Sunday Tribune 2024-10-06

In a groundbreaking advancement for public transport in South Africa, the consortium spearheaded by GoMetro launched the nation’s first electric minibus taxi, dubbed eKamva, at the Smarter Mobility Africa summit. This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable transport solutions, concurrently unveiling an integrated electric vehicle (EV) business model and charging infrastructure known as flx EV. The project team, consisting of GoMetro, Powerfleet (formerly MiX Telematics), HSW, ACDC Dynamics, and various entities within Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering, conducted rigorous and extensive testing in and around the town of Stellenbosch on existing taxi routes, using traditional minibus taxis. Although the fuel price has momentarily come down, commuters still feel the pinch of increasing transport fares. The typical South African commuter already spends up to 40% of their income on transport.…

In recent weeks, a wave of relief has washed over South African consumers, with two significant developments providing much-needed optimism amid persistent economic challenges. A decrease in interest rates and a fifth consecutive reduction in fuel prices have brightened the financial landscape for many, granting the hope that perhaps, finally, the tide may be turning in favour of beleaguered households across the nation. As of Wednesday, the Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMRE) reported that petrol prices have dropped by R1.06 for 95 unleaded and R1.14 per litre for 93 unleaded petrol, with diesel witnessing a decrease of between R1.12 and R1.14 per litre. This adjustment means that the cost for motorists now stands at R20.73 for 93 unleaded and R21.05 for 95 unleaded, marking the lowest prices of…

South African coffee enthusiasts find themselves grappling with an unsettling reality: the cost of their beloved brews has surged dramatically over the past year. According to recent insights from Eighty20, the past twelve months have not been kind to coffee drinkers. Prices have soared above those of any other food or beverage product, creating turbulence in a market once dominated by the familiar comforts of instant coffee and artisan blends. While the South African Reserve Bank has successfully reduced inflation to below 4.5%, coffee prices have proven resilient to these efforts—a bitter pill for millions of daily consumers. In August 2024, the price of instant coffee rose a staggering 22.3% year-on-year, marking it as the food and beverage item with the largest inflation rate. As a result, the cost of…

GREYTOWN Girl is an inspirational real-life story that has love at its core. It follows the lifespan and romantic relationship of Meena, played by newcomer Sanam Sitaram, and Eddie, played by Emmanuel Castis, who were separated by apartheid and distance. Written by Rani Sitaram of East Coast Media, directed by Oscar-nominated Darrell Roodt and co-produced by Rani and Asgar Mahomed, the film stars many industry favourites, among them Jack Devnarain, Linda Sokhulu and comedian Natashia Portrag. Meena’s story is a sad yet potent reminder that love can transcend time and space. Born with a disability and believing that she was abandoned, little Meena bravely creates a life for herself at an orphanage. Only when Meena can walk independently can she return to her parental home. Meena’s father, Veer (Devnarain), teaches…

Once overshadowed by culinary maestros, sommeliers are now enjoying a renaissance within South Africa's dining establishments, becoming essential to the hospitality and culinary scene. Gone are the days when a sommelier – often an older gentleman clad in formal attire – would approach a table to present a wine list with a hint of superiority. Today, young sommeliers, many in their 20s or 30s, don relaxed clothing and bring a fresh, engaging spirit to the dining experience. Their mission? To simplify wine and make it more accessible to the average diner. As wine consumption in South Africa continues to rise, so too does the need for professionals with a deep knowledge of both local and international wines. This modern sommelier is not merely a curator of lists but rather an…

Cucumbers have often been seen as underrated fruits but the beauty community on TikTok has turned them into the latest skin-care sensation. Recently, influencers have been promoting cucumbers as a new kind of gua sha tool. For skin-care enthusiasts, gua shas are praised for their ability to enhance skin health. In a viral video, creator Selina Adasilvaa shared her unique approach to skin care. She explained how she uses the blunt end of a frozen cucumber to achieve a “glowy and beautiful” complexion. “It has a ton of added benefits that normal ice or ice rollers don’t have,” she stated. According to her, these benefits include hydration, a cooling effect and reduced inflammation. Following Adasilva’s lead, many TikTok users began posting their own videos, showcasing how they rub frozen cucumbers…