Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-18 i Saturday Star

If you have managed to get through the first few gruesome and disturbing episodes of the new Ryan Murphy series Monster: The Ed Gein Story, you will gain insight into the schizophrenic disorder that plagued the notorious serial killer. True crime fans know Ed Gein as the “Plainfield Ghoul” whose horrific acts in the 1950s inspired famous fictional characters like Norman Bates in Psycho and Leatherface in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Unfortunately, the portrayal of mental illness in the media, especially in true crime and horror, often causes harm. Think about movies like Split, where the main character has a “split personality”, a condition actually called Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and is shown as a violent, evil person. When characters like this are constantly shown as villains, it creates…

We’ve all been there, sitting on the couch, glass of wine in hand, scrolling through Netflix, thinking, I need something that’s a blend of Sex and the City, Big Little Lies, True Detective and Desperate Housewives. We’re always here for strong female characters leading a storyline. And The Hunting Wives is just what the doctor ordered. I was pleasantly surprised by the murderous-Republican-bisexual antics in this new drama, based on May Cobb’s novel, which recently dropped in South Africa. This show is rated PG-16. It’s sexual, messy, and unapologetically chaotic. If you’re okay with married women being romantically curious about each other, welcome to Maple Brook. Everyone carries secrets; it’s very White Lotus energy. Some are fake Christians hiding behind mega-church facades, others are murderers, and most are navigating complicated…

The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has slammed the Human Settlements department in the North West over ongoing delays in paying contractors, warning the crisis was crippling service delivery and threatening the survival of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Some of these delays exceed 100 days, the committee said. During a recent oversight visit to Moretele Local Municipality, the committee found that persistent non-payment of service providers was directly contributing to stalled housing projects, deepening the province’s human settlements challenges and putting livelihoods at risk. “Small businesses are critical pillars of economic recovery and job creation, and paralysing their cash flow is simply unacceptable,” said committee chairperson Nocks Seabi. He emphasised that government departments must treat 30-day payment terms as “sacrosanct”. Contractors unable to pay workers face work stoppages and…

Political fixer and controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi has threatened to reveal the names of other individuals who allegedly received money from attempted murder accused tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. IOL reported on Thursday night that police raided Mogotsi’s premises in Seweding village, near Mahikeng in the Northwest. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that officers visited Mogotsi’s premises as part of an ongoing investigation that has already been discussed before both the Ad Hoc Committee in Parliament and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Mogotsi, an alleged associate of embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has been widely accused of siphoning money from Matlala to bankroll ANC activities. He has been implicated in alleged unlawful interference within the South African Police Service. Mogotsi has featured prominently in early testimony at the Madlanga Commission,…

Teenage sensation Lisakhanya Situlweni continues to be a shining star for Cape Town Roses. The 15-year-old baller from Gugulethu knows exactly where the net is and keeps finding it with ease. At the recently concluded Engen Champ of Champs tournament, she was once again among the top scorers, proving that her talent keeps reaching for new heights. She was a joint top scorer with teammate Siyamthanda Macingwana, netting seven goals. This comes after she scooped the top scorer’s award during the Cape Town leg of the same tournament, an achievement she’s managed for the second year in a row. Lisakhanya is on a steadily rising path to football stardom. A pupil at Bothasig High School, Lisakhanya is one of the most promising young footballers of the women’s game in the…

The 11th African Women Writers’ Symposium (AWWS) will return to the Soweto Theatre tomorrow and November 16, 2025, under the theme “Challenging Narratives, Inspiring Hope”. Funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and produced by Afro Arts SA, the annual event brings together African women intellectuals, writers and creatives to explore the role of storytelling in confronting patriarchy, racism and inequality. Despite limited representation in mainstream media, organisers say African women writers continue to “punch higher and refuse to be defined by the ignorance of patriarchy, sexism, and racism”. The two-day programme will feature lectures, panel discussions, workshops, poetry, dance and music, aiming to inspire hope and reflection in challenging times. The symposium will open tomorrow with the Nadine Gordimer In Memoriam Lecture, delivered by multi-award-winning author Alexandra…

When the late South African president Nelson Mandela said, “Sport has the power to change the world; it has the power to inspire; it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does,” he knew exactly what he was talking about. After Bafana Bafana qualified for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America by beating Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night, statistics showed that happiness levels rose throughout South Africa. According to real-time data from the Centre for Wellbeing, AI and Social Impact (C.WAIS) at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa’s national happiness index spiked after the win compared to the usual midweek average. “Our real-time happiness data for South Africa revealed a significant spike in happiness scores after the victory on 14 October,…

Unroadworthy vehicles are a significant contributor to South Africa’s unacceptably high accident rate, with some sources indicating that the condition of vehicles is a factor in up to 15% of crashes. With about 13 000 road deaths recorded on our roads annually, South Africans should be paying far greater attention to the condition of their vehicles, particularly in the run-up to the December holidays. The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) notes that not only was there a disappointing turnout during its recent campaign, which offered free safety checks at dozens of its accredited testing stations across the country, but the failure rate was alarmingly high. Of the 101 safety inspections that were carried out, which focused on safety-critical components such as brakes, tyres, suspension, and lights, 63.02% of vehicles did not…

For US presidents, Nobel Peace Prize long fraught with politics Maybe next year. It was perhaps not a coincidence that the announcement Friday of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for which US President Donald Trump has so openly campaigned coincided with his greatest foreign policy triumph to date – a widely praised ceasefire and hostage deal that, although still fragile, could be the beginning of the end of two years of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. But it also came as Trump has sent troops into US cities over the objections of those who govern them, has goaded his compliant attorney general to prosecute his political enemies, and in other ways wielded executive power in a heavy-handed manner unlike any in modern US history. So it could be…

South Africa’s life insurance industry has concluded the first half of 2025 in a robust financial position, with total assets under management reaching R4.8 trillion. This marks a notable increase from R4.5 trillion recorded at the end of December 2024, according to half-year statistics released by the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa). The industry also reported a healthy solvency buffer, with a solvency capital requirement (SCR) ratio of 1.89, nearly double the minimum threshold set by the Prudential Authority of the South African Reserve Bank. The SCR is designed to ensure that insurers can meet their obligations to policyholders, even under adverse conditions. Gareth Friedlander, a member of the Asisa Life and Risk Board Committee, said the strength of the solvency buffer is a key indicator of…

“The most watched league in the world.” That’s the English Premier League’s flex – broadcast to 189 countries with 1.87 billion followers worldwide. Well, tomorrow, in a hotel room in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, at exactly 8:30pm, a group of South Africans are going to gather in an attempt to watch Premier League champions Liverpool tackle arch-rivals Manchester United – probably off some dodgy VPN network too. “Yeah, yeah … we’ll just have to figure a way out, man,” Proteas all-rounder and ardent Manchester United fan Senuran Muthusamy tells Independent Media in an exclusive interview. “It’s 8:30pm our time here in Pakistan, so it’s a reasonable hour, thankfully. Yeah, we’ll definitely watch the game somehow.” Muthusamy forms part of the minority in the Proteas changeroom. Head coach Shukri Conrad and batting coach…

For the Red Devils, the path to overcoming rivals like Liverpool hinges on consistency and mental strength, something defender Luke Shaw stresses the team is actively addressing. “I think the most important thing is the team’s overall performance,” Shaw said. “There are definitely a few positives to take from some of our games, but for us, consistency is key. Lately, we’ve been in a pattern of winning one game and then losing the next, and that’s something we’ve talked about fixing. We need to build momentum, keep winning, and pick up points regularly. “At the end of the day, even if the performance isn’t perfect, what matters most is getting the result. Winning always lifts the mood, restores confidence, and keeps the energy in the squad high. For me, it’s…

Injury-hit Barcelona expect to have Lamine Yamal back fit to face Girona in LaLiga today, in a welcome boost as the Catalans aim to bounce back from a damaging defeat with the Clasico in their sights. Hansi Flick’s side were hammered 4-1 by Sevilla before the international break and must regroup before facing Real Madrid on October 26. Midfielder Pedri Gonzalez said Barca’s performance in Seville was the team’s worst under Flick, and since then Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have suffered injuries to deepen their plight. However Yamal and Fermin Lopez returned to training this week and are expected to be fit to face Girona, while Raphinha is also nearing a return. Teenage star Yamal missed the thrashing by Sevilla and then Spain’s World Cup qualifiers with the recurrence…

New Year’s Eve provides a chance to reflect on the past year and embrace new beginnings. As the clock ticks down to midnight, the world comes alive with anticipation and celebration. What better way to mark this momentous occasion than by travelling to a new destination? Whether you seek the thrill of vibrant city celebrations or the tranquillity of serene landscapes, travelling offers a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories and connect with diverse cultures. Embrace the adventure, connect with new people and start 2026 with excitement and joy. Here are some of the best destinations to celebrate the New Year. A dazzling countdown – Dubai, UAE: Dubai is famous for its extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations. The highlight is the spectacular fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest…

Global superstar Tyla is set to satisfy the Tygers after weeks of teasing her new single Chanel. The global superstar took to Instagram to announce that she will be dropping the highly anticipated track on October 24. She wrote: “CHANEL OCT 24. NEXT FRIDAY PRE SAVE LINK IN BIO for the girls fighting me onlineeeee!!!! We did our big one.” She also posted some of the catchy lyrics from the track: “If you say you love them, put them in Chanel”. Within just a few hours of posting, the announcement attracted more than 170k likes. But before Chanel makes its debut, fans were treated to another surprise. Tyla recently featured on Body Go, a collaboration with Ghanaian singer and songwriter Moliy, popularly known for her single Shake It to the…

The University of the Witwatersrand has confirmed its Oracle E-Business system has been hit by a cyber attack. In a short statement, Wits said the attack has compromised its system in multiple countries. “This is a ‘zero-day’ event – a cyberattack which exploits a software vulnerability that is unknown to the software vendor and has no patch. It means that the software developer has zero days to solve the problem before the attack occurs. “The university uses this system for certain functions and operations continue as normal,” Wits said in a short statement yesterday. The university said its chief information officer is working with ICT, Oracle and cybersecurity experts to determine which data has been compromised. “ICT has already implemented all the latest critical patch updates released by Oracle,” it…

Lumka Oliphant has been dismissed as Social Development Head of Communication after she was accused of leaking details about Minister Sisisi Tolashe’s R3 million New York trip. In a letter dated October 17 addressed to Oliphant, Director-General Peter Netshipale said he was left with no choice but to dismiss her after she failed to make representations in relation to the charges. “To give effect to your right to procedural fairness, I invited you to make representations in relation to the charges. You have elected to leave the charges unchallenged and undisputed. You were further informed that you were found guilty of misconduct and requested to respond in mitigation of your sentence. You also elected to disregard such an opportunity to mitigate. “Your election has left me with no choice…

THERE’S no need to give up your favourite food just to eat healthy, says respected dietitian Mbali Mapholi. On a mission to improve heart health in the country, she says that by tweaking certain ingredients, you can ensure your dish is wholesome. The steps to do that are contained in her newly released book, Inkonjane: A Nutrition Guide to Heart Health. Mapholi says that high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stroke are among the top co-morbidities in South Africa, and research shows that at some point, the majority of South Africans will end up with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Apart from the cases she encountered in her practice, the issue is personal. “My dad had high blood pressure almost all my life, and then in…

They were pregnant, imprisoned, or desperately poor – forgotten in death as in life. Yet their dissected bodies became the foundation of anatomical teaching. Hidden within anatomy textbooks are figures stripped not only of skin but of identity. Eduard Pernkopf’s Nazi-era Atlas of Topographical and Applied Human Anatomy contains exquisitely detailed drawings created from the bodies of executed political prisoners. William Hunter’s The Gravid Uterus (1774) clinically depicts dissected pregnant women, their origins and consent unknown. Today, anatomy follows strict ethical codes: in the UK, the 2004 Human Tissue Act (2006 in Scotland) requires informed consent for both dissection and image production. Memorial services honour donors, and students are taught to treat cadavers with dignity – their “first patients.” Yet most historical illustrations predate such safeguards. The people…

The World Robot Olympiad (WRO), one of the world’s largest robotics competitions, has made major inroads across Africa, expanding from just five participating countries in 2020 to 14 this year. More than 40 000 young people are taking part in the 2025 season, supported by over 2 000 trained teachers and global partners including Google and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The initiative is equipping a new generation of Africans with future-ready skills in coding, engineering and artificial intelligence (AI). Each year, WRO challenges students to design and build robots that solve real-world problems. This year’s theme, “The Future of Robots,” has inspired bootcamps and workshops across the continent, reaching hundreds of learners, including those from underserved and special needs communities. South Africa’s involvement in the programme…

Another chapter in the Fundación LaLiga, Mzansi Equality League’s youth development continues on Saturday, following the weekend’s opening round of the six-week tournament at the Fives Futbol courts at Century City. The tournament aims to provide young girls an opportunity to develop leadership skills and a chance to showcase their talent on the pitch. Joey Ruiters, playing for the Schaapkraal-based Oasis Foundation, a spirited Grade 11 learner from Zeekoevlei High School, in Lotus River, was among the excited participants in this year’s opening round of matches, where she played a leading role in her beloved Oasis Foundation side’s success. Her passion for football has seen her develop into one of the senior players since she joined the Oasis six years ago. She is also one of the beneficiaries of…

CITIZEN scientists around the world are in for a treat this month, with two major global events taking place; the Great Global Nurdle Hunt and the Great Southern Bioblitz. Both invite individuals and communities to get hands-on with nature and contribute to important environmental research, right from their local beaches, rivers, or backyards. The Great Global Nurdle Hunt Running from October 1 to 31, the Great Global Nurdle Hunt (GGNH) is calling on people of all ages to search for and collect nurdles, tiny, lentil-sized plastic pellets that are a major source of pollution in oceans, rivers, and lakes. Organised by Scottish charity Fidra, the event aims to highlight the serious risks nurdles pose to wildlife and ecosystems, especially in biodiversity hotspots across the globe. Participants are encouraged to carry…

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has made history with the launch of Africa’s first Advanced Rescue Simulation Centre, a state-of-the-art facility set to transform emergency and disaster response training across the continent. The four-storey, 3 000m² centre, located at UJ’s Doornfontein Campus, was officially unveiled yesterday. Designed and commissioned by the Department of Emergency Medical Care (EMC) in UJ’s Faculty of Health Sciences, the facility represents an innovative leap in emergency response education and research, firmly positioning the University at the forefront of rescue training, simulation and innovation. Speaking ahead of the launch, UJ vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, said the centre plays a strategic role in strengthening national preparedness and advancing professional rescue capabilities. “With this state-of-the-art Rescue Simulation Centre, we are redefining how emergency response training…

While the Jaguar part of JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) seems to be quiet – both literally with its stated intention of EV only, and figuratively because we haven’t really heard anything significant from them for a while, except in Formula E – the Land Rover part of the business is regularly launching special editions. Think Defender Octa Black, Defender Trophy Edition, Range Rover SV Polar Night, Range Rover Sport SV Carbon, Range Rover SV Black and several others, including the subject of this review, the Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two, of which only 23 have been allocated to South Africa. Engine As opposed to Jaguar, the good people at Defender, Range Rover, and Discovery provide a range of power plants that include mild hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, diesel and…

South Africa has seen a surge in demand for new vehicles, with September’s sales reaching a 10-year high of 54 700 units, but used car sales are also experiencing a healthy uptick. Data from vehicle listing giant AutoTrader for September 2025 shows used vehicle sales increased by 16.4% year-on-year to 33 907 units. Its sales chart for used cars shows that South Africans are prioritising value and reliability over status as affordable models continue to grow their sales. Interestingly, the average selling price for a used vehicle fell to R416 302 last month, down from R418 105 the previous month but up from R405 154 in September last year. The Ford Ranger was South Africa’s most popular used vehicle last month, with 1 904 sales, followed by the Toyota Hilux,…

Investors in local funds, especially those with high exposure to gold mining companies, should be smiling – the performance figures for the third quarter and for the 12 months until September 30 have been exceptional. According to Corion Capital’s Corion Report for September, which uses data from Morningstar, the resources sector of the JSE was up 50.8% for the quarter and up 99.1% for the 12-month period. This is largely owing to the extraordinary rise in gold and platinum prices. Gold rocketed from about $2,660 at the beginning of October 2024 to about $3 900 at the end of September this year, or about 47% in US dollar terms. Platinum, which had hovered around $950 for months, surged in May, reaching around $1 600 by the end of September, a…

Lando Norris has admitted that there will be “repercussions until the end of the season” after his costly clash with teammate Oscar Piastri in Singapore, a rare but telling moment of pressure that threatens to define McLaren’s championship battle. The Lap 1 contact between the two papaya cars was not only a breach of trust within the team, but a direct violation of the internal “papaya rules” that stress cooperation above all else when fighting for titles. Norris has since accepted responsibility, but the incident has placed him under an unwanted spotlight heading into Austin. The mistake could hardly have come at a more delicate stage of the season. Piastri still leads the championship by a slender margin, with Norris and Max Verstappen both close behind. The trio are locked…

British authorities faced growing pressure yesterday to overturn a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a European match at English club Aston Villa that Israel’s government branded “shameful”. Villa announced on Thursday that following advice from the police no away fans may attend the Uefa Europa League match with the Israeli club in Birmingham on November 6 due to “security concerns”. “Shameful decision! I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision,” the foreign minister of Israel Gideon Saar wrote in a post on X. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a keen football fan, also slammed the move, calling it “wrong” in a statement late Thursday. “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can…

With the summer sun warming the southern hemisphere, many South Africans eagerly anticipate escaping daily life to unwind on pristine beaches. Africa boasts some of the most breathtaking coastal destinations, perfect for relaxation, adventure and cultural immersion. A beach holiday in summer can significantly reduce stress levels, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. Spending time by the sea encourages physical activity, whether through swimming, beach games or leisurely walks along the shore. Exposure to sunlight helps boost vitamin D levels, which is essential for mood enhancement and overall health. Whether you’re looking for luxurious resorts, vibrant marine life or unique cultural experiences, here are the top African beach destinations that should be on your radar. A tropical paradise – Seychelles: Often regarded as the ultimate beach getaway, Seychelles is renowned…

Scroll through Instagram or TikTok and you’ll notice a pattern – flawless faces, sculpted features and captions that promise “natural” results. But behind the polished selfies and trending filters lies a growing shift: cosmetic surgery is no longer reserved for the rich, famous, or middle-aged. Increasingly, women under 30 are opting for procedures that once seemed unthinkable at their age – from baby Botox and lip fillers to mini facelifts and subtle nose jobs. Across the world, this beauty evolution is being shaped by social media, celebrity culture, and a new openness about surgical enhancement. The taboo is fading fast. The social media effect Social media has become a mirror and a magnifier of modern beauty ideals. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are filled with creators showing their “glow-up…

Historical dramas are the holy grail for Hollywood’s writers and creators. Legacy storytelling has found a new home and a wide audience on streaming platforms. Popular examples such as The Crown, Peaky Blinders, The Gilded Age, Boardwalk Empire, Downton Abbey, and even The Fall of the House of Usher highlight the enduring appeal of this genre. Recently, House of Guinness has lured fans of the genre. This eight-part series chronicles the renowned Guinness family, tracing their brewing legacy from 19th-century Ireland to New York. Opening on a sombre note with the passing of Benjamin Guinness, it unpacks how his footprints will be taken forward as his four children – Arthur Guinness (Anthony Boyle), the eldest son; Edward Guinness (Louis Partridge); Anne Plunket (née Guinness) (Emily Fairn); and Benjamin Lee Guinness…

Professor Salim Abdool Karim has urged South Africa to use the recently approved R1.9 billion (US$115 million) from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) Bridge Plan to strengthen the country’s independence in managing the HIV/Aids crisis. The Pepfar Bridge Plan (PBP) is set to provide vital support from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The South African Cabinet expressed its gratitude for the ongoing commitment from the US government. During a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced the approval, highlighting that the PBP aims to ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery, focusing on country-specific needs and essential services. This comes in light of a recent funding freeze by the US government, which resulted in job losses and disruptions to service provision…

Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht is laughing all the way to the bank, having reportedly received a staggering R87 million in total pay for the 2025 financial year. This comes after the retail giant reported over R250 billion in sales for the 2025 financial year, an increase of R20.6 billion from the previous year. This figure was revealed in the retail giant’s latest remuneration report, showing Engelbrecht’s earnings, including salary, bonuses, and long-term share awards. The report revealed that Engelbrecht received a base salary of R21 million following a 6% inflationary increase, short-term incentives of over R18 million, and long-term share awards valued at R30 million. The report also revealed that general staff, such as cashiers and general assistants, earn significantly less, with average hourly wages around R32.43 for general assistants,…

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said yesterday he briefed President Cyril Ramaphosa and was in agreement with his decision to disband the Political Killing Task Team (PKTT). Mchunu said the short briefing with Ramaphosa took place sometime in January or February this year. “I sought an appointment and it was granted at a particular time and I went to brief him,” he said. Mchunu was giving evidence on his second day of appearing at the parliamentary inquiry probing the allegations made by KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at a press briefing on July 6, when he accused him of political interference in police operations. The inquiry was established to probe the unlawful dissolution of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), the freezing of filling vacancies within Crime Intelligence and alleged corruption…

Long stigmatised for bringing bad luck or for links with the occult, black cats have found salvation in a Spanish town that has temporarily banned their adoption to ward off potentially sinister Halloween “rituals”. Any adoption or fostering request for the felines will be denied from October 1 to November 10 to prevent “possible risk... derived from superstitions, rituals or irresponsible uses”, the animal welfare service of Terrassa, a town north of Barcelona, announced on October 6. The decision was taken “due to the arrival of the Halloween period and following the prudence criteria applied by various animal protection entities”, added authorities in the town in the northeastern region of Catalonia. Local newspaper Diari de Terrassa quoted animal welfare councillor Noel Duque as saying last week that adoption requests for…

Next Engineers, a global college and career-readiness programme dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people in engineering, celebrated the graduation of 43 learners from its Engineering Academy in Johannesburg. The ceremony, held at The University of the Witwatersrand, marked the programme’s second graduating class and highlighted its role in bridging South Africa’s STEM skills gap by exposing learners to hands-on engineering experiences and career pathways. The graduates, representing 15 high schools across Johannesburg, were joined by their families to celebrate their achievements. Many plan to pursue engineering-related qualifications at universities and technical institutions. Launched in 2022, the programme is run in partnership with PROTEC, the University of Witwatersrand, and the Kutitiva Foundation. GE Vernova engineers and employees actively engage with participants through hands-on volunteering, donating over 680 hours in Johannesburg…

The City of Joburg’s Arts Alive has partnered with Ka Lebitso La Moya, an award-winning play written and directed by 2024 Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year for Theatre, Momo Matsunyane. The play is on until October 26 at the Ramolao Makhene Theatre, The Market Theatre Square, forming part of this year’s Arts Alive Assemblage of Artistic Offerings. Arts Alive is CoJ’s premium artistic and cultural showcase across the performing and visual arts, design, crafts and critical industry conversations. “MoMo Matsunyane has distinguished herself as a leading creative mind in our city’s cultural landscape. Her talent, passion and professional evolution has contributed immensely to the City’s cultural capital. In giving a platform to this production, we are also curing an anomaly of a SBYA Award winner for theatre…

The end of a vehicle’s life isn’t a pretty sight. Metal groans, glass shatters, and an excavator tears into what was once the beating heart of a BMW. In a few minutes, the car is reduced to a pile of parts, stripped of its valuable materials. But this violent-sounding process marks the beginning of the rebirth of resources. At BMW’s Recycling and Dismantling Centre (RDC) in Unterschleissheim, near Munich, sustainability takes on a new form. Since 1994, the complex has been the centre of innovation, dedicated to rethinking what happens when a car reaches the end of its life. What began as a modest facility to dismantle pre-series and test vehicles has evolved into a global centre of excellence for circularity, the idea that nothing should go to waste. Full-circle…

IndonesiaN humanitarian Abie Zaidannas reminds us that “media plays important roles in a democratic society and cannot be separated from the democracy itself. Ideally, the media is a tool to educate voters, giving them facts, news and balanced opinions about how the government is run and managed. Well-informed voters ensure accountable governance. Media also acts as a watchdog, facilitating people to articulate their views, demands and aspirations, keeping politicians and public officials in check.” Zaidannas’s perspective captures the aspirational vision of the media as democracy’s conscience, educating citizens, restraining power and preserving public trust. Yet in South Africa, this ideal remains increasingly distant. The press often functions within webs of political, commercial or personal interests, eroding its impartiality and diminishing its capacity to act as a genuine pillar of accountability.…

Buying your first home can be overwhelming, with so many factors to weigh up before deciding. From price trends and location to insurance and hidden costs, experts say doing your homework upfront is the best way to avoid expensive mistakes and ensure your investment grows over time. The Absa Homeowner Sentiment Index for the second quarter shows the average age of first-time homebuyers is trending downward, with buyers now registering properties at 36 years. Bradd Bendall, BetterBond’s national head of sales, says new homeowners need to be aware of several key aspects before buying. One of these is the price point of the property market. The latest FNB Residential Property Barometer (August) shows freehold prices rising 3.7% and sectional title properties 3.8% – both comfortably above August’s 3.3% inflation rate.…

“The most valuable real estate in the world isn't a penthouse or a sprawling estate; it's the graveyard. There lie millions of half-written books, ideas never launched, and talents never developed. Most people die with everything still inside of them,“ quotes Derek Sivers. But what if there was another way to measure our worth, a way to truly "die empty" by getting every idea out of our heads and into reality? In a world where attention is fragmented, trust is scarce, and digital noise is deafening, the difference between the "haves" and the "have-nots" isn't just financial. It’s a social thing, and it's built on what we create and contribute. For too long, we’ve measured ourselves on one metric: Our bank balance. This has left many of us feeling perpetually…

A five-star performance from the South African women’s hockey team proved too hot for Nigeria to handle in their final group stage match at the 2025 African Hockey Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt, yesterday, as they joined the men in tomorrow’s final and took another step closer to qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The defending champions got off to the perfect start as Jean-Leigh du Toit opened the scoring inside the first minute with a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner. Despite controlling possession and territory, South Africa struggled to break down a compact and disciplined Nigerian defensive block, taking a slender 1-0 lead into the half-time break. The South Africans found another gear after the restart, showing greater fluency and precision in the attacking…

The 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, taking place tomorrow, marks another milestone in South Africa’s premier road race, which now stands just one step away from joining the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series in 2026. With a new dual-start format in Green Point and a world-class elite field, organisers are expecting one of the fastest and most competitive editions yet. “This is the best and strongest field the African continent has ever seen,” said race CEO Clark Gardner. “With eight Platinum Label and 10 Gold Label athletes, I think the race records may be broken again this year, as we saw in 2024.” Gardner emphasised the broader vision behind the event’s growth. “We understand our responsibility to develop running on this continent and give more African runners the opportunity…

Vincent Kompany yesterday lauded striker Harry Kane’s “hunger” as his Bayern Munich side prepared to host Borussia Dortmund in between the league’s two unbeaten teams. Bundesliga leaders Bayern have won 10 from 10 in all competitions, scoring 38 goals and conceding just eight. The centrepiece is Kane who is arguably in his career-best form. The 32-year-old, who scored a brace in Tuesday’s 5-0 thumping of Latvia on England duty, has 18 goals and three assists in those 10 matches for Bayern. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said yesterday Kane’s long trophy drought, that he finally broke with last year’s Bundesliga title, pushed the England captain to get even better. “Maybe it helped that he didn’t win a title for a long time, so he kept up that hunger,” Kompany told reporters.…

If you've ever been on a cruise, you know the ritual – sprawling buffets, themed nights, casual eateries, perhaps a seafood grill. But lately, cruise liners are turning to haute cuisine and celebrity chefs to woo guests who want more than just “good enough” food. From intimate restraint-style dinners to culinary residencies with Michelin-starred names, the ocean liner dinner experience is being reimagined. Michel Roux and Le Gavroche at Sea: One of the sharpest examples is Michelin-star chef Michel Roux’s residency aboard Cunard's Queen Anne, dubbed Le Gavroche at Sea. Roux, a two-Michelin-star veteran, brings his signature style to sea travellers. Think five-course tasting menus, live cooking demonstrations, wine pairing experiences and sea-themed seafood specials. Sir Samuels aboard Queen Anne holds about 50 diners per evening when Roux takes over,…

The World's 50 Best Hotels recently announced its first extended list, now including hotels ranked from 51 to 100. This means more hotels have been recognised for their excellence. The list now celebrates 24 different territories and 40 cities around the globe. Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said: “As we enter our third year, we are delighted to honour even more of the world’s most outstanding hotels with the extended 51-100 list. Among the highlights of the new list is Cape Town’s Mount Nelson, affectionately called “The Nellie” or “Pink Lady”, which secured the 73rd spot. The Nellie opened its doors in 1899 as a welcoming space for first-class passengers travelling on the transatlantic Union Castle Line. It has hosted important people like Winston…