Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-25 i Saturday Star

I find music biopics fascinating. Condensing a legacy into a feature film is no easy feat. However, Hollywood has delivered some gems over the years, like Walk the Line, Elvis, Ray, Bohemian Rhapsody, La Vie En Rose and 8 Mile, to name a few. Now, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere has been released on the big screen. Helmed by Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen, it is written and directed by Scott Cooper. The film, which is based on Warren Zanes’ 2023 book of the same name, chronicles Springsteen’s journey in the build-up to the release of his 1982 album, Nebraska. A key character in the story is Jon Landau, Springsteen’s manager and record producer, and Jeremy Strong slips into those shoes with ease. A seasoned actor with numerous accolades…

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has rubbished claims that Afrikaans schools are being singled out following its decision to cut subsidies for Quintile 5 schools by almost 65%. The department says the view is unfounded, noting that Afrikaans schools make up only a small fraction - 108 out of 657 - of all Quintile 5 schools in the province, and that the cuts apply across the board, not to any specific language group. Freedom Front Plus has described the department's decision as “an indirect, but obvious, attack on Afrikaans schools in Gauteng… not only placing them under financial strain, but also undermining the sustainability of quality education in Afrikaans” and criticised the lack of consultation. Advocate Anton Alberts, Freedom Front Plus MPL: Gauteng, said: “In a province where education…

The Limpopo provincial government has confirmed that it has concluded the process for the repatriation of 29 Zimbabwean nationals who were involved in the N1 Louis Trichardt bus crash, and were to be repatriated yesterday. The bodies were expected to be transported to Zimbabwe yesterday, following the completion of all identification procedures. The accident, which occurred on October 12, claimed 43 lives. The bus, carrying 91 passengers, was travelling from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape to Zimbabwe and Malawi when it crashed on the N1 near Louis Trichardt. In a statement, the Limpopo provincial government said, “There are still seven children whose identification process is yet to be concluded, as it requires specialised DNA testing.” The government added that it is working with Malawian authorities to finalise the list of…

As Johannesburg gears up to host the significant G20 Leaders’ Summit next month, residents and motorists are urged to prepare for a series of temporary road closures and traffic restrictions. With world leaders set to convene in Nasrec, extensive planning is underway to ensure a secure and smooth event. The operation, spearheaded by a coalition of traffic management agencies, is designed to facilitate the movement of dignitaries while minimising disruptions to everyday life for citizens. A dry run yesterday and today is putting traffic management plans to the test across Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. This exercise will simulate the traffic control protocols that will be adhered to during the summit, prioritising high-security routes associated with the national highways. From 9am to 1pm yesterday, various major access routes in Tshwane, Johannesburg…

And they’re off! To the thunder of hooves, a chorus of moos and the clanking of bells, nine cows hurtle away in one of the oddest events in the Swiss Alps: the Cow Grand Prix, contested exclusively by women jockeys. The prize on offer: a 40km bag of feed for the winner, a traditional Alpine cowbell, a bouquet of flowers and a whole lot of local pride. The race is held in Flumserberg, a village more than 1 300m up in the mountains above the picturesque Wahlensee lake, close to Switzerland’s eastern border with tiny Liechtenstein. The event began in 2006 and is the highlight of autumn festivities in Flumserberg, held alongside a cheese market in the final weeks before snow turns the ski station’s green pastures white. The cows’…

We’re in the throes of a global scramble to create the first real artificial intelligence consumer gadget. Tech giants are betting big that this will end up being computers that sit on our noses. But is that the future we want? Despite all the hype, the jury is still out on whether smart glasses will take hold, especially across Asia. We seem to be at a tipping point. Roughly half of respondents (48.2%) in an S&P Global survey across eight countries - including the US, China and India - who don’t already own a pair said they were interested in purchasing one within the next year. But it will still be an uphill battle for these devices to truly go mainstream. They are unlikely to replace the smartphone anytime…

The divorcing woman has been allowed to modify her claim for a portion of her husband's estate by the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela. Although she signed an antenuptial agreement promising to leave nothing behind after the divorce, the woman applied to claim a portion of the estate. Despite not being paid for her work, she maintained that her practical and emotional contributions - especially in raising their kids and maintaining the family lodge they shared - had greatly contributed to her husband's wealth accumulation. She described in great detail how she had long been involved in her husband's business success and property accumulation, both directly and indirectly. Throughout the proceedings, the woman emphasised her role in the family's lodge, where she worked in an administrative capacity without a salary,…

SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie says the Milnerton High School bullying incident highlights a “toxic culture” in some schools where privileged rugby players may feel “untouchable” and exempt from accountability for egregious behaviour. He made the remarks hours before six pupils, some believed to be part of the school’s rugby team, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court and were each released on R2 000 bail over the assault captured on video. The NPA said the six accused are facing eight charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. While there were allegedly eight boys involved, the two minors were not charged. One minor was assessed and released on warning. The other one was to be assessed yesterday but was also released into the care of…

The Randwest SPCA (Randfontein and Westonaria) team recently faced an experience that will forever remain etched in their memories. The SPCA said that one Friday afternoon, cadet Inspector Nolo Molobi received an urgent call from the police asking for help. A man had allegedly committed suicide and his dog, a crossbreed female, was guarding his body, preventing authorities from gaining access. Additionally, no relatives could be reached and there was uncertainty about other animals in the house. This led Molobi and animal assistant Micheal Makumbe to rush to the scene to help. “What they encountered, however, was beyond anything they had ever faced. The trauma of the environment left them shaken and emotionally distressed. Despite the horrifying conditions, they managed to safely rescue the dog,” the SPCA said. The…

In a country where mobility means progress, Toyota Financial Services South Africa has positioned itself as more than just a finance provider – it’s the bridge between aspiration and achievement. For countless South Africans, the moment their Toyota finance is approved marks a beginning filled with dignity, opportunity, and independence. Removing barriers Toyota Financial Services’ message is a simple but powerful one: finance is the enabler. By removing the barriers that separate people from their dream Toyota, Lexus or Hino, the company turns the idea of ownership into a reality. Whether it’s a first-time buyer taking delivery of their Toyota Starlet, a family upgrading to a Fortuner, or an entrepreneur expanding a business fleet, each approval represents a milestone. As the official vehicle finance partner for Toyota in South…

The Trump administration’s plan to overhaul the US refugee resettlement process, including a drastic reduction in overall annual admissions, coincides with a concerted effort to prepare thousands of white South Africans to relocate to the US through the system, according to documents reviewed by The Washington Post and people familiar with the effort. If the administration succeeds, almost all people admitted to the US as refugees – as many as 7 000 from a maximum potential pool of 7 500 – could be Afrikaners, a group not traditionally eligible for the programme but one that US President Donald Trump says has been tyrannised by South Africa’s black majority. The remainder may be chosen because of their ability to speak English or their views on “free speech”, people familiar with the…

Nick Champion de Crespigny admitted he was surprised to be named Australia captain for Saturday’s Test against Japan — in only his third international appearance. The 29-year-old will lead the Wallabies in Tokyo as they kick off a five-Test tour that also pits them against England, Italy, Ireland and France. Flanker Champion de Crespigny made his debut in the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in July. He said he was expecting his teammates to share the leadership load and vowed to repay coach Joe Schmidt’s faith in him. “It was a little bit of a surprise, but I was very honoured and privileged to be asked by Joe just before the team announcement,” Champion de Crespigny said yesterday. “The support from the group and the other players…

Oscar Piastri’s 2025 title charge is showing cracks — not because of a loss of form, but due to circumstance. As the Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, the Australian faces a subtle yet significant disadvantage that could alter the course of the championship fight. Piastri will miss multiple FP1 sessions over the coming rounds, including in Mexico and possibly later in the season, due to McLaren’s need to allocate seat time to a rookie driver for the FIA’s mandatory young-driver requirement. At first glance, missing a practice session may seem trivial, but in a title race separated by fine margins, it’s potentially decisive. FP1 is critical for gathering data, testing setups, and understanding tyre behaviour — especially on unpredictable circuits like Mexico City and Las Vegas. Without that…

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi says his side must ignore the weight of history as they prepare to face TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday at 3pm. Abafana Bes’thende will walk into the clash with a grim record against The Rockets, having failed to win any of their last nine encounters since 2021 — a run that includes five defeats and four draws. Yet, Mngqithi insists he is not guided by past results, choosing instead to focus on the immediate challenge in front of him. “Sometimes I don’t know whether it’s assertiveness or arrogance, but I always want to focus on how a particular team has played against me and not necessarily the team that I’m coaching at that point…

As we approach the end of 2025, the list of the world’s best countries to visit has been revealed by Forbes. These countries offer a diverse range of experiences for travellers, from adventure and culture to relaxation. Two African countries, Zimbabwe and Morocco, have made it onto the list of the world’s best countries to travel for the year. Here is a complete list of the top 10 countries, and why you should add them to your travel bucket list. Zimbabwe: It has been named the best place to visit in 2025, and for good reason. This landlocked country in southern Africa boasts dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, much of which can be found in its national parks and reserves. Visitors can experience the awe-inspiring thundering drop of 108m at…

South Africa is often regarded as an attractive destination for Americans and Europeans seeking a simpler lifestyle and affordability. However, a significant number of South Africans are choosing to leave their homeland in search of better opportunities. Between 2020 and 2024, approximately 108 000 South Africans emigrated, averaging 74 people per day. In 2024, the UN estimated that over a million South Africans would be residing abroad. A recent global survey of nearly 5 000 people across 26 countries, conducted by Remitly, has revealed the top motivations for emigration and the most desired countries for relocation. According to the survey, one of the primary reasons people consider moving abroad is to achieve a better quality of life. This includes access to improved healthcare and education, as well as the peace…

Iconic TV star Suzanne Somers has been brought back from the dead by her husband and artificial intelligence. The beloved Three’s Company star died of cancer in 2023 at the age of 76, but thanks to her vision and widower Alan Hamel, the sitcom blonde has been resurrected. Hamel, who is at the forefront of this ambitious project, draws from Somers’ extensive legacy, which includes 27 books and countless interviews, to create a model that captures her life, career, and the heart-warming love story she shared with Hamel. According to Daily Voice, this extraordinary endeavour was inspired by long discussions with futurist Ray Kurzweil. Now, after decades of anticipation, the project is finally taking shape. The AI, developed by Realbotix Corp, has the astounding capability of engaging in conversations about…

Laura Wolvaardt will lead the Proteas Women against Australia in Indore today as South Africa look to test themselves against the favourites to win the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. Since their first-ever meeting in One-Day Internationals almost three decades ago, the Australians have largely dictated terms against South Africa. Of the 18 ODIs played, Australia have won 16, with one ending in a tie — and South Africa claiming victory only once. That historic triumph was in Sydney a year ago. In the current tournament, Australia remain unbeaten and sit atop the standings, while South Africa have recovered from a 10-wicket defeat to England in their opener with five consecutive victories to occupy second place. The Proteas will also draw inspiration from their most recent meeting…

The Gauteng provincial government has defended the AmaPanyaza programme following the release of the Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s report into its legality, insisting the initiative was never intended to replace the South African Police Service (SAPS) but to strengthen community safety through lawful and coordinated means. In a statement, spokesperson for the provincial government, Elijah Mhlanga, described the establishment of the wardens, officially known as Crime Prevention or Traffic Wardens, as a “lawfully audacious initiative” aimed at supplementing existing law-enforcement capacity. He said the project had been mischaracterised by critics as an attempt to form a parallel police force, an interpretation dismissed as false and politically motivated. “The motive was never to replace the South African Police Service, but to pragmatically address a systemic problem that has, through no fault…

A key witness has implicated two senior police officials in a kickback scheme linked to a R1.2 billion South African Police Service (SAPS) health services contract. Testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Friday, Witness C alleged that criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told him Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major General Lesetja Senona were secretly paid multimillion-rand kickbacks. According to Witness C, Matlala claimed that after every payment he received from SAPS, “he would pay Sibiya”. “We didn’t know why he was giving us all this information, but he was detailed and confident about it,” said the witness. The controversial R360 million portion of the R1.2 billion tender was cancelled in May by National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola, who declared that the company “should never…

It was a scene that only Hollywood's horror film producers could conjure up: A skeleton sits in front of a bed, a woman watches and the stench of decaying flesh wafts through the street. Only this happened in a quiet street in the seaside suburb of Muizenberg on the False Bay coast. As the summer season took its last breath and tourists headed home, neighbours in Scarboro Road, made a gruesome discovery that had them talking for months. It wasn't your usual murder or crime, or even a murder or crime at all. Before that, they were wondering about the absence of one neighbour in particular, that of a 90-year old lady who they haven't seen for some time. Since they hadn't heard of a death or a funeral from…

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) South Africa joined the global celebration of International Day of the Girl this October with a series of community events across four provinces. International Day of the Girl, commemorated annually on October 11, focuses on promoting girls’ rights and addressing challenges they face. AHF South Africa joined other AHF programmes worldwide to help protect girls from HIV, celebrate their accomplishments, amplify their voices advocate for policies that safeguard girls’ health and futures. Despite progress, adolescent girls and young women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of global health inequities, particularly when it comes to HIV. Every week, 4 000 young women aged 15 to 24 become newly infected with HIV, more than 3,300 of them in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, 1.9 million adolescent girls and…

Human rights activist and United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, has called for corporate accountability on the Gaza situation. On Thursday, Albanese delivered a Pre-annual Lecture Dialogue at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, centred on Albanese's latest report, titled “The Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide”. This lecture, delivered in front of a crowd of more than 100 people, is a prelude to the 23rd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, which will be held on Saturday at the Sandton Convention Centre. In June 2025, the UN published Albanese's report, which accuses corporate entities as key enablers and profiteers of the occupation of Palestinian territories and the Gaza genocide. Her report lists 48 corporations, including Microsoft, Volvo, Alphabet Inc., and Amazon, which she says are helping…

Powerful gusts shook an observation post perched on a hill at a wind farm in South Africa as two monitors scanned the landscape through binoculars. The Overberg mountains stretched along the horizon, but the monitors – bundled in scarves – were focused on activity much closer: around a giant wind turbine, a small, dark silhouette had appeared. “Stop turbine 11, please. Cape vulture,” one said into a walkie-talkie. “Stopping turbine 11,” came the reply. Immediately, the blades of the 150-metre turbine began to slow, coming to a complete stop in less than a minute. BirdLife South Africa estimates that every year an average 4.25 birds are killed per wind turbine, most often when they fly into blades that can reach speeds of up to 280 kilometres (175 miles) per hour.…

When Norm Feigenbaum, 93, arrived at his Los Angeles home after a quick shopping trip, his yellow lab, Sunny, didn’t come to the door as she always did. The house felt unusually quiet. Feigenbaum called Sunny’s name and searched every room and corner of the yard for his 7-year-old rescue dog. “She was gone,” Feigenbaum said. His heart sank. Sunny came into Feigenbaum’s life four years earlier, after he adopted her from a local shelter. “I live in a big house all by myself and I just wanted to have a beating heart in this building,” said Feigenbaum, who lost his wife in 2016. “She is nothing but love and sweetness.” Sunny’s previous owner had died and she was withdrawn when Feigenbaum first brought her home. “This dog suffers from…

It was time to hand the keys of our long-term Ford Ranger Wildtrak Supercab back, but not before a final road trip to Hoedspruit in Limpopo. My partner and I had taken a few days off to explore that part of the world surrounded by the Kruger National Park and a myriad private game reserves and hunting lodges. We don’t have the budget for those fancy places, so we settled instead for a self-catering tented camp close to the Orpen gate. Bags, fridges and wood We loaded our bags behind the seats and the fridge, ammo boxes with our food, wood (because braai) and odds and ends we thought we may need into the loadbox using the handy fastening rings to prevent them from sliding around. It does have a…

A ladder truck, an angle-grinder, a maxi-scooter and seven minutes. That appears to be all it took for thieves to nab priceless jewellery from the Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum. The vulnerability of this cornerstone of French soft power adds to the country’s sense of malaise, and fingers are being pointed over apparent security flaws. But it speaks to something much broader, too – criminals’ boundless hunger for gold and other precious metals and gems, not fine art, as the value of these commodities soars. Museum raids are becoming ever more audacious as the gold price has doubled in a year – and jumped tenfold in two decades. A stampede of investors fleeing erstwhile safe assets such as government bonds is making real stuff you can keep in safes or…

Let’s talk straight: life in South Africa is financially brutal right now. Food prices are climbing, electricity is unpredictable, and jobs are scarce. For many, the pressure is relentless. So when gambling flashes its neon promises, quick wins, instant cash, a way out, it’s tempting. But here’s the truth: gambling is not a financial strategy. It’s a trap disguised as hope. According to the National Gambling Board, South Africans wagered over R1.14 trillion in the last financial year. That’s not just a few Lotto tickets or a night at the casino; that’s a nation in distress. And it’s not just about entertainment anymore. The 2024 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor found that 36% of gamblers say they do it to pay off debt or cover living expenses. Among low-income…

In the world of personal finance in South Africa, we are concerned about making ends meet. We need bread on the table, we need to save as much as we can, and one of our highest priorities is to ensure that our children will be better off than us. Saving is extremely difficult, but it helps to make use of the cheapest means of transport, and it is gratifying to see our children acquire an education that will assist them for the rest of their working life to ensure financial freedom. Financial liberty does not come in a matchbox, but it is to be found in dedicated, arduous work. Anarchy is seen as a situation in which there is no organization and control, especially in society, because there is no…

The Lions go into today’s United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster with consistency in selection and a smidgeon of momentum. Still, they will have to improve significantly if they are to beat the team from Northern Ireland. The Lions ended their winless start to the URC with a workmanlike victory over the last-placed Scarlets at Ellis Park last week, while over the last fortnight, Ulster have beaten the Bulls 28-7 and the Sharks 34-26. Last week’s hard-fought success, however, came with one casualty in the form of star poacher JC Pretorius, who sustained a knee injury that will see him out of action for some time. Reflecting on last weekend’s 29-18 win, Lions kicking coach Morne Steyn was pleased with the team’s composure but acknowledged areas for improvement. “Looking back,…

the entry fees for the 2026 edition of the Comrades Marathon – the 99th running of the race – remain unchanged, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) confirmed, as it announced that early entries for Green Number Club runners and CMA members will open at noon on Monday. Entries for all other aspirant Comrades Marathon runners will open one week later, at 10am on Monday, November 3. The overall entry period will close on November 28, or earlier if the entry cap of 22 000 is reached before that date, the CMA said. This will be the only entry window for the 2026 Up Run. This marks the second year that runners with Green Numbers – those who have completed the marathon 10 times, earned five gold medals or won the…

Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley has opened up about the club’s recent difficult run, emphasising that the team’s only way forward is to “stick together and keep fighting.” The Reds endured four consecutive defeats across all competitions before securing an emphatic 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. Reflecting on the preceding Premier League loss to Manchester United, Bradley admitted the run of results had been tough for everyone at the club. “We’re just trying to recover from it,” Bradley said. “It was a tough setback for Arne Slot and the whole team, but with the group we have, we’re determined to bounce back.” The young defender acknowledged the gravity of those four losses, stressing that the focus must now shift entirely to the upcoming…

South Africa’s continental hopes rest on familiar shoulders this weekend as Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC, and Orlando Pirates look to secure progress in CAF competitions. From Glody Lilepo’s leadership in attack to Oswin Appollis’ explosive form for Pirates, these five stars could define the nation’s weekend on the African stage. 1. Glody Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs) Kaizer Chiefs’ return leg against AS Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup could hinge on the sharp instincts of Glody Lilepo. The Congolese forward has become a talismanic figure for Amakhosi since recovering from injury, combining pace, power, and a relentless pressing game that unsettles defences. After a goalless first leg in Lubumbashi, Chiefs will need inspiration to break down Simba at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday. Lilepo’s movement and ability to create chances out of…

South African photographer wins top award A decade of patience, persistence and passion has paid off for Pretoria-based wildlife photographer Wim van den Heever, who has claimed the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year award for his haunting image captured in Namibia’s ghost town of Kolmanskop. The competition, hosted annually by the Natural History Museum in London, is considered the Oscars of wildlife photography, drawing close to 60 000 entries from over 90 countries each year. Van den Heever’s photograph, titled Ghost Town Visitor, not only topped the Urban Wildlife category but also earned the overall Grand Title. The award-winning image depicts a rare brown hyena moving through the eerie, sand-filled ruins of Kolmanskop, a once-thriving diamond mining town now reclaimed by the desert. Van den Heever spent 10…

True crime has never been my guilty pleasure, but somehow The Perfect Neighbor grabbed my attention. There’s something about documentaries that shifts your perspective, that lets you peek into realities far removed from your own. Set in Florida, the documentary tells the story of a long-simmering dispute between neighbours that spirals out of control over children playing in the street. What makes it so haunting is the perspective: it is captured through the slightly fisheye, smudgy lens of American law enforcement body-cams. There are no interviews, no voiceovers, barely any context. The camera simply shows you what happened, letting the tension and danger unfold in real time. At first, the footage feels slow, almost mundane. You might find yourself thinking, “Get to the point.” But those small moments, glimpses of…

EVERY week, a South African police officer dies by suicide, and almost no one is talking about it. Experts warn that the mental health crisis among first responders, including police, paramedics, emergency room nurses and doctors, and firefighters, has reached breaking point. These are the people who rush to save others, but too often, they can’t save themselves. “This is a national emergency hidden in plain sight,” said Dr Alicia Porter, board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP). She said workers on the frontline of responding to crime, domestic violence, large-scale road accidents, medical emergencies and natural disasters are disproportionately susceptible to burnout, depression and suicide. “The problem is that they may have pre-existing mental health conditions, but the nature of the work is very unique because…

A five-year-old Grade R girl learner from Mamothalo Primary School in Ga-Molepo Village, Capricorn South Education District, Limpopo, has died after being hit by a scholar transport bus yesterday. The Limpopo Department of Education confirmed the news in a media statement. Limpopo Department of Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya said she is deeply saddened by the death of the learner. “The learner was fatally injured this morning after being hit by a scholar transport bus.” She said a preliminary report indicates that the bus drove over the learner, resulting in fatal injuries. Lerule-Ramakhanya said the department is currently awaiting a detailed report to establish the full circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident. She extended condolences to the affected family, school community and all those affected by the tragedy.…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has rubbished what it described as false and defamatory statements made by former police minister Bheki Cele during the ad hoc committee hearings, alleging that alleged diamond dealer Louis Liebenberg funded the party. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela rubbished Cele’s allegations as “entirely baseless and malicious.” “As a former Minister of Police, Mr Cele had both the authority and the responsibility to act on any such information if it were true.” Ndhlela added that Cele’s failure to take action while in office “exposes these claims as nothing more than reckless political posturing intended to mislead the public.” “The MK Party views Mr Cele’s conduct as a desperate attempt to score cheap political favour at the Ad Hoc Committee, and we strongly denounce his irresponsible…

As Pride Month 2025 draws to a close, culminating in the Johannesburg Pride March today, Kaye Ally, founder and director of the Pride of Africa Foundation, hopes Pride will send a clear message that queer Africans are visible, proud, and their identities are not up for debate. The “Purely, Queerly, African” theme was inspired by a desire to reclaim and reframe queerness on the African continent, said Ally. Too often, African queer identities are treated as imported or unnatural, when in truth, queerness has always existed here long before colonisation and the erasure that followed. She said that the theme is about taking ownership of their narrative, asserting that being queer and being African are not opposites; they’re intertwined, powerful, and valid. It’s also a call to celebrate the diversity…

Joburg Ballet will make its UK debut at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre in London on October 30, with a further three performances through to November 2. The company will present a programme titled Communion of Light, featuring works by South African choreographers Dane Hurst, Dada Masilo, Veronica Paeper and Spanish choreographer Jorge Pérez Martínez. In Resonance, Hurst’s first work for Joburg Ballet following his appointment as artistic director earlier this year, the choreographer explores themes of diverse cultural connections and transformation, manifesting a vibrant vision of the future rooted in the lessons of the past. Drawing inspiration from the energy and spirit of underground jazz clubs in historic South African melting-pot communities, the work celebrates the enduring power of music and dance to unite, heal and inspire.…

Women across professions continue to face invisible battles, from discrimination to harassment, that too often go unspoken. This week, Fairbridges, one of Africa’s oldest law firms, created a space to confront those realities head-on. Bringing together advocates, corporate leaders, and HR experts, the event tackled issues of gender-based violence (GBV), power imbalances, and leadership through honest conversation and shared experience. Jodi Poswelletski, who is the director, emphasised the deeper meaning behind the initiative. “This conversation is not just about the law; it’s about progress, accountability, and the everyday experiences that shape women’s working lives,” she said. “As Africa’s first law firm, we bear a responsibility to lead discussions that challenge traditional hierarchies, celebrate women’s achievements, and promote workplaces grounded in dignity and respect.” The event, co-led by Poswelletski and Paula…

EVERY day, more than 100 feral cats are fed along Durban’s beachfront, and surrounding areas, thanks to three Durban women determined to make a difference. Sherryl Bradfield, Pauline Tribe, and Rose Magic have made it their mission to care for these cats, 365 days a year and all from their own pockets. At least R20 000 is needed every month to cover their daily food bills, as well as medical expenses for the cats. Bradfield said that everyone should give back to society, and this is their way of doing so. “The reason we started this project was because of the number of cats dumped on the streets, which increases daily,” she said. In 2017, the three women registered a non-profit organisation dedicated to serving feral cats, known as St…

I first saw GWM’s Tank 300 at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2023 and knew that with its rugged looks and Chinese Brands’ competitive pricing, it would definitely find favour in South Africa. Great Wall Motors has been here for almost three decades, having made its mark with Haval and P-Series bakkies, so they understand the South African psyche well. The first Tanks arrived with 2.0-litre petrol and hybrid models, which were thirsty and struggled to tow anything significant. Range The South African leisure market thrives on diesel because of its improved consumption and better torque. GWM listened, and so now we have the Tank 300 2.4 T in either Luxury, Super Luxury or Ultra Luxury trim. We had the Ultra Luxury on test, which gets a front differential lock,…

The Changan brand is officially launching in South Africa later this week, with three strategically positioned models forming the initial line-up, and many more to follow. Changan is China’s fourth-largest auto manufacturer, with around 2.7 million units sold last year in over 70 countries. In South Africa, the brand will be distributed by Jameel Motors, with 25 dealers expected to be up-and-running at launch. The importer will use established partners to handle its vehicle and parts logistics, and a fully stocked parts warehouse has been set up in Gauteng, with nationwide deliveries taking place daily. The initial line-up consists of the Alsvin compact sedan, CS75 Pro SUV and Hunter one-tonne bakkie, while the Deepal S07 electric crossover and Hunter range-extended bakkie are set to join the line-up in the near…

A lack of money doesn't just adversely affect your ability to spoil yourself, such as a dinner out, or pay bills, it also eats into your mental well-being and can be the cause of depression so great that people sometimes kill themselves. 1Life recently ran a poll that revealed just how serious this issue has become. Nearly 7 in 10 of the South Africans who took part said that financial pressure significantly affects their mental health. Another 10.5% admitted that their money worries are impacting their loved ones too. Hayley Parry, money coach and facilitator at 1Life's Truth About Money, tells Personal Finance during Mental Health Awareness Month that the “psychological link between our financial wellbeing and mental health is deep, far deeper than most of us care to admit”.…

Miguel Cardoso is approaching a year in charge at Mamelodi Sundowns with a clear understanding of the high standards he inherited and the expectations that come with the job. Since taking over, the Portuguese coach has guided Sundowns to 33 wins in 53 matches, combining domestic dominance with continental ambition. The Brazilians currently sit atop the Betway Premiership, demonstrating their continued strength in South African football. Sundowns, who finished runners-up in last season’s CAF Champions League, coasted to a 5-1 win over NPFL champions in Nigeria last week and are now major favourites to advance to their 11th consecutive campaign in the group stages. Their upcoming second-leg preliminary round clash at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow will confirm whether they secure progression, as they look to continue their continental journey this season.…

Sharks coach John Plumtree says the change room at Kings Park was “not a nice place to be” after his star-studded team was outplayed by Ulster last week. “Everyone was hurting and feeling bad,” Plumtree said on Thursday after announcing a team to play the Scarlets today that contains nearly all of the players who misfired last week. “The change room was not a nice place to be. We know how important it is in this competition to win home games, and we want to play our best rugby in front of our fans. When that doesn’t happen, it is terribly frustrating for everyone,” the coach said. “On the Sunday, it feels the same, but you go to work and plan for the week. Monday arrived and that was a…

Max Verstappen heads into the Mexican Grand Prix with one clear mission — to win. After his flawless performance in America last week, where he dominated both the sprint and main race to secure a perfect weekend, the reigning champion must now deliver again if he hopes to keep his championship fight alive. With only a handful of races left, every point matters, and Verstappen knows that another win in Mexico could be the turning point he needs. At Circuit of the Americas, Verstappen reminded the world why he’s a three-time world champion. He was in a league of his own — fast, composed, and ruthless when it mattered most. But in 2025, the challenge is unlike any he’s faced before. McLaren’s dynamic duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, sit…

The golden sands of Camps Bay have turned into a global sporting stage this week, with the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite16 bringing world-class beach volleyball action to the heart of Cape Town’s coastline. With the backdrop of Table Mountain framing the sandy courts, some of the best beach volleyball players in the world are gearing up for the knockout stages of the prestigious tournament, which get underway today. For local players, fans, and organisers alike, this event is about more than just points and podiums — it’s about showcasing Cape Town’s unique energy and inspiring the next generation of South African athletes. The Elite16 series, known as the pinnacle of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour, features elite men’s and women’s teams from across the globe. Their skill,…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has once again preached the gospel of youngsters — this time, particularly Mbekezeli Mbokazi — being advised by the right people when it’s time to move abroad. Broos has been an advocate for giving youngsters game time since taking over the reins at Bafana more than four years ago. And thanks to his mantra, he has enjoyed sustained success with the national team. Bafana have qualified for back-to-back AFCONs — including the upcoming tournament in Morocco later this year — as well as the 2026 Fifa World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. But with the core of his team made up of locally based players, Broos believes they’d grow in leaps and bounds if they moved abroad, where…

When it comes to breathtaking coastlines, South Africa is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. With more than 2 798km of coastline, there’s a beach for every type of traveller. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, stunning scenic views or vibrant social scenes, South Africa’s beaches offer a diverse range of experiences. Let’s dive into some of the most captivating beach destinations that promise unforgettable memories. Scenic views and vibrant vibes – Camps Bay: Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head mountains, Camps Bay is a must-visit for those who appreciate stunning scenery. The beach boasts golden sands and dramatic sunsets that are nothing short of magical. As you stroll along the palm-lined promenade, you’ll find an array of upscale restaurants, bars and boutique shops,…