Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-10-27 i Sunday Tribune

South Africans have faced a challenging year dealing with sluggish economic growth, limited consumer spending power, and unprecedented hikes in fuel prices that disrupted daily life, putting extra pressure on consumers and business finances. This was according to Sebastien Alexanderson, the head of National Debt Advisors, who said that as the cost of living continued to rise and financial pressures mounted, many individuals and households have turned to credit cards to manage day-to-day expenses and deal with unexpected financial burdens. A recent McKinsey Global Consumer Sentiment Survey revealed that 87% of consumers describe their current economic situation as stretched, leading 61% to cut back on spending. This belt-tightening has led to 32% of shoppers substituting branded products with more affordable alternatives. Moreover, the recent assessment of the broad money supply…

Prostate cancer stands as one of the most prevalent cancers affecting men around the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, it accounted for 14.1% of all cancer diagnoses among men, with over 1.4 million new cases and approximately 375,000 deaths reported that year. A disparity in diagnosis The statistics reveal a disturbing trend: black men face a significantly higher risk of prostate cancer. Research shows that 1 in 6 black men will receive a diagnosis during their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men. Furthermore, data indicates that black men are 70% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it. In South Africa, prostate cancer is recognised as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men of…

The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice has left fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming two-part reunion, which will be hosted by Shahan Ramkissoon. Mzansi wants the tea on several of the fallouts, especially those that involved Christina Devraj. I hope he brings the heat, as MaBlerh did with the reunion for The Real Housewives of Durban season three and four. In the meantime, I feel viewers were manipulated by POP24. The production house pegged Christina as the villain from the get-go. To her credit, she brought some liveliness to what would have been a dull show. After all, the blueprint of a reality show isn’t built around ‘nice’. Although she was not present at every get-together, when she showed up, she stirred the pot. She rubbed the rest of the cast…

Shreyan Govender, 7, this week took a momentous step towards a healthier future as he underwent a kidney transplant, a procedure that not only marks a pivotal chapter in his young life but also embodies the spirit of family and sacrifice. The extraordinary gift came from his 50-year-old aunt, Priscilla Govender, who transformed her own health to give Shreyan the chance to thrive after years of struggling with chronic kidney disease. Shreyan, who is in isolation at the hospital, is recovering well from the surgery that occurred on Tuesday. Shreyan, diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at birth, faced numerous challenges from day one. He and his twin sister entered the world together, both on ventilators and fighting for their lives. At just one month old, Shreyan was diagnosed with under-formed…

A TEAM from the University of KwaZulu-Natal had a hand in yesterday’s “Cybathlon”, the global contest that promotes ingenuity and advancement of assistive technologies. UKZN’s “Touch Hand” – a low-cost arm prosthesis that empowers amputees with the ability to do regular household tasks, was entered in the Cybathlon – regarded as the prostheses Olympics. Once the robotic arm is attached to the pilot, it is able to pick up signals from the user's muscles and feed them into the device’s computers. The computers are able to decode EMG (electromyography) electrodes, which is electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles of the pilot, and instructions are sent to the fingers for the execution of various hand gestures. Power for the device is drawn from attached USB power banks. A total of 76…

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo have defended the governments of unity – GNU and GPU, which the party was forced into following the national and provincial elections. This is despite widespread criticism from parties outside the governments of national and provincial unity, including its allies, the SA Communist Party (SACP) and Cosatu. Mbalula said the contradictions had been brought about by what the ANC national executive committee (NEC) characterised as a strategic setback of the party’s national democratic revolution, which demands the making of critical trade offs and employs unpopular tactics in achieving strategic advantage in the midst of competing ideologies within the GNU environment. “However, we are under no illusion that the ANC’s policy and manifesto commitments remain our lodestar in navigating the stormy…

DESPITE the Israeli war that is ravaging the Middle East with the United States fully backing Israeli armed forces, sending economies to shock – African chief executives felt it was an “exciting time in the history of the African continent as they painted a positive economic outlook” for the East, West, and Southern African regions. This was presented last week in Johannesburg during the launch of the inaugural KPMG Africa CEO Outlook. The event marked the debut of the Africa Edition, featuring comprehensive research and insights from top CEOs across East, West, and Southern Africa. According to Ignatius Sehoole, chairman and CEO of KPMG in Africa, there was a significant consideration for escalating uncertainty and rising global crises – which has forced a reset in strategic thinking, a consolidation of…

IN South Africa, the month of October spotlights the issue of health. This month commemorates a number of health awareness days, including National Nutrition Week, National Stroke Week, World Mental Health Day, and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Health is not merely a personal concern; it is a central aspect of national development, social development, and economic stability. The country's health landscape is shaped by various complex intersections of historical, social, and economic factors, which influence the well-being of its citizens. Over 30 years since the advent of democracy, the nation still grapples with significant health challenges. According to the South African Human Rights Council, 82% of South Africans are largely dependent on public healthcare facilities. More strikingly, only 17% of the entire population have medical insurance. In South Africa,…

THE Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has applauded law enforcement for arresting a man linked to the rape and murder of Amantle Semane in Orlando East, Soweto. The Mozambican national, who is alleged to be living illegally in South Africa, was arrested on Wednesday evening after a team led by the station commander and branch commander traced him to another shack in Zola. This followed the residents working with the police on a three-day hunt for the foreign national. The suspect was also a welder. He was accused of raping and strangling the six-year-old girl to death in his rented shack on Monday, October 21. The Portfolio Committee chairperson, Thebe Khumalo, said the arrest represented a crucial step towards justice for the victim, their family, and the…

Erling Haaland fired Manchester City to the top of the Premier League as the striker sealed a 1-0 win against Southampton, while third-placed Aston Villa were frustrated by Bournemouth’s last-gasp leveller yesterday. Haaland had gone three league games without a goal but ended that mini drought in the first half at the Etihad Stadium. That was enough to lift Pep Guardiola’s side into first place, two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, who can regain pole position if they win tomorrow’s blockbuster clash with title rivals Arsenal. City have not lost a league game at the Etihad for two years, a run encompassing 35 games, and bottom-of-the-table Southampton, who have only one point from nine games this season, were never likely to shatter that impressive streak. With Jack Grealish and Jeremy…

Captain Ben Stokes admitted that Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were too good for his England team after the spin duo propelled Pakistan to a series victory on Saturday. The hosts sealed a nine-wicket win in the third Test in Rawalpindi with Noman taking 6-42 and Sajid 4-69 in the second innings as England were bowled out for just 112. The irrepressible pair shared 39 wickets in the last two Tests to spur Pakistan's revival from an innings defeat in the first match. “You’ve got to hold your hands up to say that those two in particular were obviously too good for our batting line-up in those last two games,” Stokes said. Noman and Sajid both came into the side following Pakistan's heavy defeat in the first Test in Multan,…

India skipper Rohit Sharma said yesterday he would not put undue pressure on his team despite going down to New Zealand and losing a first home Test series for 12 years. New Zealand thrashed India by 113 runs in Pune to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series – the Black Caps’ first series win on Indian soil. For India, it was their first home series defeat since Alastair Cook’s England edged them 2-1 in December 2012. “I am not going to react differently,” Rohit told reporters. “Look at the games that we have won in India. “There are more good things that have happened than bad. “I don’t want to create that environment where people start doubting themselves, taking unnecessary pressure. Of course you will lose a…

TeKayha Sukuram is not just a young woman making strides in modelling and film; she is a beacon of inspiration for many, proving that dreams can come true with courage and determination. At 22 years old, TeKayha Anastasia Sukuram has a passion for change. The Durban resident wears many hats: actress, dancer, model and philanthropist. She described herself as “a confident changemaker and dream chaser”. “I am a ‘look-at-the-glass-half-full’ type of person, and I believe in going into the world and creating your own opportunities,” she said in an exclusive interview with Independent Media Lifestyle. Not only is Sukuram the reigning Zee TV Miss India South Africa 2023, but she is also laying the groundwork for her own brand. Her journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age,…

A distinguished advocate of the Tamil language and culture, Mala Lutchmanan, yesterday launched the isiZulu version of the classic Tamil-language sacred poetic text, the Thirukural. The Thirukural, a revered ancient text consisting of 1 330 couplets – a pair of rhyming lines that often form a sentence or complete a thought – is hailed as one of the masterpieces of Tamil literature. Revered for its moral and ethical guidance, this remarkable text has found resonance across the globe, enjoying translations in at least 57 languages worldwide. Lutchmanan, of Yellowwood Park, yesterday launched the Thirukural in isiZulu at the 1860 Heritage Centre in Derby Street in Durban. Lutchmanan is a former radio host and teacher who taught children with special needs. She has produced 22 works, including the biography of Nelson…

A healthy and happy employee is good for any company. Business travel can often take its toll on an employee from the stress of work, and meeting deadlines while in transit to being away from family. As a result, some companies work towards protecting their employees and making their travel experiences as comfortable as possible. According to Rategang Moroke, Operations Manager, Corporate Traveller, they’re seeing more requests for specific preferences like hotel rooms with great natural light or views that don’t face another building, and of course personalised pillow choices. Moroke highlighted that these requests go beyond comfort and this is about overall well-being. “Travellers want to perform at their best, and that starts with feeling good, physically and mentally,” she said. As the country commemorates Mental Health Awareness Month,…

Cosatu this week welcomed the sharp drop in Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) as it plummeted from 4.4% to 3.8% – a much-needed development for millions of workers grappling with rising living costs. This significant drop, the lowest inflation rate recorded since March 2021, provides a glimmer of hope for South African consumers trying to recover from financial hardships inflicted by the persistent economic strains of recent years after Covid-19, high inflation and high unemployment. Cosatu urged the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to act decisively by reducing the repo rate in its upcoming Monetary Policy Meeting. Last month, the MPC cut interest rates by 25 basis points, the first rate cut in four years, bringing down the repurchase rate to 8% per annum and the prime lending rate to 11.5%…

The beloved teen drama series Youngins returns to the streaming service Showmax for another highly anticipated season next month. The hit series has been one of the 10 most-watched shows on the streaming platform since its relaunch in February. The teen drama quickly became a fan favourite during its first season, garnering a significant following, stealing hearts and racking up award nominations. Youngins is a Showmax Original youth drama series produced by Tshedza Pictures. The show focuses on the issues they experience daily, such as sexuality, family traumas, popularity, teenage pregnancy and abuse of power. Thabiso Ramotshela, who plays Mahlatse Maleka in the series, shared that he sees the show as the Yizo Yizo of his generation. With Youngins returning, he details his character and the excitement for the…

THE brouhaha around the forced relocation of the Taipei Liaison Office from South Africa’s capital Pretoria to Johannesburg – about 50km southward – is completely misplaced. In 1997, South Africa cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan when the Nelson Mandela administration embraced UN Resolution 2758, which is about the One-China Principle that recognises Taiwan as an inalienable and integral part of China. In a widely circulated media statement the other week, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) revealed that the Taiwan authorities were given a six-month notice to move out of South Africa’s capital. Dirco’s statement read in part: “Relocating what will be rebranded as Trade Offices both in Taipei and Johannesburg, which is standard diplomatic practice, will be a true reflection of the non-political and non-diplomatic nature of…

The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, is making a significant move to honour the legacy of his political leader, the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, by relocating his office to the old provincial parliament building in Ulundi. The move, which has been discussed for some time, signals a continued commitment to uphold the values and contributions of the former IFP leader. According to sources within the department, preparations were underway to establish Buthelezi’s new office space at the previously abandoned precinct. Once a bustling centre for provincial governance, the Ulundi building has largely remained dormant since the ANC-led cabinet vacated it two decades ago. However, it has since been used occasionally for meetings of the Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders and has offices for King Misuzulu kaZwelithini. “Right…

The Moses Mabhida Stadium Sky Car is set to commence operations next summer, promising to enhance the stadium’s allure beyond its existing base of soccer enthusiasts. This announcement came from eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, who spoke about the city’s revitalisation efforts during his first three months in office. Xaba articulated how strategies aimed at improving service delivery and combatting corruption have begun to bear fruit, evidenced by a recent uptick in the Business Confidence Index (BCI) report. “Business confidence in the city has increased for the second consecutive quarter, which is a positive sign for our economic recovery,” he noted. “We assure all our stakeholders that the venue is structurally sound and will continue hosting major events during the renovation period, as certified by engineers,” he confirmed. However, the eThekwini…

A SPECIAL sitting has been proposed by the mayor of the Rustenburg Local Municipality to consider “allegations of misconduct” against the municipal manager Ashmar Khuduge. The executive mayor Sheila Mabale-Huma wrote to the Speaker of the municipality Lebogang Pule, calling for a special council meeting to discuss various allegations levelled against municipal manager Khuduge. Without delving into the specifics of the allegations, Mabele-Huma mentioned in her letter dated October 17 the importance of enabling the meeting so that she can present her report related to the accounting officer to the council. “It is of paramount importance that I present this item for the council to consider and resolve as it relates to the accounting officer of the municipality, and it has the potential to bring the municipality into disrepute if…

THE meeting of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) last Tuesday has thrust into the spotlight the precarious nature of South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs)—entities that should be engines of growth are, for now, mired in debt and mismanagement. Serious allegations of financial mismanagement were laid bare regarding three critical state-owned entities: SA Airways (SAA), the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa), and Transnet. With mounting debts and operational challenges said to have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Scopa underscored an urgent need for more than just funding—an estimated R100 billion to R120bn for Transnet and R120bn for Prasa. Without these capital injections, the viability of these entities hangs in the balance. The discussion began with stark revelations about SAA’s precarious financial stability. The airline is now virtually…

ALMOST 100 children have fallen sick after eating suspected poisoned food and snacks in the country in the past month, with some dying painfully and others spending days in intensive care. The majority have been falling sick in groups who have eaten from the same vendor. The youngest to have died were mere toddlers from a township in Soweto, where, like many townships, the reliance on tuck shops and their owners is heavy. Known for their generosity, for lower than normal prices, and for allowing their clientele the advantage of buying goods on credit, they have become a mainstay, keeping communities alive where the government and big business failed. This has been the underlying factor for residents reliant on township spaza shops to come out in defence of the mostly…

A year is an eternity in rugby and it is hard to believe that the Sharks side that yesterday delivered a champion performance in defeating Munster 41-24 in Durban were rock-bottom of the United Rugby Championship last year. There were periods in this game where Eben Etzebeth’s team looked unstoppable and Munster, a team the Sharks had never beaten before and which won the title in 2023, looked clueless. This is what John Plumtree’s team can do when it is packed with current Springboks and it is reassuring for Sharks supporters to know that they will have Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, et al when the tournament resumes in December. As Etzebeth said at the end of the game: “There was some excellent stuff from us today and two weeks in a…

Bangladesh’s all-format captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is likely to step down from the leadership role after the conclusion of the ongoing home Test series against South Africa. The Bangladesh Cricket Board had appointed Najmul as captain across formats for a year in February 2024, with plans for him to lead the team in the Champions Trophy next year. However, Najmul has informed the board of his decision to step down and is awaiting approval from board president Faruque Ahmed, who is currently abroad and expected to return soon. “Yes, he informed us that he is not ready to lead the side after the South Africa series,” Cricbuzz quoted a top BCB official as saying. Najmul confirmed the same with elaborating on his decision to leave the leadership role. “Let’s see…

The power-packed squad that Rassie Erasmus has picked for the imminent end-of-year tour suggests that 2024 could be the Springboks’ most successful of the modern era. The Boks have won eight of their 10 Tests played so far this year – the two blips were against Ireland and Argentina – and if they go unbeaten on this tour they will finish 2024 with an 85% success rate. That would be their best since the game turned professional in 1996. The Boks have been in hot form this year, twice comfortably beating the All Blacks and the Wallabies and their two losses were one-point nail-biters in Durban and Santiago del Estero. Erasmus has picked his best players for the tour matches against Scotland, England, and Wales as he continues his policy…

Full marks to the South African Football Association for securing first-class opposition for Banyana Banyana’s international friendlies but it must be soul-destroying when the side takes a 5-0 thumping. On Friday evening, hosts Denmark won 5-0 against the touring South Africans in Aalborg after a goalless first half. The game-flow chart of the match showed that it was played almost entirely in the South African half. In the first half, as well as the second, it was one-way traffic. As a result of the one-sidedness, Banyana, world-ranked at No 50, had a meagre two shots at goal during the 96 minutes. Neither was on target. Denmark, the No 12 world-ranked team, had 27 shots at goal, 11 of which were target. Kaylin Swart, the South African goalkeeper, saved six and…

The majestic splendour of KwaZulu-Natal is unparalleled. Boasting both sea and mountains plus great rivers, gorges and forests; travellers are spoiled for choice. Apart from being beautiful, the Northern parts of the province are also rich in history, from the consolidation of the Zulu nation to the ethnic group’s infamous wars with the English and the Anglo-Boer wars. This region cannot be denied the significant role it played in creating the South Africa we know today. Newcastle, a city in this part of the province sits nestled in the looming yet alluring Drakensberg Mountains. This is a dry, hot and unforgiving region. Conversely in winter, it gets very cold relative to other parts of KZN. This is what makes the area a great destination for travel as it boasts numerous…

After securing its win as Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination, Durban announced it has set its sights on revitalising its adventure tourism attractions within the city. The eThekwini Municipality unveiled plans to turn Moses Mabhida Stadium into an adventure destination with the addition of leisure activities following upgrades and refurbishment currently taking place at the stadium. Mayor Cyril Xaba and his team, together with the company responsible for the upgrades of the stadium, WBHO, hosted a site inspection and provided an update on the developments in construction taking place at the stadium. “We remain focused on positioning the city as the venue of choice for major sporting events. “In this regard, it is no coincidence that we have chosen this iconic venue to mark our 100 days in office…

The investigations into a recent spate of food poisonings must examine the entire landscape of different stores, not just spaza shops, according to GG Alcock, a prominent informal economy expert. Alcock was speaking in an interview by Business Report after the Democratic Alliance (DA) weighed in on food poisonings, citing the need for tighter regulations in township businesses as laid out in the Township Economic Development Act (TEDA). This after a series of alleged food poisoning incidents in Gauteng and one incident in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Six pupils from different schools in Naledi, Soweto died allegedly after consuming food purchased from a spaza shop. In addition, 25 primary school pupils from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School were admitted to a hospital in Bronkhorstspruit after eating snacks bought from a street vendor. This…

Durban-based make-up artist Sinothile Dlamini recently shared a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting on his career growth over the past six years. In his post, which included screenshots of direct messages to several well-known South African celebrities, including Linda Mtoba and Ntando Duma, where he shot his shot asking to do their makeup as a young up-and-coming make-up artist. Dlamini expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received from them, as they eventually became his clients. “God’s testimony. The past 6 years have been nothing but greatness to me, I have been through the most, but God has always been the best for me and my business. “Years and years passed without any response (DM was obviously not visible because it was on request). I don’t take this lightly.…

Beef, which premiered in April 2023, is returning to Netflix for a second season. Following the success of the first season, it’s no surprise that the streaming platform is doubling down. This time around, Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny join the cast. These talented actors are set to take the lead, promising even more drama and intensity. Beef knew how to take a simple argument and unravel it into something much deeper, showing just how destructive unchecked anger can be. From road rage to personal meltdowns, the show’s relatable exploration of frustration made it a standout hit, pulling in an impressive 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In season one, Steven Yeun’s Danny and Ali Wong’s Amy descended into a bitter, unpredictable feud after a small road…

THE recent claim by the Press Council of SA (PCSA) of “expelling” Independent Media requires correction and context: The media house withdrew first. After a brute-force attempt to censor and control Independent Media’s editorial content via the backdoor, the media house decided to withdraw from the voluntary body. On October 22, Independent Media announced its immediate withdrawal from this voluntary body, protesting what it viewed as the suppression of press freedom and censorship through competitor-media-driven agendas. The PCSA’s response was telling: First, it rejected the withdrawal, then hastily announced the company’s “expulsion” the following day. The PCSA’s bizarre reaction – attempting to reject a withdrawal from a non-statutory voluntary organisation – reveals the Council’s true colours and raises troubling questions about its role in South Africa’s media landscape. Consider the…

In an impressive display of talent and camaraderie, South Africa's two-time Masters World surf champion Heather Clark and her teammate Tyrell Johnson made their mark at the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship held in Surf City El Salvador this week. Competing in the seventh edition of this prestigious event, the dynamic duo secured silver and bronze medals, solidifying their status within the global surfing community. The competition took place at the renowned point-break of El Sunzal, famous for its consistent waves and stunning coastal scenery. Clark, 53, from St Michael's on Sea on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, finished in second place in the Women's Grand Masters over 50 division, while, Johnson, from East London, snagged third place in the Men's Masters over 40 category, bringing home a bronze medal. Clark,…

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, one phenomenon stands out: extreme consumerism. In South Africa, this culture of excess is vividly illustrated by the staggering prices of luxury items that have become symbols of status and success. From a house listed for R658 million in Cape Town to Bowers & Wilkins speakers retailing for over R1 million and Hästens beds priced between R100 000 and R1.5 million, the question arises: who buys these extravagant items, and why? Furthermore, what are the broader implications of such consumer behaviour on our society and economy? The allure of luxury The luxury market in South Africa has flourished, attracting a diverse clientele ranging from ultra-high-net-worth individuals to successful entrepreneurs and celebrities. These buyers are often motivated by a desire for status and…

Ian Wyles would like to feature two properties that will go under the hammer during their auction on November 27 at 11am. The first property is a three-bedroom house at 77 Tipuana Drive in sought-after Glen Anil. The area is in close proximity to uMhlanga, La Lucia and commercial centres, as well as prominent schools, shopping malls and beaches. The home offers the perfect blend of comfort and accessibility and features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, two lounges, a study and an entertainment haven. The fully-fitted kitchen features built-in cupboards, a gas hob and a scullery. The property also has a family-sized pool and a picturesque, terraced garden. Additional features include staff quarters, a double garage and visitors parking. Viewing is by appointment only. For more information, please contact Nawaz Chinnilall…

THE High Court application brought by the heads of a Durban retirement village to evict a long-time resident from their facility was dismissed with costs last week. The Amanzimtoti Welfare Organisation For the Aged moved to terminate Diana Patricia Gregson’s lifetime right and occupation of a unit and use of a garage at the Poinsettia Park Retirement Centre. AWOFTA alleged that Gregson, a professional opera singer, who also had UK citizenship, had not occupied her unit since December 2019, which exceeded their permitted absence period. They stated that various clauses in the agreement and house rules supported their termination bid. AWOFTA contends that her prolonged absence constituted a breach of the life rights. Their legal representatives served a letter threatening to terminate her life right in January 2022. Gregson’s attorney…

ON October 23, 2024, the Press Council of SA (PCSA) took the drastic step of announcing the expulsion of Independent Media. First and foremost, it is crucial to understand this: we were not expelled by the Press Council. Our decision to withdraw was deliberate and driven by our commitment to media freedom and independence. The Press Council’s recent narrative that suggests otherwise is not only misleading but a clear attempt to save face. Let’s break it down clearly: Independent Media has always stood firmly for the principles of independent journalism and media freedom. Over the past months, we have increasingly found that the Press Council has not acted in ways that support these values.Instead, the Council has been influenced by individuals and institutions with vested interests, many of which remain…

THE Sekhukhune Security Crisis and Demand Forum wants security officers in the Limpopo province to be on the government’s payroll. The forum has requested Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba to implement an immediate moratorium on the retrenchment of security officers whose contracts are ending, pending insourcing discussions. The forum also made the same request to the mayor of Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, Eddie Maila. The forum, which represents security officers in Sekhukhune district, wrote letters dated October 14. The organisation wants the provincial government to insource all security officers working on government premises in the province. “As you are aware, private security companies currently employ security officers in government premises. However, these companies often fail to comply with labour regulations, denying workers fair benefits and treatment. In light of this, we…

SOUTH Africa faces a serious but not new threat as children continue being mercilessly assaulted through kidnapping, rape, and murder by their victims. In the past few weeks, mothers and grandmothers along with their families and communities cried out in pain as their children died in the strangest ways; however, the rape and killing of six-year-old Amantle Samane in Orlando East, Soweto, was a stark reminder that no place was safe for children in the country. An undocumented foreign national, Pethe Sara Simiaoa, accused of raping and strangling Amantle to death, was arrested after police conducted a three-day hunt for the Mozambican, who was known by many in the community at the time of the incident. Action Society said there should be no tolerance for violent criminals, no matter their…

These are some of the shocking revelations in the probe conducted by Werkmans law firm. The report also found that there were suspicious dealings with the service providers. These happened under the leadership of former board chairperson Themba Mhambi and chief financial officers Andile Nongogo and Tsheola Matsebe. Werkmans was appointed after the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) investigated the allegations in 2018, after three whistleblowers approached Outa with damning evidence of tender manipulation on several different tenders. The report came after the court ordered SSETA to release the report to Outa following its refusal of several requests. Nine service providers were investigated. The companies included Grayson Reed Consulting, Star Sign, Africawide Consulting, Falametrix, IQ Telecommunications Services, Blackseed Consulting, The Institute of Anti-Corruption in Africa, The Consortium of I-Firm Trading…

David Kriel has played over 100 games for the Bulls across competitions, where he has featured at fullback, wing and centre. But now there’s another party trick to the Kriel make-up: clutch goal-kicker. The 25-year-old – who was born in Potchefstroom and attended Grey College in Bloemfontein – was the hero for the Pretoria side when he slotted a late conversion of Akker van der Merwe’s maul try to clinch a 17-15 victory over Benetton in Treviso on Friday night. Kriel has a wide variety of skills, but wasn’t recognised as a goal-kicker until recently, when he started helping out in that regard. But a strange set of circumstances led to him having to haul out his kicking tee at the Stadio Monigo, after Boeta Chamberlain was ruled out with…

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner agreed on Friday with Sergio Perez’s assessment of his Formula One season as ‘terrible’ but said the Mexican was still the team’s driver for 2025. Perez has yet to win this year and is eighthinth the standings with 150 points, the lowest tally for any driver in the top four teams. Triple champion team mate Max Verstappen has 354. “I think he’s summed it up perfectly. It’s been a bad year for Checo (Perez),” Horner told reporters at the Mexico City Grand Prix. “He started strongly and obviously he’s struggled for form since pretty much Imola onwards and its been sporadic. “Azerbaijan arguably he could have won that race almost a month ago,” he said. “We know what he’s capable of and we’re…

ON the face of it, the result of a clash involving Polokwane City and Mamelodi Sundowns should be a foregone conclusion. Such is the disparity between the two sides in terms of quality, strength in depth and standing in the local game that you are never going to find any punter making City favourites. Yet as he looked ahead to their trip up to the Limpopo capital for a Betway Premiership tussle with Rise and Shine, Sundowns Coach Manqoba Mngqithi sounded caution to anyone thinking the Brazilians are going for the equivalent of a Sunday morning stroll in the park. “Polokwane City is a very complicated team. They have a lot of man-to-man marking. It’s not gonna be easy,” he warned of their 3.30pm clash at the old Peter Mokaba…

Eastbury Secondary School in Phoenix has lighting in classrooms in time for the start of the exams, thanks to a collaborative effort between a local business and an organisation. In a heartwarming community initiative, Shamala Naidoo, vice president of the KZN International Business Association (Kiba), has taken significant strides to enhance the learning environment at Eastbury Secondary through the “Light up Eastbury Secondary” project. Teaming up with Venk-Pac as its key partner, the Kiba responded to a request by school representative Kumseela Naidoo for improved classroom lighting. “They highlighted the need for better lighting in classrooms, particularly as pupils were preparing for their matric exams. “The Kiba president, Omie Singh, and I believe that education is a fundamental pillar of progress. With the matric exams approaching, we wanted to…

Sleep is an integral component in maintaining mental health. According to the American National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, if you're sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behaviour, and coping with change. The institute also revealed that sleep deficiency has also been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behaviour. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life and safety. According to the Hilton Trends Report 2024, the number one reason people want to travel is to rest and recharge. With sleep being important to these travellers, nearly 20% revealed that they pack their own pillows to get a good night’s rest. As we commemorate World Mental Health Awareness Month, combining the…