Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-29 i Saturday Star

A relative of uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leader Jacob Zuma has expressed her disappointment with her niece, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, for putting her two sons and a grandson in mortal danger by sending them to Ukraine under false promises. The woman, who asked not to be named and was married to Zuma’s late brother, said her children were among 17 of those sent to Russia for security training. The woman expressed her pain of living with fear that her children might be killed, as, instead of being trained for MKP purposes, they ended up being used as mercenaries, fighting on the side of Russia against the Ukrainian army. She said that Zuma-Sambudla was the one who allegedly recruited them to go to Russia for security training, which they were told…

As the festive season approaches, financial experts are warning that many South African households will struggle to cope with the economic fallout that follows Christmas and New Year celebrations. It is explained that December spending typically surges as families stretch their budgets on gifts, travel, food, and entertainment, often forgetting that the month’s salary has to last well into January. The pressure is amplified as most South Africans head into the biggest spending period of the year already financially stretched, and experts say the strain is showing up in their mental health. René Moonsamy, Chairperson of the National Debt Counselling Association (NDCA), tells the Saturday Star that the outcome is predictable and increasingly severe. “By January, substantial expenses for going back to work and going back to school kick in,…

In a truly heart-wrenching story of resilience and desperate hope, a family is battling to save their two young children diagnosed with one of the planet’s rarest immune disorders. Siblings Sadie Krause, aged 21 months, and her six-year-old brother, Jesse, from Benoni, are facing a critical prognosis after being identified with DOCK8 Immunodeficiency Syndrome. With fewer than 300 confirmed cases globally, the siblings’ plight underscores a pressing and immediate need for public support. Their only chance at a cure lies in a staggering R20 million – R30m (per child) treatment available exclusively overseas. Sadie and Jesse’s cases are believed to be among the first formally identified instances of DOCK8 syndrome in South Africa, highlighting the profound lack of local knowledge and resources. Their aunt, Dominique Nelson-Esch, articulated the family’s struggle…

Fresh from its successful tours across Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the international sensation Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic rocks into Johannesburg from January 30 to February 8. It’s been a big year for Queen fans, marking 50 years since the release of the British band’s iconic song Bohemian Rhapsody. At the time, it was one of the most controversial songs, running a full six minutes, and breaking the standard pop single length. Despite being advised to shorten the song, Queen insisted on releasing it at full-length, and it went on to become a massive hit. Warren Vernon-Driscoll, lead singer and performer of Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic considers himself “incredibly honoured” to have the opportunity to perform such a lauded song night after night, and has put countless hours…

Designer Michael Schmidt, renowned for crafting metallic gowns for superstars like Cher and Doja Cat, has unveiled his latest, most unexpected collection: an entire line woven exclusively from the wool of gay sheep. The project, a collaboration between the global dating app Grindr and a German sheep rescue farm, is an extraordinary fusion of high fashion and animal rights advocacy. The story begins with the provenance of the fibre. While the fashion world usually obsesses over rarity – say, cashmere from exotic antelopes – the source material for this collection comes with a potent social message. As many as one in 12 male sheep are non-procreative and display a definite interest in other rams. These non-procreative, male-oriented rams require the same care as their breeding peers, but because they produce…

“Volkswagen South Africa is really showing us the middle finger with this one,” exclaimed a recent post about the Volkswagen Saveiro on a popular social media group. This is one of many similar posts over the years, showing that South Africans really can’t get over the fact that VWSA has never introduced this Brazilian half-tonne bakkie to South Africa. There was once a time when South Africans were spoiled for choice when it came to compact, half-ton bakkies. From the Ford Bantam to the Fiat Strada, the Opel Corsa Utility that eventually morphed into the Chevrolet Utility and Nissan’s long-serving NP200 that effectively killed off the segment when it was discontinued as the last half-tonner standing in 2024. Volkswagen SA also sold the Caddy, based on the MK1 Golf, until…

THE Halifax International Security Forum is an annual gathering of political and military leaders and security experts from democratic countries, with a mission “to strengthen strategic co-operation among the world’s democracies”. That was not hard to do in 2009, when the conference was founded. It has become nearly impossible now that the world’s most powerful democracy has turned into a rogue nation led by a president who is more sympathetic to dictators than democrats. US-Canadian relations have been more strained than at any time since the 19th century after US President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on America’s northern neighbour. US-European relations reached a new crisis point when the Trump administration presented Ukraine with an ultimatum to accept a heavily pro-Russian “peace plan” or risk losing all US support. Various…

Without adequate financial inclusion, South Africans who hope to start businesses and improve their lives – and their communities – will remain constrained. Ofentse Tabane, founder and MD of Randcorp Investments, says that the financial inclusiveness of Africa is not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic necessity. Through formal inclusion, “we’re not just increasing access to financial services, we’re unlocking the potential of our people,” he says. Tabane was the keynote speaker at an event hosted by Personal Finance, which examined how to break barriers and build a financially inclusive South Africa under the theme Breaking Barriers – Building a Financially Inclusive South Africa. “The numbers are here; the studies are here. The World Bank shows that increasing financial inclusion can boost South Africa’s GDP by up to 6%.…

The High Court has recently handed down a decisive judgment in Inhlakanipho Consultants (Pty) Ltd v Commissioner for SARS, offering crucial assurance to taxpayers who have relied on, and continue to rely on, negotiated outcomes with Sars. The Court confirmed that once a settlement agreement is lawfully concluded under the Tax Administration Act, No. 28 of 2011 (“the TAA”), SARS is bound to its terms. Further, Sars cannot, at a later stage, alter its position on the basis of administrative difficulty or internal processes. Dispute background Following a series of VAT assessments and partial objection outcomes, the parties resolved the remaining issues through alternative dispute resolution. A written settlement agreement was signed in 2018, which recorded a final liability of just over R5.9 million. The taxpayer complied fully and tendered…

A RUNNING rivalry that is actually pretty overhyped given that there’s always been one winner could well become a true rivalry this weekend. Gerda Steyn and Irvette Van Zyl have been built up to being fierce adversaries thanks to their brutal contest at the 2022 TotalSports Two Oceans Marathon when the latter gave the former a scare by running her close in the popular 56km race. That both runners dipped under the 3:30:36 that was previously thought of as an ‘unbreakable’ record set by the inimitable Frith Van der Merwe back in 1989 excited all and sundry. But with Steyn beating Van Zyl at this year’s race and also continuing her dominance of the Comrades Marathon in which her Hollywood Athletics Club teammate made an impressive debut with a fourth-place…

for those in South Africa looking to explore the open seas, this summer promises to be particularly thrilling. Kicking off in November and lasting until June, which aligns with the local summer season, cruise travel offers an unparalleled opportunity for relaxation and adventure. Here are some essential tips for setting sail: Know what’s included in your booking: Not all cruises offer an all-inclusive package. Review your cruise documents thoroughly to pinpoint what is covered, particularly in terms of drinks, gratuities and speciality dining. Arrive early: Plan to arrive at your departure city at least a day before your cruise. This accounts for any potential travel delays and allows you ample time to settle. On departure day, ensure you arrive at the cruise terminal well ahead of the scheduled boarding time,…

As the summer sun makes its presence felt, it beckons South Africans outdoors. Whether you prefer the thrill of paddling on tranquil waters, the serenity of hiking through lush trails, or the adventure of camping under the stars, there are countless ways to enjoy the season while keeping cool. Here’s a guide to some of the best activities and destinations to help you make the most of your summer. Hiking in the heart of Durban – Virginia Bush: Nestled within Durban North, Virginia Bush offers an accessible oasis from the bustling city. With its well-maintained trails and diverse birdlife, this location is ideal for hiking enthusiasts of all fitness levels. Picture yourself walking along a tranquil 1.5km loop trail, surrounded by serene forest scenery and a peaceful dam. Whether you’re…

It is one thing to survive trauma. It is another to retell your story years later with humour and grace, transforming pain into strength. That is Jo-Anne Reyneke’s gift and her core power. In a candid interview with South African podcaster Penuel “The Black Pen” Mlotshwa on The Konvo Show, Reyneke stepped into the spotlight not to shock or seek a trending status but to share an unfiltered truth that transcends her fame. Before she became one of Mzansi’s most beloved actresses, Reyneke lived through an experience no young woman should ever confront. “I was quite protected by my mom, empilweni yam,” she reflected softly but firmly. “Akukho okubi okuningi okwenzeke… (there's nothing bad that happened in my life) other than my kidnapping. Which is not my mom’s fault; that…

Netflix’s Selling the OC continues to sit in that strange reality TV limbo where everyone is beautiful, slightly unbearable and deeply convinced they’re the moment. Another glossy spin-off in the Selling Sunset universe, serving up designer tantrums and suspiciously sculpted bikini bodies. Yawn. That said, I have to give credit where it’s due – the properties still deliver. The homes scattered around Orange County remain the real stars of the show, all sun-drenched glass, infinity pools and “rich people with zero clutter” energy. Watching these agents walk through airy mansions with ocean views is like sipping a fancy iced drink on a hot day. Refreshing, slightly indulgent, and easily the best part of the series. Unfortunately, we’re still stuck with a cast full of what can only be described as…

Crime fell across much of South Africa in the latest quarterly statistics, but Cape Town and eThekwini again recorded the country’s highest levels of contact crime - even as Gauteng remained the single biggest contributor to the national total, accounting for 26.4% of all cases. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said Gauteng also saw reductions in carjackings, residential robberies and other trio crimes, reflecting national trends. Four of the top five stations nationally were in Cape Town, while Limpopo recorded the lowest murder rate per 100 000 people. The report also revealed that most murders occurred in public places, highlighting the ongoing threat to communities. Cachalia, who released the crime statistics yesterday, was joined by Deputy Minister Polly Boshiel, Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lt-Gen Tebello Misikili and other senior…

DUDUZILE Zuma-Sambudla has resigned as MKP Member of Parliament amid allegations of her role in recruiting and trafficking young South African men into the Russian war zone. This was revealed at an MKP media briefing in Durban yesterday morning. In addition, she is currently facing trial in the Durban High Court over the July 2021 unrest. Her charges include terrorism and inciting violence. Meanwhile the DA laid charges against Zuma-Sambudla for human trafficking, saying 19 men remain in Russia, including the 17 South Africans, now in dangerous spots. The party wants her probed for endangering lives and breaking laws. South Africa’s ambassador to Russia has confirmed that “prominent South Africans” misled the men.…

The SA Police Service (SAPS) divisional commissioner of detective and forensic services, Lieutenant-General Hilda Khosi Senthumule, has revealed her shock at a WhatsApp exchange she had with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The judicial commission of inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, heard that Mkhwanazi was angered by her bosses after they informed her that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was disbanded in December 2024. Senthumule said Mkhwanazi was confused by the transfer of over a hundred dockets that were dealt with by the PKTT after informing her that the task team was disbanded. She said she called National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and informed him that she phoned Mkhwanazi to hand…

Concerns are mounting over rising alcohol and drug use among young South Africans, with experts warning that alcohol continues to be glamorised, leading to risky behaviour among teens. The latest report from the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU), under the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), shows a substantial increase in substance use cases in Gauteng, especially among adolescents. According to Nancy Hornsby, senior scientist at the SAMRC’s Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, Gauteng accounted for more than half (51%) of all admissions to substance use treatment centres nationwide. Hornsby told the Saturday Star, for the first time, voluntary admissions are surging, with young people increasingly seeking help. Teenagers aged 15 to 19 now make up 26% of all treatment admissions…

Birthday parties, Halloween festivities, playdates, and rugby games are often the cherished hallmarks of childhood, brimming with laughter and adventure. Yet for many South African children living with diabetes, these joyful moments are accompanied by the weight of responsibility, requiring meticulous monitoring and management that their peers may never understand. “Childhood should be about carefree fun and discovery, not constant health monitoring,” says Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health, a digital health platform dedicated to empowering South Africans through early screening and accessible healthcare solutions. “Yet for thousands of children grappling with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, daily routines are dictated by blood sugar checks, meal planning, and the emotional burden of feeling ‘different’.” Diabetes, often perceived as a chronic condition affecting adults, is increasingly making its mark on…

With World AIDS Day approaching, the South African Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Sasog) have underscored the critical role that obstetricians and gynaecologists continue to play in the country’s HIV/AIDS response. The organisation says South Africa has made major strides in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. It is explained that through improved antenatal care and access to antiretroviral therapy, thousands of women living with HIV are giving birth to HIV-negative babies every year. However, the organisation cautioned that sustained access to treatment remains essential and said no woman should face barriers to care that protects her health and her child’s future. The need for early antenatal visits, routine HIV testing and consistent treatment across the country has also been highlighted. Sasog further emphasised the importance of addressing women’s broader…

Joburg Ballet School will present Seasons of Dance, a festive year-end showcase of young talent, in collaboration with Maison De La Dance, at the Soweto Theatre on December 7. The production will feature performances by dancers from the Joburg Ballet School, led by Keke Chele, Tshego Masoabi and Carmen Patterson, alongside students from Maison De La Dance under the direction of Thabiso Manare. Directed by Chele, the programme highlights the growth, dedication and creative development of the students, who will share the stage with their professional counterparts. The showcase will also include guest performances by Joburg Ballet and the Soweto Youth Orchestra, promising an afternoon that reflects the energy and diversity of Johannesburg’s cultural landscape. Seasons of Dance celebrates the passion and hard work of the students and marks an…

HughFest, the annual music event honouring the late jazz icon Hugh Masekela, returns to Nirox Sculpture Park tomorrow, continuing the celebration of his rich musical legacy. Now in its fourth year at the renowned art and nature venue, and its 12th year as a major fixture on the local cultural calendar, this year’s festival boasts a vibrant, diverse line-up. Artists set to perform include Shekhinah, The Soul Brothers, Mi Casa, Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba, The Brother Moves On, and iComplete. Masekela’s daughter and festival co-organiser, Pula Twala, says the event remains deeply rooted in the values and artistic identity her father stood for. “Bending our hearts, minds, and spirits to an outline of Hugh’s fertile creativity and inspiration. The intergenerational conversations onstage and off, connecting with family and friends,…

This year marks 15 years since the Imbumba Foundation was established, helping thousands of young girls from destitution go through their monthly cycles with access to sanitary towels. The milestone was marked by a recent event where the foundation hosted the Trek4Mandela 2026 Expedition Launch, which coincided with its annual Stakeholder Appreciation, where they honour various partners for their unwavering support over the years. The event was hosted at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, one of the organisations that supported the founder Richard Mabaso’s vision to fight against period poverty through the annual Trek4Mandela expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, since 2012. This success happened through various corporate social investments (CSI) from different companies, such as the Dis-Chem Foundation through its annual "Million Comforts" campaign. As part of the…

Sir Charles Beeferoni’s journeys begin with a glacial trek down his driveway and a right turn onto a sidewalk. The English bulldog passes an alley before reaching an electrical pole that he sniffs, then relieves himself on. Sir Charles Beeferoni, whom his owners call Beef, then crosses a street to arrive at a striped pole next to a speed bump. There, Beef turns around to face a challenge: the return walk. By the time Beef gets back to his owners’ Tucson home, about 30 minutes after starting his walk, he has covered less than a quarter mile (0.402km). Exhausted, he and his devoted walker, Manny Miranda, 78, nap for a few hours, their snores echoing through the house. Manny is the only person with whom Beef will walk. For this…

Two giant pandas were flying home from France to China for retirement on Tuesday, after the female was diagnosed with kidney failure, with a Chinese official pledging new bears would soon replace them. Huan Huan and her partner Yuan Zi arrived at the Beauval Zoo in central France in 2012 as part of China’s “panda diplomacy” programme, which sees the black-and-white bears dispatched across the globe as soft-power ambassadors. The two pandas, both 17, were meant to stay in France until January 2027, but they left on a plane on Tuesday to live out their retirement at China’s Chengdu panda sanctuary. The pair were loaded onto a plane at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport, each in their own box dotted with ventilation holes, with the words “Bon voyage” inscribed on…

Special edition vehicles are nothing new in South Africa, with virtually every manufacturer having one in their line-up, and when you add a “black” moniker to it, it becomes especially popular in the market. The latest one to do so is GWM with the Tank 500, adding cosmetic additions that essentially replace the shiny chrome bits with blacked-out exterior details. Style with substance The large premium hybrid seven-seater SUV features GWM’s design philosophy of “style with substance” with a gloss-black mesh grille, dark-chrome roof rails, blacked-out exterior mirror caps, black finish across the rear facia and spare wheel cover and 18-inch black alloy wheels. The interior gets black Nappa leather surfaces accentuated with subtle dark-metal trim and ambient lighting. Powertrain remains Everything else remains unchanged, including the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol…

Lando Norris insisted he is feeling calm and composed ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, where he could claim his first Formula 1 drivers’ world championship title. Unfazed by the double disqualification of himself and McLaren team-mate and title rival Oscar Piastri in Las Vegas last weekend, the 26-year-old Briton told reporters he is completely at ease ahead of this weekend’s showdown. “I feel as relaxed now as I did when I was 35 points behind, and I feel the same when I’m 24 points ahead,” Norris said. “For now, that’s my strength. It feels the same as it did before Mexico, when I wasn’t leading, and in Austin.” Norris, who needs only to outscore Piastri and defending four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull by two points to secure…

The Kardashians have had an incredible journey, moving past critics who once dismissed them as being “famous for being famous”. This celebrity reality TV family has been a staple on our screens since October 2007. Of course, back then, they were on E! Entertainment. However, after 20 remarkable seasons and a few notable spinoffs in between, they moved to Hulu, which is housed under Disney+ in SA. The reality series centres, and continues to largely focus, on the famous “momager” Kris Jenner and her daughters, Kim, Khloé and Kourtney Kardashian. Of course, Kylie and Kendall Jenner make it onto a few frames – but it is the three older sisters that steal the limelight. Fans have watched them evolve into powerhouse entrepreneurs, build their families, get married (more than once…

A LIMPOPO businessman, who blamed intruders for shooting his wife in the face, killing her at their home in Nirvana, Polokwane, has been found guilty of her murder. Rameez Patel, 32, shot and killed his wife, Fatima Patel, 28, in April 2015. She sustained critical injuries to her skull and cheekbones. Fatima was also strangled. On Tuesday, he was convicted at the Polokwane High Court, and his R250 000 bail was revoked by the State. In a separate case, Patel is charged for the murder of his mother, Mahejeen Banu Patel, 51, who was shot in her home in Nirvana in 2017. She died in hospital shortly after a gunman opened fire on her and her domestic worker. The domestic worker escaped uninjured. When Patel was arrested for his mother’s…

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is ramping up its preparations for the upcoming local government elections, with an anticipated announcement from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa expected in August next year. This was revealed during a briefing to Parliament on the commission's readiness to facilitate the elections, slated for a period between November 2026 and January 2027. Masego Sheburi, the deputy chief electoral officer of the IEC, clarified that the power to declare the elections lies solely with the CoGTA minister, while the commission's responsibility is to ensure a smooth process once the date is set. “The commission does not have the authority to determine the date of elections and call for elections. That resides with the CoGTA minister,” Sheburi stated during the joint…

It all began with a random post on a WhatsApp group for donations for a 'white squatter camp'. Of course Orania immediately came to mind. And so, freshly made granola as padkos in hand, I set off, nervously, wondering if I would be welcomed or be given a frosty reception. I was already imagining the headline: Orania comes to Durban. An hour later, I arrive in Sezela, a picturesque town on the tourist south coast an hour away from Durban. Overlooking the beach, I'm at the gate of sprawling rolling land with a home dotted by wendy houses and an open beach coastline as far as the eyes can see. I called ahead and was greeted by Jenni, a beaming woman in her fifties, welcoming me with open arms. A…

Prostate cancer has earned a reputation as a stealthy adversary for men, often going undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Lacking obvious early symptoms, this formidable disease can progress unnoticed, striking when least expected. Current statistics reveal a worrying truth: prostate cancer is now the leading cancer affecting South African men and the second deadliest, with a particularly alarming rise in cases among younger demographics. “Prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer rank the highest amongst the male population in South Africa,” said Vanessa Snow, Head of Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson. She highlighted the stark reality that while prostate cancer is manageable if caught early, the threat looms particularly large for men of African heritage, who face an increased risk of developing the disease at a younger age and…

A new analysis from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has found that many Gauteng patients diagnosed with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) are still not starting treatment quickly enough – a delay that increases the risk of transmission, complications and death. RR-TB is a form of drug-resistant TB that does not respond to rifampicin, one of the key first-line TB medicines. The study focused specifically on Gauteng cases diagnosed between 2022 and 2023, examining how many patients were linked to care, how long they waited to begin treatment, and why some never started it at all. According to the NICD, TB remains the sixth leading cause of death in South Africa, and mortality is significantly higher in patients who are not quickly initiated on the correct drug-resistant treatment. The province…

FIVE years ago, Shiven Bodasing knew nothing about figure skating. Today, he is preparing to take on former Olympians and world champions in the ISU Adult Figure Skating Championships in Germany. Bodasing says he initially started figure skating as a way to decompress from the stress related to his job at the SPCA, where he served as an inspector and then manager. “In the beginning, it was an escape from the SPCA because the job can be very draining. I think figure skating was a good balance, a little bit more self-rewarding,” he says. Three years ago, determined to see how far he could go in the sport, Bodasing packed up his life in Johannesburg and moved to Cape Town to train with his new coach, Vage Evetts. After a…

It’s a job description that reads like a fairytale, yet every morning at precisely 10.30am, the grand lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis is transformed into a theatre. An employee rolls out a crimson carpet, a fanfare swells, and Kenon Walker, the official Duck Master, descends from the rooftop, leading his unique flock to the sound of rapturous applause. Walker, 45, doesn’t just supervise; he is the custodian of a decades-old tradition – caring for the hotel’s resident mallards and leading their celebrated daily procession to and from the lobby fountain. This ritual, witnessed by onlookers who travel from as far as Japan and New Zealand, is considered a true ‘bucket-list’ item. “We’ve got to march with smiles in that lobby,” Walker instructs the five pampered ducks in a…

Hardly a month goes by without a new Chinese brand or model announcement, and more often than not, they’re well priced and even better specced. As with all things, some are better than others, but South African consumers have embraced many of them, and we’re seeing more people with calculators in hand than stars in their eyes before signing an offer to purchase. This is especially so in the premium market, as demonstrated by the Omoda 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD, which makes a fine case for itself. Omoda is part of the Chery Group, which has been making strong inroads into the local market and has become a household name in part as a result of its popular Tiggo range. Think of Omoda as their luxury brand, and for R885…

South African SUV buyers will soon be even more spoiled for choice, with the all-new Chinese brand Lepas set to launch in early 2026. Although the official brand launch took place on Thursday evening, the company confirmed that the first batch of products will be launched during the first and second quarters of next year. This means there has been a slight delay in rolling out the brand locally, as the L8 and L4 models were originally scheduled to arrive later this year, with the L6 following in 2026. Although Lepas is a completely new brand, it has significant backing, being fully owned by the Chery Group and using the Chinese auto giant’s well-proven parts and technology. The Lepas name is derived from the words “leap” and “passion”, and it…

South Africans’ financial confidence has reached its highest level in three years, rising from 47 in 2024 to 53 out of 100 in 2025, according to the latest Sanlam Financial Confidence Index. The study shows a nation that feels more in control of its finances, yet still struggles to turn confidence into consistent, long-term action. According to the index, after years of economic instability, many South Africans are recalibrating their relationship with money. Half of respondents now believe they could recover from a financial setback, an 11% increase from last year. Kele Boakgomo, CEO of Yugrow and behavioural scientist, says this reflects a nation in recovery: “We’re seeing a collective shift from survival mode to control. Financial stress has forced new habits – people are protecting what they have, prioritising…

Proteas Women’s star Tazmin Brits has revealed the squad is buzzing to be the main attraction of the international summer, following a few weeks off after their historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final appearance in Navi Mumbai earlier this month. Brits, along with most of her teammates, has enjoyed some downtime after a hectic year for the side. The top-order batter told Independent Media that she spent her break catching up with family and friends, having a braai, and following the Springboks’ European tour. “Any World Cup year is pretty busy. It’s mentally and physically very taxing on a person. So, when I got back, I just visited some friends and family and went down to Cape Town,” Brits said. “My brother also stays there. “And I just had…

American comedian Kevin Hart recently gave us a peek into one of their wildest family vacations ever. It involved jungle vines, sweaty hikes and a lot of “maybe I should’ve thought this through” moments. In his new Netflix special Acting My Age, Hart dedicates a good 13 minutes to what was supposed to be a chilled‑out trip to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Instead, he got up close and personal, no glass, no barrier, with real mountain gorillas. Hart says: “We wanted to take a vacation … We went to Rwanda. I wanted a new experience, something that could give us a little bit of culture... When we go on vacation, the word ‘no’ never exists. We embrace it all.” And embrace it they did. One of the first things…

Despite their small size, charming towns around the globe boast rich histories, stunning landscapes, and a warmth often overshadowed by sprawling cities. These hidden gems are perfect getaways, inviting travellers to slow down, immerse themselves in local culture and enjoy heartfelt hospitality. Unlike bustling metropolises, visitors to small towns can uncover unique attractions and create genuine connections, all while sticking to a budget. Here are five remarkable destinations that should be on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list. A picturesque Provencal paradise – Gordes, France: Nestled in the idyllic Luberon Valley of France, Gordes is renowned for its breathtaking views and historic charm. The village’s narrow cobblestone streets wind past beautifully preserved stone houses, leading visitors to iconic landmarks like the imposing Château de Gordes and the peaceful Sénanque Abbey. Each…