Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-04 i Saturday Star

We all know growing older is inevitable, but did you know that most of what makes skin look “aged” has less to do with the number of candles on your birthday cake and more to do with daily habits? According to research, around 80% of visible facial ageing is linked to things we can actually control. That means fine lines, pigmentation and dullness often arrive earlier than they should because of a hidden culprit: oxidative stress. Think of oxidative stress as the skin’s version of rust. It’s triggered when free radicals, tiny unstable molecules from things like pollution, sun exposure, or even stress, overpower your skin’s natural defence system. Over time, this damage weakens skin cells, speeds up ageing, and can even aggravate conditions like acne or rosacea. As an…

The news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death at 76 on July 27 sent shockwaves across the globe, plunging his fans into mourning. The sudden resurgence of clips from The Osbournes on social media felt surreal, almost like a fever dream. It was a reminder of how he genuinely loved his kids and felt remorse for the way he treated them in the past. But Ozzy also had this way of making you laugh just by being himself, and that humour is part of what made the Osbourne family so special. The one-hour documentary was initially set to air on August 18, but was pulled from the schedule at the last minute following the family’s wishes to wait a bit longer. Directed by Paula Wittig, the documentary was filmed over three…

Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks will add another chapter to their illustrious history should they beat Argentina in London this afternoon in the final match of the 2025 Rugby Championship. In the 30 years of the tournament, South Africa have never lifted the title two years in succession. Now they are tantalisingly close to defending the crown they won last year. This year’s Championship has been one of the most competitive in recent memory. Until last weekend, all four participating nations were still in contention. Now, it is a straight shoot-out between the Springboks and their old foe, New Zealand. The All Blacks face the Wallabies in Perth at 11.45am (SA time), with the Boks kicking off against Argentina at Twickenham at 3pm. South Africa currently hold a one-point lead over the…

The Seshego Regional Court has sentenced a 40-year-old Limpopo man after convicting him for raping and sexually grooming a 12-year-old boy. Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the court found that the accused lured the minor by posting a bicycle advertisement on Facebook. “After promising the victim a bicycle, he exploited the boy’s trust, groomed him, and went on to rape him on two separate occasions,” said Ledwaba. The case was transferred to the Seshego family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit and was investigated by Sergeant Nation Teffo. The accused man was arrested, and the court denied him bail. He remained in custody until the conclusion of the trial. Following the trial, the rapist was sentenced as follows: Count 1: rape – life imprisonment Count 2:…

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has welcomed the sentencing of two former employees and an accomplice convicted of defrauding the department through a ghost employee scheme that siphoned off around R3 million. The Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court, sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Thursday, sentenced one former employee to 10 years in prison, with four years suspended which will run concurrently. This means he will spend six years in prison. Another was handed eight years' imprisonment, while the external accomplice received a three-year sentence, suspended for five years. According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, the convictions stemmed from an internal risk investigation that exposed irregular activity within the Gauteng West District Office. "The scheme defrauded the Department of approximately R3 million by creating and processing payments for…

There were eight children among the four close-knit families in their Seattle neighbourhood, and by last fall, the oldest child - who was almost 9 - had already started asking for a smartphone. But the group of parents had made a communal agreement: They would keep their children away from smartphones for as long as possible. There was strength in that solidarity, said Lauren Zemer, a Seattle-area therapist and mom of two: “We had agreed that we were going to share these values.” But she and her neighbours also wanted their children to feel connected to their peers and to develop a sense of social independence. So in October 2024, when one of the parents heard about a local father who had built a prototype for a kid-specific, adult-controlled landline…

Despite progress, women remain under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, with less than 13% of South African women pursuing studies in these disciplines compared to 28% of men, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021. A new initiative, the Dream Women in STEM Technovation Summit, co-created by the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) and Dream Big Stay Humble, aims to change that by empowering 100 high school girls each year with hands-on exposure to engineering, science and technology. The summit will run from October 3 – 5, 2025, at the American Corner Maponya Hub in Johannesburg. “Girls and women who had exposure to the STEM industry through family members or teachers are more likely to pursue a career path in this sector,” said Khaye…

Thirty-two schools from across South Africa have been selected as finalists in the annual National EduPlant School Gardening Competition 2025. The schools were shortlisted from a total of 300 schools onboarded as EduPlant participants at the start of 2024. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 7, during an official gala event. The top three national winners will be announced along with the two top Centres of Excellence schools, which mentored the participating schools in the new cycle. In addition, a winning school will be selected within each province. EduPlant is a national school nutrition and food security programme, initiated in 1994 and implemented by Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), EduPlant has been supported by Tiger Brands since 2019. The 300 schools initially onboarded as EduPlant food garden…

Youngins, the local hit teen telenovela, is closing the chapter on its journey with a highly anticipated third and final season. Since its debut, the series has captivated the attention of audiences, telling authentic youth stories while spotlighting fresh talent and socially relevant themes. Debuting as Showmax’s most-watched local series since its relaunch, the show has captivated viewers by following the experiences of a new girl at a Johannesburg boarding school embroiled in various scandals and personal struggles. Actor Thabiso Ramotshela, who plays Mahlatse, is among the cast members who have been on their journeys revealing the emotional toll of his role. “This season was definitely emotionally draining. But more than that, I felt a deep empathy for Mahlatse. I mean, being a teenager is hard enough without also having…

Behind a high fence, 20 minutes east of South Africa's capital Pretoria, the Afrikaner enclave of Kleinfontein stands as a postcard from the country's bitter past and is now entangled in a very present-day dispute. Moving into the gated community of around 1 500 white Afrikaners entails rigorous screenings and motivational interviews to co-opt residents on an ethnic, linguistic and religious basis. But the community of Afrikaners - descendants of the first European settlers to South Africa - is accused by the municipality of not respecting zoning regulations. The administrative dispute comes at a delicate time as Pretoria is anxious to appease Washington's false claims of persecution against white South Africans. On a recent Saturday, hundreds of blond children faced off in games of tug-of-war and sack races as Kleinfontein's…

BMW has entered a new chapter in its production story with the opening of its state-of-the-art facility in Debrecen, Hungary. More than just another plant, the site represents the physical embodiment of BMW’s iFactory philosophy – lean, green, digital and human-centred. The facility not only extends the company’s global production network but also signals a bold new era for how premium cars are conceived, built and delivered. Dr Milan Nedeljkovic, member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for production, emphasised the scale of BMW’s global operations. “We now have 32 plants across four continents with more than 80 000 associates,” he explained. “Together they built more than two and a half million vehicles last year.” The network includes a supply chain of more than 2 500 suppliers…

jason.woosey@iol.co.za The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Act, commonly known as AARTO, officially comes into effect on December 1. Most sections of the act will be implemented in major municipalities across the country from that date, with smaller municipalities following in April, but the dreaded demerit points system is only set to be rolled out in September 2026. Nonetheless, speeding will still be a major factor that could lead to drivers earning demerit points and eventually facing licence suspension, and hefty fines are also on the cards for those caught exceeding the limit. As before, there will still be a “grace” of 10km/h for speeding infringements, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has confirmed. This, authorities say, is to account for different speedometer calibrations. This means that if…

Machine Learning (ML) is being positioned as a game-changer in financial services, but the latest research from Experian, conducted by Forrester Consulting, suggests that the reality is more nuanced than the tech industry would have us believe. While ML is making inroads across financial institutions and telcos in South Africa and abroad, its promise of inclusion, efficiency, and profitability is still entangled in practical, ethical, and regulatory complexities. The report’s headline takeaway is that ML is helping South African organisations reach thin-file and underbanked consumers, those who’ve historically been excluded from formal credit systems. By using alternative data sources, ML models can assess eligibility more accurately than traditional scorecards. That sounds progressive, especially in a country where access to credit is often skewed by legacy systems and rigid criteria. But…

The digital economy is not without challenges, especially for the less educated and or marginalised groups. According to a Reserve Bank report in 2023, “The South African economy has remained structurally the same in the last 60 years. Despite the significant progress made to digitise the payments landscape, cash usage in South Africa remains resilient and in defiance of corporate desires. Cash in circulation in South Africa has been growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% over the last few decades, and 9% when calculated per capita”. A few incidents in my personal experience made me question the move to a cashless society. A person who has worked as a gardener in South Africa for the last twenty years, just before he went back to his homeland…

AmaZulu FC will look to draw inspiration from home support when they face defending champions Magesi FC in a Carling Knockout round of 16 clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow evening. Usuthu, set for a 6pm kick-off, go into this tie on the back of a frustrating run. They let a lead slip in their 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, having also lost to TS Galaxy in the league on September 24. Arthur Zwane’s men know this competition provides a chance to reset and pursue long-awaited silverware. AmaZulu’s history with this cup runs deep. Their last triumph dates back to 1992 when, under the Coca Cola Cup banner, they lifted the trophy. Thirty-three years later, the KwaZulu-Natal giants are eager to end a drought that…

FIFA has unveiled the official match ball for the 2026 World Cup, combining high-tech refinements and design details celebrating the three co-host countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada. The ball, called Trionda, was again designed by German manufacturer Adidas, provider of the official World Cup balls since the 1970 tournament. “I am delighted and proud to present the Trionda,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said as the ball was revealed at an event in New York on Thursday. The first World Cup organized by three countries, with 48 teams competing, inspired both the name and the design of the ball featuring red, blue and green colors. Iconography from each host nation - maple leaves from Canada, the eagle from Mexico and stars from the United States also feature, with…

Real Madrid host Villarreal today aiming to get their La Liga campaign back on track after a punishing derby defeat last weekend. Xabi Alonso’s side’s perfect start to the campaign came to a juddering halt with a 5-2 beating by rivals Atletico Madrid, with the repercussions from it felt over the past week. The coach was keen to move on after admitting his team deserved to lose, but some Madrid players have been ruminating on it. Striker Kylian Mbappe said Madrid “cannot forget” what happened and had to keep working to avoid having another night in the same vein, after thrashing Kazakh minnows Kairat on Tuesday in the Champions League. Midfielder Fede Valverde cited a lack of “attitude” multiple times when asked about the derby loss and said players had…

A cap, a coat, and a remote control: these were the belongings handed to the widow of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi “Nathi” Emmanuel Mthethwa, after his tragic death at an upmarket Paris hotel this week. On Friday new details emerged surrounding the death of the senior South African diplomat. In the latest developments, family spokesperson Sifiso Buthelezi, a former deputy finance minister, told broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that French police had visited the official residence to update the widow, Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the family on the ongoing investigations — and to hand over the ambassador’s personal belongings. “The police came to the residence just to update us, as to where they are with the investigation and what they found, and also to give Phili the belongings of the ambassador…

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola says two brand new helicopters and 12 Nyalas have been procured to strengthen the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) operational capacity and national security. Masemola was speaking at the official handover of the new fleet yesterday at the SAPS Tshwane Academy. He was joined by Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia and deputy ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale. Masemola said the newly procured Airbus helicopters and Marshall vehicles would enhance police visibility. “Minister Cachalia, as part of our efforts to advance and intensify our crime-fighting efforts, we deemed it necessary to add the two brand new H125 helicopters – ZT-REC and ZS-HGA – as well as the 12 Marshall vehicles you see here today, to our existing fleet,” said Mathale. The helicopters and…

Krystal Sheehan’s hobbies include walking dogs at the US National Arboretum, feeding dogs cups of whipped cream and cuddling with dogs on her couch. Yet Sheehan, 23, doesn’t own a dog. She loves spending time with them, she said, but she doesn’t have time to care for one every day. She hangs out with one almost every week, though, through an animal shelter that encourages people to take out its dogs for a few hours. It’s one of many programmes that have emerged across the United States in recent years that give people and dogs a chance to spend time together without making a major commitment. Psychologist Kerri Rodriguez, who leads a group at the University of Arizona that researches animal-human interactions, said spending just five or 10 minutes with…

Two of Cape Town’s oldest and most respected schools, Wynberg Girls’ High School and Wynberg Boys’ High School, are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year – marking 141 and 184 years of history, tradition, and excellence. Founded in 1884, Wynberg Girls’ High School (WGHS) will commemorate its 141st anniversary with a special Founders’ Day assembly on September 19. Just across the campus, Wynberg Boys’ High School (WBHS), established in 1841, is reflecting on 184 years of shaping generations of young men. Tradition and values At WGHS, principal Dr Jennifer Wallace said the school’s motto, “Honour before honours”, continues to guide its mission of developing confident, compassionate women. “‘Honour’ means living truthfully and treating others with dignity, while ‘honours’ refers to recognition and achievement. Our motto prioritises character over accolades, emphasising that…

Solo Studios 2025, an arts festival, returns to the scenic Riebeek Valley from October 24 to 26, offering a unique opportunity to experience the intimate connection between artist and audience. Over the weekend, more than 60 artists will open their studios in Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, sharing their work, creative processes, and personal insights in an immersive celebration of art and culture. Having become a key event in the South African art scene, this year's platform offers immersive studio visits, curated exhibitions, food experiences, and live music, promising a weekend of inspiration and artistic celebration. Ashley Stone, co-owner and co-project manager of Solo Studios, tells the Saturday Star about the essence of the festival, highlighting how many dub it as their home. “Those of us lucky to live and…

Two years of war, multiple displacements, and the deaths of her husband and father have reduced Lamis Dib's life in Gaza to a relentless fight for survival. "It's indescribable," the 31-year-old mother of two said of the war that continues to devastate the Palestinian territory. "Friday, October 6, 2023, the last day before the war, was a beautiful day," she recalled. Her oldest daughter, Suwar, who was five at the time, had just started kindergarten, and Dib would watch her come home every afternoon from the window of their apartment in Sheikh Radwan, a middle-class neighborhood in the north of Gaza City. Her son Amin, then three, "was taking up all of my time", said Dib, who would often bring him to the nearby seaside. Dib had studied to become…

jason.woosey@iol.co.za We’ve spent the past four months with the Magnetic Grey Ford Puma ST-Line Vignale and soon IOL will be bidding a sullen farewell to this cheeky little crossover. What I have come to appreciate most is the engaging driving experience that makes every journey an enjoyable one. These days, engineers and bean counters at car manufacturers pay little attention to how enjoyable a car is to drive. And I get it. The market is becoming more cost-competitive and most buyers are more concerned with practicality, comfort and style. It’s what people want. But for those few who enjoy nippy handling, a well-weighted steering system that makes you feel connected to the front wheels and a responsive drivetrain, the Ford Puma excels in the way that reminds us of discontinued…

The legal dispute involving the pension assets of the late former Deputy President David Mabuza highlights the fact that there are important structural and legal differences between financial products, where certain rules come into effect on death. It’s vital that you are fully aware of these rules when choosing a certain type of product. It’s also important to know which assets or products fall within your estate and are therefore governed by your will, and which ones fall outside your estate and over which your will has no say. At the centre of the dispute is R44.7 million in Mabuza’s living annuity. The disbursement of the proceeds of the annuity to Mabuza’s widow, Nonhlanhla Mnisi, was suspended by the Mpumalanga High Court following an application by a customary wife of…

Financial insecurity is not only about depleted bank accounts, it chips away at psychological resilience. When people lack financial confidence, they carry an invisible burden that permeates every aspect of their well-being. Sanlam’s Age of Confidence campaign shows that most South Africans will need to work until the age of 80 to retire comfortably. That sobering projection alone creates a heavy psychological strain. Added to this, our 2025 Sanlam Benchmark report found that 44% of households have already dipped into emergency savings simply to make ends meet, a clear sign of how fragile financial and mental resilience have become. A study confirms the link; financial resilience is associated with an approximately 37% decrease in the occurrence of mental health disorders. Importantly, the study also shows that this relationship is mediated…

Amajita’s coach Raymond Mdaka, says they will leave no stone unturned when they face the United States in their final group stage match at the ongoing Fifa U-20 World Cup. Amajita have blown hot and cold since the start of the global showpiece. They kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 loss to France, before hammering the group’s whipping boys, New Caledonia, 5-0 yesterday morning. That win ensured they are still in the running to qualify for the knockout stages – either as group winners, runners-up, or one of the best third-place finishers. However, their task is cut out for them. They’ll face group leaders and already-qualified United States, who beat both New Caledonia and France, scoring 11 unanswered goals. Amajita's chances of finishing top of the group are…

YESTERDAY’S free practice sessions in Singapore offered a fascinating glimpse into the balance of power between McLaren and Red Bull, with both teams pushing their cars to the limit around Marina Bay’s unforgiving walls. The tight corners and searing heat of this iconic street circuit make tyre management a critical factor, and early signs suggest the battle for supremacy will hinge as much on strategy as on outright pace. In FP1, McLaren showed steady progress without fully lighting up the timesheets. Oscar Piastri slotted into fifth, just a thousandth of a second behind Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari, while Lando Norris followed closely in sixth. Red Bull, meanwhile, had Max Verstappen in third with a 1:31.392, just a couple of tenths off Fernando Alonso’s session-leading Aston Martin. Yuki Tsunoda rounded out the…

Paris Saint-Germain are fresh from a fine Champions League win in Barcelona, but there are signs that this season might present the best opportunity in a long time for someone else to win the Ligue 1 title. PSG have almost totally dominated French football in the years since being taken over by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, winning 11 of the last 13 championships. Their revenue - the third-largest in world football last year according to Deloitte’s Football Money League at 806 million euros - dwarfs every other club in the country. But an epic 2024/25 campaign has taken a lot out of Luis Enrique’s side. Crowned by their maiden Champions League triumph, it also featured a domestic treble and a run to the Club World Cup final, but the…

The South African tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, with recent statistics indicating a promising rebound in the tourist accommodation industry. According to Stats SA, total income for the sector rose by a noteworthy 11.1% in July compared to the same month in the previous year. This surge reflects a renewed enthusiasm for travel and the gradual recovery towards pre-pandemic norms. Income generated from accommodation alone saw a 10.4% increase year-on-year in July, attributed to a 7.9% rise in the number of stay unit nights sold and a 2.4% boost in the average income per stay unit night. Key contributors to this positive performance were hotels, which recorded an impressive growth of 18.3%, contributing 9.7 percentage points, while “other” accommodation types also added to the mix with a 2.7%…

As the school holidays approach, families across South Africa are gearing up for a much-needed break filled with adventure, relaxation and quality time together. Family time is a top priority for South African travellers, with 66% emphasising its importance, according to Flight Centre’s Global PR survey. With the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage that South Africa has to offer, there is no shortage of exciting destinations to explore. Whether your family enjoys the thrill of outdoor adventures, the tranquillity of nature or the joy of discovering new cultures, there is something for everyone. Here is a list of family-friendly destinations that promise unforgettable experiences during the upcoming break. Nature lovers’ paradise – Garden Route road trip: For families who love nature, this is an absolute must. This iconic route…

I used to believe dating only threw punches at a select few, but the reality is that everyone can experience heartbreak or betrayal. No matter your age or relationship history, relationships often teach us unexpected lessons about ourselves. One of the newest buzzwords doing the rounds in conversations about relationships is “monkey branching”. If you haven’t heard it yet, monkey branching, sometimes referred to as monkey barring, occurs when someone quietly forms a new romantic connection while remaining committed to their existing relationship. Only when they’re confident that the new relationship is secure do they let go of the old one. Aside from health and wealth, most people just want to feel loved, understood and appreciated. This universal desire for love and connection can sometimes lead individuals to monkey branch,…

Earlier this week, Imran Hamdulay’s The Heart is a Muscle was put forth as South Africa’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. This feat is huge for the writer and producer, who marked his directorial debut with the crime drama. I got to see the film at the 13th Silwerskerm Film Festival, and I was blown away by the storyline trajectory. Set in the Cape Flats, the film opens with Ryan (Keenan Arrison) and his wife Laila (Melissa de Vries) hosting the family for their son Jude’s (Troy Paulse) fifth birthday celebration. But it quickly devolves into a frantic search for Jude, who disappears while playing outside. At the outset, it appears that a kidnapping is the main thrust of the film.…

A police officer from Gauteng accused of the murder of his friend was denied bail by the Lenasia Magistrate's Court. Constable Tshepiso Lloyd Malapane, 33, appeared in court this week for the murder of his friend Lebogang Sekhute, 27, who tried to intervene in a tavern squabble in Soweto last month. Spokesperson for Independent Police Investigative Directorate Phaladi Shuping said Malapane, who was stationed at Dobsonville SAPS, was drinking with his friend at a tavern in Pimville on September 21 when he had an altercation with one of the patrons. He left but came back with his firearm. “His friend tried to intervene and stop the fight, but Constable Malapane shot him several times, and he was declared dead by the paramedics,” said Shuping. Malapane was arrested at the…

Few moments stir the soul like the South African national anthem being sung before rugby matches. Over the years, the anthem has produced some of the most stirring scenes of unity, while also delivering a handful of infamous off-key performances. Although the blunders are still spoken about, the powerful renditions far outweigh the bad. The Best Performances At the very top is Talitha Luiters, who in 2025, at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, became the youngest performer to lead Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika at a rugby match. Her powerful yet composed delivery instantly became a fan favourite, praised for its poise, clarity, and emotion. For many South Africans, her performance captured a perfect blend of pride and inspiration, placing it among the greatest ever heard on rugby’s biggest stage. Other…

“Ever wanted to taste your sunscreen?” That was a real question, from Carnival Cruise Line, that arrived in my inbox. The cruise company has created an edible approximation as a marketing ploy, with help from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. The Brooklyn-based chain is no stranger to the stunt ice cream game, having produced flavours meant to mimic Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing. Those, it’s worth noting, are other foods, not goop that you’d smear on your body during a cruise. We could not resist, so we asked to try some. A red carton with blue and white accents resembling Carnival’s ships found its way, packed in dry ice, to my building. The packaging says the flavour is a limited edition, which is an understatement. It’s not…

South Africa, like many countries, faces the challenge of ensuring its teachers are equipped for a digital-first classroom. Education experts say that building digital skills, updating training models, and closing the technology gap between urban and rural schools are critical to preparing learners for the future. Dr Michael Naidoo, School Manager of the MANCOSA School of Education (SOE), said: “On this global day when teachers are recognised, we reaffirm our commitment to equip every teacher not just to adapt, but to lead in the digital-first classroom. Empowering teachers to thrive ensures that students are able to soar.” Digital competencies Given the growing trend towards technology-based education and teaching models, it is critical that teachers possess the digital skills necessary to educate learners effectively. Dr Naidoo points out that, in today's…

The Innovator Trust is set to shine a light on the powerful contributions of women in the technology sector with the return of its highly anticipated Women in Tech Awards on November 20. This event aims to celebrate the remarkable women shaping the future of South Africa's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape and acknowledges their significant impact on the local economy. Themed “Shaping Her Growth: Code it. Shape it. Scale it,” this year's Awards highlight the inspiring journeys of women entrepreneurs, showcasing their resilient spirit in building strong business foundations, developing leadership skills, and expanding their enterprises into influential ventures. In a world increasingly defined by digital transformation, the forum will serve as a rallying call for women from diverse backgrounds to harness technology for addressing Africa's pressing socio-economic…

When discussing tourism in South Africa, typical imagery conjures up encounters with majestic wildlife at the Kruger National Park, sun-soaked beaches in Durban, or the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain framed against a sunset. However, for Louisa Jordaan, a master’s student at the University of Pretoria, the tourism landscape paints a far more sinister picture – one that revolves around serial killer tourism. The emergence of a dark niche Although it may sound like the premise of a gritty crime drama, serial killer tourism represents a burgeoning niche within the global travel landscape. This form of tourism is characterised by visits to locales associated with infamous serial killers, such as crime scenes, residences, courts, and even places where these criminals faced their demise. While dark tourism, which encompasses various forms…

You need a mid-sized crossover for your family, so you look at the sales charts and see the Corolla Cross killing it. It comes across as an affordable, no-nonsense crossover backed by Toyota’s legacy of reliability. And it’s not bad-looking, striking the right balance between beefy and svelte, while managing to be almost entirely anonymous and vanilla. But the anonymous, vanilla lifestyle isn’t for you. You don’t want a car that says, “I’ve resigned myself to a life of carting my kids around”. ◄ You want a car that inspires you. You want to sit inside it and feel excited. This is why you need the BAIC Beijing X55. It’s similar in proportions to the Corolla Cross – not too big, not too small. But it’s sexy. The sexiest among…

The Sorbonne University, founded in Paris in 1253 and known globally as a symbol of education, science and culture, has just announced that, starting in 2026, it will stop submitting data to Times Higher Education rankings. It is joining a growing movement of universities questioning the value and methodology of these controversial league tables. Rankings companies add together various indices that purport to measure quality. The indices include research outputs, the results of reputation surveys, the amount of money they receive in research grants and donations and how many Nobel prize winners they have employed. Nathalie Drach-Temam, president of the Sorbonne, stated that the data used to assess each university’s performance was not open or transparent, and the reproducibility of the results produced could not be guaranteed. This echoes…

A year after the implementation of the two-pot retirement system, as lawmakers iron out technical issues so that laws line up, trade federation Cosatu is suggesting several major changes to help workers in financial distress. While National Treasury is willing to consider some of Cosatu’s proposals, it's made clear it won't compromise on the system's fundamental purpose: ensuring South Africans have enough money to retire on. The tug-of-war played out during a recent report back by the Select Committee on Finance on the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill for 2025, with the first iteration of this law having passed in 2023 to provide the legal framework under which the Two-Pot retirement system could come into effect. The Bill itself is fairly dry stuff – technical changes to align the Income Tax…

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has this week published the Draft Report into alleged eFiling Profile Hijacking for public comment. The report aims to unpack the scope and impact of this growing threat, assess how vulnerable taxpayers are to it, evaluate the South African Revenue Services (Sars)’s response mechanisms, and offer recommendations for improvement. At the heart of the issue is the Sars eFiling profile, a digital identity created by taxpayers or tax practitioners on the Sars eFiling portal. When this profile is hijacked, it means that unauthorised individuals have unlawfully accessed, taken over, or manipulated it, often with serious financial consequences. According to the OTO, eFiling profile hijacking can occur through various methods of identity theft. “Criminals may physically steal wallets, documents, or mail containing sensitive data.…

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has made seven changes to his starting XV for today’s United Rugby Championship showdown against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld. British and Irish Lions tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson comes into the front row, where he will pack down alongside loosehead Paddy McCarthy – making his first Leinster start – and hooker Gus McCarthy. Ryan Baird shifts into the second row to partner Brian Deeny, while the back row has an entirely new look from the team that suffered a 35-0 defeat to the Stormers. Alex Soroka and Will Connors take the flanks, with Max Deegan slotting in at No. 8. Luke McGrath captains the side once more and continues his half-back partnership with Sam Prendergast. Robbie Henshaw moves across to inside centre, where he will…

As part of their ongoing commitment to international football development and community engagement, Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05 made a significant contribution in Cape Town. A contingent from Mainz 05, including Franz May, Head of Internationalisation, and Stephan Bandholz, Director of CSR & Stadium Management, alongside Fotios Potsis, International Soccer School Coach and Director of Sports at Schächter Sports, held exclusive coaching sessions while engaging with local Cape Town football clubs. The initiative aimed to share professional expertise and strengthen grassroots football structures in the region. On Thursday, they held clinics at the Vygiesskraal Stadium with local clubs including Golden United FC, Valencia FC, East End Ladies, Heideveld, and Rygate LAD. These sessions will be an invaluable opportunity for aspiring players, coaches, and football enthusiasts to learn from experienced…

Glenrose Xaba’s status as South Africa’s queen of the 10km is already beyond doubt. The national record holder has multiple titles to her name and has once again secured the SPAR Grand Prix crown with a race to spare in 2025. That might be reason enough for the Boxer Athletic Club star to ease off and focus on her marathon training – but not when history beckons. Xaba has won all four races in the series so far, in Durban, Cape Town, Tshwane and Gqeberha, and now has her sights firmly set on completing a clean sweep at Marks Park in Emmarentia tomorrow. “My aim is to win the Jozi SPAR Grand Prix title on Sunday, which will give me five out of five Grand Prix titles this year,” she…

Pop culture is an integral part of our lives, influencing everything from the music we listen to and the shows we watch to even how we travel. In recent years, a new trend has emerged – pop culture tourism – which involves travelling to real-world locations associated with popular culture such as film, television, music, literature, gaming or sports. With the evolution of pop culture tourism, travellers are seeking deeper, authentic connections with their favourite movies, shows and celebrities through immersive experiences. The rise of pop culture tourism: As a travel trend, pop culture tourism is characterised by a desire for experiential travel that goes beyond traditional sightseeing. Social media plays a significant role in this trend. From visiting iconic filming locations to participating in fan events and conventions, pop…

Opinions are divided among netizens regarding the use of sleeping pods at airports. Travel content creator Lounge Guru recently shared his experience on TikTok, showcasing his time spent in a sleeping pod at Istanbul International Airport. The video has garnered over 31.1 million views. In the footage, the creator is seen packing his belongings into a pod before lying down to sleep after a four-hour flight delay. “I was exhausted and really needed a nap. A friendly lady brought me a fresh pillow and a blanket,” he said. “I caught some sleep, but it was a little hot inside.” The iGA Sleeppods cost €12 (R242) per hour during the day and up to €20 per hour at night. Each pod features a USB port, a regular socket, a…