Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-01-05 i Sunday Tribune

With the festive season behind us, many are turning towards Dry January as a means to detox and reset their bodies. The challenge of abstaining from alcohol for an entire month can be daunting, yet it presents a tremendous opportunity to explore and savour new culinary delights. What is Dry January? Dry January is a public health campaign that urges people to abstain from alcohol for the month. This initiative began as a small campaign in the UK but has since gained widespread momentum with people from all walks of life in every corner of the globe participating on an annual basis. Research has shown that alcohol, even in small amounts, is bad for your health. It can lower the quality of your sleep, impair sexual function and increase your…

Fans of Umjolo: Gone Girl wasted little time in watching Umjolo: Days Ones, the second offering in the four-part film collection on Netflix. Stained Glass, an award-winning production company, continues to prove its Midas touch by holding a mirror to the challenges in modern relationships, unpacking the cultural struggles of an interracial couple, friendship, infidelity and self-love. The new offering asks the question that has resulted in heated debates for the longest time: Can a man and woman be platonic friends? The film centres on Zanele (Sibusisiwe Jili) and Andile (Kay Sibiya). They have been each other’s ride-or-die since they were in school. Initially, their friendship didn’t sit well with Andile’s wife, Jessica (Trix Vivier). However, Jessica was reassured by her husband that they were just friends. Two little girls…

“Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.” – Aristotle A REAL loss is never really lost. It remains warm and fast as much or as little in the ceaseless return of our feeling the loss as in our being continually reminded of what might have been without the loss. A loss, if it is indeed real, will therefore not fail to be kept as a loss and hence, in keeping with this loss, will not lose what is mournfully felt to have been lost. In fact, it is always in the presence of what by now is absent, in our doleful awareness of what is missing, that our sense of loss returns, and it is in and through this sense of loss that what was once present and is…

Even after seven months since a tornado ripped through oThongathi, Seatides and parts of Desainagar, families are still reeling from the trauma and damage to their homes, and remain displaced into the new year. Edwina Brijmohun and her family lived on Naidoo Road, which was one of the most affected areas in oThongathi. When the tornado hit, their house was completely destroyed and her in-laws were trapped inside while she and her husband tried getting home from work. Fearing looting, they stayed day and night at the home to protect what was left of their belongings. “My in-laws are undergoing counselling to cope with their injuries and the emotional toll of the disaster. We're grateful for the community's support and the medical professionals who have been helping us through this…

“Global analysts have declared India as the next great economic superpower”. Currently the fifth-largest economy in the world, projected to take over Germany and Japan, is the rise of India “inevitable”? This growth and confidence in India has surpassed all expectations, particularly since it continues to defy G7 countries and Western powers as the country continues to trade with Russia, thus refusing to join sanctions and embargoes against the Kremlin by the Global North. This diplomatic prowess by India, which enables it to maintain strategic relations with countries and companies in the Global North while being a big brother to Russia, can also be linked directly to its independence in 1947. In the United Nation in 1948, India became the first country to raise the issue of racial discrimination against…

In a harrowing account captured in his affidavit, Clement Moeletsi detailed how he had allegedly been kept silent by the SAPS after being denied access to his legal representatives. However, following a legal battle and being released on R500 bail, he was able to share his account of what transpired underground. Moeletsi is one of a number of miners arrested in the SAPS “Vala Umgodi” operation, which is aimed at tackling illegal mining activities that have been plaguing the North West region. Moeletsi was retrieved from Shaft 11 by the dedicated actions of the Stilfontein Community Rescue Team on December 9 and released on bail by the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on December 31. Moeletsi recounted that he had entered Shaft 10 using the rope system, on July 24, last year.…

A NATION’S soul is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. By this measure, South Africa stands on shaky ground, its promises of equality and justice faltering under the burden of inequality and neglect. The slogan “Not Yet Uhuru” captures the unfulfilled promise of freedom – a dream deferred by systemic oppression and the indifference and complicity of those who should know better, black people themselves. How have we reached a point where black individuals and elite—themselves survivors of apartheid’s brutalities – have turned their backs on the very communities from which they originated emerged? A grim reality confronts us, the lives of black children and young people, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, are continually sacrificed on the altar of systemic negligence and wilful disregard. Their stories are tragic,…

South Africa: 615 all out (Ryan Rickelton 259; Mohammad Abbas 3/94) Pakistan: 64/3 (Babar Azam 31*; Kagiso Rabada 2/9) Pakistan trail by 551 runs A double century from Ryan Rickelton, coupled with centuries from Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne, have placed South Africa in a dominant position in the second and final Test at Newlands as Pakistan trail by a mammoth 551 runs going into Day Three today. Is it too early to call it that perhaps South African Test batters have turned the corner, going from recording miserable batting returns for four consecutive years to dominating bowling attacks home and away? Some are already calling it the batters’ turning of the page, and who can blame them when South African batters have recorded 13 Test centuries in 12 months…

Orlando Pirates have made their intentions clear on their planned invasion into Mamelodi Sundowns’ league dominance, while the rest of the league has not been short of action on and off the field, with as many as seven teams under new leadership since the start of the season. Manqoba Mngqithi falling out of favour with the Brazilians has been the biggest talking point so far in the season. The 53-year-old missed out on an opportunity to bring a domestic trophy to Chloorkop after being knocked out in the semi-finals of the MTN8 competition by a 2-0 aggregate score courtesy of Stellenbosch FC in the early parts of the season. Their shortfall followed the 2-1 loss in the final of the Nedbank Cup against Pirates in the 2023/24 season. Sundowns went…

Amazulu and Lamontville Golden Arrows play out to a goalless draw in their Betway Premiership KwaZulu-Natal derby clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban yesterday. The result means both sides miss out on making a huge amount of ground in the league, but they remain unbeaten in both their last two fixtures, with Usuthu picking up four points from a possible six and Arrows only two. While the iconic World Cup venue had more open seats than those occupied for the renewal of the KZN derby rivalry, the action on the park made an immediate impression but left much to be desired with a few exchanges early on in the match not backed up by clinical finishing. The home side found early rhythm; Hendrick Ekstein had all the momentum…

Aryna Sabalenka powered into the Brisbane International final with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over teenager Mirra Andreeva yesterday, taking a step closer to a first trophy of the year before her Australian Open title defence begins later this month. World number one Sabalenka saved five breakpoints to edge a tight opening set against her 17-year-old Russian opponent, who had stunned the then ailing Belarusian in the French Open quarter-finals seven months ago. Fit and firing on all cylinders in her opening tournament of the new season, Sabalenka shifted gears in the second set for an early break and eased through to book a meeting with Russian Polina Kudermetova in today’s final. “It’s always the same tactic for me, to stay aggressive and put my opponents under pressure,” said Sabalenka, runner-up…

As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s that time again – resolutions are on everyone’s minds. From learning a new skill to hitting the gym, many people are eager to make lifestyle changes that boost confidence and improve health. Among the most popular resolutions? Dieting and weight loss. According to a survey by Elliptical, 71% of respondents planned to eat healthier, 65% aimed to exercise more, and 54% wanted to lose weight in the coming year. These goals often stem from a desire to start fresh and take control of one’s health, but the journey isn’t always easy. While motivation runs high in January, research shows that many people abandon their plans within a few months. Why? Short-term plans that promise quick fixes often fail because they require…

The ANC is gearing up to celebrate its 113th anniversary on January 8, but this year’s event is expected to be one of the smallest in over three decades. The party has chosen the Khayelitsha Stadium in Cape Town in the Western Cape as the venue, which has a capacity of only 2 000 people. In comparison, last year’s event was held at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, which has a capacity of 43 000 people, and the previous year’s event was held at the Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, which has a capacity of 22 000 people. Despite the reduced turnout, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula insists that the Khayelitsha Stadium was the party’s first choice owing to its strategic location. The ANC’s 113th-anniversary celebration will mark the first time…

South Africa’s judiciary was kept busy in 2024 with the high level of crime and murders. Kicking off the new year on January 3, 2024, SANDF reservist Lwanda Zungu allegedly shot his wife Tania Zungu in the head and four times in her body. The incident occurred in their Pinetown home while their two children and his mother-in-law Gwen Msane were in the house. During his trial in the Pinetown Regional Court, he said on the fateful day he was protecting himself. The matter will continue in April this year. Another brutal femicide incident that shocked the community in March was when Durban Metro police officer, Const Sizwe Ngema allegedly recorded himself stabbing his girlfriend Yolanda Khuzwayo until she died. Khuzwayo was also a Metro cop. Ngema’s bail application was…

THE city of Johannesburg has conceded defeat and admitted that its bloated VIP protection services for the city's executive were irregular following a ruling that the city’s VIP protection policy was unconstitutional and invalid. Conceding defeat, the city said in a statement that it would not appeal the ruling, which rescinded the policy adopted in March 2024, allowing for a bloated number of bodyguards for the mayor and speaker, and personal protectors for members of the mayoral committee and committee chairs. The judgment came after the DA approached the court, arguing that the policy was unlawful and diverted resources from the much-needed delivery of essential services. The city admitted that no policy document governing the implementation of VIP security measures existed, resulting in security being provided based on “reported threats”.…

IN many neighbourhoods across South Africa, open fields are used as waste deposits, such as plastic and bottles, by community members, posing a serious health risk for those living in those areas, which calls for even more community awareness of the dangers posed by waste plastic and bottles. Although some communities and governments understand, agree, and acknowledge that something must be done about this environmental crisis, the problem with plastic remained rife and showed no signs of slowing down despite initiatives to keep these communities free from waste plastic and bottles. According to the October 2024 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), while plastic offers convenience, its downsides are becoming harder to ignore. “Customer reviews increasingly call out destinations, attractions, and businesses…

It will still irk John Plumtree that he lost sledgehammer centre Andre Esterhuizen to a nefarious Stormers charge but he will be comforted that a host of stars should be back for this week’s Champions Cup match against Toulouse in Durban. A pair of Bok bruisers in Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi head the line of players making their way from the Red Cross station to the training field and the Sharks coach could also have back his first-choice flanks, Vincent Tshituka and James Venter. Esterhuizen was targeted at a ruck by Stormers centre and captain Jean-Luc du Plessis in the big United Rugby Championship derby in Cape Town. Du Plessis not only dived into the ruck from the side but also failed to use his arms. A Stormers try…

Second Test, Day 2, Stumps Proteas: 615 all out (Rickelton 259, Verreynne 100, Jansen 62, Abbas 3/94) Pakistan: 64/3 (Babar 31*, Ghulam 12, Rabada 2/9) Pakistan trail by 551 runs For all those still wondering whether the Proteas actually deserve a place in the World Test Championship final, Shukri Conrad’s team delivered a loud and clear message on another glorious day at Newlands yesterday. The opposition might be a lot more menacing that Pakistan’s listless attack come June at Lord’s, but once again the Proteas can only play what’s in front of them - and they are duly taking care of their business. The home team compiled a mammoth 615 all out - the first time the Proteas have passed 600 since the first Test post the Coronavirus back in…

Despite their poor start to the CAF Confederation Cup campaign, Stellenbosch FC's quest to advance to the play-offs has reached a critical stage after they revived their hopes with a maiden win in Angola last month. Stellenbosch had lost the opening two matches (3-1 RSB Berkane and 2-0 Stade Malien) but then bounced back to defeat Lunda Sul in Angola, thanks to a Devin Titus goal in the final minute. The eventual 1-0 scoreline did not reflect Stellenbosch's dominance. This evening, Stellenbosch hosts Lunda Sul in their fourth Group B match at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. Unless Stellenbosch comes away with maximum points they are unlikely to reach the play-offs. Ivory Coast-born fullback Ismaël Touré, who will be marshalling the Stellenbosch rearguard from the central defence, said the…

Manchester United fans began 2024 buoyed at the prospect of a new dawn but the winds of change at Old Trafford under Jim Ratcliffe have so far only hastened the demise of the English giants. Twelve months on, United travel to bitter rivals Liverpool today fearing another humiliation on the back of four consecutive defeats that have left new manager Ruben Amorim stressing his side are in a Premier League relegation battle. Here we look at at what has gone wrong on and off the field since British billionaire Ratcliffe bought a (£1.25 billion) minority stake in the club and took control of the club’s football operations. “Mediocre” and muddled thinking United enjoyed one day in the Wembley sun over the past year by beating Manchester City to lift the…

Frenchman Guerlain Chicherit led the two-week Dakar Rally yesterday as race favourites in the car category slowed to secure better conditions for today’s 48-hour Chrono stage in the Saudi Arabian desert. The Mini driver finished the 413km opening stage around the southwestern town of Bisha in four hours 35 minutes and 53 seconds, 50 seconds clear of Toyota's American Seth Quintero. Defending champion Carlos Sainz went against the flow by moving up to seventh but five times winner Nasser Al-Attiyah dropped to 20th, nine times world rally champion Sebastien Loeb was 24th and local contender Yazeed Al-Rajhi ended the day 21st. Setting off first through the sea of dunes and over rough and rocky desert tracks is a disadvantage compared to those who follow. “The goal was not to do…

In an interesting turn of events, nearly 30 percent of global travellers are opting to vacation with “frolleagues” – friends who also happen to be colleagues, according to Hilton’s Annual Travel Trends Report. This intriguing social shift suggests that the bond between work and leisure is evolving, with predictions that frolleague trips will be among the top travel trends of 2025. But what is propelling this surge in co-worker getaways? Jan Luescher, CEO of the travel social network ASMALLWORLD, offers some compelling insights into the driving forces behind this intriguing phenomenon. A blend of business and pleasure The rise of frolleague travel can be traced back to the broader concept of bleisure travel, a term reflecting trips that intertwine business obligations with leisure activities. Luescher said that thanks to…

UKRAINE’S ill-advised stoppage of the supply of Russian gas through its territory is aimed at harming the economy of Russia and the international standing of President Vladimir Putin. Against a chorus of appeal from several EU member states for President Volodymyr Zelensky to rethink his controversial decision, Kyiv is thus far showing no appetite for a mutually beneficial resolution. As matters stand, Ukraine is staring down the barrel of a gun with no evidence of a positive move over a deal that Russia, the EU, and the international community would rather see sealed without any further delay. Kyiv’s move will undoubtedly trigger a global spike in the price of gas, as I indicate later. On a grand scale, the move by Kyiv that is aimed at punishing Russia would prove…

After the devastating tornado destroyed the lives of more than 1 200 people, the South African Weather Service concluded that the oThongathi tornado that took place on June 3, can be rated as an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with wind speeds of 225 to 265 km/h. The SAWS issued a media release stating that at least two tornadoes were confirmed in KwaZulu-Natal on that fateful Monday afternoon. “One of the tornadoes, called a ‘wedge’ tornado (because it is wider and larger than it is tall), resulted in severe damage in the oThongathi area. An analysis of the Durban radar data revealed several features indicative of a 'supercell' thunderstorm,” said SAWS. They said at least two thunderstorms could be classified as supercell thunderstorms. “The thunderstorm that passed over oThongathi…

Former mayor of uMgungundlovu District Municipality in KwaZulu- Natal, Yusuf Bhamjee, has been remembered as a visionary leader and champion of service delivery. Bhamjee, 74, from Allandale in Pietermaritzburg, was admitted to hospital on Tuesday and died on Friday. The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal in a statement described Bhamjee as a loyal member of the party and a champion of service delivery. “We will remember comrade Yusuf for turning around uMgungundlovu District Municipality into a vehicle for the transformation of the lives of the people. As a deployee of the ANC, he used the Office of the Mayor to bridge the gap between the people of Umgungundlovu and prosperity. “Throughout the term of office, he displayed an unwavering commitment to make local government work better for the people. He integrated ordinary…

The father of slain businessman Shailen Singh is appealing for justice for his son. Pradeep Singh said last week on Sunday morning, the day of the shooting, his son asked his mother to prepare breakfast and then left, indicating that he would be back in 15 minutes. “He came back home in a casket.” Pradeep said he had no words to explain what the family were going through and described his son as “a non-drinker, non-smoker, an astute businessman who does not have a criminal record, no pending cases, and lived his life on a straight line.” “All I want is a fair trial and bail to be opposed and the general (KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi) to oversee that this matter is handled with honesty and my son…

Questions have arisen over what interventions Police Minister Senzo Mchunu will put in place to address political killings which are particularly rampant in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the 2026 local government elections. This comes after the minister issued a directive last week for National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola to disband the task team into political killings. Mchunu reasoned that based on his observations over the last few months, the further existence of this team is no longer required and is not adding value to policing in the country. The Moerane Commission, established in 2016, investigated the underlying causes of political killings in KwaZulu-Natal and made comprehensive recommendations for addressing political violence in the province. Following these recommendations, the inter-ministerial task team was formed in 2019 with the key mandate to…

The Proteas piled on the runs on the second day before the fast bowlers struck late in the day to put Pakistan firmly on the back foot. Independent Media Sport’s Zaahier Adams picks five Plays of the Day. Ryan doubles up! Ryan Rickelton was superb for the best part of two days and fully deserved his maiden Test double century. It was a near perfect innings with not a single chance offered and his celebration was fitting of the moment as he raised his bat with helmet stuck on the top. Was Kyle a bit hungry? In the penultimate over prior to the lunch, Kyle Verreynne launched into an assault on Aamer Jamal. Two short deliveries were dispatched deep into the Railway Stand followed by an exquisite straight drive down…

Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City pummeled West Ham 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday while in-form Newcastle inflicted another painful defeat on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Tottenham. Chelsea's recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, meaning they have taken just two points from four games over the festive period. Defending champions City beat Leicester last week for just their second win in 14 games but they have now won successive matches for the first time since October and Pep Guardiola will hope they have turned the corner. The home side took the lead in the 10th minute when West Ham's Vladimir Coufal deflected City winger Savio’s cross past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. City tightened their grip three minutes before the break when Haaland headed home at…

Cape Town City are turning over a new leaf. As such, captain Thamsanqa Mkhize believes they can channel the newly found positive energy in the New Year. City are regarded as one of the top five teams in the land, albeit still being wet behind the ear having only been formed seven years ago. They worked for that recognition, having already qualified for the Caf Champions League after finishing second in the Premiership and won two trophies. Albeit their strides, not all have been rosy and cosy. City have blown hot and cold, losing momentum as they were fast becoming one of the biggest brands. Enter the new season. City have been on an incredibly downward spiral, losing out on two trophies – the MTN8 and Carling Knockout – while…

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has said that the June home Test matches against Italy (two) and Georgia will allow him to blood more players as he deepens his plans for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Erasmus added that the squad he announces for the Rugby Championship will be close to the squad he will take to the World Cup. Mike Greenaway looks at five players who could make their Test debuts for South Africa in 2025. Cobus Wiese Bulls coach Jake White has compared the massive blindside flank to Springbok greats Andre Venter and Juan Smith. The 27-old certainly has the engine at 116kg and almost two metres in height and his tenure at the Sale Sharks has polished his skills. He is a much improved player since his…

Orlando Pirates (1) 3 Mofokeng 14 Maswanganyi 50 Hotto 84 Stade Abidjan 0 THEY are top of the table; set for the quarter-finals and the dream of a second star lives on. Of course, a lot can still happen in the remaining two matches of the CAF Champions League group stages, but the Buccaneers are masters of their destiny now. Beat CR Belouizdad next Saturday and they will progress to the knockout stage of the continent’s premier club knockout no matter the result of their final group match against Al Ahly the weekend thereafter. It is exactly what Pirates would want – to make the trip up to Cairo with qualification for the last eight already secured. And they went a long way towards ensuring that with this victory over…