Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-06 i Saturday Star

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…

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,…

The Office of the Auditor-General (A-G) has referred 40 material irregularities picked up during the auditing finances of the organs of state using the powers conferred to her by the amended Public Audit Act. This emerged on Friday when the Directorate of Priority Crime (DPCI) revealed that the A-G has referred 21 material irregularities to it for investigation since over the past five years. This happened as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) disclosed that the A-G made 19 referrals to date. The A-G has the power to refer material irregularities picked up during auditing of finances organs of state where fraud is involved, there is criminality or complex investigation needs to be done to the DPCI. It also refers to the Special Investigating Unit when non-compliance with laws is identified…

On a whim, Rosie Paulik posted on TikTok about her father, who had recently got a PhD and was “wondering what to do next”. “He loves writing letters more than most people love their kids,” she wrote in a caption on her video, explaining that he has written her a letter every day, through “college, camp, adulthood”. “Would you want a letter from my dad?” Paulik asked. “Or know someone who could use a little kindness from a retired professor with a killer signature and a fountain pen?” Paulik expected a few people to respond. Instead, hundreds did. “My dad is so excited,” Paulik said of her father, Buz Ecker, 67. He and other dads who Paulik recruited have since spent hours writing to strangers looking for pick-me-ups – including…

St Benedict’s College has established itself as a leading force in South African school theatre after its production of The Other Side of the House won the Best Production award at the 2025 Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts (FEDA), along with five other major accolades. The festival, widely regarded as the country’s premier high school theatre competition, was held at Johannesburg’s Joburg Theatre and featured 66 productions from around 50 schools nationwide. Written and directed by student Omolemo Pesha, The Other Side of the House is a psychological thriller exploring themes of grief, isolation, and a mind on the brink, accompanied by the haunting soundtrack of Nina Simone. The production secured multiple awards, including Best Actor for Ditiro Simelane, Best Supporting Actor for Sikolakhe Manaswe, Best Director for Pesha,…

In a landmark partnership to expand access to digital education, the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) has launched a Smart Skills Centre in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, in collaboration with the Free State Department of Education. Located in one of the province’s most underserved regions covering QwaQwa, Kestell, and Harrismith, the centre will provide cutting-edge digital training, entrepreneurship programmes, and accredited courses designed to equip over 20,000 individuals in the next five years with the skills needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the green economy. “The Smart Skills Centre is a testament to our commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that young people from historically marginalised communities can access the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. By bringing advanced training and innovation closer to where people…

Calling all Olivophiles and Brine Believers: the Swartland Olive Festival is returning to the historic village square of Riebeek-Kasteel, September 27-28. Seven leading olive producers from across the Western Cape, wines from the Swartland, chef demonstrations, authentic Platteland food, tasting competitions and live music will put the spotlight on the small but mighty olive and its place of importance in South Africa, at the festival in the heart of the Swartland. The festival is presented in partnership with Swartland Tourism and the SA Olive Association. “If you’re not already an olive aficionado, this is an incredible opportunity to learn the olive language, where visitors can taste the various regions, cultivars and products under one marquee,” says Wendy Petersen, CEO of the SA Olive Association. “As every region’s products taste different,…

A poignant chapter of South African history will be illuminated this September as Zenaéca Singh, a visual artist graduating with her Master’s in Fine Art from the University of Cape Town (UCT), dedicates her thesis to the often-overlooked stories of indentured Indians. Singh’s work, set to debut on Wednesday, will spotlight the brutal reality that over 150 000 Indians faced when they migrated to Natal between 1860 and 1911 under the guise of better job opportunities within the sugar industry. Unfortunately, the dream of a prosperous life quickly degraded into a nightmare marked by draconian working conditions, paltry wages, and systemic injustices on the sugar estates. Through her innovative approach to art, Singh aims to connect the cultural economy of sugar with the painful history of indenture. Using the medium…

Range Rover has added another highly exclusive model to their line-up with the announcement of the SV Polar Night. At R6 521 929, it is the most expensive Range Rover to date, with only five examples built exclusively for and sold in South Africa, and order books are open now. The SV Polar Night moniker takes its inspiration from the twilight stars in the far north of the country. Exterior The theme is reflected with a spectral light blue gloss paint job with a contrasting gloss black roof and gloss black side mirrors. There are several Graphite Atlas and Anthracite finishes on the exterior with the Range Rover script in black chrome with 23-inch forged alloy wheels in satin dark grey and black, with body-coloured inserts and black callipers rounding…

The AU has endorsed the #CorrectTheMap Campaign, a call for the UN and the wider global community to use a different kind of world map. The campaign currently has over 4 500 signatures. The map most commonly used is called the Mercator projection. Map projections are how cartographers (map makers) “flatten” the three-dimensional Earth into a two-dimensional map. The Mercator projection was created over 450 years ago, designed for colonial exploration and maritime trade. But, over the centuries, it has become an “all purpose” projection for many governments, educators and companies. That flat drawing inflates the size of countries closer to the North or South Pole. It exaggerates the area of North America and Eurasia while under-representing the size of much of South America and Africa. As the largest continent…

IT is a year since the so-called “two-pot” retirement savings system came into effect in South Africa, with the aim of forcing employees to retain a major portion of their retirement savings until they need it most – when they retire. Is it working as expected? There have been teething problems, but it appears that, overall, members’ long-term outcomes will be far better than if they continued being able to cash in their retirement savings when they changed jobs. Still not ideal, but much, much better. To recap. Since September 1 last year, contributions to retirement funds have been channeled into two “pots”: one-third into a savings pot and the other two-thirds into a retirement pot. Savings accumulated before then went into a third pot, the vested pot, which remained…

Former Proteas captain and SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith is pleased to see the tournament continuing to contribute to South Africa’s international talent pipeline, with Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs making waves in England and Australia. The SA20 has undoubtedly transformed the landscape of South African cricket over the past three years. Public interest has reignited, and players are more motivated than ever, knowing that strong performances in the league can fast-track their international careers. Already, the country is reaping the rewards of the league’s inception and success. Breetzke, Brevis and Stubbs have all impressed in the SA20 before stepping up to the Proteas, where they’ve played key roles in back-to-back ODI series wins — one Down Under and the other more recently in England. Smith is proud…

Multiple Grand Slam champion Kgothatso “KG” Montjane and long-time playing partner Yui Kamiji of Japan were eliminated from the US Open wheelchair tennis doubles following a 7-5, 7-5 semi-final defeat to Dutch veteran Diede de Groot and Zhu Zhenzhen of China. Montjane and Kamiji were up 5-2 in the first set before their opponents reeled off five consecutive games to snatch the opener. De Groot and Zhu then claimed the crucial break in the ninth game of the second set and went on to seal their place in the final. The South African-Japanese duo dominated the percentage of points won on their first serve, but struggled on their second – a stat that proved decisive in the battle that lasted over two hours. Their opponents also hit significantly more winners…

Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in emotional scenes in Buenos Aires on Thursday while Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay joined the reigning champions at next year’s World Cup. In his last home qualifier for his country and with Argentina having already booked their place in North America, Messi struck in the 39th and 80th minutes to bag a 3-0 win over Venezuela. Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, sparkled in front of an adoring crowd of 80,000 at the Mas Monumental stadium to underline his enduring quality. The Argentine legend will turn 39 during next year’s World Cup, but despite his advanced years he looks set to play another pivotal role as Lionel Scaloni’s side defend their crown. Scaloni will rest his skipper for next week’s dead-rubber…

Tourism Month is a time to explore South Africa, discover new places and enjoy experiences with friends and family. Travelling in a group can make trips more affordable, fun and manageable. With careful planning and some smart strategies, you can get the most out of your trips without overspending. Split costs: Sharing costs is one of the main benefits of group travel. Accommodation, transport and meals can be divided among members. Renting a larger space like a self-catering apartment or guesthouse can be cheaper per person than booking individual hotel rooms. Similarly, car rentals for a group are usually more cost-effective than multiple taxis or ride-hailing trips. Even smaller expenses like snacks or fuel can add up when shared among several travellers. Use group discounts: Many attractions, tours and activity…

Heritage hotels, known for their old buildings and the charm of times gone by, are adjusting their offerings to make modern luxury travellers feel more at home. A recent study found that 83% of high-end travellers want more than just beautiful places to sleep. They are searching for accommodations that tell “meaningful stories” and have connections to the local culture. The trend shows that people not only want to enjoy a pretty room but also seek experiences that touch their hearts and allow them to connect with the world around them. “Beautiful buildings are expected, but what guests truly remember are the memories and meaning they take away,” said Catherine Schulze, the managing director of Steenberg Farm in South Africa’s Constantia region. This change is particularly important as younger, wealthier…

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…

The City of Johannesburg this week revealed that by the end of June this year it had written off over R13 billion in unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful (UIFW) expenditure. Details of the UIFW expenditure were presented during this week’s joint oversight visit by Parliament's portfolio committee on Co-operative Ggovernance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), the standing committees on Public Accounts and the Auditor-General as well as the Gauteng legislature at the Ferndale Recreation Centre in Randburg, . According to the municipality’s submission to Cogta portfolio committee chairperson, Dr Zweli Mkhize, it had an opening balance of over R23.6bn in UIFW expenditure and just more than R13bn was regularised by council and/or boards of municipal entities. During this period, there was R6.12bn in in-year UIFW expenditure declarations, leaving the total balance…

In a time where individualism often takes centre stage, volunteering is one of the most powerful antidotes we have. It reminds us that life is not just about what we can achieve for ourselves, but also about how we can contribute to the well-being of others. When we give our time, our skills, or simply our presence, we are reminded of our shared humanity. Volunteering is more than an act of service, it’s a bridge back to a kinder, more compassionate society where community thrives above self-interest. The Age of the Individual Over the past few decades, we’ve seen a cultural shift toward prioritizing the individual. Modern life often celebrates self-sufficiency, competition, and personal achievement. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with celebrating personal success, a society that tilts too far…

The wait is over. The highly anticipated boxset for the groundbreaking docuseries Giants is now available for binge-watching on Showmax from September 5. Produced by SuperSport in collaboration with the award-winning film company T+W, Giants is a testament to the beautiful game, proudly bringing to life a story of faith, family, and football. The first season offers a powerful and unprecedented look into one of South Africa’s most iconic football institutions, the Orlando Pirates Football Club. Over five emotional and captivating episodes, the series chronicles the behind-the-scenes events of the Buccaneers' 2024-25 season, granting fans exclusive access to the inner workings of their beloved team. “The response has been overwhelming in the best way,” says Tshaya. "People have really connected with the series, and that’s something I’ll never take…

Three years ago, Bernice McKee, then only 35, faced the harrowing diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer. Today, she stands not just as a survivor but as a beacon of hope, committed to inspiring others on similar paths and raising vital awareness. To mark her “cancerversary”, McKee says she has embarked on an audacious challenge: running and walking a staggering 276 kilometres between August 1 and October 31, one kilometre for each of the 276 days she spent in active treatment. “Each step, each kilometre, each day, each breath is an incredible reminder of what it means to decide to do something and do it,” she says. Her journey into advocacy began with her harrowing experience. In 2022, she felt a lump under her arm, later nicknamed “Luscious Wank” – and…

MG now covers a much wider spectrum of the South African market, following the recent introduction of the MG3 hatchback and the announcement this week of the new MG ZS Pro compact SUV. The MG ZS Pro doesn’t replace the current ZS model, which soldiers on as a value leader with its starting price of R289 900. Instead, it slots between the older model and the more premium HS SUV, which starts at R499 900. So how much for the new model? MG Motor announced at the Festival of Motoring last week that the ZS Pro will be available in two variants, with the 1.5T Comfort retailing at R397 600 and the 1.5T Luxury coming in at R431 500. The ZS Pro is significantly larger than the ZS, with…

Every time a school removes pure mathematics, a girl who could have been an engineer, scientist or innovator is told: “This path is not for you.” Mathematics is more than a subject on the timetable. It is the entry ticket to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the very fields where South Africa struggles with skills shortages and where women remain underrepresented. When public schools, particularly those serving disadvantaged communities, quietly drop mathematics and offer only mathematical literacy, the impact goes far beyond curriculum. It is a structural decision that narrows opportunities, reinforces stereotypes, and undermines years of effort to encourage girls into technical fields. In my own research on the factors that encourage girls to choose STEM subjects, I found four critical enablers: early confidence through…

The soon-to-be-enacted Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill is the next step in South Africa’s outcomes-based, principles-led market conduct regulation. Once it becomes effective, the Act will consolidate conduct-related provisions from across multiple financial services sector laws into a single framework. COFI pulls the main conduct duties into one legislative structure, giving the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) clear powers to set cross-sector conduct standards and respond to poor customer outcomes. Advice businesses that have spent two decades embedding Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act should have little trouble adapting to the new legislation. All financial services providers (FSPs) will be re-licensed under COFI, with the biggest change being a shift from product category to activity-based licensing. Under FAIS, licences were granted by…

BAFANA BAFANA (1)(3) Nkota 13’, Foster 63’, Appollis 67’ LESOTHO (0)(0) At the country’s City of Roses, Hugo Broos – through the football gods and his united team – could smell his flowers and realise a childhood dream! The Bafana Bafana coach guided his team to a comfortable 3-0 win over rivals Lesotho at the Toyota Stadium last night, taking a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The road to North America could be clearer and smoother by Tuesday night if Bafana beat arch-rivals Nigeria at this same venue. They are now top of Group C with 16 points, with three games to go. Qualifying for the global showpiece would bring things full circle for the 73-year-old, as it would mark his return to the…

Explosive Proteas Women all-rounder Chloe Tryon says she’s happy batting at No 5 or 6 in the line-up ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup later this month. Tryon spoke to Independent Media in an exclusive interview following her return to South Africa from the United Kingdom, where she had been playing in the short-format league, The Hundred. While acknowledging that the team’s needs come first, Tryon said she is “comfortable” and “happy” batting in the middle order because there is still time for her to make an impact on the game. The Durban-born cricketer is also a handy bowler, but feels her batting remains her strongest suit. Tryon was named on Wednesday as one of the 15 squad members for the Proteas’ World Cup campaign, and will leave for…

Amanda Anisimova will bid to crown her improbable redemption mission at the US Open tonight as World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka seeks to grab her final chance of the year to win a Grand Slam. Two months after suffering a catastrophic 6-0, 6-0 thrashing in the Wimbledon final, Anisimova has bounced back to stand on the brink of completing a fairytale comeback in New York. The 24-year-old eighth seed held her nerve to battle past Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals, winning 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 in an instant classic that finished in the early hours of yesterday morning. For Anisimova, the win represented a personal triumph after the trauma of her drubbing by Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon in July. The American, who took an eight-month break from tennis in…

England return to World Cup qualifying action this week with Thomas Tuchel under pressure to solve a plethora of issues that threaten to ruin his bid to win next year’s tournament. Tuchel has made an underwhelming start to his reign and the German must use qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia to resolve the problems that marred his first four games. AFP Sport looks at the most pressing topics ahead of today’s clash with Andorra at Villa Park: Lift the gloom England sit top of Group K with three wins from three games, six goals scored and none conceded – – but appearances can be deceptive. Tuchel’s side laboured to a 2-0 win against Albania in his first match in March and needed two second-half goals to put a flattering…

Germany fell to a shock 2-0 defeat against Slovakia in their World Cup qualifying opener in Bratislava on Thursday, their first ever away loss in a qualifier for the tournament. Ranked 52 in the world, Slovakia frequently carved up their heavily fancied opponents and took the lead after 42 minutes through David Hancko. Slovakia doubled their lead on 55 minutes when David Strelec dribbled in from the right to blast past a flat-footed Antonio Rudiger. Germany defender Jonathan Tah said his side were the worst team “in all phases” of the match and “we deserved to lose today”. “There was something missing today, something beyond fatigue. It wasn’t something they did which surprised us – – we need to take a look at ourselves and do better in the…

In recent years, travel trends have shifted as more people look for experiences beyond the well-known tourist hubs. One trend that has gained momentum is the rise of “destination dupes”. These are locations that closely resemble famous tourist destinations but are often less crowded, more affordable and easier to access. These alternatives offer similar experiences to the original hot spots, whether in landscape, architecture, culture or activities. For example, a coastal town may offer beaches comparable to those in Bali, or a city might feature historical landmarks similar to those in Rome. The idea is simple – travellers can enjoy the essence of a popular destination without the crowds, inflated prices or travel stress. Instead of competing for selfies at iconic landmarks, visitors to destination dupes can have a…

Steeped in culture and history, there are many reasons to explore South Africa beyond the plethora of wildlife experiences, which is a major drawcard for tourists. The diversity that exists in Mzansi means that the melting pot of offerings translates into lasting lifelong memories. During Heritage and Tourism Month, we delve into a trend that unfailingly whets the appetite of travellers: culinary tourism. Just thinking of the explosion of flavours stemming from the different cultures in the country has made me salivate. As such, let’s explore the dishes that define the different cities: Cape Town: Gosh, where does one even start with the Mother City, which offers a wonderful food fusion incorporating the Dutch, Cape Malay, Portuguese and Indian flavours? First, a quick historical segway, Cape Malay dishes originated in…

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…

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on Friday praised its Finance and Supply Chain management officials for continuing to do their work despite risks to their lives and the murders of two of their colleagues in the past two years. Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said that the employees were courageous. This was highlighted at the joint oversight visit by Parliament's portfolio committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), the standing committees on Public Accounts, the Auditor-General, and the Gauteng provincial legislature at the Ferndale Recreation Centre in Randburg, Johannesburg. In July, the municipality's divisional head of Forensic and Investigations, Mpho Mafole, was murdered while investigating tenders valued at R4 billion. Mafole's murder followed that of adjudicator Simnikiwe Mapini in December 2023 while working on a chemical toilets tender. Ekurhuleni chief financial…

Health experts and civil society groups are voicing urgent concerns over South Africa’s growing reliance on ultra-processed foods and the aggressive marketing strategies used to promote them, warning of a looming public health crisis. The Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) revealed that nearly half of South African adults are overweight or obese, while childhood obesity has surged from one in 20 to one in eight in just a decade. The alliance says if current trends continue, more than 4 million children aged 5 to 19 could be living with obesity by 2031, placing the country among the 10 worst-affected globally. In light of this crisis, advocates are championing the introduction of Front-of-Package Warning Labels (FoPWL), designed to inform consumers of high sugar, salt, and fat content in foods. John Nkuna, a…

The first day Courtney Proctor Cross walked into Huntington, West Virginia’s municipal animal shelter as its new director, she saw a dog in a crate barking frantically, standing up to his ankles in urine. Dogs and cats were crammed into overcrowded wire crates, many with no water in the late-summer heat. Some of the cats had already died; others were barely hanging on. “It was a nightmare,” Proctor Cross said of that day in 2018. “We had no idea we were going to find this horrific scene, but that’s what it was.” She helped ensure that barking dog got adopted – and thousands of others. Before Proctor Cross arrived, the shelter was euthanizing between 50 to 75 percent of the animals that came in, she said, many of them healthy…

A gut-wrenching film about a five-year-old girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza last year gives a “voice” to Palestinian victims of the war, its director said. The Voice of Hind Rajab premiered at the Venice Film Festival this week. It shook audiences and left some critics in tears over the dramatic portrayal of real events from January 2024. “We see that the narrative all around the world is that those dying in Gaza are collateral damage, in the media,” Franco-Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania told reporters. “And I think this is so dehumanising, and that’s why cinema, art and every kind of expression is important to give those people a voice and face.” “I’m very happy, and I never in my life thought that could be possible,” Ben Hania…

When you think of ADHD, you might imagine a loud, energetic boy who can’t sit still. But that image often leaves girls with ADHD invisible—quietly struggling under the radar. Girls are more likely to internalise symptoms, masking their challenges as daydreaming, shyness or perfectionism. Because of this, many girls with ADHD are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all until much later. Why is it that so many girls with ADHD are either missed completely or only diagnosed much later than boys? There are several contributing factors – here are some of the key things to keep in mind if you’re raising a daughter who might be neurodivergent. How symptoms show up ADHD can look quite different in girls compared to boys. While boys often present with clear signs of hyperactivity…

The fashion world is mourning the loss of Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91 on September 4. Often called the architect of modern elegance, Armani wasn’t just a designer; he was a cultural force who redefined the way people dressed both on and off the red carpet. From his early days in the 1970s, Armani was best known for clean lines, understated sophistication, and a kind of luxury that was never flashy but always powerful. His signature unstructured jackets revolutionised menswear, while his sleek tailoring and fluid evening gowns helped usher in the minimalist aesthetic that dominated the 1980s and beyond. Unlike many other luxury fashion designers, Armani remained fiercely independent, building a fashion empire that spanned clothing, fragrance, homeware, and even luxury hotels. But perhaps…

Vultures turn death into life transforming what is lost into something that sustains us all. But they are disappearing. In some regions, populations have crashed by 95% in just three decades. This International Vulture Awareness Day, Vulpro confronts a harsh reality: without immediate action, these irreplaceable guardians of our ecosystems will vanish within our lifetime. Few creatures perform such a vital yet misunderstood role as the vulture. These prehistoric-looking raptors, with their imposing wingspans and weathered faces, serve as Africa's silent guardians, aiding in the prevention and spread of diseases like anthrax, botulism, and rabies that would otherwise devastate both wildlife and human communities. Without their swift and efficient disposal of carcasses, our landscapes would become breeding grounds for pathogens, and populations of less efficient scavengers like feral dogs and…

The faces of slain protesters are painted on an alley wall in the Kenyan capital. Nearby, a community theater troupe acts out a random roadside arrest. Over the past year, thousands of young Kenyans have marched in cities across the nation, protesting high taxes, corruption and police brutality. More than 100 protesters have been killed by security forces, according to rights groups, but they have not retreated. And their movement has inspired a new generation of Kenyan artists, who have championed the cause through music and murals, graffiti and spoken word. Running through their work is a consistent theme: Young people remain determined to change the status quo. “Music throughout history has influenced social and political revolution,” said Njuki Githethwa, a Kenyan activist and scholar. What’s happening now, he said,…

You’d be forgiven for feeling conflicted when you first lay eyes on the Omoda C9. It’s undeniably a sexy car, but you can’t help but notice design elements seemingly borrowed from others – the nose is hardly unique, and has an air of familiarity to it you can’t quite place, but it gets more recognisable the further back you go. The wing mirrors are giving Lexus, flush, retractable door handles a la Tesla Model S, and adopted by Range Rover, the flowing C-pillar is starkly reminiscent of Lexus’ RX, while the tail lights and roof spoiler with dual shark fin antennae evoke Porsche Cayenne. Even the stylish rims are reminiscent of the stately multi-spoke wheels on some Mercedes-Benz S Class models. But packaged all together, it’s more than easy on…

The long-awaited Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI is set to hit South African showrooms in November. Pre-orders for the facelifted model are now open on the VWSA website, the company announced at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Racewaylast week. Just 300 units are set to reach our shores before year-end at a price of R908 000. Although this represents a premium over the outgoing model, which started at R853 400, the new version does come fully loaded, with items such as a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, Discover Media navigation system, and 19-inch “Queensland”alloy wheels being standard features. This package, with no options available, is the only way VWSA could get the new model to our shores before year-end, a company representative told IOL. Other variations, possibly with fewer options…

Since ChatGPT hit the scene nearly three years ago, adults have been gawking over stories about Gen Z using artificial intelligence to cut corners in the classroom. “Everyone is cheating their way through college,” New York Magazine proclaimed in one piece. The New Yorker followed up with a piece from Hua Hsu that opened with an undergraduate shamelessly bragging about his AI-generated essays. Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Gen Z knows they shouldn’t use ChatGPT to flat out cheat, even if some of them do it anyway. ChatGPT knows this, too – and OpenAI rolled out a study mode partly to address concerns about its misuse. But the obsession with this topic is distracting from a more pressing question: What should students be using AI to do?…

If you’re feeling like you’re drowning in debt, you’re not alone. More and more South Africans are turning to personal loans to make ends meet, but this extra borrowing is leaving households vulnerable – and opening the door to scammers who promise help but deliver even more financial stress. Eighty20’s latest Credit Stress Report, for the second quarter of this year, shows that South Africans are borrowing more and falling further behind. Loan activity grew by 3% in the quarter, outstanding balances rose 1.4%, and overdue balances jumped 3.2%. Statistics South Africa’s figures paint a similar picture. Between April and June, more than 93 000 summons were issued for unpaid debt, with 26 500 judgments handed down. DebtBusters’ second-quarter Debt Index adds that 95% of people who applied for…

Four decades after competing in his only Fifa World Cup as a player, Hugo Broos has one final wish: to return to the event as a coach, at the very same place where it all began. Broos represented his native Belgium at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where they finished fourth after losing 4-2 to European rivals France in the third-place play-off, following extra time. Since then, Broos has carved out a respected coaching career across the globe, including in Africa. He etched his name into continental football history by winning the 2017 Afcon title with Cameroon and guiding Bafana Bafana to their first podium finish in over two decades — third place at the most recent continental finals. Broos has already endeared himself to the Bafana faithful, restoring…

Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have reached a deal on a potential exhibition fight in 2026, promoter CSI Sports said on Thursday. No date or location was given for the bout, but CSI said heavyweight great Tyson and undefeated multi-weight champ Mayweather would meet in “Spring 2026”. Tyson, 59, built a 50-7 record with 44 knockouts in a career in which he established himself as the most feared heavyweight of his generation. He last appeared in the ring in a lopsided loss to Youtuber-turned prizefighter Jake Paul last November in Arlington, Texas. Tyson barely landed a punch in that eight-round bout, which was nevertheless watched by a live crowd of around 70,000 spectators with an estimated millions more tuning in around the world. Former world champion Mayweather, 48, retired from…

Lando Norris was fastest in the second practice session at the Italian Grand Prix yesterday as the McLaren driver bids to cut into his teammate Osar Piastri’s handy Formula One championship lead. Briton Norris topped the times with a fastest lap of one minute 19.878 seconds, less than one hundredth of a second faster than Ferrari’s home hope Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz of Williams. The 25-year-old trails Piastri by 34 points in the drivers’ standings after a mechanical failure forced him out of last weekend’s Dutch GP in the final laps. Norris will hope that a broken wing mirror early in the session won’t bring him more bad luck, although it didn’t affect his performance yesterday. Piastri, who did not take part in the day’s first practice session, was…

Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez, who spat at a Seattle staff member after the Sounders’ Leagues Cup final triumph on Sunday, apologised in a statement on Instagram on Thursday. “It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where right after the match things happened that shouldn’t have happened, but that doesn’t justify the reaction I had,” the 38-year-old Uruguayan wrote in an Instagram story. “I was wrong and I sincerely regret it.” The Sounders stunned the star-studded Inter side led by eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi 3-0 in the Leagues Cup final at Lumen Field in Seattle. Immediately after the final whistle, Suarez rushed at 20-year-old Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas and put him in a headlock, sparking a melee involving multiple players and staff from both sides. Officials…

A superb strike by Aston Villa’s Matty Cash snatched a 1-1 draw for Poland on Thursday despite being dominated for long periods by the Netherlands in European World Cup qualifying Group G. The Dutch were made to pay for a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal as they squandered a series of chances. “We created chances in the first half and perhaps we should have made it 2-0. That would have made things easier,” said Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk. “Of course when you draw at home, it’s not positive. But that’s where we are now,” added the Liverpool star. The result left Group G on a knife-edge with the Netherlands and Poland joining Finland on seven points, despite the Dutch playing fewer games. After a cagey opening, the…