Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-13 i Saturday Star

As South Africa shakes off its winter chill and welcomes the brighter, longer days of spring, this season of renewal offers more than just the chance to declutter your home. It’s the perfect moment to refresh your health, embrace new habits, and take charge of your well-being. “Spring naturally brings a sense of renewal, we're more energised, the days are brighter, and it’s easier to get outdoors,” says Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health. She highlights that increased sunlight has profound effects, from boosting vitamin D levels to improving blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular health and even mood. “Longer days and more sun are nature’s tonic,” she adds. But spring isn’t just about enjoying the outdoors; it’s also an ideal time for proactive health checks. The transition from the winter flu…

Former Friends actress Jennifer Aniston is private when it comes to her personal life, but she recently offered up a rare look at her romance with Jim Curtis in what is now being called a soft launch of their relationship. The picture in question shows the back of Curtis’s head as he gazes out upon a stunning sunset. The post was simply captioned: “Thank you, summer.” While The Morning Show star, who was previously married to Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux, tucked away the picture in her summer carousel, eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot the affectionately casual moment. “You think we wouldn’t notice photo number 17???,” commented @andrea_portugaldeveza. Another fan wrote: “Oh, hello 17 pic.” Pretty Woman actress Julia Roberts also casually dropped by to send Aniston a smiling…

Social media users have lashed out at President Cyril Ramaphosa after his official X (formerly Twitter) account appeared to show inappropriate content, including videos featuring nudity and women in revealing clothing. The incident occured yesterday as Ramaphosa was conducting a Joint National and North West Provincial Executive meeting, which was focused on enhancing intergovernmental collaboration and tackling the shortcomings of local government. This meeting marked the seventh in a series of interactions between Ramaphosa and the provincial governments, aligned with the priorities of the 7th Administration. Similar meetings have already taken place in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. Several videos were briefly visible on Ramaphosa’s X account before being deleted. According to social users who captured screen recordings, one video showed a woman in a short,…

The Western Cape government has announced that several key taxi routes will be closed for 30 days from Wednesday, September 17, in response to escalating violence in the industry that has claimed multiple lives. Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the provincial cabinet had invoked Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, giving it powers to impose extraordinary measures. "This empowers us to impose extraordinary measures in areas where violence, unrest, and instability in the public transport sector have placed lives at risk," he said. The shutdown will affect major corridors, including the M18 from Mfuleni to Somerset West, Route 43 from Lwandle to Khayelitsha via Somerset West, Route 611 from Khayelitsha to Somerset West, and Route X19 between Nomzamo and Mfuleni. Other affected routes are AA20, R96, AA21, R97,…

Tens of thousands of worshipers filled St Peter’s Square on Sunday for the canonisation of the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint, a London-born computer whiz who played Super Mario as well as read the Bible. In some ways, Carlo Acutis was a boy like any other. In other ways, his family says, he was always different. Raised in Milan by a prominent Italian Catholic family until his death from leukaemia in 2006 at age 15, he spoke his first word at 3 months, his mother says, and could speak clearly before he was half a year old. As a child, she said, Carlo became fascinated with the mystery of the Eucharist – the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. While other children played soccer…

Children are naturally curious. Whether it’s watching a bug crawl across the floor, splashing in a puddle, or asking “why” countless times in an hour, their world is filled with questions. This curiosity is more than just a phase. It is the foundation of learning and confidence, and should form the starting point for learning at home and at school. Zaakirah Mahomed, Academic Advisor: Foundation Phase at ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider, says Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is an approach that harnesses children’s innate sense of wonder. “It transforms everyday questions into meaningful discoveries, sparking a lifelong love for learning. For this reason, it is important that when choosing your child’s first school, you ensure the school’s approach is based on harnessing inquiry-based learning, not just handing down of facts.…

This September, Joburg Theatre brings to life Dancing the Death Drill, the haunting, powerful stage adaptation of Fred Khumalo’s acclaimed novel. Set against the backdrop of forgotten South African history and told through masterful storytelling, stirring music, and evocative movement, this landmark production promises to be one of the most important theatrical events of the year. This moving production will run from September 9 to 28, on the Mandela Stage. Set in Paris, 1958, the story begins with a brutal incident in a restaurant, two men dead, a head waiter awaiting trial. As a determined journalist investigates the crime, he uncovers the extraordinary life of Pitso Motaung, a South African soldier who fought alongside Allied forces during World War I. Pitso’s journey takes a tragic and unforgettable turn when he…

A mural by the anonymous street artist Banksy portraying a judge beating a protester with a gavel will be removed from the wall outside a London court, according to the British court service. The mural shows a protester with a bloody picket sign lying on the ground as a judge wearing a traditional gown and wig wields a gavel over them. The image was uploaded on Monday on the Instagram account of Banksy, who posts photos of his work as proof of its authenticity. The HM Courts and Tribunal Services said the mural would be removed because of the historical significance of the Royal Courts of Justice – which contains the outer wall where the mural was applied. The 143-year-old complex “is a listed building and HMCTS are obliged to…

When the Audi Q8 was first launched in 2018, I was instantly in love. Sleek, squat and athletic, it struck all the right chords. It was certainly a departure from traditional SUV norms – coupe roof line, lower centre of gravity, massive 20+ inch wheels, and unlike the rest of Audi’s tepid engine line-up in their “normal” models, only the biggest, brashest power mills would suffice. And only in V format. Cubes is king So when the facelifted model (updated last year) rolled into my driveway, wearing massive 22-inch wheels shod with 45 profiles and a coat of chilli red metallic paint, the 9-year-old boy in me let out a little squeal of delight. In my driveway stood the Audi Q8 55 TFSI S-Line. Design and aesthetics The S-Line package…

Even as economic growth picked up in the second quarter – to 0.8% versus 0.1% in the first three months of the year – economists warn that the environment for the consumer remains subdued. Against a backdrop of low economic growth, with full-year estimates hovering at around the 1% mark, South Africa’s unemployment rate is officially 33%, inflation is at 3.5% and expected to rise to around 4% by year-end, and interest rates are still relatively high at 10.5% compared with 7% in the middle of 2020 when they were cut to stimulate growth. Economists are divided on the outlook for consumers, with Old Mutual chief economist Johann Els taking a more positive stance. He says low inflation and lower interest rates are supporting real household income and borrowing affordability.…

You’ve lived with your partner for years, building a home, plate by plate, couch by couch. But without a marriage certificate or a traditional celebration, South African law does not afford you the same legal protections that married couples enjoy. So, what happens if your partner passes away? Family disputes over assets are common after a death, and for unmarried couples, the stakes can be even higher, says Shaka Zwane, head of insurance and fiduciary at Standard Bank. “Living together before marriage has become common in South Africa for several reasons,” Zwane explains. “Sometimes it’s due to economic circumstances and pooling resources might make financial sense. Other couples believe it’s wise to get to know each other’s habits before committing to marriage.” According to the 2022 Census Survey Report, around…

Approximately R60 billion has been withdrawn since South Africa’s new two-pot retirement fund system was implemented a year ago. In a recent briefing to the National Council of Provinces, National Treasury said the introduction of the two-pot system has been largely successful, improving public engagement with retirement funds, exposing non-compliance by some employers, and ensuring better long-term retirement savings. While the new system faces some teething issues, including some administrative hurdles, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are being applied to ensure its effectiveness. The Revenue Laws Amendment Bill of 2025 provides for further corrections and technical changes to the system. This first year has offered some interesting insights into how members are responding to the new rules and what challenges still need to be addressed. Initial concerns about widespread, frivolous withdrawals…

The future of South African cricket was on full display at the Betway SA20 auction this week in Johannesburg. The hottest young talent in the country was placed under the microscope with the six teams spending a cumulative R22.8 million on the Under-23 players. The majority of that sum went to Pretoria Capitals’ new record R16.5 million signing Dewald Brevis, but there were also several raw diamonds potentially unearthed. Teenage paceman Kwena Maphaka will be back for Season 4 after being picked up for R2.3million by Durban’s Super Giants (DSG). The former SA U19 hotshot played for Paarl Royals last season but is now looking forward to returning to a happy hunting ground AT Kingsmead. “I am really excited. It’s going to be a good challenge in Durban for me,”…

New Bayern Munich signing Nicolas Jackson said he was happy to be “where I’m wanted” after joining the German giants from Premier League club Chelsea on a season-long loan. At his official unveiling in Munich, the 24-year-old spoke about the “tough times and difficult moments” as his loan deal looked set to fall through days before the transfer window closed. “In football, there can be a time when you want a change. “I spoke to (sporting director) Max Eberl and the coach and they really wanted me to be here and they loved me. And as a player, you want to be there where people want you to be.” At Chelsea since 2023, Jackson fell down the pecking order after the summer arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. The…

Manchester City’s new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is ready to prove himself in the “best league in the world” after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Donnarumma linked up with City for the first time on Thursday following his £30 million switch to the Premier League club on transfer deadline day. The 26-year-old won the Champions League and his fourth French title last season, but PSG boss Luis Enrique surprisingly made it clear that Donnarumma was no longer first choice at the Parc des Princes. That paved the way for his move to City, with a potential debut for the Italian in tomorrow’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. “It’s a new chapter in my life and my career. Playing in the Premier League with Manchester City is a great emotion for me and…

As the world becomes more aware of the environmental and social impacts of tourism, a new trend is emerging – regenerative travel. This approach goes beyond sustainability. It focuses on leaving destinations better than they were found. Regenerative travel encourages tourists and businesses to actively restore and rejuvenate local communities, cultures, and ecosystems. Why move towards regenerative travel? Regenerative travel is a form of tourism that seeks a net- positive impact. It transforms tourism into a tool for revitalisation. Instead of merely reducing harm, it aims to improve the health of ecosystems and communities. This approach fosters a deeper connection between travellers and the places they visit. It encourages actions such as reforestation, community conservation and supporting local businesses. The goal of regenerative travel is to ensure that the benefits…

As we celebrate Heritage Month, it’s the perfect time to talk about something truly special and close to my heart: how our incredible cultural diversity isn’t just a part of who we are, but a vibrant, living force that shapes our fashion industry. Forget bland, one-size-fits-all trends; our style is a vibrant mix of influences that’s taking the world by storm. South Africa is a nation of many nations. From the Zulu’s powerful beadwork and vibrant prints to the Ndebele’s geometric artistry, the Xhosa’s dignified red ochre textiles, the Basotho’s iconic blankets, and the melting pot of Malay, Indian, and European influences, we truly have it all. And what’s even more exciting is that our designers are drawing from this bottomless well of inspiration, creating looks that are not only…

I’m not going to lie: the impressive ensemble cast of Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Ackie and Tom Ellis was what first drew me to The Thursday Murder Club. The crime drama, which is based on Richard Osman’s novel of the same name, also captured the atmospheric charm of whodunnits like Miss Marple and Agatha Christie’s Poirot. The film opens with psychiatrist Ibrahim Arif (Kingsley), former trade union leader Ron Ritchie (Brosnan), and ex-spy Elizabeth Best (Mirren) conducting their weekly cold case meeting at Coopers Chase, a cushy retirement village. They are briefly interrupted by Joyce, a retired nurse and new resident, who is giving her daughter a quick tour. Elizabeth approaches her about becoming a temporary member after witnessing her calm…

Taxpayers have footed a bill of R10.3 million for the maintenance of ministerial residences since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) after the elections last year. This figure, revealed by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson in response to parliamentary questions, includes R143 000 allocated for the replacement of curtains at one of the residences. The inquiry was sparked by MK Party MP Visvin Reddy, who sought a detailed breakdown of expenses related to maintenance projects such as kitchen refurbishments, pest control, curtain installations, and generator servicing at ministerial residences in Bryntirion Estate, Pretoria, and Groote Schuur Estate, Cape Town, since April 2024. According to Macpherson's findings, a total of R7.3m was spent on maintenance in Cape Town, while R3.5m was allocated to the Pretoria…

The three-part Netflix documentary true-crime series, Beauty and the Bester, will not be interdicted from airing after the urgent applications were struck from the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, ruled this morning. Thabo Bester and his partner, Nandipha Magudumana, turned to court for an urgent order halting the screening of the series. It was argued on their behalf that Netflix should hold the series until their criminal trial has been disposed of. However, Judge Sulet Potterill, after hearing arguments from Bester and Magudumana’s counsel that the series contains inaccurate, defamatory, and unsubstantiated claims and violates their constitutional rights, said the urgent applications submitted to the court were without merit and the urgency was self-created. According to Judge Potterill, the urgent application, which was brought by Magudumana’s counsel a day before the…

Pensioner Shizue Kato didn’t fancy the new Demon Slayer anime blockbuster and instead watched Kokuho, a rare live-action cinema hit in Japan, where animation rules. “Many of our friends already watched the film, and they were amazed we hadn’t yet,” Kato told AFP as she emerged from a Tokyo cinema on a recent weekday. “I read the original novel,” her husband Kuni said. Lasting almost three hours, Kokuho is about two “onnagata”, male players of female roles in kabuki, a rarefied form of classical Japanese theatre. Lee Sang-il’s film, shot by Tunisian cinematographer Sofian El Fan, follows the friendship and rivalry of the son of a slain yakuza gangster and a boy born into a kabuki family. The plot is gripping but markedly more sedate than this summer’s other hit,…

Fifteen young people living with disabilities from Cape Flats communities – including: Crossroads, Delft, Eerste River, Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain – have taken their first steps towards running their own businesses thanks to Engen’s New Venture Creation Learnership. Launched in September 2023, the programme equips participants with practical skills in business planning, finance, marketing and customer service. Over the past 18 months, learners have completed NQF Level 2 training and, to mark this milestone, each received a brand-new laptop along with computer skills training to help them put their business ideas into action. They will soon progress to NQF Level 4. For Eerste River resident Kurt Daniel Williams, the support has already paid off. A talented artist, Kurt has launched Sketch on T-Shirt, a small business where he prints his…

Today marks a monumental day in South African football as the MTN8 final descends upon Mbombela Stadium, with Orlando Pirates poised to make history. Standing in their way is a determined Stellenbosch FC, a team with a point to prove in this high-stakes rematch of last year's final. This isn’t just another cup final; it’s a shot at unprecedented glory. Orlando Pirates are on the cusp of a truly remarkable achievement: winning the MTN8 for the fourth consecutive time. This would solidify their status as a dynasty and etch their names into the annals of South African football history. Ahead of the game, Showmax chatted to former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper and club legend, Brighton Mhlongo, who has predicted that Pirates will go on to win their historic fourth MTN8 title…

Influencers are firmly on SARS’s radar. The issue is no longer whether their income, cash or otherwise, is taxable, but how the revenue service will enforce compliance in a fast-growing, often murky, digital economy. For now, SARS appears to be relying on voluntary compliance, making it clear that all forms of remuneration - cash, products, services or travel - are taxable. Edward Kieswetter, the SARS Commissioner, said: “SARS is looking forward to working with this segment to provide clarity and certainty, but also to provide them with a seamless taxpayer experience. SARS is more than willing to assist honest taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations. I am reminding social influencers to uphold their end of the bargain.” SARS has also highlighted that although the social-influencer segment has its own…

Very few performance cars, if any, can match the feeling of balance inherent in a Porsche 911. Whether you’re blasting around a track, sweeping your way through a mountain pass, or simply trundling through traffic to the next board meeting, it is the sports car for all reasons. The 911 GTS, first introduced in 2010 as part of the “997.2” generation, has always epitomised this blend of performance, driving thrills and comfort. But whereas the previous versions felt very much like spicier Carreras, the new 2025 GTS feels more akin to a tamer 911 Turbo. It genuinely begs the question of whether you even need to stretch your way to Porsche’s performance flagship, which was also recently revised. Ushering in several visual and cabin enhancements to the 911 range, the…

The South African motor industry has lost one of its kindest and most altruistic souls, with the passing of Philip Hull on Saturday. As tributes poured in on social media following the news of his untimely passing, it became clear that many lives were touched by his generosity over the years. Many recounted stories of how he brightened their day whenever they saw him at events, and how he’d regularly follow up on people when he knew they were going through hard times. Hull, or Dr Phil as he was affectionately known by many, co-founded the South African Road Safety Foundation and also started Community Medical Services. The latter initiative led to him saving countless lives at Van Reenen’s Pass as a voluntary paramedic, and transformed many more through his…

South African residential rental growth slowed to 5% year-on-year in the second quarter after a strong start to the year, according to the latest PayProp Rental Index. Average rent increased to R9 218, up R433 from the same quarter last year, and crucially, growth remained well above inflation, keeping landlords in positive territory in real terms. At the same time, the share of tenants in arrears fell to just 16.9% nationally, the lowest level ever recorded in the Index, underscoring the overall resilience of tenant finances in managed rentals. “Rental growth above inflation and arrears at record lows are strong signals that the market remains healthy,” says Andre van Rooyen, head of sales at PayProp. “Even with signs of cooling, landlords and agents can be confident that tenants are still…

Whether it’s travelling the world, starting a side business, or pursuing a creative hobby, contrary to popular belief, passions are not just luxuries but are, in fact, real-life goals that deserve a place in your financial plan. Treating passions as life goals makes them more attainable. Too often people think passions are something they’ll get to “one day” after covering the essentials like retirement and education. But your passions are part of your life. They can be achieved if you treat them as such, plan and save for them with the same seriousness as other long-term goals such as your retirement. The best way to get onto this journey is to start by identifying and prioritising your goals, then working out what they will cost. Break it down into a…

John Maduka’s first few weeks in charge of Magesi have been far from the fresh start he envisioned. The former Royal AM coach, who previously faced the unenviable task of steering a financially troubled and administratively unstable club, is now grappling with similar challenges in Limpopo, albeit on a smaller scale. Maduka arrived at Magesi with optimism, determined to instil structure and stability in a side eager to prove itself in the Betway Premiership. However, the results have so far failed to match the promise of his appointment. In five league matches this season, Magesi are yet to taste victory, registering two defeats and three draws. The team currently sits 14th on the log, a precarious position that makes this weekend’s clash with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria an…

The Proteas women have arrived in Pakistan ahead of the three-match One-Day International Series that is scheduled to get underway in Lahore from September 16 to 22. With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup scheduled to start eight days after the last match of the series, the Proteas women have a golden opportunity to sharpen their skills and build confidence in Pakistan, as they will mostly play in similar conditions in India and Sri Lanka during the showpiece event. The upcoming series is the side’s second in Pakistan in the last two years, and the trip itself is the third that South Africa has made to Pakistan in the same period. Apart from the 17-year-old Karabo Meso, who is on her maiden trip to Pakistan, the rest of the squad…

Arne Slot yesterday described new signing Alexander Isak as “maybe the best striker in the world” but warned he would be eased into action gradually after a disrupted pre-season. The Premier League champions signed the Sweden forward from Newcastle on transfer deadline day for a British-record fee of £125 million, adding further firepower to their impressive squad. Isak’s arrival after a protracted chase was part of an eye-catching splurge of more than £400 million in the summer transfer window, though a deadline-day move to sign Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi collapsed. “A lot of things happened on the last day (of the transfer window), which is not always the situation, because last season we hardly did anything during the whole window,” Slot said. “But the thing that pleases…

Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland is “a little bit above” Alexander Isak as the Manchester City boss responded to Arne Slot’s claim that Liverpool’s new signing was “maybe the best striker in the world”. Isak could make his Liverpool debut at Burnley tomorrow after the Sweden star completed a British-record £125 million move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day. Liverpool manager Slot hailed Isak’s quality after the 25-year-old trained with the Premier League champions for the first time this week. But his suggestion that Isak could be the world’s best did not go down well with City boss Guardiola. Haaland has scored 88 times in 100 Premier League games for City since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, helping them win two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the…

How the super-rich fork out over R200k a night for bespoke yacht trips As travel evolves, the elite are embracing an exciting fusion of five-star hotel comfort and the allure of yachting. A new trend has emerged within the luxury sector, where renowned hotel brands now offer bespoke yacht trips that promise to elevate holiday experiences for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs). The industry heavyweight Four Seasons has launched its own fleet of yachts, taking guests on unforgettable journeys to breathtaking locales, such as the Galápagos Islands, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean and the Grand Atlantic. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection also operates state-of-the-art superyachts that offer unparalleled privacy and comfort. The Aman Yachts are also joining this race, focusing on eco-friendly luxury trips that promise unforgettable experiences. “This…

Fans of The Conjuring franchise were thrilled when The Conjuring: Last Rites was recently released on the screen. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren, the iconic paranormal investigators, in the fourth instalment of the popular supernatural film offering. Also reprising their roles are Mia Tomlinson as Judy Warren (Ed and Lorraine’s daughter) and Ben Hardy as Tony Spera (Judy’s partner). Approaching retirement, the paranormal investigators accept one final case: a Pennsylvania family tormented by a violent, demonic presence linked to a cursed mirror. This film is based on the real-life Smurl haunting. As Ed’s health deteriorates, the stakes escalate, and the Warrens’ daughter, Judy, finds herself caught in the demonic activity. During a recent press junket, the actors discussed their return as a couple in…

Johannesburg West residents vowed a repeat of last week’s water protests, after queuing for hours for water while the mayor’s relief promise falters. Joburg Mayor Dada Morero visited Westbury and Coronationville on Thursday after protests erupted over persistent water shortages. Roads had been barricaded with burning tyres, and residents clashed with police, who allegedly fired rubber bullets at crowds, including children and the elderly. Morero promised the community that R800 million had been set aside to tackle infrastructure challenges driving the unrest and assured them that 15 water tankers would be dispatched immediately to provide temporary relief while longer-term solutions were pursued. But when the Saturday Star visited yesterday, long queues of residents stood waiting with buckets and containers. In Newclare, a lone tanker stationed since morning drew snaking queues…

Liqui Fruit has been ordered to drop or amend its “Nothing But Fruit” slogan after the Advertising Regulatory Board’s appeals committee found it misled consumers by claiming the juice contains only fruit, despite additives. The watchdog's decision comes after a consumer complaint challenged the slogan, arguing it was misleading because the juice contains added ingredients like flavourants and preservatives. Liqui Fruit had argued that its use of “Nothing But Fruit™” was a long-established brand trademark used in a hyperbolic sense, and that a reasonable consumer would not interpret the phrase literally in the context of a long-life fruit juice. "In relation to 'Nothing But Fruit™', the Advertiser explained that the term is a long-established brand trademark used in the hyperbolic 1 Act 68 of 2008. 2 Act 119 of 1990.…

US authorities said yesterday they had captured the man accused of killing prominent right-wing activist Charlie Kirk after a family member helped to turn him in after a frantic manhunt. "We got him," Utah Governor Spencer Cox told a press conference. Cox identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson and said the arrest was made after one of Robinson's relatives contacted a friend, who then contacted the police. The arrest raised a bitterly divided country's hopes of finding answers to the shocking political murder on Wednesday. The 31-year-old was killed after being hit by a single bullet in his neck while addressing a large crowd at Utah Valley University. Kirk was an electrifying presence on the US far-right, with a talent for debate and a huge following that helped Trump build…

Three 1 200-year-old Viking ships that have stood the test of time are embarking on their final and possibly riskiest journey to their new forever home in Norway. The first to relocate is the Oseberg, which on Wednesday slowly made its way from its current location in the old Viking Ship Museum, arriving intact a newly built addition that will house the national treasures in optimal conditions. The extremely fragile oak hull inched forward so slowly its movement was almost undetectable to the human eye, the structure encased in a heavy protective steel rig. The hundred-metre journey took just a little under 10 hours, with the ship hanging from a crane moving on a track high above the ground, at a top speed of 24 centimetres per minute (9.5 inches…

A full-size soccer field is being constructed for the first time in Johannesburg’s Central Business District, marking a significant development in the city’s efforts to reclaim and revitalise inner-city spaces for youth development and community use. The project, called the Field of Dreams, broke ground on September 5 and is led by former national cricket captain Dr Ali Bacher. It is backed by a coalition of organisations including Standard Bank, the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII), Italtile, the BW Cares Foundation, and JoziMyJozi. "The Field of Dreams represents our deep commitment to the regeneration of Johannesburg and our belief in the power of public-private collaboration," said Nkosinathi Manzana, executive head: Group Real Estate at Standard Bank. "We are proud to partner with the Maharishi Invincibility Institute, an organisation with a remarkable…

The 12th European Film Festival in South Africa (EUFFSA) is set to captivate audiences in Cape Town and Johannesburg from October 9-19 with a rich tapestry of stories reflecting on love, identity, family, and the concept of belonging. This year's festival will present 10 contemporary European films that highlight the multifaceted realities of Europe, inviting South African audiences on a cinematic journey that transcends borders. Screenings will take place at landmark venues such as The Labia in Cape Town and The Bioscope and Nu Metro Hyde Park in Johannesburg. Additionally, film enthusiasts across Southern Africa can access a curated selection of films through an online platform at www.eurofilmfest.co.za. Among the remarkable films featured is Le Mohican from France, which follows the story of an unlikely hero who, with the backing…

This weekend, Johannesburg is set to come alive at Summer Place in Hyde Park with AVIJOZI, the city's vibrant festival dedicated to animation, VFX, gaming, and film production. The public has been invited to explore the electric convergence of imagination and technology where creators can also connect with their audiences from today unil tomorrow at the Summer Place, Hyde Park, Johannesburg At the heart of AVIJOZI, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) launches a groundbreaking France-South Africa exchange programme focusing on artificial intelligence in the realms of animation, VFX, digital arts, and gaming. It is explained that the highlight of the initiative is the AI Masterclass: Demystifying AI for Animation & VFX. Here, practical application and theoretical discourse coexist, guiding participants to explore the potential of AI while addressing…

I’m no longer certain of where my own faded memory ends and my father’s recollection begins, but he describes it this way: When I was a little girl – 4 or 5 years old – and did not want to be left alone in my room at bedtime, I would often slip out into the hallway and call to my parents downstairs. “Can you come back up,” I’d plead, “just for a little minute?” That era of childhood is long gone, but “little minute” has remained, a fixture of our family’s insider language. “Can we talk just for a little minute?” or “I’ll be there in a little minute” is understood to request or promise a fleeting, unburdensome increment of time; my dad still says it, and so do I,…

“It’s a MAGA summer, baby, let’s GO!” CJ Pearson was perched atop a set of stairs, overlooking a crowd of hundreds, in a massive lofted apartment near H Street NE on a sweltering July afternoon. He wore a bone-coloured suit from Suitsupply, looking like he was aboard a Biscayne Bay cruise. He yelled into a microphone as the guests – a collage of congressional staffers, conservative content creators and assorted Washington arrivistes, all dressed in white – erupted in cheers. Pearson was throwing this party, called “Cruel Kids Summer,” as a burlesque of a New York magazine cover story from January that had included a photo from Pearson’s Inauguration weekend party with the headline “THE CRUEL KIDS’ TABLE.” Six months later, Pearson was still miffed about the fact that the…

Renault has gone bold with its sixth-generation Clio, revealed at the 2025 Munich Motor Show with daring design cues inspired by the Embleme concept car. Will this new look adorn all future Renaults? We can only assume so. The French brand describes its new compact hatch as a more expressive car with strong Latin roots. “With the sixth-generation Clio, Renault’s design teams have embarked upon a new chapter, literally cranking up all the dials to create a new generation of extremely technical, high- precision machines for the brand,” Renault said upon unveiling it at the German show. The new Clio is 67mm longer, 39mm wider and 11mm taller than its predecessor, but with just 8mm going into the wheelbase, as designers have sculpted a longer bonnet to create a sportier…

Many people consider estate planning and having a will something exclusively for the wealthy or elderly. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable, and everyone should have a will to make their final wishes clear in the event of their passing. Not having a will can result in costly and complicated legal processes for your loved ones after your passing. Taking the time to plan now can help protect your future and provide security for family and loved ones The importance of a will Your will may be the most important document your will ever sign, because it is the primary document that will be used to implement your estate plan – or how you want your assets, liabilities and care for loved ones to be managed after death. Legislation allows for an…

The corporate world is flooded with data on consumers. Much of this data is tied to you personally – how much you spend, what you spend your money on, your lines of credit, and how you are managing your debt – and the law requires your consent for such information to be gathered and used. But there’s also a mountain of de-personalised data out there, which is used to assess market trends and financial risks among different demographic groups. Banks, credit bureaus, insurance companies, large retailers, market research companies – all have access to this wealth of information to some extent. So are they using this data responsibly and is your privacy being sufficiently recognised and protected? A few weeks ago, I attended the Second Africa Credit and Risk Reporting…

South Africa will face a stern test of the depth of its sprinting talent on the opening weekend of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in the aftermath of the late withdrawal through injury of star sprinter Bayanda Walaza. Walaza had injured his hamstring in the men’s 100m at the Diamond League Final in Zurich, Switzerland on August 25, but was included in the 49-member team in the hope that he would make a late recovery. Unfortunately, the teenager, a member of the Olympic silver and World Relays gold medal-winning 4x100m teams, failed a late Athletics SA medical evaluation, and was ruled out of the championships at the National Stadium in Tokyo from September 13-21. “This decision was made in the best interest of the athlete and the integrity of…

SA Davis Cup captain Pietie Norval is relieved that SA No 1 Alec Beckley Beckley will be playing in the first rubber in the World Group II tie against Morocco at Groenkloof Tennis Club in Pretoria today and tomorrw, feeling it would take the pressure off debutant Marc van der Merwe. Beckley was drawn against Morocco’s No 2, Yassine Dlimi, in the opening singles match of the tie, while SA No 2 Marc van der Merwe was drawn against Morocco’s No 1, Taha Baadi, in the second clash. On Sunday, Beckley and Thando Longwe-Smit are set to face Dlimi and Younes Lalami Laaroussi in the doubles contest, ahead of the reverse singles matches. Both teams have the opportunity to change their doubles pairings up to one hour before the match…

Manchester City will be desperate to avoid a third successive defeat when they face neighbours Manchester United as the Premier League returns this weekend, with Alexander Isak set for his Liverpool debut. City boss Pep Guardiola and United manager Ruben Amorim are both under intense pressure just three games into the season while champions Liverpool boast the top division’s only 100 percent record. Elsewhere, following the international break, Ange Postecoglou is back in management with Nottingham Forest, just three months after he was sacked by Tottenham. Here we look at three key talking points ahead of the weekend’s action: Manchester derby can heal wounds The Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium pits two troubled sides against each other, both of whom have just one win from three matches. Manchester City’s…

From Madrid to Paris, Rome and Venice, tourists are increasingly being targeted by gangs of pickpockets that can ruin a holiday in these historic European cities. For South Africans who feel they’re under siege by criminals, spare a thought for visitors to some of the capitals of the world, where pickpocketing has become an endemic problem that authorities are struggling to curb. Loud yells of “pickpocket, pickpocket!” ring out in the streets and at train stations as vigilant citizens warn others of the presence of known criminals moving among them, whether it is in Spain’s Barcelona, Rome in Italy or the canals of Venice. Also, there’s no way of knowing who is a petty criminal and who is not. They mingle in the crowd, taking advantage of bottlenecks on stairways,…