Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-07-14 i Sunday Tribune

wE HAVE have fought hard for our seat at the leadership table; and even when we get there, the battle for survival, respect and recognition continues. Sadly this battle is also fought on the pay front. Women earn on average 27-30% less than their male counterparts for the same job. While South Africa overall ranks 20th out of 146 countries on gender equality, we only rank 111th on economic progress (which includes pay parity). That being said, we also know that South Africa has a very high number of households led by single mothers (above 40%, according to Statistics South Africa). In addition, women are stuck in jobs that are low paying and offer few opportunities for upward growth. While we see more women in leadership, we must remember that…

As South Africa commemorates Savings Month this month, the country’s financial landscape presents a unique opportunity for retail investors to bolster their savings. Interest rates continue to hover at elevated levels and the predictions are that there will only be gradual decreases in the latter part of the year. This means that Savings Month is an opportune time for South Africans to reassess and optimise their saving strategies. “Given the continued high interest rates but gradually declining inflation, we encourage South Africans to take advantage of this distinctive saving environment that will undoubtedly reward strategic financial thinking. Taking the time to do some balanced planning will deliver financial resilience and accelerated savings growth,” said Himal Parbhoo, the CEO of FNB cash investments. Parbhoo highlighted the importance and value of taking…

The Balobedu Royal Council has failed in its bid to halt the Queen Modjadji TV series from airing on Mzansi Magic today. The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed the urgent application by the Royal Council, ruling that the matter lacked urgency. Acting Judge Jacques Minnaar said the applicants – The Queen Modjaji VII, the Balobedu Royal Family and Council – did not act promptly and instead waited until production was completed. “Why did the applicants not, as soon as they became aware of the production, take any steps to halt the production, even more so, as the counsel for the applicant contended where the application is of great cultural, constitutional and public significance? “The series is a work of fiction set many years ago. Each of the episodes will…

THE search for emancipation for scores of South Africans who continue to be denied justice is becoming extremely frustrating, partly due to the courts and conservatism ruling them. The justice system unfairly prioritises those with resources over indigents. This is evident as courts rush to entertain multimillion-rand cases involving companies and individuals with political influence. The rapid response to these litigations conceals the dark side of justice in South Africa: the inefficiency of courts and inaccessibility to courts for millions. When individuals access courts, for one reason or another, they still face serious hurdles due to the law and its designs, which means justice is not just delayed but also denied. The general concern is that the legal system tends to obsess over rules, some of which are antiquated or…

A small girl with a big swing has taken the golfing world by storm and racked up a trophy count many would envy. Durban’s Shreya Naidoo, who turned nine on Wednesday, is preparing to compete against the best in the world when she jets off to Northern Ireland this week. Shreya will be taking part in the 2024 Champion of Champions World Championship, which takes place at the Lough Erne Resort from July 23 to 25. “I’m excited and I look forward to it. Golf makes me feel happy,” says the Grade 3 pupil. Only the best junior golfers from 50 countries will compete. Shreya, who has been playing competitive golf since last year, already has more than 30 trophies and awards to her name. Last year, she won the…

EVERY year, on the anniversary of Madiba’s birthday – July 18, 1918 – the global community commemorates and honours his legacy by doing work to better our communities and neighbourhoods. This year, the theme for Mandela Day is: It is still in your hands to combat poverty and inequity. The Nelson Mandela Foundation will hold the Nelson Mandela Day Walk and Run on Saturday, July 20, a hybrid event that allows people wherever they are to participate. The goal is to have 10 000 people walk or run 5km, 10km or 21km in commemoration of the legacy of the former statesman. Gushwell Brooks, head of Mandela Day at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, said: “Your presence and participation will go a long way towards commemorating the legacy of Madiba during the…

Emerging farmers in KwaZulu-Natal, especially in the northern parts say urgent government intervention will help prevent the collapse of their operations following the fires that have damaged their crops and livestock. In addition many families across the province were picking what was left of their belongings when the wildfires this week razed their homes. By yesterday the death toll had increased to seven with the youngest victims aged two and nine. The veld fires have ravaged parts of the King Cetshwayo, Ilembe, uThukela, and Zululand Districts. In a statement issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Department, the latest victim, 29, died yesterday morning in Masinenge Informal Settlement, Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality. “Six of the victims perished in their homes when they were overcome by the raging…

NEWLY elected eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba has no illusions about his new job, and rates it as possibly the toughest challenge yet in public office. That is taking into account the combination of a demoralised ratepayer base and a workforce that, in part, is not pulling its weight. Xaba, who was elected at a special council sitting on Wednesday, said his experience as a politician in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature and the national Parliament, coupled with his years as Agriculture MEC as well as economic adviser to former KZN premier Dr Zweli Mkhize, would come in handy during his deployment. “I was telling (ANC veteran) Dr Mavuso Msimang of how grateful I am to have been entrusted with such a daunting task, because it means that my party saw me as…

The Government of National Unity (GNU) is facing concerns that it would intensify and broaden the implementation of the neoliberal policy that has already caused immense inequality and hardship over the past 30 years. The Workers & Socialists Party (WASP) and the Socialist Youth Movement (SYM) said this includes fiscal austerity, privatisation and the handing over of public services to corporate profiteering, brutal monetary policy, and a failed industrial policy that is premised on incentivising the private. These remarks came in after they held a recent mass meeting. The parties were joined by other organisations including left political formations, community civic organisations, social justice campaign groups and trade union representatives, to prepare a battle against the multiparty government. They said the strategy for attracting investment was already responsible for the…

THE Public Service Commission (PSC) has urged government employees working in departments with ministers and their deputies from other political parties following the May 29 national and provincial elections to remain non-partisan and loyal. The call comes as President Ramaphosa’s Cabinet concludes the first two-day lekgotla of the government of national unity (GNU) which started yesterday at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane. The lekgotla is expected to adopt the GNU’s programme of action, or medium-term strategic framework, which Ramaphosa will announce during the opening of Parliament on Thursday. Despite the GNU’s national executive being made up by several political parties, it has insisted that Ramaphosa and individual ministers are duty-bound to take to the Cabinet issues of policy and significant decisions such as those with financial consequences…

Myths are widely held beliefs about various issues, including illness and disease. Dr Themba Hadebe, clinical executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, helps debunk myths about monkeypox (mpox). Myth 1: Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a new disease created in a lab Fact: The mpox virus was discovered in Denmark (1958) in a colony of monkeys kept for research at a laboratory. The first reported human case was in 1970, in the DRC. Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people. It is found regularly in parts of Central and West Africa and can spread from person to person, or occasionally from animals to people. Myth 2: Mpox comes from monkeys Fact: Despite its name, monkeypox does not come from monkeys. The disease earned the name…

The bankrupt Emfuleni (Vanderbijlpark) Local Municipality has been found to have irregularly procured insurance brokerage contracts linked to a former ANC Gauteng secretary. The public protector has substantiated allegations that Emfuleni irregularly procured Opulentia Financial Services, Fezi Auditors and Consultants. Her office said the conduct of the municipality constituted improper conduct as envisaged by Section 182(1)(a) of the Constitution, and maladministration as envisaged in Section 6(4)(a)(i) of the Public Protector Act. However, the public protector recommended no action be taken against those implicated since the municipality had already taken action. The investigation came after a municipal whistle-blower lodged a complaint with the office in 2020. The companies were appointed for the provision of insurance brokerage services. According to reports, former ANC Gauteng secretary Jacob Khawe, also a former Emfuleni mayor,…

BARBORA Krejcikova held off Italian crowd favourite Jasmine Paolini to win the Wimbledon singles title yesterday, coming through 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 on a sunlit centre court. The Czech doubles specialist dominated the opening set with a near- perfect display but was then rocked by a dazzling Paolini fightback which sent the showpiece into a decider. The momentum appeared to be with seventh seed Paolini, but a tight third set swung 31st seed Krejcikova’s way when she broke serve at 3-3 courtesy of a double fault. Serving for the title at 5-4, Krejci- kova just about held her nerve, wasting two match points and saving two break points before sealing victory at the third time of asking. “I was just telling myself to be brave and if the game doesn’t go…

WHEN South Africa returned to international sport after almost two decades of isolation, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala was handed the reins of the national football team. On Thursday evening, Tshabalala, the 75-year-old pioneer of South African football, died after suffering complications from injuries sustained when he was shot during a home invasion in Centurion in March. In 1992, after the end of the apartheid system, South Africa officially rejoined the international sports fraternity. It was a time of great rejoicing, and the SA Football Association (Safa), headed by the late Solomon “Stix” Morewa, led the charge by hosting three international friendlies against Cameroon. Initially, the Englishman Jeff Butler, who coached Kaizer Chiefs at the time, was tasked with setting up the structures for the national team. However, once the itinerary for…

Wellness tourism has grown in popularity in recent years, marking a profound shift in how individuals approach travel. With the world accelerating in pace and connectivity, people seek more than leisure during their holidays and yearn for holistic well-being. Club Med Southern Africa managing director Olivier Perillat-Piratoine said the wellness travel trend had surged due to a growing consciousness surrounding health and well-being and was also driven by concerns over stress, burnout and lifestyle-related ailments. “Modern travellers increasingly crave meaningful experiences that enrich their lives and create enduring memories. Wellness tourism offers a unique avenue to immerse oneself in transformative activities and connect with like-minded individuals,” he said. Perillat-Piratoine said widespread adoption of mindfulness, spirituality and self-care rituals had spurred interest in pursuits such as yoga, meditation and spa therapies…

Nigel-born entrepreneur Zano Mnguni is expanding his 100% black-owned haircare business after striking a deal to supply selected Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores in Gauteng. In less than a year, Mnguni Afro Hair went from supplying just five to 15 stores. Mnguni has been able to employ eight people and foresees more jobs being created as the business grows. His small enterprise is making big strides, recently moving from its rented facility into bigger factory space in Pomona, east of Johannesburg, and purchasing new machinery he previously couldn’t afford. Mnguni left the corporate world in 2013 to pursue entrepreneurship and the idea to start a haircare brand came from his experience helping friends who owned a salon in Duduza in Nigel. Initially Mnguni sold the products through social media, salons…

South African musician Sjava has stepped into fashion as he partners with Omega Footwear. The multi-award-winning musician took matters into his own hands when he approached Omega for a collaboration. It is one of his favourite shoe brands. As a person who’s on the move and constantly performing, Sjava said he loves Omega shoes because of the comfort. He said the Omega x Sjava collaboration was exciting because it allowed him to express his style in a versatile way. As an artist, he liked to explore different styles by incorporating them into his Zulu traditional wear, which he adored. “I feel like my style has always been a blend of different trends, cultures and eras. I’m easily able to style a very traditional or cultural piece of clothing in an…

After the cliffhanger ending of season one of Savage Beauty, fans waited in high anticipation for the second instalment. Thankfully, the wait is over. And after binge-watching the entire six episodes, I can say it was worth it. Quizzical Pictures delivered a nail-biting season with writer and co-executive producer, Lebogang Mogashoa, doing a stellar job with the script. The fact that it sits among the Top 10 South African shows list since premiering, attests to its appeal. A quick refresher for those unfamiliar with the show. It centres on the influential Bhengu family, helmed by Don (Dumisani Mbebe) and Grace (Nthati Moshesh). They may not always see eye to eye on matters but they share the same ruthless streak when it comes to their Bhengu Beauty business empire. Money…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers will be auctioning two residential properties on July 25 at 11am. The first is a deceased estate at 25 Hillary Drive, Ballito – a spacious residence with sea views, which is in close proximity to hospitals, shopping centres and other local amenities. The property comprises: Large fitted kitchen Spacious dining room and lounge Three bedrooms with built-in cupboards, main en-suite Family bathroom Office Enclosed veranda plus a rear veranda Double garage One-bed cottage Swimming pool Small workshop Solar panels Viewing is by appointment only. For more information, contact Andrew Giddy on 082 601 9278 or 031 579 4403 or visit www.ianwyles.co.za. The second property is at 19 Broadwood Drive, Herrwood Park, and is conveniently situated within close proximity to Umhlanga’s beaches, Umlanga Village, Gateway shopping centre,…

A new reality TV series featuring a group of affluent mothers in Durban’s Indian community is set to premiere next month. Produced by Pop24, The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice show follows the lifestyle of the rich and famous women. Executive producer of the show Zinzi Velelo Alake, says “It’s reality like you’ve never seen before. Different communities spend their wealth in different ways and viewers will get to see something different,” she said. Alake said it was intentional to have an all Indian cast for the show because it resonated with Durban. “When you think of Durban you think of Zulu and Indian people. Therefore we wanted to show that community. It is not about excluding other races,” she said. Alake said it was challenging to find the cast…

A BUDDING rugby star’s Springboks hopes were snuffed out when he died in a car crash in Durban. The driver of the vehicle he travelled in insisted on taking the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. Malusi Mkhize, 19, who had already received a formal rugby scholarship offer from the University of KwaZulu-Natal at the time of his death – June 26, 2021 – was thrown from the rear end of the VW Amarok driven by Bokamoso Motlohi, 28. Motlohi was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment by the Durban Magistrate’s Court last month. Mkhize and five others were killed in the Amarok’s collision with a Hyundai sedan near the intersection of the Ruth First Highway and Sandile Thusi Road. Motlohi, who had consumed tots of gin and tonic and…

THE 45th edition of the Durban International Film Festival has a stellar line-up, and both the opening and closing films centre on politics. As the promise of a Government of National Unity (GNU) embarks upon the task of uniting the country to dismantle the staggering inequality, Tara Moore’s film Legacy: The Decolonized History of South Africa will open the Durban International Film Festival at the Suncoast Cinecentre on Thursday. Moore uses her diverse background and personal experience of living in both South Africa and Connecticut in the US as a unique vantage point from which to offer a perspective on her country of origin. She interrogates the legacy of apartheid and the persistent inequality which continues 30 years into South Africa’s democracy. Interviews with ministers who served in Nelson Mandela’s…

FOUR key state institutions have been asked to conduct wide-ranging investigations into various challenges that plagued the May 29 national and provincial elections. Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has been requested by the Hola Bon Renaissance (HBR) Foundation to probe allegations of vote rigging and the manipulation of election results. Gcaleka has also been asked to investigate the conduct of the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) and its management during the elections and conduct lifestyle audits of all its commissioners and managers. In addition, the HBR Foundation wants a probe on whether the elections had been transparent, free and fair and whether they represented the will of the people, including if the IEC adequately addressed the complaints raised during and after the elections. The non-profit organisation wants the public protector to…

THE SA Local Government Association (Salga) has informed municipalities across the country that they are not entitled to increase electricity tariffs if they have not submitted cost of supply studies as required by the regulator. The National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) approved tariff hikes for 178 local government electricity distributors, but only 66 municipalities submitted their cost of supply studies. According to Salga acting CEO Lance Joel, municipalities that have not supported their applications for new electricity tariffs with a cost of supply study are not entitled to charge their end-user customers increased tariffs until such time that Nersa has granted them approval based on the studies. ”Municipalities are not entitled to charge their end-user customers the electricity tariffs approved as part of their 2024/25 financial budget if such…

THE past week has seen the whole country battered by one cold front after the other, following hot on the heels of those of the past few weeks. The SA Weather Service (SAWS) and meteriologists are warning that it could become worse before it becomes better. This, as the week, which also marked the start of the third term of the SA school calendar, kicked off with rain and strong winds in areas and extreme cold across the country, forcing parts of the Western Cape to close schools and relocate residents. Meteriologists issued an up to level 8 warning for the the Cape, characterised by disruptive rain, strong winds and mudslides. “Winter in that part of the county is always wet, but what we are seeing right now is extreme,”…

THE African Transformation Movement (ATM) has told the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, that Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka should account and answer for her report which cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa of any wrongdoing regarding the Phala Phala #Farmgate scandal. The party said this in its application to set aside Gcaleka’s report. This was after the Public Protector’s office filed its answering affidavit through the acting executive manager of the public protector’s investigations branch, Vusumuzi Dlamini, in March this year. In the affidavit, the party’s president, Vuyo Zungula, said Gcaleka did not file a substantive affidavit and instead she had filed a short affidavit confirming the contents of Dlamini’s affidavit. Zungula argued that Dlamini cannot answer for the decision of the public protector to approve and sign the final version of her…

Workers at Ribas Manufacturers embarked on a protest demanding a R4 an hour increase and an additional ten-minute tea break. The protest took place outside the factory in Johannesburg on Friday morning. Ribas manufactures sauces and condiments such as tomato sauce, mustard and mayonnaise. The strike started on June 28 and negotiations between workers and management are deadlocked. This after management offered a R1.75 increase, which could bring the hourly wage to R27.78. The workers were joined by their union, the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa), and received support from representatives of other organisations such as the Socialist Youth Movement, 350.org, Marxist Workers Party and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu). Giwusa members from Masterpack (Bidvest) also joined the protest, pledging their support for Ribas…

SPAIN and England meet in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin today in what will be a rare encounter between the nations at a major tournament. Here is a look back at their most notable past clashes: 1950 World Cup The first competitive meeting of Spain and England came at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, at which they were drawn together in the same group. Both teams had won their opening matches at the tournament, with England defeating Chile 2-0 at the Maracana and Spain beating the USA 3-1. However, while Spain then got the better of Chile, England suffered one of their most humiliating ever defeats, losing 1-0 to the USA. The clash between Spain and England in Rio de Janeiro on July 2 was therefore crucial, with…

FINALLY handed the keys to Spain’s midfield at a major tournament, Rodri Hernandez has driven the side to the verge of Euro 2024 glory. La Roja are bidding for a record fourth Euros triumph against England in today’s Berlin final and Rodri is both the engine and brains behind the competition’s strongest side to this point. After Luis Enrique used Rodri at centre-back at the 2022 World Cup with Sergio Busquets the first-choice defensive midfielder, Luis de la Fuente has installed Rodri in his best position. “We have Rodri, who is a perfect computer, he administers everything, the emotions, all the moments in a magisterial way,” said De la Fuente after Spain’s 4-1 last-16 win against Georgia. Spain fell behind in the match and a pivotal moment came midway…

THE IMPORTANCE of cross-country running as a solid foundation for a successful middle- and long-distance career cannot be overestimated. And Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) are reaping the rewards of a solid cross-country league, which has helped shape the careers of at least two of their representatives at the coming Olympic Games in Paris. Marathoner Cian Oldknow and track star Ryan Mphahlele are headed for the French capital for their Olympic debuts, and both their coaches waxed lyrical about the role cross-country running played in the athletes’ development. Speaking at a send-off event for the provincial federation’s six representatives in Team South Africa, Oldknow’s coach George Bradley described the “not so fancy sport” as “imperative” for an athlete’s development. “Cross-country was very, very important for Cian, who came through the leagues.…

GENERALLY, the Proteas Test squad that coach Shukri Conrad has selected for the upcoming trip to the Caribbean is formidable. It covers all bases – batting and bowling – and even includes two spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt, for when the Caribbean offers spin-friendly surfaces. However, one selection that has sparked healthy debate is that of seam bowler Dane Paterson. At 35, with a bowling average of 44 in four Tests under his belt, one can only wonder as to what it is the right-arm seamer can offer South Africa at the highest level. The Cape Town-born seamer seems to have long passed his prime, with his speeds hovering in the mid 120s to the early 130s (km/h), making him a far less threatening bowler, especially in Test cricket.…

Addiction to the mobile game, Candy Crush, cost an assistant teacher his job. The teacher in a government school in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India, has been suspended for playing Candy Crush on his phone and talking on the device during work hours. The incident came to light when district magistrate Rajendra Pansiya went to the school for a random check, and found scores of mistakes in pupils’ notebooks. Later, a feature on the teacher’s phone, which tracked hours dedicated to applications, revealed that he spent nearly two hours playing Candy Crush during school hours. Pansiya checked six pages of the books, and spotted 95 mistakes with nine on the first page. He then checked teacher Priyam Goyal’s phone. The digital well-being feature on the phone revealed that of the five-and-half…

Parents voice concerns about tornado-hit school THE parents of children at the Seatides Combined School, oThongathi, on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, are hoping that when classes resume tomorrow, it will be in a safe environment. The school was battered by a tornado last month. While the Grade 12 pupils are being taught at Anton Lembede Maths and Science Technology Academy in La Mercy, the Grade R to Grade 11 pupils, could not return to school this week like the rest of the province. The KZN MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, and the head of department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, visited the school on Monday with the principal Kola Govender, to inspect the damage and the state of readiness for the new mobile classrooms. But parents are worried about their children’s return to…

Dynamic pricing has revolutionized the way hotels set their rates, with costs fluctuating based on factors like demand, timing of bookings, and even local events. This can cause significant disparities in pricing so here’s how companies can work around it. According to Carmen Hidalgo, Customer Success Manager, Corporate Traveller, dynamic pricing has taken the hotel industry by stormThe cost of your stay can fluctuate radically, based on demand, the time of booking, and even the weather. She said that, unlike traditional set-it-and-forget-it corporate rates, dynamic pricing allowed hotels to tweak room rates in real-time as demand ebbs and flows. The result is what was once an R1 200 a night corporate negotiated rate suddenly surging to R3 000 or more if occupancy peaks during a busy period. The business travel…

There are about 12 million registered motor vehicles in South Africa. But when excluding light and heavy delivery trucks, taxis and motorcycles, fewer than one in five adults has a personal vehicle. There are roughly 8 million motor cars and station wagons as measured by eNaTIS, but not all are owned by private individuals. According to National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), new passenger vehicle sales have been declining with 2023 showing 347 695 units sold, a decrease of 4.4% compared to 2022 which had 363 692. A difference of nearly 16 000 cars. The trend has continued into 2024, with year-to-date new sales by April down by 5.1% year on year. Eighty20, a consumer insights and data science firm, provides interesting insights into the decline in…

EDDIE Murphy returns in the highly anticipated fourth instalment of his iconic franchise, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, now streaming on Netflix. While it might not capture the exact feel of the earlier films, this latest entry delivers a surprisingly entertaining experience. It doesn’t quite hit the comedic peaks or ambition of its predecessors but it gives fans exactly what they want: Alex in action, blowing things up and delivering witty lines that will make you laugh or crack a smile. The movie feels like a nostalgic nod to the energetic sequels that kept audiences hooked years ago. It is packed with moments designed to trigger fond memories and make you go, “Oh yeah, I remember that!” But hey, who’s complaining? Studies have shown that nostalgic films can remind viewers…

TWO events of monumental global importance took place far away from each other this week, signifying the rapidly growing reconfiguration of the international world order. In St Petersburg, Russia, President Vladimir Putin addressed the BRICS Parliamentary Forum attended by the leaders of member states of the bloc. And in Washington, US President Joe Biden delivered a fiery address to the 75th anniversary of Nato, cherishing confrontation with Russia as the bloc continue to expand eastward to the doorstep of Moscow. But it is BRICS that interests me more. Among the resolutions adopted in St Petersburg, Putin announced that BRICS was looking into the future establishment of a BRICS parliament. This, in my view, would be as significant as the European Parliament, where MPs from member states are periodically voted in…

THE 12-storey Durban Magistrate’s building on the corner of Somtseu Road and Stalwart Simelane Street, which is frequented by more than 4 000 people daily, is a death trap waiting to ignite. A recent inquiry into the functionality of the building revealed numerous defects and health hazards at the site, including the fire department condemning the building on January 23, 2023 and instructed it be shut because the sprinkler system and water pressure valves did not work. The fire department’s instructions remain ignored. This maintenance issue was apparently raised with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s national office but no further action was taken, until it emerged at last month’s inquiry. The inquiry was instituted by the acting Regional Court president, magistrate Anand Maharaj. Maharaj was presiding over a…

Our Unsung Hero this week is a health professional who has been going the extra mile to ensure that children from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape get to smile confidently. Dr Sikki Singh, 79, an orthodontist from Durban, founded the Wentworth Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that treats facial deformities among indigent children. The organisation has been functioning for 35 years and the free service was started by Singh at the Wentworth Hospital Dental Clinic. The clinic received its patients from the Department of Plastic Surgery and craniofacial anomaly patients from the craniofacial unit at the Albert Luthuli Hospital. “In KwaZulu-Natal, there are no services for cleft lip/palate patients and because of this, we set up this NGO so that we can continue that service privately,” he said. Singh said…

SENIOR Zulu royal house member Prince Mbonisi Zulu was shocked to learn that his contract with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has been terminated. Prince Mbonisi was employed as a researcher for the Traditional Leadership Dispute Resolution and Claims Commission, which falls within Cogta and is now headed by MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who is also the Zulu traditional prime minister. “I will be lying in claiming any knowledge of the letter or the termination of my contract. “This is the first that I am hearing of this, and because no correspondence has been sent to me it is difficult to say much at this stage,” said Prince Mbonisi, when contacted by the Sunday Tribune. The letter states that the termination, which takes effect…

NEWLY appointed Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer accepts that a “hard and rocky road” lies ahead, and he’s made the construction mafia scourge one of his priority projects. Meyer is aware that businesses are opting to invest elsewhere in the country instead of having their operations hijacked in KZN. And the big hitters in the construction industry are reluctant to tender for work in the province to avoid the vigilante groups that pose as business forums, but allegedly dictate terms at building sites over the barrel of a gun. Their demands were usually for a slice of the payout pie or protection fees. According to a 2023 report released by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, a Geneva-based NGO, construction mafia operations surfaced in 2014. Their roots…

UMKHONTO weSizwe Party (MKP)parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe has warned the government about budget cuts to the Office of the Chief Justice, stating that this could worsen the country’s courts backlog. During the budget debate of outgoing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s office in Parliament this week, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane announced that the department had been allocated a budget of just under R2.4 billion for the 2024/25 financial year to cover three programmes – administration, superior court services and judicial education and support. The allocation includes a direct charge to the National Revenue Fund for the remuneration of the country’s 252 permanently appointed judges, who are at times are supplemented with acting judges, Simelane said. ”This budget allocation represents a 13% decrease in the department’s budget relative…

SOUTH Gauteng High Court Acting Judge Samuel Makamu has been reported to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) for dishonesty in his findings in the judgment against tax fraud accused Maxwell Mavudzi. Makamu has been accused of making false representations that he wrote a judgment while he did not. The said judgment was made on November 13, 2023. Mavudzi, a lawyer-turned-businessman, has been accused of being part of a scam that defrauded the South African Revenue Service (Sars) of more than R100 million in claimed tax returns using his dead wife’s particulars. He was accused alongside 12 other co-accused, including former ANC councillor Thabile Octavia Nkosi. The 13 faced 391 counts of fraud after Sars alleged that they claimed and got paid for tax returns that were not due to their…

South Africa’s former president Thabo Mbeki once candidly said: “The evolution of humanity says that Africa reaffirms that she is continuing her rise from the ashes.” Senegal is currently emulating this sentiment immaculately. The West-African nation has been officially declared an oil-producing powerhouse, thanks to its Sangomar offshore field. The Sangomar field, which officially began production in June, is located south of Dakar in the Atlantic Ocean, and is estimated to hold over 500 million barrels of recoverable oil reserves. This new discovery has triggered a surge in the confidence and optimism. It not only presents a major opportunity for the Senegalese economy and populace, but also for the power of the nation in bilateral and international relations. Furthermore, this has led to a steep influx of international energy companies,…

ELDERLY abuse is a notable problem across the world as the ageing population increases, and South Africa is no exception. The abuse of the elderly ranges across a wide spectrum of issues to involve their financial, physical and emotional statuses. “Abandonment is also a big area in which the country has not managed to intervene,” social worker Simphiwe Sakela said. She said the rapid relocation of the younger and more economically fluid generation to towns and cities has mainly been to blame for the neglect that older people face in a country where making a living has become a mainstay and where everyone is pressured to work towards accumulating material wealth. This has led to elderly people being left to fend for themselves on the peripheries of society. “You…

THE Irish eyes packed a few shiners but ultimately they were smiling at the Shark Tank last night when a last-second drop goal by substitute flyhalf Ciaran Frawley won the visitors the game 25-24 to sentence South Africa to the pain of a one-point loss. Frawley had minutes earlier kicked his first drop goal to get his team within a three-pointer of winning the game and he doubled down on that literally as the full-time hooter sounded. The Irish scurried about the ground like madmen — they had won the game to level the series and keep alive the debate as to who is the best team in the world. The Boks had come so close to winning the series 2-0 after a second-half comeback that had to come after…

GERMANY played host to 24 teams that went pound for pound for the prized European title, but now it all comes down to two, with all eyes on the Olympiastadion in Berlin where Spain takes on England this afternoon in the final of the Uefa Euro 2024. The hosts have been guests at their own party, but that hasn’t slowed down any of the festivities in the stands and on the football field, with Türkiye making giant inroads among the best on the continent and almost pulling off an upset, while Switzerland failed to live up to expectations. The Netherlands, with all the skills in their team, were in the mix, but failed again to win the one that counts. Meanwhile, a potential farewell Euro tournament for Cristiano Ronaldo ended…

DECLAN Rice’s contribution could prove the key for England as they look to overcome Spain in the European Championship final today and win the title for the first time. The 25-year-old has been the team’s anchor and work horse, running more, playing every minute and proving a consistent force at the tournament in Germany as England have reached a second successive final despite some indifferent form at times. The 74.9km he has covered in 10 hours of football is more than any other player at Euro 2024 and underlines his contribution, with England looking to Rice to drive the team forward from his role in the centre, setting the tempo and bringing a physicality to the game that might unsettle Spain. His contribution in helping out defensively will be just…

GIVEN Jesse Kriel’s formidable form in the Springbok No 13 jersey, his supporters will be delighted to hear that South Africa’s very own “bionic man” reckons he can deliver for eight years more in rugby’s top flight. The ripped-to-shreds Kriel looks like he has stepped off the cover of a Men’s Health magazine. He has graced that publication several times, showing off his eight-pack, so when he says that at age 30 he can keep smashing opponents until he is 38, you can take his word for it. In short, there is no fitter man in the Springbok squad than Kriel. The muscle striations in his thighs confirm this and have the fairer sex swooning. It was the new Bok attack coach, Tony Brown, who told reporters earlier this week…

About 3 500 Hajj pilgrims from South Africa will be recompensed for poor service delivery. The South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) announced last week that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah together with the service provider, have agreed to pay R14.5 million. At a press conference at the Suleiman Nana Memorial Hall, Johannesburg, the SAHUC president Moaz Casoo raised concerns about the issues pilgrims faced. “Some of the concerns raised by the SAHUC were insufficient security at our camps, and Hajjis from other countries roaming around our camps, taking some of our drinks and food. Security was an issue during the last season. “The quality of food which was served on certain days to us was not acceptable.” The pilgrims also faced space constraints in terms of…

Adventure travellers and fitness bunnies have a host of landmark destinations where they can test out their physical strength. PureGym analysed some of the world’s most famous landmarks and revealed the tourist attractions that are the most physically challenging to see and experience in their entirety. The researchers looked at more than 70 different tourist attractions that require a good level of physical fitness to see, for example, due to the landmark only offering towering staircases or steep hills to climb. They also looked at the number of steps needed to experience the attraction to its fullest, as well as the total elevation change and the average daytime temperature, before the three were calculated to give the attraction an overall “exertion” score. So if you’re wondering where your next adventure…