upcoming First National Convention of the National Dialogue scheduled for August 15, 2025. The Steve Biko Foundation, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the WDB Foundation, the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group announced their decision in a joint statement on Friday. The group, which has played a central role in shaping the emerging National Dialogue process over the past year, says the decision comes from a place of “deep regret,” but is necessary to protect the credibility, inclusiveness, and integrity of the process. They stress that they remain committed to a citizen-led National Dialogue rooted in public trust, broad…

Deputy Director-General at the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), Clayson Monyela took to X to clarify the reason the Russian servicemen onboard the Russian Navy Baltic Fleet training vessel, The Smolny, which is in Cape Town on its Africa-Asia voyage, were denied permission to leave the ship and walk on South African soil — he says they do not have passports. "The reason the sailors are not able to disembark is that none of them have passports. Immigration laws! This is Department of Home Affairs terrain," Monyela wrote on X, reacting to an earlier story published by IOL. "Diplomatic relations between the two countries are cordial and excellent! President Ramaphosa and (Russian President) Putin spoke on the phone yesterday on more pressing geopolitical issues," he continued. IOL had…

Cathy and Patrick relish describing how they found each other: through a message left on a Swiss mountaintop. “It was just a beautiful way to meet,” said Cathy Rotzetter during a recent hike in the Pre-Alps of the western Swiss canton of Fribourg. Sick of online dating sites, the 58-year-old said she was thrilled to discover an analogue alternative, with a Swiss twist: “Mountain Tinder”. Last October, she clambered up to the Wandflue peak, at an altitude of 2 133m, and jotted down her information in the red notebook she found there. Rotzetter recalled the message as she sat in a mountain pasture, her arm laced around Patrick, with the Wandflue towering behind them. “I wrote that I liked relaxed hikes, and also to have a drink afterwards,” she told…

A zoo in Denmark has put out a call for people to donate unwanted pets and animals – including chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs – so they can be turned into feed for its predators. Aalborg Zoo wrote on social media last week that healthy animals it receives will be “gently euthanised” by trained staff and then used as food for the predators, adding that this would help the zoo replicate its animals’ natural food chain. “That way, nothing goes to waste – and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators,” the zoo said, adding that some of its animals needed to eat “whole” prey. The zoo also accepts donations of certain horses, which are euthanised and then used as food. Online, critics balked at the idea…

Mackenzie Mackay, a Grade 8 student at Reddam House Bedfordview, has returned from her first international gymnastics competition with unforgettable memories, new milestones, and a message of resilience and perseverance. Mackenzie competed in the Turin Acro Cup in Italy, an elite international acrobatic gymnastics competition. Representing Masters Gymnasts Club, she formed part of a trio in the 12–18-year-old category, delivering performances that placed her team second after their first two routines. This allowed them to qualify for the final round, which was their ultimate goal for this competition. “It was my first time competing overseas, so I was really excited, but also nervous because I didn’t know what to expect,” Mackenzie shared. “But when I heard the crowd cheering for us, it calmed me down and helped me focus on…

Labubu, the viral toy craze captivating collectors worldwide, has officially landed in South Africa - making its debut at Sandton City’s iconic Soul Gallery. Known for its curated mix of rare fashion and standout sneakers, the gallery now adds this sought-after collectible to its cultural cachet, signalling a bold new chapter in designer toy culture. Josh Weinberg, the owner of Soul Gallery, shared his excitement with Saturday Star, revealing what motivated him to bring the collection to SA. “Honestly, it was a no-brainer. We’re always hunting for what’s next, the rare, the untapped, the cult gems that haven’t hit our shores yet. Labubu isn’t just a toy; it’s a full-blown movement. There’s emotion, story, and soul behind each piece. We knew there was a growing appetite for that level of…

Despite a lack of legal protections, and in the face of an increasingly queerphobic national context, these transgender parents in Namibia are making their long-held dreams of having their own children a reality and, in turn, offering these young ones - and others - a loving home. A little more than three years ago, a close friend of Ernestine Draghoender confided in her that she was going to give up the child she was expecting for adoption. The disclosure presented Draghoender with an opportunity to fulfil a long-held dream: to have a child of her own. Draghoender and I are sitting on the terrace of a hotel in Swakopmund, where she is attending a workshop for queer rights activists. A 40-year-old transgender woman, Draghoender is the executive director of Voice…

ZANNE Brink works in the remote, sun-scorched corners of South Africa, where rainfall is scarce and wildlife fight to survive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Brink is the manager of the EWT’s Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape. Her office spans more than 11 000km² of unforgiving terrain. Her mission? To protect some of the most fragile and forgotten species on the planet. Her team focuses on the conservation and promotion of South Africa’s semi-arid regions, which make up approximately 60% of the country. She says the drylands are among the country’s most expansive and ecologically important landscapes, and that despite extreme heat, low rainfall, and water scarcity, these arid ecosystems are home to remarkable and often endangered species. “Unfortunately, due to the system being semi-arid, there are numerous…

The Defender D7X-R Dakar programme is going full steam ahead as they prepare for the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). Showcased at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, it was the public’s first glimpse of the version of the Defender 110 that will be competing in the newly updated “Stock” category for production-based vehicles. The 2026 edition of the W2RC will implement new regulations that are aimed at making the Stock category more competitive overall, as the FIA and Dakar organisers respond to the increasing capacity and popularity of high-performance 4x4s and SUVs. The new regulations will allow increased performance benefits, enabling Defender to showcase its durability and capability through the harshest terrains. The Defender Dakar D7X-R shares the same D7X aluminium body architecture, transmission and driveline…

There’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in South Africa’s financial landscape, and it’s being led by women. We’re not just participating in the economy, we’re shaping it, one decision at a time. From buying homes and cars to managing insurance and investments, women are increasingly taking control of their financial futures. And while I don’t yet own a house, I see myself reflected in this movement. Standard Bank’s latest data paints a compelling picture: nearly 40% of all main applicants for home loans today are women, and two-thirds of those are buying property on their own. That’s not just progress, it’s a redefinition of independence. It’s women saying, “I can do this. I will do this.” For years, women have made up the majority of Standard Bank’s home loan…

As sole breadwinners responsible for the welfare of minor children, single mothers face a uniquely challenging financial landscape. Without a partner’s income as a safety net, and with the emotional strain of shouldering the family’s finances alone, the pressure can be immense. Yet, in our experience, single mothers often display a remarkable resilience and resourcefulness in managing their money. In fact, research shows that women tend to be better investors, often seeking professional advice, sticking to their plans, and staying calm during market volatility. With these advantages in mind, there are some practical steps single mothers can take to strengthen their financial positions. Budgeting and money management: Running a single-income household demands disciplined budgeting. Managing income and expenses through one financial institution can simplify administration, using linked accounts such…

South Africa’s Elbert Steyn this week spoke about the challenges that come with fighting. He stated that the only real pressure he feels in the lead-up to a fight is around the weight cut – notoriously known as the “fight before the fight”. “The one thing that we as fighters battle with – or most of us, at least – is the weight cut. That is where you question yourself,” said Steyn during the PFL Africa Media Day at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, ahead of the first round of PFL Africa’s Featherweight and Welterweight Championship tournament, taking place at the Big Top Arena, Carnival City in Brakpan. Sadly, this time around, both Steyn (3-0) and his opponent, Morocco’s Abderahman Errachidy (4-1), lost the first battle as they failed to…

Eric Tinkler is not an easy man to read. To many in the South African football fraternity, he appears cold, unapproachable – even difficult. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that the steely demeanour masking the Sekhukhune United head coach is less a matter of temperament and more a product of upbringing. “I come across as a very, very cold person,” Tinkler admits. “But I think that’s just from my upbringing – the way I was brought up. I had a very, very hard life as a young boy.” That hard life began in Florida, a suburb on the West Rand, in a household where love and encouragement weren’t exactly in abundance. Tinkler speaks openly about his strained relationship with his father, describing him as a “brutal…

As we commemorate Women’s Day, it’s essential to recognise the remarkable contributions of women in various fields, particularly in the realm of content creation. In South Africa, women creators are not only shaping the digital landscape, but also inspiring others to embrace their passions and share their stories. Three incredible young women: Priscilla Nkoane, Karabo Matlala and Farirai “Fari” Sanyika, are making waves in lifestyle, travel and wildlife photography. Through their journeys, they remind us of the importance of empowerment, connection and the beauty of exploring our world. Priscilla Nkoane: Celebrating everyday moments Nkoane, a 26-year-old content creator from Bloemfontein, now residing in Durban, has carved a niche for herself in the lifestyle and travel space. With a background in marketing management, Nkoane’s content focuses on celebrating the beauty in…

Police have launched an urgent manhunt after two detectives were shot dead while transporting a suspect in Roodepoort yesterday. The officers, a sergeant and a warrant officer attached to the Trio Task Team, had been escorting 33-year-old Jabulani Moyo back to prison after his appearance at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court. Moyo was facing charges related to a February 2023 business robbery. According to police, the incident occurred at around 10.30am in the Roodepoort CBD. The detectives were intercepted, shot at, and disarmed. It is revealed that the sergeant died on the scene, while the warrant officer was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Shortly after the shooting, Moyo was spotted driving the officers’ marked police vehicle, which was later found abandoned a few kilometres away. Investigators are…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has confirmed a probe into comments made by the Open Chats Podcast. The SAHRC says its investigation will continue despite the podcast production team deleting the clip from its full episode, and the apology that has since been issued. The Commission stated that it has sent letters to the respondents and will then determine the best way forward. "This may include instituting proceedings in the relevant Equality Court as per section 13(3)(b) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013 (SAHRC Act), read with section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), 2000," it said. In the clip, which has gone viral on social media, the hosts make several racist comments, claiming that…

In 2018, my Australian co-worker asked me, “Hey, how are you going?”. My response – “I am taking a bus” – was met with a smirk. I had recently moved to Australia. Despite studying English for more than 20 years, it took me a while to familiarise myself with the Australian variety of the language. It turns out large language models powered by artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT experience a similar problem. In new research, published in the Findings of the Association for Computational Linguistics 2025, my colleagues and I introduce a new tool for evaluating the ability of different large language models to detect sentiment and sarcasm in three varieties of English: Australian English, Indian English and British English. The results show there is still a long way…

In a heart-warming initiative that has brightened the spirits of many young learners, Walter Sisulu Primary School celebrated Nelson Mandela Month with a generous donation of school shoes. Pioneered by Lerato Ndlovu of Sizwe Africa IT Group, the drive underscored the importance of dignity, responsibility, and self-care among the country’s youth. Ndlovu, discussing the shoeshine initiative with Saturday Star, shared insights into the programme’s goals and impact. Ndlovu says that usually, the project involves providing shoes, brushes and polish to encourage pupils to learn about maintaining their footwear. “So what informed the initiative? As Sizwe, we have been donating school shoes to our adopted schools. And what we’d usually do is buy polish and brushes when we are donating. If it is 100 pairs, we would do 100 brushes and…

Shekhinah is back, and while she gave us a few hints last year with lead singles, no one saw the full album coming like this. Late last night, just a minute before midnight, the singer-songwriter announced on Instagram that her brand-new album “Less Trouble” would be out at midnight. Since “Risk” and “Steady” were released in 2024 as lead singles, there were no other rollouts this year. No other teaser single or a hint that she is coming, just a caption that read: “If you’re seeing this, my album, ‘Less Trouble’, is out now at midnight. Love you all. Until, until, until. See you at Rose Fest.” The 30-year-old talented musician shared the album artwork along with the post. It shows her holding what looks like a book, open to…

For those of us old enough to remember, the original Land Rover Defender 130 was an extra-long wheelbase double-cab bakkie, much loved by outdoor enthusiasts and was considered by many as one of the best overlanding vehicles ever made. Built on a 130-inch ladder chassis (hence the name 130), it was the ideal vehicle to set up and kit for extended expeditions, with the large load bay providing the ideal platform to make a home away from home. The original 130 bakkie has been shelved in the annals of history with the introduction of the “new” Defender, but the 130 nomenclature remains with a monocoque chassis in a luxury-wrapped package. Make no mistake, it’s still extremely capable with its modern comforts and high-end technology, as I experienced over a couple…

As we mark another Women’s Day today, we must shift our attention to one unspoken challenge that affects women in South Africa – sexual corruption. Sexual corruption happens when women and girls are requested to perform sexual acts in exchange for access to public (and private) services or privileges. It is the abuse of actual or perceived power that sexually exploits those who seek benefits or seek to avoid deprivations tied to that power. The sexual exploitation may be physical, emotional or digital. It takes various forms, such as coercion, exploitation and the abuse of power to obtain sexual favours. Manipulation: South Africa has a problem with corruption, as well as sexual and gender-based violence. Sexual corruption lies at the intersection of these ills and is reinforced by patriarchy,…

The importance of women in the workplace, not just because of the so-called softer skills they bring into an often testosterone-filled environment, but also because they nurture young talent, cannot be overstated. Many studies cite the benefits of women mentoring other women. Others note that having more women in leadership brings diverse perspectives, improves decision-making, enhances organisational performance, and fosters a more inclusive environment. As Tamra Veley, MD of Corporate Image, puts it, “mentorship between women in the workplace is not, nor should it ever be – about ticking a diversity box – it’s about building capability, confidence, and continuity”. Dominique Rossouw, a social worker, has experienced this first-hand. She says women bosses “were able to guide me in terms of the way that they would do things as social…

ARE you a do-it-yourself investor or toying with becoming one? You may be relatively young, with a promising career path ahead of you, but have not, until now, seriously considered investing a portion of your monthly salary cheque with a financial goal in mind. Or you may have received a large sum of money, perhaps as an inheritance, that you are looking to invest and are considering doing it yourself. DIY investing is incredibly easy and becoming easier by the day, thanks to the proliferation of online share trading and investment platforms. The banks have their own share platforms that you can link to your bank account. For unit trust funds, most providers make it relatively easy for retail investors to invest in their products directly via an online application.…

South Africa T20I captain Aiden Markram told the media yesterday that he wants the team to play with freedom, take the game on, and entertain as the Shukri Conrad era continues in the shortest format of the game. Coach Shukri Conrad is in his second T20I series, having opened his account in the recently concluded Tri-Series against hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand last month. With Conrad’s era in T20I cricket still in its infancy, many have wondered how the coach wants the side to play, and what the blueprint for the team will be heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup. T20I captain Markram hinted at the team’s new blueprint, citing freedom as one of the key elements that define their approach under Conrad. “Already, we’ve had quite a few…

Jose Riveiro was steadfast in guiding the upward trajectory of Orlando Pirates over the last three seasons, daring to dream while laying a solid foundation.His efforts bore fruit, integrating youngsters into the team – the club’s long-term investments – and securing five trophies during his tenure. It was a near-perfect run that gave the Ghost, the club’s loyal supporters, hope that one day they would return to the pinnacle of South African football. Enter Riveiro’s replacement, Abdeslam Ouaddou, who seems to have heard the Ghost’s cry for the most coveted silverware in the land: the Betway Premiership. And guess what? He has wasted no time in promising the Ghost that – not in the distant future but this season – they will fight tooth and nail to end the club’s…

The US State Department has launched a 12-month pilot initiative requiring visa applicants from Malawi and Zambia to pay a substantial security bond. According to the department, the policy is designed to discourage visa overstays and is targeted at countries deemed to have high overstay rates or inadequate screening procedures. This measure specifically applies to B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visa categories. While the $15 000 (R266 371) bond is refundable, it presents a significant financial burden for applicants, especially in nations where the average annual income is a fraction of that amount. A spokesperson for the State Department explained: “The bond will be returned after the visitor leaves the US within the permitted time frame.” However, some experts warn that the policy may disproportionately affect law-abiding travellers while doing…

As the South African winter chills your bones, you have two choices: pull your blanket a little tighter and dream of warmer days, or book a trip that will take you there. A change of scenery can lift the spirits and right now, there’s no better way to escape the cold than by booking a cruise. It’s an easy and appealing way to trade grey skies for endless blue seas. Cruising internationally during our winter is the ultimate travel hack for keeping your summer alive all year long, because somewhere in the world, it's always summer. While we’re bundled up from June to August, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East are in the midst of their summer seasons. Imagine stepping off a plane in Barcelona or Miami, feeling the warm…