Saturday Star 2025-09-06

In a world where attention has become a scarce and valuable resource, nearly half of the adults in South Africa report struggling with their ability to focus. For those living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an estimated 2.5% to 4.3% of the population, the situation is even more dire. The relentless pull of screens, combined with an already under-recognised condition, has created a perfect storm of challenges. ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, often goes undiagnosed in South Africa. Poor identification and limited access to mental health resources have led to an alarming treatment gap of up to 75%, leaving many individuals without adequate support. Yet, in today’s digital age, the stakes are higher than ever. The digital distraction dilemma “Smartphones, TikTok feeds, and streaming…

Celebrity divorces often play out like movies: glamorous weddings, picture-perfect families, and then, suddenly, the headlines of heartbreak. But as Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan have shown us, what happens after the credits roll can be the most important part of the story. The former Step Up co-stars, who fell in love on the 2006 dance film set, were married for nearly a decade before separating in 2018. Now, six years later, both have publicly acknowledged that the split was painful but ultimately transformative. And in a world where celebrity breakups are often sensationalised, their journey offers a refreshing reminder of how healing, therapy and growth can follow even the messiest endings. For those navigating similar paths, consider seeking support from friends, family or professionals. Journaling can also be a…

Vogue has announced that 39-year-old Chloe Malle is stepping into the position of head of editorial content at American Vogue, effective immediately. Malle, a fixture at Vogue since 2011, most recently served as the editor of Vogue.com and co-host of its fashion culture podcast, The Run-Through. Her appointment marks a subtle but significant shift in titles as Vogue no longer has an editor-in-chief, and emphasises the digital and cross-platform media drive within the brand. Reflecting on her promotion, Malle observed: “Fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed, and I am so thrilled and awed to be part of that… I also feel incredibly fortunate to still have Anna just down the hall as my mentor.” Anna Wintour still holds the reins Although Wintour is stepping away from the…

At Disney World, where fairy-tale castles, rollercoasters and parades create an atmosphere of magic, the idea of death feels entirely out of place. Yet, behind the scenes, former employees and long-standing rumours point to an unusual policy: technically, no one is allowed to die on Disney property. The topic resurfaced after Tom Cruz, a former Magic Kingdom employee, shared his experience in a TikTok video. He recalled working on a sweltering day when an elderly man collapsed while waiting in line for a ride. A doctor in the crowd rushed forward to administer CPR, but despite repeated efforts, there was no response. Cruz noted that paramedics continued resuscitation attempts for nearly 15 minutes, even though the man showed no signs of life. “I was like, ‘Man, this guy is dead,…

While Charlize Theron made waves in Hollywood’s A-list circles, many others have followed with great success, too. Sharlto Copley and Arnold Vosloo, who have firmly embedded themselves in the industry, exemplify this. And Trevor Noah is paving his own success on the back of The Daily Show, with the stand-up comedian and author recently landing an R-rated film deal for The Island. Let’s not forget about Pearl Thusi, Terry Pheto and Nomzamo Mbatha making their mark as well in different projects. Of course, Lesley-Ann Brandt is on an upward trajectory with project offers after Lucifer. This brings us to Thuso Mbedu, who rode the crest of success when she made her international debut as Cora in The Underground Railroad, a 2021 limited series on Amazon Video. She also became the…

I decided that I would keep Green Shoots completely separate from my work. It makes sense to do that - I don’t put my organisation at risk for the political and other views I hold, and I don’t bore readers with stuff that belongs in boardrooms and meetings. But, my work is more often than not about the human condition. We work for social justice, and we support local community organisations in their resistance against the dehumanisation of poverty, corruption, violence and marginalisation. Every now and then I get to do some really interesting things. This year we have been working on a project about accountability, exploring what it means for ordinary people and how they can actively hold those in power to account. A major part of the project…