Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-07-21 i Sunday Tribune

As South African consumers sink deeper into a protracted cost-of-living crisis fuelled by the highest interest rate the country has seen in over a decade, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago warned of rocky roads ahead, at least for the foreseeable future. While his announcement that the repo rate would hold steady for at least the next two months aligns with market consensus, some disagree with Kganyago’s sentiment that the bank won’t change policy until inflation is sustainably at 4.5%, as its constitutional mandate is to protect the value of the rand by keeping inflation low and steady. In the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) annual report published last month, he said the bank was concerned that inflation was still stuck above 4.5%, and it was important to rebuild confidence in…

While popcorn films are the go-to choice for Bollywood fans, there are plenty of poignant offerings worth watching as well. I recently came across Maharaj on Netflix. It’s a period drama, based on the real-life events around the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862. Saurabh Shah also released a novel of the same name in 2013. The movie opens with an introduction to Karsandas “Karsan” Mulji (played by Aamir Khan’s son Junaid). Born to loving parents, his curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking make him stand out in the community. When his mother dies, he is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Bombay. The story then shifts to him as a handsome young man and powerful wordsmith ready to start his life by marrying Kishori (Shalini Pandey). But during the…

KNIVES are out for the KwaDukuza Municipality mayor and municipal manager, both of whom control the entity’s R2.7 billion budget – and the bid to have them ousted comes from the ranks of their own party, the ANC. It’s believed that the ANC’s provincial secretary in KwaZulu-Natal, Bheki Mtolo, is driving the mission to recall mayor Lindile Nhaca and suspend municipal manager Nhlanhla Mdakane, apparently over their alleged dealings with counter-revolutionary forces, which has resulted in the collapse of service delivery in KwaDukuza. But, according to municipal officials, the municipality has received unqualified financial reports from the auditor-general for the past 18 years. Ntuli’s intentions for KwaDukuza’s two top officials were made clear during a closed meeting with ANC-aligned KwaDukuza councillors on July 10. The meeting at the General Gizenga…

THE 2024 Paris Olympic Games begin on Friday and will see the world’s best athletes on the biggest stage competing for their countries. The event will run from July 26 to August 11, and will be followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Summer Games, the opening ceremony, on Friday, will not take place in a stadium but in the heart of the city, on the River Seine. The parade will depart from the Austerlitz bridge and complete a 6km journey to the Trocadero for the ceremony’s finale. Athletes on board the 85 parade boats will get glimpses of some of the city’s world-famous sights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Eiffel…

LABOUR unions have called for the immediate closure of the already condemned Durban Magistrate’s Court building, as it poses serious health and safety concerns. They made their stance known earlier this week after meeting with management of the building located across the road from the Durban Central police station, and which also currently houses the Durban High Court. The Sunday Tribune revealed last week that the 12-storey building was condemned by the fire department in January 2023 for having non- functional water sprinkler systems, and other shortcomings. Despite the fire department’s directive, the building, which is visited by thousands daily, has remained in use. Mlungisi Ndlovu, KwaZulu- Natal Public Servants Association (PSA) chairperson, said they feared catastrophic outcomes if the building caught alight in the absence of a working…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers, on behalf of Afrimat (PTY) LTD, which recently purchased the company La Farge, will be hosting the online timed auction of a range of redundant yellow plant equipment. The auction of the front-end loaders, excavators, dumpers, dozers, LDVs and more will commence on July 23 at 10am and close on Tuesday at 3pm. The vehicles are at a selection of quarries/sites in all provinces. This is a great opportunity for interested parties to purchase units either to refurbish or use components as spares. For more information, visit www.ianwyles.co.za or call Hans at 061 700 9995, Hennie at 072 348 6866 or the office at031 579 4403. |…

A new study conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University has revealed that indoor fireplaces result in health risks. As cold temperatures continue across the country and many resort to indoor fireplaces for extra warmth, or to braai, they may be unwittingly inhaling tiny solid or liquid substances that are harmful to health when inhaled. The study found that while some particles can settle in the lungs, others can even enter the bloodstream. The researchers point out that various studies have raised concerns about poor indoor air quality in informal settlements, where fires are made indoors as a necessary measure for heating. However, its impact in formal housing, where fireplaces and indoor braais are commonly used as amenities, has yet to be investigated. PhD candidate…

SBU Mpisane, the estranged husband of a Durban socialite and Premier Soccer League team boss Shauwn Mkhize, has appeared before the tax inquiry to answer questions about the failure of his family trust to comply with tax laws. The former metro police officer went to the offices of the SA Revenue Service (Sars) in Durban earlier this month in compliance with a summons, which instructed him to bring several financial documents, which might be used as evidence against Sbusha Trust. The inquiry was held on July 12 after a summons was endorsed by KwaZulu-Natal Judge President Thoba Poyo-Dlwati at the Durban High Court on May 9. Mpisane was instructed to bring various financial statements pertaining to the case. The summons listed at least 25 documents of interest to the inquiry.…

WHILE the ANC may have escaped an embarrassing removal from the Union Buildings following its poor performance in the May general elections, the tripartite alliance may not escape internal divisions as the alliance partners feel excluded from decision-making. The alliance partners, the SACP and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), have expressed early symptoms of discontent over the ANC’s decision to team up with the DA – a party accused of protecting the economic privileges of the white minority exploited before and post-apartheid. The SACP vented its frustration last week with the former liberation movement, accusing the dominant liberal faction within the ANC of “selling out”. The tripartite alliance campaigned fiercely for the ANC and promised to keep the party above 50%. However, when the voters humbled the…

THE Office of the Public Protector SA has indicated that an investigation into allegations of the abuse of state resources by President Cyril Ramaphosa was at an “advanced stage”. The probe followed a complaint lodged in October 2022 by Elias Muller requesting the public protector, advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, to investigate Ramaphosa for a “violation or contravention of the Constitution, abuse of power, state resources for the benefit of the ANC”, the party Ramaphosa leads. In his complaint, Muller told Gcaleka that Ramaphosa used an SANDF helicopter to attend an ANC campaign in Welkom on October 8, 2022. “The president failed to conduct himself in a manner that is beyond reproach, as required by the Constitution. The president was attending the ANC’s Letsema campaign in Welkom in the Free State. I…

WHEN Bonolo Matjila and Patience Kunene met during their first year at the University of Pretoria, little did they know they not only were beginning a life-long friendship, but together they would revolutionise the beauty industry. The women were at the institution to pursue their LLB degrees, and when they combined their backgrounds and interests, Golden Hour Skincare was born. The 4-step offering combines an environmentally sustainable product: gender-inclusive skincare kits designed to holistically address targeted skincare concerns, they explained. “The beauty landscape is ever evolving, and conversations around skincare are taking centre stage as more individuals seek to find visibility within this space.” Speaking about their different backgrounds, and what brought about the production of their beauty line, Matjila and Kunene said the common factor was identifying a gap…

At the beginning of this month, the daughter of Cameroonian President Paul Biya caused quite a frenzy when she shared a social media image of her kissing another woman. Brenda Biya, 26, received threats and widespread criticism in response. Homosexuality is outlawed in Cameroon. In fact, it is outlawed in 30 African nations. What Biya’s post has shown is not only the reality that innumerable queer Africans contend with but also the immense boldness that is required to inspire change – the mark of true leadership. Biya, a daughter of the highest man in the Cameroonian nation, expressing her sexuality in such an open manner, and on a highly publicised platform, is a clear sign of a revolutionary act by the Cameroonian national. This has forced society to come to…

FOR years midwives, doctors, parents and nurses have been emphasising the need for breastfeeding of all newborn babies, and with the current upsurge of diseases and death, the call is louder. The creation of breast milk banks ensures that babies whose mothers die at birth have a lifeline they so desperately need. “When the bank is properly run and staff trained efficiently, one can rest assured that newborn babes start this life thing off on the perfect footing,” midwife Nora Nxumalo said. “The milk not only comes with the right proportions of nutrients needed by newborns but it protects them from allergies, sickness and obesity.” But, she said, not all babies had the benefit of a mother who could breast-feed them, as some mothers died at birth, others did not…

ENGLISH striker Mason Greenwood said he only wanted to look forward when he was asked at his first Marseille press conference on Friday about the uproar surrounding his arrival at the club. The 22-year-old was suspended in January 2022 by Manchester United following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault, but prosecutors dropped charges in February 2023. Marseille fans, including the city’s left-wing Mayor Benoit Payan, condemned the signing. “I understand the question, but I don’t really want to get into any conversations or any discussions about that,” said Greenwood. “I’d only like to look forward and to be part of Marseille and just to move forward with myself, my family, my daughter and my partner and the whole club and to focus on the football and the off-field work…

THE Springboks played with 14 players for the majority of their Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein yesterday, but still the world champions were too good for their opponents. Even with a makeshift team, consisting of several debutants who scored their first Bok tries, the South Africans won the one-off Test by a comfortable 64-21 margin. They completed a magnificent performance, scoring 10 tries even though inside centre André Esterhuizen was red-carded early in the game for a tackle deemed dangerous for head-on-head contact. Despite that, the Boks were too strong for Os Lobos in their historic first Test in the Toyota Stadium, and the attitude and grit of the newcomers will give head coach Rassie Erasmus plenty to think about ahead of announcing his squad for the Rugby Championship this…

MAMELODI Sundowns sporting director Flemming Berg has a “clever football brain” and is “strong on development”, according to former colleague Jess Thorup. Berg has come under heavy criticism in recent months amid reports that he played a key role in the sacking of coach Rulani Mokwena early this month. The duo reportedly didn’t see eye-to-eye on the direction the club was taking, including transfers, playing philosophy and the achievements of last season. Sundowns finished the season with only the Premiership and African Football League trophies in their cabinet, missing out on the Champions League, MTN8 and Nedbank cups. While they missed out on the MTN8 and Nedbank crowns by a whisker, losing both trophies to Orlando Pirates in the final, they reached the Champions League semi-finals. This was the Brazilians’…

JUST in case Chicago is not Lionel Messi’s kind of town for a second consecutive season, the Fire are taking precautions for a scheduled game against Inter Miami on August 31 in the Windy City. The Major League Soccer (MLS) club said it will offer either a $250 or $100 voucher if Messi fails to play in Chicago later this season. Messi missed an Inter Miami game at Chicago late last season for what appeared to be load management reasons, with soreness from scar tissue listed as the reason the Argentina superstar did not travel to Chicago. That game was sold out last season in anticipation of Messi’s visit. Messi did play in Chicago on June 9 for Argentina in a friendly against Ecuador in advance of the Copa America.…

MANY of the senior players in the Springbok squad are on the wrong side of 30 and with two World Cups in the bag, they would be forgiven if they reached for the pipe and slippers, but RG Snyman says the Springbok environment is addictive. Rudolph Gerhardus Snyman, “The Viking” or simply RG, says that the sweet taste of success and the constant adrenaline trip of being a Bok under Rassie Erasmus will keep him coming back for more. “I am often asked what drives me at this stage of my career and after all that we have accomplished, and my answer is that once you have been part of the Springbok team, you want to stay as long as you possibly can,” says Snyman, who yesterday started for the…

Actress Deepika Padukone said she ate well and had never followed a diet that she could not be consistent with. Padukone took to Instagram, where she shared a collage of pancakes paired with whipped cream, a brownie with ice cream’ and samoosas. For the caption, the mother-to-be shared that she ate well. “Surprised to see this on my feed? Well, I eat. And I eat well,” Padukone, 38, said. She said there was a misunderstanding around the word “diet”. “We often believe that ‘diet’ means to starve, to eat less. What ‘diet’ really means is the total of all the food and drink consumed by an individual,” she said. “The word comes from the Greek word diaita, which means ‘way of life’. I've always followed a balanced diet,” she wrote.…

A paradise on earth, Seychelles offers everything one possibly dreams of from a vacation. From serene beaches and colourful reefs to eye-catching locations and upscale water villas, this is a destination that surprises you at every step. Having recently travelled there, thinking of this beautiful country conjures up images of natural, white, sandy beaches, blue ocean views, swimming, snorkelling and diving. However, if you are not a water baby, you might think twice about booking a trip to a country surrounded by water. Well, the options are plenty. Below is a list of what to do when you’re neither a water baby nor diving in the blue waters. Visit HH Farm Located in Val den D’Or in Mahé, HH Farm is Seychelle's largest cassava plantation. Cassava is one of the…

South Africa is home to Africa’s largest and most complex financial systems. The industry is underpinned by sound regulatory and legal frameworks which allow various commercial entities to thrive, help grow our economy, and compete globally. One of the critical role players in its growth is the accounting sector. The knowledge-intensive profession has a workforce of around 56 000 employees and generates annual revenues in excess of R30 billion. However, the sector is not without its challenges. Over the years, a number of high-profile fraud and financial irregularities have compromised confidence in its integrity. There is also a skills shortage that negates a steady supply of qualified CA(SA) professionals to meet the high demand in the industry. The South African Institute of Professional Accountants estimates that the country has a…

It’s the battle of the recipes between Onezwa Mbola and Nara Smith yet again. The Mbola and Smith saga continues as Smith is being side-eyed for allegedly stealing Mbola’s content. Mbola, a self-taught cook from the Eastern Cape, famous on social media for making food from scratch using foraged or homegrown ingredients accused Smith about a month ago of stealing her ideas without crediting her. “The reason to take a break on that platform is that for months now I have watched a very popular content creator use my ideas. “They have continuously used my ideas to get views. “Now that would be fine except in South Africa we don't get paid for views and where she is they get paid for views. “So she has been making money by…

Pop the champagne, darling, because one of South Africa’s biggest celebrities is returning with a new reality show. Businesswoman, multi-award- winning radio and television host, global ambassador and style icon Bonang Matheba will be on the small screen with B’dazzled by Bonang from July 29. This six-part series is a co-production between Matheba’s production company, Bonang Matheba Entertainment, and Cake Media. According to the channel’s statement: “Viewers will be treated to an exclusive and intimate look into Matheba’s flourishing career and her life as an entrepreneur.” With a 20-year track record in the entertainment industry, Matheba is one of the most sought-after celebrities in Africa. She owns her own luxury beverage, House of BNG, a foundation, and has numerous collaborations with high-profile brands including L’Oréal Paris and Steve Madden. The…

REPUBLICAN presidential nominee Donald Trump and his hordes of supporters say only God saved the former president from the bullet of a would-be assassin. Trump is not known for his personal public declarations on religion or his Christian faith. Thus, to invoke God’s intervention in his greatest hour of need has been a markedly profound statement. And, as the Trump presidency looms in the wake of the November 6 elections, a plethora of warmongers in the West are shivering in their disheartening fear and trepidation. In the Oval Office, the greatest fear is Trump tearing off the cantankerous foreign policy of the Biden administration. A mere five days after surviving an assassin’s bullet that pierced his right ear, Trump was triumphantly delivering an acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention…

FORMULA One fans get revving! KZN is in for full throttle fun when Max Verstappen’s Red Bull championship-winning car goes on tour this week. Members of the public have a chance to take pictures and see the car that entrenched Verstappen’s title as Grand Prix king in 2022. According to Red Bull Racing, this is a replica of the RB18, designed by Adrian Newey, which dominated in that season. “It powered Max Verstappen to his second consecutive drivers’ championship title and secured Red Bull Racing’s fifth constructors’ championship, their first since 2013,” the company’s PR team told Sunday Tribune this week. The RB18 replica is scheduled to be on display from Wednesday until Tuesday, July 30. Members of the public will have a chance to see the car and experience…

THE Sunday Tribune got to share some warmth and good cheer with Highway Hospice patients as their “Mandela Day” good deed initiative on Thursday. A donation of blankets and food items were made to the hospice situated in Sherwood, Durban. The life and times of South Africa’s first democratically elected president and Struggle icon, Nelson Mandela, are celebrated internationally on July 18. Highway Hospice public relations head John’o Olds said it was a timely gesture – especially the blankets, as it was the middle of winter and many patients had cold hands and feet. Olds said there were also hospice facilities in Inanda, Chesterville and uMlazi, with many of their patients being cancer patients and some living with HIV. He clarified that being admitted to Hospice did not equate to…

Team South Africa are ready for Olympic glory and to realise their dreams on the world stage in Paris when the 2024 Olympic Games begin this week. Sporting green and gold is about 140 athletes for Team SA, across 19 sports codes, such as aquatics, athletics, triathlon, archery, hockey, surfing, canoeing, badminton, cycling, equestrian, wrestling, fencing, golf, judo, skateboarding, gymnastics, rugby sevens (men) and rowing. Carrying the nation’s flag for Team SA will be Akani Simbine, 30, who will participate in the 100 metres and gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz (22). At the Tokyo 2020 Games, Team SA had 179 athletes participating in 17 codes of sport. They brought back three medals, a gold and silver from swimmer Tatjana Smith (Schoenmaker) and silver from surfer Bianca Buitendag. That was the largest squad…

A leading academic has revealed how the ocean will continue supercharging the atmosphere, resulting in harsher weather conditions in Durban and the rest of the province, leading to massive infrastructure damage and loss of lives. The harsh weather will be in the form of rain and wind storms, cyclones and floods, and climate change is the primary source of this, according to Professor Kaitano Dube of the Vaal University of Technology. Dube warned that coastal regions, including the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, need to act promptly by investing in proper infrastructure with early warning systems or risk severe destruction of properties and loss of lives in the near future. His warning comes as KZN and the Western Cape continue counting the costs stemming from the recent runaway fires and…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers will be auctioning two properties, among many others, at 11am on Thursday. The first is a vacant 3 715m² stand in the exclusive Stoneford Equestrian Estate in Botha’s Hill and a great investment opportunity. The development is in the Outer West Municipal region of Alverstone and Assagay, in relative proximity to satellite shopping centres, Kearsney College, Hillcrest High School and medical facilities. The site is below road level and has a gentle slope down and away from road level. There are two residential stands on either side. Stoneford Estate is a secure, well-run and managed residential development. It focuses on equestrian interests and has several established high-end residential properties, in addition to paddocks, stables, running and mountain bike trails and dams. Viewing is by appointment only.…

THE KwaDukuza Municipality was left licking its wounds after being trigger- happy and suspending a senior official who made an “honest mistake”. A more tactful approach would have avoided legal bills worth millions of rand stemming from the investigation and disciplinary action taken. The municipality recently succumbed to pressure and reinstated its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Shamir Rajcoomar, who was on precautionary suspension for over a year. Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys made known their findings and recommendations after they were tasked with conducting an investigation into the entity’s missing revenue of R30 million. It then emerged that the money was not missing but kept in what was supposed to be the municipality’s obsolete FNB bank account. Rajcoomar was suspended on July 7 last year on a misconduct charge for the…

MEMBERS of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s executive must complete hiring staff in their offices by July 31 but have to ensure recruitment is based on the availability of funds as the government seeks to contain costs. The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has encouraged incoming executive authorities (ministers) and their deputies of the Government of National Unity (GNU) to utilise existing staff until the current employees’ contracts end. “New staff can be held (appointed) additionally to the establishment while current staff are still in office for a smooth transition and handover. “The employees additional to the establishment will not be eligible for any allowances as they are not in the posts,” DPSA director-general Yoliswa Makhasi wrote in a circular on the appointment of staff in the offices of the…

STAFF at the National Department of Health’s Tshwane head office – the Dr AB Xuma Building leased for almost R500 million over seven years – are refusing to drink from its water supply, alleging that it is contaminated. They have raised concerns over the water posing serious health risks, in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and jeopardising employee well-being. The department’s bosses were notified about the urgent need for action to ensure their safety in the building, which houses the offices of minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, his deputy Dr Joe Phaahla, and director-general Dr Sandile Buthelezi. The Public Servants Association (PSA) said it had engaged with the department to highlight its non-compliance with national environmental health norms and standards requiring the provision of safe drinking water.…

NO ACTION has been taken against Memme Sejosengwe, the Secretary-General of the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), who is accused of making irregular appointments of officials in the OCJ. In October 2022, a complaint against Sejosengwe was lodged with the office of the Public Service Commission (PSC) detailing alleged violations of the law and the abuse of power. Among others, it was alleged that the OCJ head body-shamed the spokesperson of the OCJ who had applied for a director’s position. The complaint read: “Between 2015 and 2016 a Director of Communications position was advertised. The interviewing panel chaired by Mr Nathi Mncube unanimously recommended a Deputy Director at OCJ. Ms Charmaine Gideon prepared the memo to the Secretary-General, Ms Memme Sejosengwe. However, the post was not filled. “Ms Sejosengwe…

BLUE Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo was frustrated by his side missing out on a bonus point, but was still pleased with a 25-13 victory over defending Currie Cup champions, the Free State Cheetahs, in Pretoria on Friday. The hosts had scored their third try in the 51st minute through right wing Henry Immelman, but despite numerous opportunities to grab a bonus-point fourth, they were unable to cross the whitewash again at Loftus Versfeld. That saw the Bulls miss out on top spot as the Golden Lions, who beat Griquas by the identical scoreline on Friday, have a slightly better points difference, with both sides on 13 log points. Star No 8 Mpilo Gumede, who produced another barnstorming performance, went the closest as he was held up over the tryline in…

AMAZULU FC, under the guidance of the Zungu family, will have to forge a new path for the first time in 40 years without their headline sponsor Spar ahead of what is expected to be a challenging 2024/25 season. Club president Sandile Zungu displayed signs of a leader undeterred by new developments as he announced their divorce from the retail giant and Grindrod, their sleeve sponsor of four years. “There has been a couple of rumours about the sponsorship of Spar. Spar has been a critical part of AmaZulu for four decades,” he said. “It’s probably the longest run as a sponsor of a Premiership team or a top-flight team in this country. Our relationship with Spar came to an end at the end of last season. “For that, we…

ALEXANDRE Lacazette said he was proud that head coach Thierry Henry, his idol when growing up, had given him the responsibility of leading the France Olympic team, and hoped home support would fuel the team’s medal ambitions. Lacazette, who last played for France in 2017, told Fifa in an interview published yesterday that the Olympic team – an Under-23 side with three over-aged players – had become a close-knit group ahead of the campaign to win France their second gold medal in football. “We all have the same ambition, to go all the way and win a medal,” the 33-year-old said. “The fact that it’s a home Games is really going to motivate us.” Former Arsenal forward Lacazette said Henry wanted the team to play an attacking, possession-based style of…

Entrepreneur, film-and-radio producer, and motivational speaker Tash Reddy has created a safe space on social media for South Africans struggling with a variety of problems. Reddy’s personal experiences has led her to create groups on Facebook, where those who are experiencing the same, could share and learn from one another. She administrates three groups on Facebook: “Widowed South Africa”, “I Am”, and her latest, “Suddenly Solo”. “‘Suddenly Solo’ is for women who are going through divorce, and for single moms who are struggling with the legal system,” said Reddy. She said the idea to create the group came about after her husband of 16 years walked out on her and their children one night, leaving her “suddenly solo”. “I literally went from being married one moment, to being suddenly single…

Q: Dear Mahesh, please explain what yoga is. Also, as per spiritual aspects, what does it mean? In astrology, we also use the same word which I am confused by, such as yog, yoga or yug. When I read books, I always come across these words. If I understood these words better, it would help to understand the context. A: The main aim of yoga is the union of mind, body and spirit, to realise the unitive state. It is an ideal way to focus the mind on body movements, stretching and posture. Each stretch is called an asana, which co-ordinates with breathing. Most postures should be held for at least 10 seconds before releasing. This brings attention to what’s occurring in the body, thereby obscuring all other things from…

India’s cricketer Hardik Pandya and his wife, Natasa Stankovic, have confirmed their separation, ending their four-year marriage. The couple released a joint statement on Instagram this week, saying they had decided to part ways with mutual consent. They said they would continue to co-parent their 3-year-old son, Agastya. The statement said: “After four years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways.We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest for both of us. “This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together, and as we grew a family. “We are blessed with Agastya, who will continue to be at the centre of both our lives,…

BUSINESS Leadership South Africa (BLSA) on Friday commended President Cyril Ramaphosa on his first opening of Parliament address since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying it signalled a continuation of the positive reforms that were started in the previous administration. BLSA CEO Busisiwe Mavuso, said, “His message of unity and working together to solve South Africa’s pressing challenges is well received and we look forward to working with government leaders to achieve this.” Ramaphosa said the election made it clear that political parties needed to unite, cooperate and form a partnership to solve the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment – which it has achieved through the formation of the GNU. “We support the approach of collaboration, as the business sector – through BLSA –…

The Year of Jon Hamm has paid off. The Television Academy recognised the former Mad Men actor, whose flurry of recent projects all seem to comment on his own iconicity, with not one but two Emmy nominations: one for outstanding lead actor in Fargo (as ultraconservative sheriff and patriarch Roy Tillman), and another for outstanding supporting actor, for his work as sketchy billionaire Paul Marks in The Morning Show. In fact, nominations for the 76th Emmy Awards, announced on Wednesday, were so unsurprising they may as well have been scripted. Shogun, an obvious favourite for best drama, got 25 nominations, including lead actress for Anna Sawai and lead actor for Hiroyuki Sanada. The Crown (which sometimes felt custom-made for these awards, and has won 21) received a healthy send-off with…

ON THE night of July 15, 2016, a treacherous coup attempt was carried out aiming to overthrow the democratically elected government of Türkiye. The coup attempt by the Fetullahist Terrorist Organisation (Feto) began with the blockade of bridges in Istanbul and tanks taking to the streets. Many state institutions and organisations, notably the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the Presidential Complex and Ankara Provincial Directorate of Police, were bombed. It was soon realised that the incident was not an independent case but a co-ordinated action. Feto’s coup units organised an attack aimed at assassinating our president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Our people took to the squares to defend their democracy on the call of our president, broadcast on national television. Millions of our citizens fought against the putschist terrorist organisation throughout…

ONE of the biggest problems in South Africa is that traditional banks do not support black businesses, says Durban’s business mogul, Vivian Reddy. The chairperson and founder of the Edison Power Group spoke at the reSURGEnce Conference at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban, this week. The global business conference that ends today aims to bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials from the US and South Africa for insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and collaboration sessions aimed at unlocking the potential of the African market. Reddy related how black SMMEs were struggling to get capital, which drew a roar of approval from the attendees. He said getting capital was difficult as he also finished a R2 billion project without a cent from South African banks. He believed…

RETIRED Judge Frans Kgomo’s defamation case against former North Cape ANC provincial chairperson John Block has been dismissed. The Northern Cape High Court found no merit in the case, saying Kgomo raised the matter more than two years after the allegations were made. This was after Kgomo last year filed a lawsuit of R7.1 million against Block and his two legal representatives in a defamation action. This stems from Block’s corruption trial, in which he alleged in an affidavit that Kgomo had told the presiding officer: “Convict the bastard.” Block reported the matter to the Office of the Chief Justice in December 2016. Kgomo claimed that he was defamed when Block stated in an affidavit during his 2016 trial before Judge Violet Phatshone that he had exerted undue influence on…

Eskom’s application for leave to appeal against the North Gauteng High Court’s ruling that it grant AfriForum access to certain contract records appears to be a desperate attempt to hide irregularities and corruption, says the non-governmental organisation. AfriForum said this showed that Eskom was desperate to hide contracts from the public which may reveal irregularities and corruption at the power utility. This after the court ordered Eskom to disclose the requested information regarding its existing coal and diesel contracts to AfriForum. The judgment was delivered on March 22. The lobby group served an application against the utility in July 2022, in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), in which they demanded information on active contracts that Eskom has with various service providers, including suppliers of coal…

NEWCASTLE United manager Eddie Howe says he is dedicated to the club and will remain as long as he is “happy and feels supported”, amid reports linking him to the England head coach position following Gareth Southgate’s exit. Southgate, in charge since 2016, announced his departure on Tuesday after England’s second successive European Championship final defeat, this time a shattering 2-1 loss to Spain. It has been speculated that England will look for another home- grown replacement, with Howe or former Chelsea boss Graham Potter as frontrunners, although they might also be open to a standout replacement from elsewhere. “Really, there has been no thought in my mind on anything else and I have been very committed to the job here,” Howe told BBC Radio on Friday…

IT WASN’T as easy as initially thought, but the Springboks recovered from a shaky start to dispatch Portugal 64-21 in Bloemfontein last night. The world champions scored 10 tries at the Free State Stadium, and this is how we rated the South African players... Aphelele Fassi: 7/10 The pacy fullback produced a lovely interjection to set up Kurt-Lee Arendse’s try with a burst of speed and classy chip ahead. Kurt-Lee Arendse: 7 Was as lively as ever, and took his try well after the Fassi assist. But loses a point for his yellow card for a croc roll. Lukhanyo Am: 8 After the early departure of André Esterhuizen, Am had to cover the entire midfield on his own and did a solid job. Brilliant finish for his try, and showcased…

SHARKS coach JP Pietersen will have to tap into his vast experience as a player for the Durban team and the Springboks if he is to turn around the fortunes of the callow team who have lost their opening three Currie Cup games. Pietersen was in a Springbok team that lost five matches in a row in 2006 before turning things around to win the World Cup in 2007. His current Sharks team suffered close losses to the Golden Lions (26-25) and Griquas (34-31) before Friday night’s 31-21 loss to the Pumas. “The close losses have been tough. We have a group of mostly youngsters and it is not nice to see the disappointment on their faces because they are so proud to wear the Sharks jersey,” Pietersen…

RAFAEL Nadall reached his first final yesterday since winning the 2022 French Open, defeating Croatian qualifier Duje Ajdukovic in a three-set tussle at the Swedish Open in Bastad ahead of the Paris Olympics. A day after his four-hour quarter-final victory, the 22-time Grand Slam champion was again tested by Ajdukovic, the world No 130 who had won just two tour-level matches before this week. The Spaniard rebounded from dropping the opening set to prevail 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, returning to the final of a tournament he won as a teenager on his last appearance in 2005. “It was a very tough match. It was very difficult, honestly, but I found a way to survive and be through to the final after a long time without being in a final, so that’s…

SERGIO Perez recognised he had a “massive job” on his hands after the under-pressure Red Bull driver crashed in qualifying for the second race in a row at the Hungarian Grand Prix yesterday. The Mexican has taken just 15 points from the last six races and his future as teammate to Formula One’s triple world champion Max Verstappen, who has won seven of 12 races so far, is being increasingly questioned. Red Bull are concerned about their constructors’ title defence being weakened at a time when McLaren are emerging as a threat, and there has been speculation that Perez could be replaced after the August break. “It hurts to let your whole team down, but at the end of the day I’m determined more than ever to get back where…

Naidoo Memorial Primary School in eMkhomazi was a recipient of a new water infrastructure system after winning a national competition. The school on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast was the national winner of the Woolworths Making the Difference educational programme’s water competition. The Woolies Water Fund stepped in to install infrastructure, which included the installation of two water tanks (20 000-litre capacity), upgraded roof gutters for better rainwater flow, and hand-washing stations and filtration systems. In recognition of World Water Day in March, Woolworths invited schools to nominate their Woolies School Water Hero. Schools were asked to share their water-saving initiatives and stories, with the winning school receiving a water storage infrastructure system with filtration and a hand-washing station. This year, 100 schools participated, and Naidoo Memorial Primary School won. The…

Thailand has scrapped the planned THB300 (R150) tourism fee for international air travellers. According to travel management company, Flight Centre South Africa, the Thai government hopes this decision will encourage spending in other sectors and boost the local economy. Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, said that Thailand remained a firm favourite and was in the top three international destinations South Africans travelled to in 2023, with bookings increasing by a staggering 108% compared to 2022. “The South African rand is significantly stronger than the Thai baht and there’s no visa required for stays of up to 30 days. This makes Thailand an affordable and convenient destination, with the perfect mix of sun, sightseeing and culture,” she said. Since the government has ditched the idea of the tourism…

South Africa has some of Africa’s best cities to live in. According to Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index by City 2024. Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban and Johannesburg dominate the list of Africa’s best cities to live in. Seven African cities make up the list, including Cape Town (159.3), Pretoria (149.6), Durban (145.6), Johannesburg (140.3), Nairobi, Kenya (97.7), Cairo, Egypt (75.9) and Lagos, Nigeria (45.3). Compared to the rest of the world, Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban featured in the Top 100 Cities on the index. Cape Town ranked 74th, Pretoria ranked 90th while Durban scraped in at 98th. Cities with the highest index include The Hague in the Netherlands (1st), Luxembourg (2nd) and Eindhoven Netherlands (3rd). Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index is an estimation of the overall quality of life…

South Africa’s Cape Town International Airport and OR Tambo International Airport have made it into the Top 10 Best Airports in the World 2024 rankings. According to AirHelp, Cape Town is the second-best airport in the world while OR Tambo is ranked 6th. AirHelp said that it ranked 239 airports from 69 countries this year and the scoring was derived from flights taken from May 1, last year, to April 30, this year. “There are over 4 000 airports in our database, which we whittled down to 239, based on the busiest airports according to flight traffic, and most popular with air travellers. We aim to rank the world’s major airports, but it’s worth noting that some are excluded due to a lack of data,” said AirHelp. It said airports…