Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-10-06 i Sunday Tribune

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.…

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…

It’s Sober October, a monthly challenge inviting individuals to take a break from alcohol and rejuvenate their health. Stepping away from the drink is not only beneficial for the liver but can also enhance sleep quality and keep hangovers at bay. If you’re committed to this month of sobriety, selecting the right foods to support your detox journey is important. Here’s a guide to the best foods to include in your diet as you embrace a healthier lifestyle. Fruits First and foremost, fruits reign supreme during alcohol detox. With their high water content and abundant vitamins, fruits such as oranges, apples, and berries can keep you hydrated and nourished. They are rich in fibre, vitamin A and vitamin C, which are crucial for your overall health. However, it’s essential to…

Trade Unions will tomorrow embark on a nationwide strike to demand urgent changes on various issues in the country which include decent salaries for workers, and employers to stop retrenching their staff members to increase profits. October 7 is International Day of Decent Work and the Congress of South African Trade Unions’s (Cosatu) provincial secretary Edwin Mkhize said the day would be used to highlight challenges that are affecting workers. He said in KwaZulu-Natal, workers would be marching from King Dinuzulu Park in Durban. “People should do their things on time and not say that they were inconvenienced by the march,” warned Mkhize. He said this march would be more focused on the economy of the country which continues to favour the rich. Mkhize noted that companies were retrenching workers…

In a world where the absence of fathers often creates emotional voids in young boys’ lives, Duduzile Thabede is making it her mission to fill that gap. Thabede, 61, is this week’s Unsung Hero. She is a single mother, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Sivusisizwe B2M Africa Initiative, a non-profit in Umlazi. Thabede holds degrees in social work from St Francis College and the University of Fort Hare, and an honours degree from the University of Zululand. She previously worked with NICRO. Sivusisizwe B2M Africa was established in 2022 by a group of single mothers raising their sons alone. The organisation seeks to empower both boys and their mothers by creating safe spaces for connection, support groups and resources that foster healthy development. Thabede believes in the…

The latest iteration of the legendary coffee competition Battle of the Beans that has set out to identify the province’s best cappuccino and espresso as well as the region’s most popular coffee shop has made significant headway since its launch in August. A team of incognito judges have made their way through hundreds of coffee shops stretching from the Beach to the Berg and covering the entire East Coast as well as the coffee loving Midlands. Competition founder Ingrid Shevlin, who also has been the driving force behind its predecessor, the Great Cappuccino Hunt, which was featured in the Sunday Tribune for 17 years, is glad to have the competition back on track. She says that while the Battle of the Beans will pick out many of the industry stalwarts,…

WesBank Client Mzukisi Ndara has lashed out at the Constitutional Court following its order in his ongoing case against the financial provider and Weir Investment. Ndara made these remarks in his application for the relief of the court delivered on August 29, 2024. He said the ruling should be rescinded and reconsidered. The Constitutional Court ruled in favour of WesBank and Weir Investment. This was after the court refused Ndara’s application for condonation following his delay in bringing the application for leave to appeal. Ndara also wants to provide him with an opportunity to have his fundamental dispute with the respondents about the validity of the installment sale agreement. He said this should be resolved by applying the law and decided in a fair public hearing before a court. Ndara…

THE latest household affordability index shows that September was painful for the poor as the average household food cost increased. A report published by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group for the month ending September 30, revealed shocking developments, showing continuing escalation in the cost of living, exacerbating poverty and hunger among SA households. This is after there was an increase 0.5%. Basic and prioritised foods such as cooking oil, maize meal, sugar beans, and potatoes have been increased. When the prices of basic foods increase, there is less money to secure other important – mostly nutritionally-rich foods, which are essential for health and well-being and strong immune systems and fruits. “These foods must be bought regardless of price escalations. The high cost of core staple foods results in…

THERE have been growing concerns as motorists continue to fall victim to criminals masquerading as law enforcement officials who stop unsuspecting drivers only to rob them. These criminals confront drivers by effecting roadblocks or instructing them to stop while pretending to be members of law enforcement, the SA Police Service (SAPS), traffic police and security. Others use this to solicit money from drivers, while others use it to their advantage to disrespect the rules. There have been growing concerns and fears about this modus operandi in Gauteng. This after the report that three black luxury vehicles – Mercedes Benz – with lights are often seen travelling in a convoy in the Sandton area. A security company vehicle with blue and red lights was also reported stopping oncoming traffic at intersections…

In the fifth minute of injury time, the Durbanites’ siege on the Dragons’s line went 14 phases before substitute centre Francois Venter surged over to snatch a 33-30 win. It was only the second time the Sharks had led in the match after they had mostly chased the game. As full-time approached it looked like the Welshmen had done enough to secure the game but the Sharks refused to give up and kept niggling away until, at last, they were in position to win the game. And they closed it out. The Sharks were so close to losing their second tour game in a row and that would have left fans scratching their heads and contemplating deja vu after the horrors of last season, but this is a different Sharks…

Bafana Bafana vice-captain Percy Tau has asked national team coach Hugo Broos to be excluded from the squad to play against Congo Brazzaville in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, starting on Friday. Broos explained Tau’s absence during his announcement of Bafana’s 23-member squad in Joburg. “The fact that he’s not here with us is because there are personal reasons. Broos said Tau told him in a telephone conversation: ‘Coach please don’t call me, I’m not ready to come because of personal issues.’ “So maybe he needs to look for another team where he’ll play and be happy. Perhaps a team where there are fewer problems so that we can have the old well-known Percy Tau from a few years ago. “The qualities of Percy are something that…

French international footballer Paul Pogba said on Friday his “nightmare is over” after a four-year ban for doping was reduced to 18 months. Pogba, who is under contract with Italian giants Juventus until 2026, will be able to return to competitive football from March 11 next year, four days before his 32nd birthday. “Finally the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again,” the player said in a statement released to Britain’s Press Association. “I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes. “I play with integrity and, although I must accept that this…

An all-girls coding team from Southlands Secondary School has earned the opportunity to represent South Africa at the prestigious Coding4Mandela Tournament on December 4. Their exceptional achievement came after when they represented the province and won the national Coding4Mandela Tournament in September, where they triumphed over strong contenders from across the country in the senior category. The team, comprising five Grade 9 pupils, Waarisah Ismail, Rayha Naidoo, Isabelle Balram, Amaarah Ahmed, and Valencia Mdletshe, have become a beacon of hope and ambition within the realm of technology. According to team captain Waarisah, the group was formed at the start of the year with the intent to cultivate their skills in coding and robotics. The unique format of the tournament allowed contestants to engage in coding challenges using a mobile app,…

The Aryan Benevolent Home (ABH) Children’s Home in Chatsworth this week asked the Department of Social Development to allow them to remain open. This request came two weeks after the board of the ABH decided to shut its Child and Youth Care Centre after KZN Department of Social Development (DSD) MEC Mbali Shinga released findings into allegations of child abuse at the Chatsworth facility. Findings of the investigation revealed abuse, children going hungry, children being compelled to participate in religious practices in contravention to their own religious beliefs. Mohil Bandulal, the chairman of the ABH board, said that during the past few weeks they have been inundated with calls from the community to keep the children’s home open. “With careful consideration and consultation with DSD together with the implementation of…

ACCORDING to a report by TikTok Marketing Science US Custom Travel Destination Survey via AYTM, April 2024, 83% of TikTok users agree that the platform sparks their interest in visiting new destinations while 76% are more likely to plan future trips after seeing content about a destination. With more than 1.7 million posts under the #TravelTok hashtag, TikTok has established itself as a powerful platform for sharing travel advice, tips and personal stories that inspire others to explore and reflect. TikTok creators like Farirai Sanyika (@gopharitravels) and Karabo Maepane @misskabz form part of this movement, showing how South African travel offers both adventure and introspection. As hashtags like #TravelHacks, #TravelWithMe, #TravelTips and #LuxuryTravel continue to grow, so too does the potential for travel content to connect cultures, inspire journeys, and,…

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…

THE world is going through a painful period of glaring failure of those charged with the responsibility to rule. Increasingly, the desperation in the voice of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says it all: Evil is triumphing over good. The evil deeds of the powerful minority prevail over the aspiration of the majority for stability – for peaceful coexistence where mutual respect for each other’s rights forms the foundation of our international world order. In my book, the ICC is a microcosm of a devious international system that is hell bent on preserving the egotistical interests of the powerful few in the Global North at the expense of the majority world. Events this week in the Middle East painted the clearest picture of the rot in international relations. Israel’s…

Education stakeholders, mainly those in the non-governmental sector have called for the Department of Education to encourage career guidance at schools. This comes weeks ahead of when the matric class of 2024 begin their final examination for the year and ready themselves for either further studies or the job market. Leaders of organisations assisting matric pupils with career guidance, say this was needed especially in public schools. Dr Sanele Gamede, a career coach and lecturer from the University of Johannesburg, said teachers were playing their part but the department should be custodians. “We respect our government and the Department of Education so everyone would find it easier when they lead this,” Gamede said. He said at the beginning of the new year people would be celebrating achieving a 100% pass…

STAFF at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum which is marking its 120-year anniversary, have an extra reason to celebrate as a planned merger with Ditsong Museum in Gauteng has been withdrawn. The announcement was made by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture last week. The merger which had been gazetted in May had caused uncertainty among staff, with many fearing either losing their jobs or having to relocate to Gauteng. Dumisani Jali, who is a member of the museum’s Staff Association (a body formed by the workers), welcomed the news, saying it ended months of anxiety for workers. “The problem had been that under former Department of Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa we were just told that there would be this merger with a Gauteng based institution, and we…

AN UMHLANGA woman is challenging the legal system as it does not provide equal protection, benefits and recognition to couples who marry via Hindu rites and later divorce, labelling it as an act of discrimination. The mother of one realised that based on her religion, customs and beliefs, her 2009 betrothal to her former husband, which has now broken down completely, was not recognised by the acts governing marriage and divorce in the country. Their separation meant she now walks away empty-handed in spite of her contributions to the union while with her former partner. She recently lodged a two-pronged application with the Durban High Court, staking her claim for maintenance costs of her child and herself, and for 50% of their joint estate that their marriage yielded. She is…

ANIMAL Law Reform SA, EMS Foundation and Khoi Chief Stephen Fritz have asked the North Gauteng High Court to declare that elephants in captivity at the Johannesburg Zoo enjoy rights enshrined in the Constitution. Animal Law Reform SA, a non-profit company, EMS (Elizabeth Margaret Steyn) Foundation, a social justice non-governmental organisation and Fritz, who describes himself as a community leader, traditional healer, environmentalist and wildlife conservationist, have hauled Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development as well as Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George to the high court. The Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development was separated after the May 29 general elections following the establishment of the government of national…

Loyiso Sidimba THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is probing millions of rand paid to private lawyers and advocates by the Office of the State Attorney over a number of years. This emerged in a lawsuit filed by senior counsel, Advocate Viwe Notshe, at the South Gauteng High Court claiming millions of rand from the state attorney’s office. The state attorney’s office refused to pay Notshe’s invoices, citing the ongoing SIU probe into several payments. In Notshe’s case, the state attorney’s office would not pay due to the fact that the SIU had not concluded its investigation and resisted paying due to the SIU having conducted an investigation into the payment of R27 million worth of invoices he previously submitted and that the probe had not been completed. The invoices Notshe…

PHIL Craig, controversial secessionist and Western Cape independence advocate, has responded to the African Transformation Movement’s (ATM’s) calls backed by late former president Nelson Mandela’s great grandson Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela that he be deported. Last month, ATM leader Vuyo Zungula wrote to Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, stating that Craig, a British citizen with South African citizenship, has been actively advocating for and promoting the independence of the Western Cape. ”Craig has not only made public statements advocating secession of the Western Cape but has also led a movement to this end, which mobilises other people to join his cause. Craig’s cessation plan is highly divisive and if this notion is allowed to be mobilised even further, could worsen South Africa’s racial tensions,” Zungula warned. He said the Western…

THE Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has said that the Public Protector’s remedial action instructing the National Commissioner of Correctional Services to develop a DCS Escape Prevention Strategy and Guidelines for the Mangaung Correctional Centre within 90 days will not “guarantee” prevention of future escapes. Last week, the Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, blamed the Correctional Services for how they handled the Thabo Bester escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre. The high-profile inmate escaped from the maximum security prison guarded by multinational private security G4S in in May 2022, but it was only in January 2023 that the Department of Correctional Services opened a escape case with the police. DSC national spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the department would implement the recommendations “although” there were already Escape Prevention Strategy Plans. “Strategic plans…

Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to remain top of the Premier League as Arsenal and Manchester City came from behind to win yesterday. City were 3-2 victors over Fulham to stay one point behind Liverpool, alongside Arsenal who saw off Southampton 3-1. Arne Slot has now won nine of his first 10 games since succeeding Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, but was frustrated that the visitors invited a late onslaught from the winless Eagles. Jota prodded the Reds into the lead from Cody Gakpo’s cross on nine minutes. The Portuguese international was then guilty of missing two big chances to extend Liverpool’s advantage. Palace failed to make them pay, but victory came at a cost for Slot as goalkeeper Alisson Becker limped off with a hamstring injury. “If you score…

A strange quirk of the World Rugby rankings has the Springboks in No 2 position, behind Ireland, but nobody is in any doubt as to who is the best rugby team on the planet. The irresistible blend of power, skill and intensity that blew away the Pumas in Mbombela has warned the world that the Boks have moved on from the relatively conservative game that won then two World Cups and a series against the British and Irish Lions. It is frightening to think how good this Springbok team could be at Australia 2027 given how rapidly they have evolved under wily Kiwi Tony Brown, who has taught the South Africans how to attack space and use the width of the field. Watching big fellows like Pieter-Steph du Toit and…

The South Africans went 33-12 down in the 56th minute, but scored two tries in the final quarter to set the game up for a grandstand finish. Roared on by Bok captain Siya Kolisi and excited crowd at the home of non-racial rugby from the 1970s and 1980s, the Bok Women made it all the way to the Australian line in the final move of the match, but were penalised for hands in the ruck by Zimbabwean referee Precious Pazani to end their tenacious fight-back. It was a valiant rally towards the end from the Boks, though, to secure two bonus points, considering that they had suffered three comprehensive defeats to the Aussies over the years. The South Africans certainly had their moments and were not overwhelmed by their higher-ranked…

Bollywood actor Ahan Shetty, who made his debut in Tadap, is taking his father Suniel Shetty’s legacy forward in the second instalment of the upcoming war film, Border 2. Ahan joins Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan in the film which is directed by Anurag Singh. While Border was based on the events of Battle of Longewala, Border 2 is presumably based on the Kargil War which occurred in 1999. The conflict between the two countries was mostly limited. During early 1999, Pakistani troops infiltrated across the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied Indian territory mostly in the Kargil district. India responded with a major military and diplomatic offensive to drive out the Pakistani infiltrators. About 75%–80% of the intruded area and nearly all high ground was regained. Border, which…

Bollywood actress Kajol Devgan, who will be soon seen in the film Do Patti is sharing her opinion on breaking the rulebook. Devgan, pictured took to her Instagram this week and shared several pictures of herself wearing an inverted suit with the button closure of the blazer at her back. In the caption she wrote: “If u don’t like the rules .. break the damn book !#suitup #idontfollowtherules #rulebreaker #mirrormirroronthewall #wearitbackwards”. Earlier, she took to her social media account and shared a funny take on Mumbai’s torrential rains. Devgan, who enjoys a following of 17.3 million on Instagram, shared a short glimpse from her film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. She wrote a caption, “Me running to get some bhajiyas and chai to enjoy the #mumbairains (with an emoji of two…

Globe-trotting readers from around the world gave Tswalu Kalahari Reserve in the southern Kalahari the highest form of recognition as the safari destination ranked 2nd and 4th resort in South Africa in both the US and UK editions of the Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards for 2024. According to the reserve, these accolades come as it just recently celebrated an exceptional year after being honoured as one of the best new lodges in the wild at the Town & Country 2024 Awards, and after winning the 20th annual Hospitality Design Award for Best Sustainable Project, in addition, to securing the March 2024 cover of Condé Nast Traveller UK. Tswalu is the largest privately protected area in South Africa and offers a true wilderness experience on the southernmost edge of…

Fans suffering from 80’s nostalgia can now book Prince’s Purple Rain house on Airbnb in Minnesota, Minneapolis in the United States. The house was listed by Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, members of The Revolution who co-starred with Prince in the film and serve as the house’s hosts. The listing comes as the Purple Rain movie celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. According to the hosts, the white two-storey home is jammed with epic memorabilia that will give guests a rare perspective into Prince’s creative process during his Purple Rain era and through the eyes of two people who lived through it. “Purple Rain is the greatest movie of all time. This is not opinion, this is a fact. Now, 40 years after the movie’s release, we’re bringing it…

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…

After being so caught up with reality TV and whodunit offerings, I was delighted to spot Vince Vaughn in a new black comedy. After all, it’s not often that we see this Hollywood legend in TV shows but when he does give the nod to such offerings, he delivers the goods. It was back in 2015 when I last saw him in the gripping anthology crime series, True Detective, where he played career criminal, Frank Semyon. Of his TV and big screen work, comedy is his forte. And he proves it with Bad Monkey, a nine-episode series based on Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 novel of the same name. By the way, he also wears the hat of an executive producer while also playing Andrew Yancy, a police detective with the Miami…

DEMOCRACY, self-determination, non-racialism, and a better life for all. These are the values that, in recent years, I have elected to champion. I never met Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, but had I enjoyed that privilege, I sincerely doubt that he would have differed on any of them. They are, after all, precisely the same values to which he dedicated himself, albeit perhaps in distinctly different circumstances. The recent statement issued by the Melisizwe Mandela Foundation has been brought to my attention, and I have taken note of the allegations made against me therein. I will be diplomatic and say that they are unfortunate. It appears that Mayibuye Mandela, the author of the statement, does not understand what it is that I and others like me are fighting for, nor why it…

Renowned private prosecutor, Advocate Gerrie Nel, has condemned the police for their alleged refusal to co-operate with private investigators in the arrest of a traditional leader who is a prime suspect in the murder of DA councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu. This high-profile case has sparked a heated debate about accountability and efficacy in law enforcement. Ndlovu, who served as the DA chief whip, was shot dead on December 4, 2023, in front of his wife, Pretty Ndlovu, and their two young children, aged six years and six months. The killing occurred as Ndlovu was addressing rampant corruption related to illegal electricity connections allegedly orchestrated by the traditional leader in question. According to Barry Bateman, spokesperson for AfriForum, which has asked Nel to investigate the case, private investigators have repeatedly notified law…

Engineers at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) have commissioned a new suborbital sounding rocket launch facility at the Denel Overberg Test Range (OTR) in the Western Cape. The facility was funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and is a first for South Africa in terms of its capabilities. It also represents the first significant piece of space launch infrastructure built since 1994. Unlike orbital launch vehicles that can steer themselves, suborbital rockets are unguided and must be launched from a gantry that can be accurately aimed, depending on the required flight trajectory, mission requirements and safety risks. The recently launched gantry has a state-of-the-art aiming and control system to allow the boom to rotate 360 degrees in the horizontal plane, while also…

Ian Wyles would like to feature two properties that will go under the hammer during its auction on October 23 at 11am. The first property is a bachelor unit – Section 3, Ascot Court, 18 Gladys Mazibuko Road – in Essenwood. Essenwood is a popular residential area, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre but close enough to commute. It features a range of stores and restaurants and is close to all amenities. The unit comprises: One bedroom Bathroom Open-plan kitchen and lounge Fully fitted kitchen with high-definition gloss-wrap doors, quartz countertops and an electric stovetop cooker Fully-fitted bedroom with built-in cupboards Wooden flooring throughout the apartment Two allocated off-street parking bays The second property is a four- bedroom house in Rose Hill at 15 Lovat…

EXTREME weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal, which caused many deaths and billions of rands in damage, have resulted in a new project to develop an early-warning system that will assist vulnerable communities. It will focus on two vulnerable districts in KZN, eThekwini and Ugu and researchers will use cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to develop a comprehensive warning system tailored to the needs of affected communities. The project known as ‘Warning system for Extreme weather events, Awareness Technology for Healthcare, Equitable delivery, and Resilience (WEATHER) is a multi-partner collaboration between the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery and the University of Portsmouth. Professor Saloshni Naidoo, Head of Public Health Medicine at UKZN says…

Sarah Bullen’s near-death experience changed her life completely. In The Other Side she tells of experiences with mystical journeys. NEAR-DEATH experiences (NDE) are real. And if you don’t believe that, just ask Sarah Bullen, a renowned and respected journalist and author. Bullen was a financial journalist and has since conducted overseas writing retreats and helped write at least 100 books. In her latest book, The Other Side she tells how she almost died but survived to tell her story and those of others who also had mystical experiences or contact with people across the veil. Bullen says her NDE changed her outlook on life completely. “It's not always the case for all near-death experiences. But when I came back from this experience of one month in a coma, going to…

THE Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, and Water & Sanitation) has raised concerns about the collapse of the Thabazimbi Local Municipality. On Wednesday, the multi-stakeholder committee visited the municipality following the decision by the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) to disarm the Democratic Alliance-led coalition and strip of their power following years of internal litigation, which led to a “total collapse” of the municipality. The committee said it was alarmed by the inclination of the various groupings within the municipality to use resources that could otherwise be used for service delivery to pay their legal fees. The committee said it considered the municipality “dysfunctional” and “unable” to provide services to the residents. “These legal actions do nothing…

THE Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) has made damning claims regarding the Private Security Sector Provident Fund (PSSPF) in its most recent annual report, which have subjected the fund to intense scrutiny. The PSSPF, which is accountable for the retirement benefits of thousands of South African security guards and is designated as the primary source of pension-related complaints, was found to have experienced critical operational failures. In its 2023-2024 annual report, the OPFA disclosed that the PSSPF was the most problematic fund in the country, with 3 654 complaints issued out of a total of over 9 000. Many security officers have been deprived of their rightful benefits due to widespread non-compliance by employers, processing delays, and poor communication between the fund and its administrator. Pension Funds Adjudicator…

SEDIBENG District Municipality mayor Lerato Maloka has been accused of embezzling and abusing taxpayers’ money following her recent trip to Germany. Sources in the municipality claimed that Maloka lied to the council that the trip cost R566 979.53. This after she failed to provide clear details and cost of the trip. The sources said Maloka was invoiced R412 538 for the trip. The municipality also lied that the trip cost R549 740. Maloka attended the 25th International Aids Conference scheduled between July 22 and 26 in Munich, Germany. She was also accused of travelling on a business-class flight. This was a five-day trip and Maloka spent 8 nights, costing taxpayers further. The money also accommodated acting Aids secretary Caroline Bukwana. Civil society chairperson Zwe Mqwati was also added. However, both…

SOUTH Africa Women had a dream start to the 2024 ICC Women’s T20I World Cup as they thumped a dangerous West Indies Women’s team by ten wickets in Dubai earlier this week. Going into the showpiece event, Proteas Women had all eyes on them given that they finished as runners-up in the 2023 edition of the tournament. That pressure seemed to bring out the best in the players as everyone delivered on their responsibilities with spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba being the best player on the day. Following her career-best figures of 4/29, Mlaba told the media that the reason behind their clinical performance on Friday was the fact that the team is hungry for the trophy. “For us, now we are in it to win it,” she said. “We’ve failed in…

The debate of who’s the king of Maskandi and South African football will go on, but the names Mthandeni, Orlando Pirates, Relebohile Mofokeng reigned supreme at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium last night. Mthandeni, the musician, didn’t only lift this stadium’s roof with his pre-match live act, but his meaning of his name summed up what this match was all about. Mthandeni could be loosely translated into a lot of things related to love. As such, that was embodied in this MTN8 final given that there was everything to love all round. The Ghost will be the most in-love group of supporters with their team as they completed an unprecedented ‘three-peat’ in the competition. But what about Stellenbosch? The Ghost, their fans, and discerning observers will not help but feel…

The Dolphins will be out to snap their two-match losing streak when they visit the Lions in the T20 Challenge encounter at the Wanderers Stadium today (2pm start). The KZN based side have suffered two defeats in their opening matches, and the long trip to Johannesburg will offer them a chance to get their first win in a shortened tournament that will not see both these sides meet again unless their paths cross in the play-offs or knock-outs. The Dolphins, who are rooted to the bottom of the log, have suffered some significant losses. First, their six-wicket loss against the Warriors in the opening round was rescued by Eathan Bosch (45) with his power hitting towards the end. And so they managed to scrape through a defendable total which the…

South Africans are preparing for their yearly vacations by booking flights and accommodation and making lists of things not to forget. Once passengers pass through the boarding gates and holiday mode kicks in, the chances of losing personal items while travelling increase. LIFT conducted research and looked through its Lost and Found Index to establish what items are most commonly left on board and according to its data, some of the most commonly lost items include identity cards, bank cards, driver’s licences and even birth certificates. The premium domestic carrier’s brand manager, Haydn Henning, said they had to ask the question of whether South Africans like spending time at Home Affairs replacing some of these items. He said that since the airline launched in 2020, the most common…

Spring and summer are all about experiencing the best in local travel. Mzansi has plenty of places to visit and things to do to keep you entertained. As an adventure destination, there is no need to step out of the country to have world-class experiences. From cruising the Atlantis Dunes while quad biking to enjoying panoramic views of Hartebeespoort on top of the Magaliesberg, South Africa was created for al fresco experiences. As the weather warms up and we head into festive mode, prepare to travel and explore the country like never before. Here are some of the best local experiences to add to your spring and summer travel bucket list. Hartebeespoort Cableway For adventurers around Johannesburg and Pretoria, consider a short drive out to the North West Province and…