Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-20 i Saturday Star

The City of Joburg Mayor Dada Morero and Joburg Water have been given 14 days to present concrete solutions to alleviate ongoing water supply disruptions that have left many residents without water for prolonged periods. In a meeting convened by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation yesterday, the escalating water crisis in Johannesburg took centre stage, with a stark warning delivered to key water suppliers. The meeting brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including representatives from Joburg Water, Rand Water, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the City of Joburg’s executive leadership. The forum painted a sobering picture of deep-rooted infrastructure failures, financial mismanagement, and operational inefficiencies, all contributing to a system teetering on the brink. Joburg Water, responsible for municipal water management, revealed ongoing challenges related…

Yesterday morning, traffic officers in the City of Cape Town demonstrated remarkable vigilance when they discovered an injured colleague. Maxine Bezuidenhout, the spokesperson for Traffic Services, reported that a traffic officer on patrol found a stationary vehicle along Baden Powell Drive shortly before 6.30am. “The vehicle was empty, but the officer noticed blood stains and that the key had been broken off in the ignition. It emerged that the vehicle belongs to an off-duty traffic officer.” The South African Police Service (SAPS) was notified along with the Safety and Security Investigative Unit and Information Management Service (SSIU and SSIMs),” Bezuidenhout said. Efforts at the time were focused on finding the officer, who, by indication of blood stains, may be injured. Bezuidenhout confirmed an aerial search took place around Baden Powell…

In communities across Johannesburg where access to books is rare and illiteracy is rife, the simple gift of a brand-new storybook is changing young lives – one child at a time. As part of National Literacy Month, over 600 children from 17 early childhood development (ECD) centres across the city received 1 200 multilingual and multicultural storybooks, bringing literacy – and hope – to some of Johannesburg’s most underserved neighbourhoods. The handover is part of a grassroots literacy initiative led by non-profit organisation Ladles of Love, in collaboration with Read with Wimpy. The campaign aims to get mother-tongue books into the hands of South Africa’s youngest learners, targeting communities where the literacy crisis begins: early childhood. For many of the children from areas including Soweto, Rosettenville, Midrand, Diepsloot, Orange Farm,…

In a deeply personal and emotional reveal, acclaimed singer-songwriter Langa Mavuso has announced his forthcoming album, Therapy (The Other Side), set for release on October 3. Far from just another musical offering, the project is described by Mavuso as a collection of “letters to myself”, a raw and vulnerable exploration of identity, healing, and self-forgiveness. In a heartfelt diary entry shared with media partners, Mavuso steps away from the spotlight and speaks directly from the heart. “Today, I write to you not as an artist chasing moments of perfection on a stage, but as a man — open, tender, and in search of truth,” he begins. Set to open for pre-order yesterday, the album promises to guide listeners through a journey that is as spiritual as it is emotional. Therapy…

Horseracing is a multi-million rand business in South Africa, but behind the glitz and glamour of racing events and the betting that goes with it, are the horses, whom the National Council of SPCA's (NSPCA) say are subject to abuse, illegal harnessing and the racing of horses whom the body said are too young to paricipate in racing. In a tense meeting between the NSPCA and the National Horseracing Authority, concerns were raised on crop (short whip) use, tongue-ties, and the racing of two-year-old horses. The NSPCA, which recently launched its #ReinInThePain campaign, said the industry’s practices “compromise equine welfare” and questioned whether a regulatory body “so reliant on the success of the commercial side of horse racing can consistently and objectively enforce animal welfare standards.” Dr Bryce…

With its marbled walls, exposed lightbulbs and plentiful mirrors, the bathroom at The Library, a nightclub in Lagos, Nigeria, is practically begging patrons to snap a photo. Then it comes, a message delivered on a gold-framed sign: “No selfies in the restroom... just kidding.” In Nigeria, bathroom selfies are no joke. From the buzzing mega-city of Lagos to the stuffy capital Abuja and conservative Kano in the north, bars and lounges are decking out their restrooms. AFP sent reporters to women's bathrooms across Africa's most populous country to document the trend. Renovations have been made, mirrors rearranged and lighting adjusted. More is more: Marble and gold, sometimes of the faux variety, are popular design choices. At Zaza, a nightlife staple, pressing a button on the bathroom wall will summon a…

South African artist Esther Mahlangu is not just an icon in art circles but also in the automotive world, where her Ndebele-inspired Art Cars have wowed the world for decades. Traditionally, Ndebele women decorate the outside of their homes with continuous patterns in bright colours, each panel celebrating an event in the history of the family that lives there. However, Mahlangu has put these decorations and patterns into new contexts, including pictures, vessels, carpets and vehicles. In 1991, Mahlangu was the first woman ever invited to create a BMW Art Car, which saw her design a 525i sedan decorated with the bright colours and geometrical shapes characteristic of Ndebele artwork. A quarter century later, in 2016, she worked her magic on a BMW 740Li sedan and then in 2024, her…

The relationship between inequality and economic growth is a complex one, especially in Africa. Inequality is the result of a host of factors. Professor Imraan Valodia, director of the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, spoke to Ernest Aryeetey, emeritus professor of Development Economics at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research at the University of Ghana, about the issues. Q: What African policy choices have worsened inequality? A: Firstly, structural adjustment policies. Many African countries undertook these during the late 20th century, often encouraged by international financial institutions. These policies included public sector retrenchments, the removal of subsidies and reduced social services. They disproportionately affected the poor by weakening the state’s role in redistributing public goods and limiting access to essential services. The programmes also increased income inequality by…

The South African Reserve Bank's (SARB's) decision to hold rates could offer consumers extra relief in the longer term, despite providing no immediate respite from high borrowing costs. On Thursday, the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee voted four to two to hold the prime lending rate at 10.5%, with the repo rate steady at 7%. Four members preferred to keep rates on hold, while two favoured a cut of 0.25 percentage points. While this may appear to offer no additional consumer relief, the decision represents a strategic pause rather than inaction, according to market watchers. “What the SARB did may sound like 'nothing happened', but it amounts to keeping your foot gently on the economy's brake pedal to make sure the speed stays safe,” explains Liam Dawson, Portfolio Manager at…

According to Statistics South Africa, household income and expenditure are fundamental components of a country’s economic landscape, influencing everything from consumer behaviour and savings rates to economic growth and stability. On average, the estimated household consumption expenditure per household in South Africa was R143 691. Households spent most of their income on housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (34,7%), followed by food and non-alcoholic beverages (16,3%), transport (15,3%), and insurance and financial services (9,3%). An application for a market operator (MO) license was made to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) in terms of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act no 4 of 2006) as amended. This licence will enable the MO to operate the systems that facilitate the trading of electricity or other energy commodities within…

If the Lions cannot beat Griquas in today’s Currie Cup final at Ellis Park, then they might as well shut up shop and abort their imminent United Rugby Championship tour. The home team is packed with URC stars, including two current Springboks in Quan Horn and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, while the men from Kimberley have big hearts but are journeymen players. We have seen in this Currie Cup that when the bigger unions introduced their URC players towards the end of the competition, the challenge of the smaller unions collapsed — be it Griquas, the Pumas, the Cheetahs, or Boland. If this game were in Kimberley, Griquas would have a better chance, but losses to the bigger unions, including to the Lions two weeks ago, saw them surrender their pole position…

Orlando Pirates are back on the continental stage this weekend as they launch their CAF Champions League campaign in Bloemfontein against Lesotho champions Lioli FC. The preliminary round first leg takes place at Toyota Stadium today at 3pm, with Lioli hosting the tie away from home due to the lack of CAF-approved venues in their country. Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has underlined the importance of a strong start as the Buccaneers look to build on last season’s progress in the competition. “It’s going to be very important to start very strong in this competition and off the back of last season, we know what to expect and we’ve prepared well for it,” Sibisi said. Lioli, winners of the last two Lesotho Premier League titles, are no strangers to punching above their…

The Formula 1 circus arrived in Baku this weekend with an intriguing subplot: can Red Bull and Ferrari’s latest round of upgrades derail McLaren’s charge toward the Constructors’ Championship? With the papaya team edging ever closer to clinching the title, both rivals have pushed through circuit-specific updates in a bid to keep their hopes alive. Ferrari’s approach: efficiency and survival Ferrari’s upgrades were aimed squarely at adapting their SF-25 to the unique demands of the Baku City Circuit. The team introduced an enlarged front brake duct cooling exit, a vital change given the street circuit’s punishing long straights and heavy braking zones, particularly into Turn 1. Brakes run at the limit in Azerbaijan, and overheating can ruin both race pace and tyre management. Beyond durability, Ferrari also worked on improving…

Football fans across Africa are set for an electrifying weekend as Showmax Premier League showcases three blockbuster fixtures packed with intense rivalries and top-tier football. The action kicks off with the fierce Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield, followed by a high-stakes clash between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford. The weekend culminates with a title-contender showdown as Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. Fans can look forward to exclusive previews and interviews with star players like Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Rodri, Chelsea’s João Pedro, and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, offering unique insights ahead of these monumental matches. Q: What is the mood like after the emphatic win against Manchester United last weekend? Rodri: Really great atmosphere, to be honest. The international break was way…

Holders Arsenal will take on eight-time winners Lyon, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the new-look league phase in this season’s Women’s Champions League. Arsenal are one of three English sides in the draw with Chelsea and newcomers Manchester United. The Gunners, who beat Barcelona 1-0 in last season’s final, will also play Benfica, Twente of the Netherlands and Belgians OH Leuven in the 18-team league phase, in which all clubs play six matches – three at home and three away. Last season, Arsenal beat Lyon and Real Madrid in the knockout rounds en route to their second Champions League crown in May. They met Bayern twice in the group stage. Chelsea will host three-time champions Barcelona, who have featured in six of the past seven finals, as well as…

From lush forests to pristine beaches, Africa is a continent that truly has it all. With a myriad of travel experiences, you don’t need to venture outside of Africa for adventure. Known for its unparalleled wildlife and safari opportunities, including the “Big Five” and rare primates, Africa boasts stunning and diverse natural landscapes, rich cultures steeped in thousands of years of history, and a plethora of adventure activities like mountain climbing, hiking and water sports. The continent also offers incredible opportunities for historical learning, exploring ancient sites, and experiencing unique culinary traditions. As the world looks forward to Tourism Day (September 27), it is crucial to highlight the importance of exploring and travelling across the continent. Like Europe and Asia, the continent has dreamy bucket list destinations worthy of admiration.…

Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit neatly into the “introvert” or “extrovert” box? Maybe you’re friendly and enjoy one-on-one conversations, but group settings leave you feeling out of place. Think about when you meet a friend for a cosy coffee chat, sharing deep thoughts and experiences, and relish the moment, yet when it comes to attending big parties, you feel the urge to stay home. If that sounds familiar, you might just be an otrovert, a term that’s gaining attention for describing the “in-between” personality that many of us have long struggled to explain. For years, personality discourse has been framed around introverts versus extroverts, leaving those who don’t neatly fit either side confused or unseen. But as the idea of otroversion enters the neurodivergent space, it’s…

I took umbrage with Beauty and the Bester not because of the production value or compelling content, which it has, but for the misleading nature of the title, trailer and docuseries as a whole. After all that bedlam over Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana’s last-minute court interdict to stop the three-part documentary from airing on Netflix, which failed, it debuted on the streaming platform. Naturally, the public’s fascination with this real-life Bonnie-and-Clyde true crime saga propelled it to the forefront as the top trending show on the streaming platform. By now, South Africans are au fait with the background of Bester faking his death at Mangaung Prison in Bloemfontein on May 3, 2022. On March 17, 2023, the “Facebook rapist” was spotted shopping with Magudumana in Sandton City and subsequently…

A three-year-old girl is in an induced coma, fighting for her life, after allegedly being raped, stabbed, and left for dead on a shack's roof in the Lion Park informal settlement in Diepsloot. The suspect, the mother’s ex-boyfriend and a once-trusted family friend who often babysat the child, was reportedly caught by community members, while drinking with friends, and appeared unaware the child had survived and was fighting for her life in the hospital. He allegedly confessed, claiming “the devil made him do it.” A community member made the horrific discovery of Warona (not her real name) on the roof of the 28-year-old suspect’s shack around 6pm on September 7. The child had been under the care of her grandmother while her mother was at work when the man took…

The police have officially launched a manhunt for those responsible for the tragic murder of Thami Moyo, the 58-year-old chairperson of the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (NTA). He was shot and killed in Soweto early Thursday morning. Earlier, IOL News reported that Moyo was gunned down on the Soweto Highway in what is believed to be a hit linked to ongoing taxi violence. NTA spokesperson Theo Malele confirmed the incident. 'The details are still sketchy at the moment. We can confirm that it has happened,” he said. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said the murder took place at approximately 9.30 am as Moyo was driving along the Soweto Highway in Diepkloof. “The victim was blocked by suspects who were driving in two vehicles,” Masondo said. “The suspects fired several…

KZN Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has dropped WhatsApp communications between controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi and tender kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala — suggesting interference at top levels of SAPS and politics. Mkhwanazi concluded his three-day testimony at the Madlanga Commission yesterday, producing screenshots of WhatsApp messages allegedly sent between Mogotsi and Matlala on January 26, 2025. The messages paint a disturbing picture of backdoor dealings, police tender manipulation, and potential political influence. “One of the conversations between Brown Mogotsi and Matlala involves Mogotsi reminding Matlala to submit his invoice. Intelligence reports confirmed that Matlala submitted proof of invoice for expedited payment related to the ACPS contract with SAPS,” Mkhwanazi told commissioners. According to Mkhwanazi, shortly after that, Mogotsi sent Matlala a screenshot of a separate conversation allegedly between himself…

In a pastoral campground south of Lansing, many attendees at the Michigan Hula Dance Retreat were hooping as if their hair was on fire. Then, Missy Cooke’s hair caught fire. Dancing with a torch in each hand, Cooke didn’t flinch when her bun started to smoulder. An audience member rushed the stage, extinguishing the fire with a towel. “I thought I smelled something,” said Cooke, the event’s unflappable founder, after her incident at the Friday night talent showcase. The first lesson you’ll learn here: Hula hooping retreats are not child’s play. Pull an interest out of a hat and there’s probably a retreat dedicated to it. In the wellness field, you can spend your vacation practising yoga or meditating, micro-tripping on psychedelics, or succumbing to a state of stillness, silence…

Learners at the Philip Kushlick School in Diepkloof, Soweto, are growing more than just vegetables. Through the EduPlant programme, a national school food security and nutrition initiative, learners with special needs are developing practical skills, improving their nutrition, and building confidence through a thriving food garden on campus. EduPlant is run by Food & Trees for Africa (FTA) and has reached more than 1 200 schools across South Africa since 2019. The programme provides a mix of theoretical training and hands-on workshops to help schools establish and maintain their own food gardens, often becoming vital contributors to school nutrition programmes, community food support, and even small-scale income generation. At Philip Kushlick School, the programme’s inclusive approach is particularly meaningful. The school caters to learners with special educational needs, and the…

Acclaimed fashion designer Thebe Magugu will extend his creative vision beyond the runway this December, unveiling his first-ever interior design project at the legendary Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. The launch, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of his much-celebrated brand, will see the introduction of the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE – Belmond’s first-ever Designer Residence concept. Magugu reveals that the suite will immerse guests in the creativity and storytelling that have defined his internationally celebrated career, spanning Paris Fashion Week to exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Textures in this space are stone and timber, to give the impression that designs are of 'the earth' and thus can be given back. It is a space where the past, present, and imagined future of Africa exist in dialogue,…

Internationally acclaimed producer, composer, and cultural ambassador, Lebo M, will celebrate the legacy of South African musical icon Joseph Shabalala with the official launch of Honouring Joseph Shabalala tribute today at Nu Metro VIP Cinemas in Ballito Junction. The event, held in partnership with Ukhozi FM, marks a significant tribute to the founder of the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo, known for enchanting the world with the traditional sounds of Isicathamiya. The highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of Nkosinathi Shabalala’s music video Imisebenzi, paying homage to his father, Joseph Shabalala. The festivities will officially commence at 7.15pm, with Lebo M presenting a deeply personal tribute that underscores the enduring influence of Shabalala’s artistry. Joseph Shabalala’s monumental contributions to South African music have taken him from the streets…

Albania's new AI-generated minister addressed parliament for the first time on Thursday, defending its role as "not here to replace people, but to help them". The world's first AI government minister was appointed last week by Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama. "Some have called me 'unconstitutional' because I am not a human being," the AI - dubbed Diella, or "sun" in Albanian - told parliament in a video, appearing as a woman dressed in a traditional Albanian costume. It was unclear how the video was generated or the origin of the speech. "Let me remind you, the real danger to constitutions has never been the machines but the inhumane decisions of those in power," the bot said. Last week Rama said the AI would be entrusted with all decisions on…

The Toyota Hilux has been around for 56 years, leading the market for most of that time and the current generation continues to outsell every other vehicle on the market despite having been around since 2016. This solid and dependable bakkie has a recipe for success that makes other manufacturers green with envy, with only Ford’s sophisticated Ranger coming anywhere close to it on the sales charts. But as I mentioned, the current Hilux is getting on in life, and company representatives revealed to us, on the launch of the Legend 55 special edition, that the new-generation model is due next year, although it could be later rather than earlier in the year. The new Legend 55 might be a year late, with the Hilux turning 56 this year, but…

Nissan’s commitment to South Africa was underscored last week with the introduction of two more models to its product line-up, says Maciej Klenkiewicz, managing director of Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa. There are also more model launches in the pipeline. Speaking at the launch of the model year change for the seven-seater Nissan X-Trail as well as the second edition of the Nissan Magnite Kuro, Klenkiewicz said he was proud of the company’s legacy in South Africa. “We have been in this country for 60 years. I am always super excited when I travel across South Africa in my Nissan Navara Warrior and see examples of this, like old models of the Champ (the 1400 half-ton bakkie, which ended production in 2008 after a 37-year production run) lasting…

“We respectfully suggest … ” the letter says. It was sent by a group representing more than 300 veterans of American diplomacy, intelligence and national security and addressed to the leaders of the intelligence committees in the Senate and House. For a fleeting moment, I thought (hoped?) that I was reading a Swiftian satire in the tradition of A Modest Proposal. Then it hit me with full force that the entreaty was dead serious and reflected what I and other observers of US foreign policy under President Donald Trump have been worrying about for months. The letter asks Congress to demand a classified intelligence assessment that answers questions such as the following: Whether America’s allies believe the US remains a stable democracy; whether they regard the US as a reliable…

ABOUT a decade ago, the financial services world was abuzz with the concept of robo-advice – financial advice provided by a “bot” on an online platform. Basically, you could punch in details such as your income, savings, expected retirement date, and risk profile, and the bot would do the calculations, select a handful of appropriate investment products, and present you with a rudimentary financial plan. Robo-advice was not designed for higher earners with more complex financial affairs; it was just your regular middle-class worker whose finances were relatively straightforward and who needed a basic investment plan at low cost. In other words, the mass market. At the time, it was thought that robo-advice would dramatically change the financial advice landscape and that many advisers would end up out of a…

National Treasury has proposed three major amendments affecting portfolios of Collective Investment Schemes (CISs) in the draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2025 (TLAB). The first amendment is the removal of tax-neutral rollover relief for 'asset-for-share' transactions under section 42 of the Income Tax Act (ITA) for all CISs. This change is due to what the National Treasury terms “unintended tax avoidance”. The Explanatory Memorandum (EM) highlights a scenario in which an investor transfers listed shares to a CIS, which then sells them, with the subsequent capital gains being tax-exempt at the CIS level. The provenance for this amendment can be traced back to September 29, 2016, shortly before the SABMiller – AB InBev takeover, when the South African Revenue Service (Sars) issued a media release warning that a CIS acquiring…

Kaizer Chiefs are set to begin life without coach Nasreddine Nabi when they kick off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign in the first round of the preliminary qualifiers, away to Angola-based Kabuscorp at Estádio 11 de Novembro this afternoon (5pm kick-off). “Kaizer Chiefs confirms that Head Coach Nasreddine Nabi is currently not with the team as discussions between the club and the coach remain ongoing,” the club said in a statement on Friday morning. “The matter is internal in nature and is being addressed through the appropriate processes.” Nabi’s absence follows reports that the two parties agreed to mutually part ways on Wednesday morning, after the coach failed to update his Uefa Pro License in time for the start of the Confederation Cup—a requirement for CAF competitions. And that’s disappointing…

Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly agreed to mutually part ways with coach Nasreddine Nabi this week, ending a one-season relationship. Nabi arrived at the club with a lofty reputation and was expected to awaken the sleeping giant. In his first season, he made a notable impact – ending the club’s 10-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup. But that was all he truly achieved. He failed to show a consistent influence on the team, as Chiefs lacked identity and cohesion under his leadership. Reports suggest that he was set to be dismissed regardless of the Nedbank Cup outcome. Below, we explore five key issues that led to the club cutting ties with the Tunisia-born coach. Questions over his qualifications Chiefs are set to begin their continental campaign in the CAF…

Real Madrid have made a perfect start to life under new coach Xabi Alonso and are aiming to extend that run today in La Liga when they host an Espanyol side who have also begun the season in impressive form. The Catalan minnows are one of four teams yet to taste defeat in the Spanish top flight, but have not beaten Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu since 1996. Los Blancos are the only team to win all four of their opening La Liga games and then they beat Marseille on Tuesday to kick off their Champions League campaign with a victory. Alonso said this was just the beginning and his team was still improving and finding their way. “We’re growing, and the players are getting a sense of purpose,” said…

Scarlett Johansson has praised “warm and kind” Robert Redford for teaching her “what acting could be”. The Black Widow actress worked with the Hollywood legend, who died on Tuesday, aged 89, on one of her first movies, 1998’s The Horse Whisperer, and she’s reflected on the impact her director and co-star had on her future career. She told Entertainment Weekly: “Bob Redford cast me in The Horse Whisperer when I was 11 years old. Every day before each scene, he would take the time to sit with me and walk me through all of the beats that led my character up until that particular point in the story. “No matter the reality of the day’s rush, I always felt he had all the time in the world for our work.”…

The High Court in Pretoria has granted the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) a final forfeiture order under section 48 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). This order relates to R4 million, plus interest, held in a Standard Bank account under the name of ZencoCare (Pty) Ltd, linked to diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, ZencoCare formed part of the Forever Diamonds and Gold group of companies, with its sole director, Liebenberg's wife, Desiree Liebenberg. "Both are implicated in an unlawful investment scheme that lured members of the public, locally and abroad, to invest in diamond parcels with the promise of lucrative, short-term returns. Investigations revealed that no such diamond parcels existed. "Instead, investor funds were misappropriated and used to pay…

Think tank Lex Libertas (formerly Pioneer Initiative) executive director Ernst Roets has come under fire for creating a “study” to track and report social media users to their employers for inciting violence in South Africa following the assassination of US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. According to Roets, a preliminary investigation shows that the past week has seen a sharp rise in the glorification of murder, death threats, and incitement of violence across the country. “There should be consequences for the celebration and incitement of violence. Whether disciplinary action is taken, is up to employers to decide. Yet appropriate action can only be taken if employers have access to the relevant information,” he said. Roets added that the project aligns with Lex Libertas’ long-term mission. “Lex Libertas seeks to promote a…

Grade 12 learners at Marikana North High School are getting vital academic support ahead of their final exams through community-driven bootcamps that offer much more than just revision sessions - they offer hope. In a region grappling with deep socio-economic challenges, the school has found a way to rally support for its matrics by running intensive bootcamps during school holidays. With learners staying overnight at the school, the camps are made possible through collaboration between the school, parents, the Department of Education and private sector sponsors. “These bootcamps are a lifeline for learners who face many social and economic challenges,” said Stoffel Pitse, principal of Marikana North High School. For the third consecutive year, the two companies have sponsored the programme, which includes a Winter Bootcamp held in July and…

The stage is set as a variety of South African artists will participate in the Russia InterVision Music Contest in Moscow today. Representing South Africa will be Mzansi Jikelele, a dynamic collective of talented local artists, who will deliver an inspirational performance of their original composition titled “Home”. Participants in the music contest will be drawn from 23 countries, highlighting the multicultural tapestry of creativity and musical expression. Audiences can catch the live performance on the SABC streaming platform, SABC+, at 7.30pm, followed by a delayed broadcast on SABC 3 at 9.30pm. Mzansi Jikelele is a powerful ensemble, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. The group is composed of: n Tshepo Nkadimeng: A blind singer and actor whose voice is a beacon of hope and resilience. n Nhlanhla…

Our long-term Ford Ranger Wildtrak Supercab isn’t a hardcore off-road beast, but then neither are most bakkies that have a low range and a rear differential lock. And like many owners, not every weekend is spent off the beaten track, but if you’re an off-road enthusiast like me, I’ll take every opportunity I get to lift a wheel. I’ve been doing it for a long time, and it’s a wonderful way to be outdoors, enjoying the sun and dust testing yourself and the car with a group of friends and occasionally a newcomer. There’s normally a regular group of us who go out to “paw-by-paw”, and over the years we’ve dented body panels, broken side shafts, dinged a chassis or two and exploded diffs. We’ve also witnessed some really stupid…

South Africa’s literacy crisis is deepening, with new research showing that most young learners are unable to read with understanding by Grade 4 – a challenge experts warn threatens the country’s education system and future economic growth. According to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), children in Africa who learn to read in a familiar language are 30% more likely to read with understanding before they start high school. This is significant for South Africa where, as revealed by the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS 2021), 81% of Grade 4 learners across all languages cannot read for meaning. Underscoring the gravity of the problem, the 2030 Reading Panel set up in 2022 by the government to track early-grade literacy, says that by Grade 6, almost 70%…

A social media story caught my eye recently, one that’s stayed with me. A woman had lived with her partner for nearly a decade. They shared a home, built a life, and raised children together. But when he passed away suddenly, she found herself locked out of the house they had called home. His family insisted she had no legal right to remain there. No marriage certificate. No cohabitation agreement. No will. Just memories, and now, a legal void. It’s a painful reminder that in South Africa, love and shared life don’t automatically translate into legal protection. As Shaka Zwane, head of insurance and fiduciary at Standard Bank, puts it: “Living together before marriage has become common in South Africa for several reasons. Sometimes it’s due to economic circumstances, and…

It says a lot about global gender inequality that the world still needs an Equal Pay Day, a date set aside each year to highlight how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the year before. It says even more that in 2025, the world observed this symbolic day on March 25, indicating that women had to work nearly three extra months to match what their male counterparts earned by December 31, 2024. No matter how you crunch the numbers, they hurt The gender pay gap in South Africa ranges between 23% and 35%, meaning women earn roughly R72.44 for every R100 earned by men. According to recent data from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and other sources, this is down from R89 for every…

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann says he is sorry that Springbok strongman Wilco Louw has chosen to return to the Stormers next season, but he emphasizes that the player’s happiness must come first. This attitude is what you would expect from Ackermann, one of the game’s true gentlemen. Louw will see out his contract at the Bulls and move back to the Cape for the 2026/27 season. Louw is a product of Worcester Cape and made his Stormers debut in 2015. “Wilco has proven over the last couple of seasons that he is one of the best, if not the best, tighthead in the world,” Ackermann said. “It is a big loss, but the life of the person is more important than the game, for me. “Wilco’s family is more important.…

In a developing narrative that has caught the attention of football enthusiasts and pundits alike, Fifa is now formally probing the South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, in relation to Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility during a pivotal World Cup qualifying match. This situation, dubbed ‘Mokoena-gate,’ revolves around a critical administrative blunder by Bafana team manager Vincent Tseka, that has raised concerns throughout the region and altered the landscape of African qualifying. It's essential to note that Fifa has not received a formal protest regarding the match in which Mokoena participated, mainly because Lesotho officials were unaware of his suspension on the day of the game and missed the 48-hour post match deadline. The yellow cards that triggered Mokoena's ban were issued during qualifiers against Benin on November 18, 2023 and…

South African rugby legend Jimmy Stonehouse, the Pumas coach with biceps the size of rugby balls, is an interesting addition to the Sharks set-up for the forthcoming United Rugby Championship, although his role will be an informal one. It makes sense for the bigger unions to bring in rugby acumen from the smaller unions because the latter shut down for the year following the end of the Currie Cup. And making even more sense is that the better players from the likes of the Pumas, Griquas, and Cheetahs are increasingly being loaned to the Sharks, Lions, Stormers, and Bulls. Why have valuable resources lying redundant until the start of the SA Cup next year? Sharks coach John Plumtree said of powerlifting champion Stonehouse, “Jimmy is a thorough rugby man and…

Warriors batter Sinethemba Qeshile is focused on the upcoming CSA Four-Day Series fixture against Western Province in Gqeberha next week, aiming to back up his recent 186 against New Zealand ‘A’. The Test tour to Pakistan is less than a month away, with the first Test scheduled to begin on 12 October at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Yet, with the countdown on, there has still been no update on the fitness of two of South Africa’s key Test batters, captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi, who suffered calf and hamstring strains respectively during the England tour. That uncertainty has turned the spotlight onto the fringe batters, including Qeshile and Zubayr Hamza, both fresh from big First-Class hundreds for South Africa ‘A’ in the recently concluded series against New…

Struggling Lazio host Roma in the first Rome derby of the Serie A season with both teams still finding their feet, while Napoli host Pisa as their top-of-the-table battle with Juventus continues. Derby day danger? Neither Lazio nor Roma are in the rudest of health heading into what is always a fiery local affair in the Italian capital, with both teams needing desperately not to lose the derby after dismal defeats last time out. Roma, on six points from three fixtures, fell at home to Torino last weekend and are yet to really look like a Gian Piero Gasperini team, a transformation that could take more than one season to complete. But Roma fans are notorious for their lack of patience even in a country where a bad week or…

South Africa is full of opportunities for self-care and wellness – experiences that help visitors unwind, recharge and reconnect with themselves. Consider these activities and destinations to help nourish both body and mind. Beach yoga in Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Langebaan, Jeffreys Bay, Coffee Bay or Port St Johns: These coastlines provide the perfect setting for yoga at sunrise. The rhythmic sound of waves enhances focus and relaxation, allowing participants to centre themselves before the day begins. Practising yoga on the sand also strengthens balance and promotes a deeper connection with nature. Mindful hiking in the Drakensberg: The Drakensberg Mountains offer guided hikes designed to combine physical activity with mindfulness. These hikes focus on walking meditations, breathing exercises and observing the natural environment. Along the trails, participants are encouraged to…

While on a motorbike journey from Thailand to the UK, British tourist vlogger Harry has unexpectedly become a celebrated journalist. Known for sharing travel content on his YouTube channel, We Hate the Cold, Harry gained international fame for his coverage of the Gen Z protests in Nepal. The Gen Z protests erupted following a nationwide ban on several social media platforms in Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha. These protests, which took place from September 8 to 13, reflected the public’s frustration with corruption, the ostentatious display of wealth by government officials and their families, and allegations of mismanagement of public funds. Dubbed “that one foreign guy in Nepal”, Harry was enjoying the beauty of the country when he decided to document the unfolding events. Throughout his journey back home through…