Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-09 i Sunday Tribune

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring two properties that will go under the hammer during their auction on March 27, at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks. The first is a commercial property at 26 Cypress Avenue, Windermere, in the heart of Durban. The area includes the restaurant district of Florida Road and the factory shop district of Stamford Hill Road. It is a built-up area, with numerous sectional title complexes and historic residential dwellings operating as commercial enterprises. The prime mixed-use property is an excellent opportunity for investors and would be suited to a variety of businesses. This well-maintained office comprises: Reception area Kitchenette Six offices Male and female ablution facilities Secure parking Basement storage area Air conditioners It is also fully carpeted and fully fenced with an…

As the nation waits for the rescheduled delivery of the Budget Speech on Wednesday, many are wondering what tax announcements to expect. It is especially small business owners who will be on tenterhooks as they wait to hear whether the proposed VAT rate hike (from 15% to 17%) will become a reality. “Never before has a Budget Speech been delayed in this manner, and it is clear that we can expect intense negotiations between now and 12 March to find agreement on the final makeup of a Budget,” said Garth Rossiter, a chief risk officer at Lula, an SME services provider. “One of the sticking points that reportedly led to Treasury’s decision to postpone the delivery was a suggested increase of the VAT rate. Small business owners are now worried…

In September 2012, while attempting to repair an oil pipeline off the coast of Scotland, the diving support ship Bibby Topaz lost control of the automated system of thrusters that held it in place above the repair crew. Buffeted by winds and swells, the ship began to drift away from the divers, 300 feet below on the ocean floor. Suddenly, one of those divers, Chris Lemons, found his lifeline to the vessel – aptly known as an umbilical, providing hot water, electricity and oxygen – snagged on a piece of equipment, leaving him effectively a human anchor. The line snapped and Lemons was stranded with only a few minutes left of reserve oxygen as the Topaz pulled away. Fellow divers Dave Yuasa and Duncan Allcock, the latter supervising repairs…

As South African hip hop continues to flourish and evolve, budding star Judas Stone – a name that enthusiasts are increasingly hearing – stands at the forefront of this vibrant genre. Born Zothiwani Jnr II Buthelezi in KwaNongoma, a small town in KwaZulu-Natal, Stone has forged a unique path in the competitive landscape of music. “Growing up in this environment, I was exposed to rich storytelling, music, and the resilience of my people, all of which played a significant role in shaping my identity – both as an artist and as an individual. “I attended high school at Masibhekane High School, where my love for hip hop and creative expression began to take form. After high school, I made the bold move to Durban to chase my dreams, facing the…

THE conflicting statements from institutions in the security and justice cluster on the classification of the Phala Phala report lay bare the continued plan to shield President Cyril Ramaphosa from the consequences of his actions since the theft at his farm. Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson, Lizzy Shuping said they can’t release the report because the Hawks are still investigating, yet the Hawks are on record that their investigation is complete, which is the reason why the NPA decided not to prosecute. The Phala Phala issue has gone through many stages and institutions and it’s abundantly clear that there was abuse of state resources and a conflict of interest on Ramaphosa’s end. The conflicting statements from Ipid and the Hawks continue the pattern of lies, secrecy, and deceit that…

AFRICAN monarchies are important figures in their countries. In South Africa, many Zulu people are strongly tied to the royal family and indigenous laws of dispute resolution, including divorce. Polygamy is accepted and divorce is discouraged, even if a marriage is not working out. But now AmaZulu king Misuzulu kaZwelithini has been in the headlines because he filed divorce papers against his first wife, Queen Ntokozo kaMayisela, in order to marry a fourth. The queen approached the court to stop the wedding, claiming that their civil marriage in 2021 – soon after he became king – forbids remarriage without divorce. Her request was denied, but the king has not proceeded with the new marriage. The king’s divorce bid calls into question the changing position of indigenous laws on marriage and…

BRENDON Govender, the Chatsworth man who was killed while returning from work on Thursday morning was a hero, said his colleagues. Govender, 36, was returning home with a group of night shift workers when unknown men travelling in a bakkie without registration plates bumped into the vehicle they were travelling in. Govender was driving his colleague Punko Pillay’s microbus. Pillay said he received a call early on Thursday from one of the passengers who was frantic, saying, “come quickly they are shooting at us”. “He said they were at the Unit 9 off-ramp. Another passenger then called to say Crossmoor. I notified security and police as I made my way to the scene. “I was told that on Higginson Highway a double cab bakkie with no plates had bumped into…

Judgment has been reserved in the first state capture-related fraud trial, after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) headed to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on Friday where it attempted to revive the bungled multimillion-rand Nulane Investments fraud matter. This comes after all accused in the Nulane Investments case were acquitted of the fraud charges, amounting to R24.9 million, on a Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act during 2023. At the Bloemfontein High Court, Judge Nompumelelo Gusha withdrew the charges against former Free State government officials Peter Thabethe and Seipati Dhlamini, businessman Iqbal Sharma and his brother-in-law, Dinesh Patel, Gupta enterprise employee Ronica Ragavan and companies Islandsite Investment One Hundred and Eighty and Nulane Investments. The matter relates to the Free State government’s payments to Nulane for a feasibility…

MINISTER of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and power utility Eskom have apologised for the implementation of load shedding, which was reintroduced on Friday. The power interruptions are expected to last until 5am tomorrow. The decision to unleash load shedding follows a 98% availability of power supply, affected by a 2 700MW loss over the past 14 hours. Ramokgopa led a media briefing in Tshwane yesterday, where he apologised for the load shedding. “I really want to start by, again, just conveying my sincere apology to the rest of the country for the gross inconvenience caused by load shedding,” said Ramokgopa while addressing journalists to provide an update on the status of the country’s electricity generation performance. “I have made the point previously that we should never be accustomed to…

THE honour of hosting the G20 summit comes with great responsibilities and challenges for South Africa and its president Cyril Ramaphosa. The G20 is an important international body which is expected to contribute to the improvement of global governance especially financial and economic management. However, Ramaphosa takes over during a time of turmoil, uncertainty, instability and insecurity in world politics. He also has a tough act to follow after the G20 was hosted by Brazil under the leadership of President Lula da Silva, who was able to successfully launch the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, among other successes. Ramaphosa also faces domestic political challenges including the fact that he now heads a Government of National Unity (GNU) after his party, the ANC, failed to win an outright majority in…

Durban City are on a roll, and they’ll be hoping to carry that momentum forward when they square off against Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday 3pm The men from Durban, fresh from their surprise victory over TS Galaxy, will have a real point to prove as they look to take down the Betway Premiership outfit and cement their place among South Africa's top contenders in the domestic cup competition. Having rebranded from Maritzburg United, Durban City have clarified their intentionsa in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. They’re sitting pretty at the top of the table, on course to seal promotion to the big league. Their win over TS Galaxy in the Round of 16 was a huge upset, with City showing the kind of…

THE unprecedented hat-trick of Nedbank Cup victories remains a reality as the Buccaneers marched on to the penultimate stage of the country’s premier club knockout football competition. Pirates eked out a hard-fought win via the shoot — out, in front of a huge partisan crowd that cheered their every move and played a crucial role as a 12th man to ensure that Jose Riveiro and his men can still defend the title they have won in the previous two seasons. Youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi scored his first goal at senior level while hometown favourite Evidence Makgopa netted the winner while Terrence Dzvukamanja and Gape Moralo scored for SuperSport. In the shoot-out, Goodman Mosela netted the winner after Philip Ndlondlo had his kick saved by Ricardo Goss while Sipho Chaine denied both…

Manqoba Mngqithi’s return to Golden Arrows is more than just a coaching appointment — it’s a testament to the strength of his bond with the club’s chairlady, Mato Madlala. Mngqithi made his comeback on Monday, marking the start of his third stint with the club after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns in December. A draw against the Brazilians on Wednesday was his first match back in charge, and it wasn’t just a tactical battle; it was a reminder of the deeper connections that have shaped his career. Despite rumours linking him with a move to Rwanda’s APR, Mngqithi chose to stay in South Africa, rejoining Abafana Bes'thende to help steer them clear from the relegation zone. The Lamontville-based side in 11th place is four points away from 15th placed Magesi…

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has dismissed any questions surrounding the ‘advantage’ enjoyed by India by playing at the same venue in the ongoing Champions Trophy, stating the Rohit Sharma-led side played according to the draw, which was decided a long time ago. India advanced into the final of the tournament with a four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semifinal at the Dubai Stadium. They played all four games at the same venue, the Dubai International Stadium, whereas other teams had to travel to the Middle East from Pakistan to face India because of the hybrid model of the tournament. The BCCI had refused to send the team to Pakistan, citing security concerns, causing an uproar across fans and media alike of the other competing nations. "I don't understand…

As the world grapples with the rapid evolution of cybercrime, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Risk Committee highlights a particular concern in their latest 2025 Risk Outlook: deepfake scams. These sophisticated forms of synthetic media – images, videos, or audio manipulated through artificial intelligence – pose significant risks to business travellers, marking them as prime targets for cybercriminals navigating an increasingly digital landscape. Peta Gaye Pottinger, a member of GBTA Canada’s Risk Committee, elaborates that business travellers often find themselves vulnerable due to their reliance on technology while handling sensitive data. The hectic pace of travelling through airports, coping with jet lag and managing pressing business commitments across multiple time zones create a perfect storm for cyber threats. “When you evaluate the scenario from a criminal perspective,” explains Mummy…

Planning a holiday with teenagers can feel like navigating a minefield. Too many rules or too much structure invites complaints, while too few activities can lead to boredom, prompting teens to retreat into the digital world. Conversely, offering them too much freedom could mean barely seeing them during the trip, eliminating opportunities for bonding as a family. However, Shaun Lamont, the managing director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, believes there’s a way to strike the perfect balance. As a father of a teenager and a tween, Lamont has learned that the foundation of a successful family holiday lies in allowing teenagers the space they crave while fashioning moments for meaningful shared experiences. “Teens can present unique challenges when it comes to travel,” explains Lamont. “They’re fiercely independent but still…

Investors seeking exceptional opportunities in uMhlanga’s New Town Centre should take note: In2assets will be conducting a liquidation auction of seven residential apartments on behalf of Misty Blue Investments (Pty) Ltd (in liquidation). This sale, scheduled for March 18 at 11 am, presents a rare opportunity to acquire prime property within the highly sought-after uMhlanga New Town Centre. The precinct’s high-density, mixed-use nature, coupled with a current scarcity of available sites, makes this liquidation auction a particularly attractive prospect for discerning investors. The properties in question are sections 35, 81, 82, 89, 110, 123, and 142 within the UrbanPark sectional title scheme, located at 60 Meridian Drive. These residential units, ranging in size from approximately 41m² to 82m², offer a diverse selection, and comprise four two-bedroom apartments and three one-bedroom…

This past week saw fuel prices decrease in South Africa while the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.6%. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) announced fuel price decreases across the board. The department said that the adjustments were due to lower average oil prices when compared to the previous period, as well as a stronger rand against the dollar, which led to the reduction. Petrol prices came down by 7 cents per litre, while diesel prices decreased by 17 and 23 cents a litre, while paraffin decreased by 8 cents and LP Gas decreased by 2c p/kg. The economy grew less than expected in 2024 but managed to dodge a technical recession after ending the year slightly higher and narrowly avoiding a technical recession in…

Blake Lively is back on our screens but this time, it’s not just her performance that’s causing a stir. Another Simple Favor, the sequel to 2018’s A Simple Favor, is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 1. While fans are eager to see Lively reprise her role as the mysterious Emily Nelson, the timing of the film’s release couldn’t be worse, with the actress caught up in a messy legal drama that’s threatening to overshadow the thriller. The original film, A Simple Favor, was a fresh take on the thriller genre. Directed by Paul Feig, it saw Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie Smothers uncovering a web of secrets and lies after the disappearance of her friend Emily, played by Lively. The sequel is set to pick up in Italy…

The OMAD (One Meal a Day) diet has captured the imagination of health enthusiasts across SA and beyond. This distinctive eating regimen, which advocates for consuming all your daily calories in one large meal after a prolonged fasting period of 23 hours, promises simplicity in a world often overwhelmed by dietary confusion. Yet, beneath this seemingly straightforward approach lies a deeper conversation about its safety and long-term health implications. The OMAD diet is a unique aspect of intermittent fasting, a growing trend that emphasises the idea that fasting can facilitate weight management and even enhance detoxification. Proponents argue that by limiting the feeding window to just one hour each day, individuals may boost their metabolism and promote fat loss. Some emerging studies have suggested that adhering to such a restrictive…

IN South Africa, the opulence of State of the Nation and Provincial Addresses starkly contrasts with the harsh realities of widespread poverty, demanding a recalibration of priorities toward genuine poverty alleviation. This disparity highlights a need for modesty and a focus on fundamental socioeconomic issues. The lavishness of these events, while millions struggle to access basic necessities, underscores a disconnect between the political elite and the citizens they serve. I aim to provoke controversy rather than consensus, inspired by Ian Mitroff’s Assumptional Analysis, which argues that society is often trained to avoid conflict, leading to premature compromises. Assumptional analysis encourages strategic problem-solving by identifying and negotiating the assumptions of stakeholders, fostering meaningful resolution through conflict rather than avoidance. This approach challenges the status quo, pushing for deeper engagement with the…

February 2020 A burglary occurred at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo. The incident involved the theft of an indeterminate amount of foreign currency, with claims ranging from $580,000 to $4 million. The money was allegedly hidden in furniture on the farm, and suspects were caught on CCTV crawling onto the property before making off with the cash. It is believed that a domestic worker may have provided information about the hidden money to the thieves. Ramaphosa reported the security breach to Major-General Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Unit. This internal reporting was done instead of involving the SA Police Service (SAPS) at the time. March 2020 Ramaphosa informed Rhoode about the theft of foreign currency, which was part of the proceeds from the sale…

The Go! Durban bus project, a multibillion-rand initiative, is at risk of losing funding from the national government due to delays, leaving new buses to decay in neglectful conditions for five years. This was despite a warning from Transport Minister Barbara Creecy early this year to the eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba that further delays of getting buses running had serious financial consequences. According to a letter seen by this reporter, Creecy told Xaba that the delays to get the R9 billion project up and running had already led to the National Treasury withholding the R771 million funding. “Therefore, for 2024/25, no further PTNG (Public Transport Network Grant) funds will be disbursed, and R771m will be withheld. “In 2025/26, if there is still no progress, grant funds will be permanently…

DOWN RUN FOR the first time in the history of the Ultimate Human Race, the Comrades Marathon, there will be two starting times owing to safety reasons. The 98th Comrades Marathon will take place on June 8, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park. The 49th down run has attracted 24 000 entrants, the largest contingent ever for a down run. According to the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), this approach aims to enhance the race experience for all participants in the world’s biggest, oldest and most famous ultramarathon; and ensure a smoother, safer and more efficient event. There will be separate starts and finishes for the two groups. The first group, the elite runners, will start at 5.45am and end at 5.45pm,…

AS the process of turning the old St Anne’s Hospital building into a new home of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Museum is being finalised, plans include demolishing all buildings on the property except for a portion original hospital, built in 1897, and the convent of the Augustinian Order nurses, which was constructed in 1930. KZN Amafa and Research Institute (Amafa), the custodian of heritage sites in the province, is leading the public participation process for further approval before structures are demolished, altered or extended. Opened in 1904, the museum is a tourist and education spot and home to the Centre of Scientific Research. Its current premises are at 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street in Pietermaritzburg, and the new home will be at 96 Jabu Ndlovu Street, the site of the old St…

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has unveiled the first set of draft regulations for the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act despite various objections and legal challenges pending. This long-debated piece of legislation was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2024. It aims to transform the healthcare landscape, although it has yet to be fully operationalised. The newly published draft regulations specifically address section 55 of the NHI Act, outlining a proposed governance structure and the processes governing the pivotal NHI Fund. This fund is set to serve as the sole purchaser of medical services on behalf of patients, with the ambitious goal of guaranteeing free access to healthcare services for all eligible individuals at the point of delivery. The announcement has sparked a wave of discontent in the…

UNISA this week concluded a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tyumen State University (or UTMN) of the Ural Federal District, Russia, and the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (also known as RUDN), to launch a language exchange programme. Witnessed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, and Russian Embassy representatives, the agreement will see isiZulu taught at these Russian universities while Unisa’s College of Human Sciences (CHS) will offer Russian language courses. The Tyumen State University is a comprehensive research-intensive university, while the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, named in honour of the revered Congolese politician, is a research university with extensive global networks. The aim of this collaboration is to define areas…

As Mamelodi Sundowns continue to set the benchmark in South African football with yet another dominant display in the Betway Premiership, outside their hitmen, the rest of the South African strike force continue their struggles in front of goal. Lucas Ribeiro Costa has been the most impressive attacker this season and his eye for the target with flawless precision has all but made him set to claim the golden boot award from Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa with still nine matches left to play. The Brazilian-born midfielder has been at the centre of Sundowns’ dominance with 13 crucial goals that have seen his side take all challengers to the cleaners to have a 16-point gap at the top of the Betway Premiership over their Bucaneers rivals. Ribeiro’s teammate, Iqraam Rayners, is…

Four-times African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o has won the right to be included on the list of candidates for the Confederation of African Football’s elective congress next week after initially being ruled out of the contest. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has upheld an appeal by Eto’o against his exclusion from the CAF executive committee elections in Cairo next Wednesday. Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation, was excluded by CAF’s governance committee in January but appealed his case to sport's highest court CAS, who ruled in his favour. “Following a hearing on March 3, 2025, it is ordered that the CAF executive committee includes Eto’o in the list of candidates for election to the committee,” said a CAS statement. “The CAS Panel considered that it was…

Unjani! That’s how former Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp greeted hundreds of Reds fans in Cape Town on Thursday evening. Klopp, who was the first manager to lead Liverpool to the Premier League title in 30 years, remains as popular as ever despite leaving the club at the end of the 2023/24 season. The 57-year-old German is in South Africa supporting the Hout Bay United Football Community (HBUF) fundraiser, which he’s passionately been a patron of since 2017. Liverpool are currently closing in on their 20th title, enjoying a 13-point lead at the top of the table, under new Dutch manager Arne Slot. Klopp has not returned to Anfield due to work commitments in his new post as Head of Global Soccer Red Bull, but intimated that he will head…

England go into today's Six Nations match with Italy at Twickenham knowing a win may not be enough to appease critics of their faltering attack. If third-placed England, whose points difference currently stands at minus three, are going to remain in realistic title contention ahead of their tournament finale against Wales in Cardiff a week on Saturday, they will have to improve on their recent one-point wins over France and Scotland. Those narrow victories followed England's run of seven straight defeats by top-tier opposition, including a loss away to reigning champions and unbeaten tournament leaders Ireland, up against in-form France in Dublin on Saturday, in their Six Nations opener. And while Steve Borthwick's men deserve credit for their resilience, the England coach's claims they had "found a way to win"…

This week, we get to know more about the artist director of Flatfoot Dance Company and UKZN Drama and Performance Studies lecturer, Dr Lliane Loots. How long have you been in the arts industry and what was the motivation behind it? “I started dancing at 6 years old, so this is a long time ago. But the Flatfoot Dance Company began in 1994 as a training programme for young dancers and grew from there. I suppose dance took me by the heart as it is such an embodied art form with this huge power to tell stories. I love the gentle politics of this.” Which of your projects are you most proud of and why? “I am most proud actually that Flatfoot has survived for over 30 years as it…

Veteran Bollywood star Mumtaz took over the runway as the showstopper for ace couturier Manish Malhotra’s show, dressed in an all-black saree, showcasing the timeless style of Indian cinema. Mumtaz took to Instagram, where she dropped two images wearing the designer’s creation. The picture features Mumtaz elegantly dressed in a black saree adorned with vibrant floral embroidery in shades of pink and green. The actress has long, wavy brown hair and is wearing statement jewellery, including a pink gemstone necklace and matching rings. “I had the pleasure of being a showstopper at @manishmalhotra05 show, his creations are always the best . #bollywood #show,” Mumtaz said. Replying to the actress, the designer wrote in the comment section: “It was true honour … for you to be a part of the show,…

The director of the recently released horror thriller Sabdham, Arivazhagan, has disclosed that a mortuary scene in the film had live actors pretending to be dead bodies in order to ensure audiences felt a chill go down their spine. What’s more, the director also disclosed that all the actors who played dead bodies underwent six hours of makeup. In addition to this, VFX was used to ensure that their appearances induced an element of fear in audiences. Interestingly, actor Aadhi, who plays the role of a paranormal investigator in the film, did not know that these were live actors and that he discovered this fact just before the shot when one of the actors accidently blinked. Taking to his X timeline, director Arivazhagan, who has been sharing interesting trivia about…

Battling with troublesome skin conditions was one of the reasons Mulanga Muofhe took the bold step in to the world of entrepreneurship. Muofhe told Business Report that her personal struggle with eczema and the lack of natural, effective products was what led her to her kitchen to seek out a solution of her own. Her company began in 2016, after harsh prescribed medications only worsened her dry skin condition, Mulanga turned to natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, creating her own formulations in her family’s kitchen. “Seeing my 4-year-old cousin suffer from the same condition, I couldn’t understand why there weren’t better options for delicate skin. That’s when I decided to create them myself,” Muofhe said. She is the owner and founder of her business, Mulanga Naturals. What…

THE ANC has long touted its commitment to renewal, a process it claims will restore its moral compass and rebuild the trust of the South African people. Yet, as the Phala Phala scandal and the subsequent decision to classify the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) report demonstrate, the party’s actions continue to betray its words. The ANC’s refusal to embrace transparency and accountability especially when it comes to the conduct of its most senior leaders, reveals a party still deeply entrenched in the culture of impunity that has eroded public trust in the first place. If the ANC is serious about renewal, it must start by understanding that accountability is not optional; it is the very foundation of democracy. The Phala Phala saga, which erupted in 2022, has become a…

POLICE Minister Senzo Mchunu’s decision to classify the latest report on the Phala Phala scandal involving President Cyril Ramaphosa’s police bodyguards might end up in a legal wrangle. The African Transformation Movement (ATM), uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and the EFF are preparing to approach the Constitutional Court to overturn the classification. Mchunu classified the report, which was released by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) in 2023 after it investigated police conduct on using state resources to track down suspects who broke into Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in 2020. IPID investigated the conduct of police officers for allegedly failing to report an alleged criminal activity. The alleged theft of $580 000 (about R10.8 million at the time), which was stashed in a sofa in the farm house, was…

AN organisation protecting the rights of farmers is willing to co-ordinate efforts and support individuals and accompany families who want to take advantage of US president Donald Trump’s offer to South African farmers of a shortcut to US citizenship. The Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) said it had agreed with various organisations, including Solidarity and AfriForum, to co-ordinate efforts and support individuals and accompany families who want to take advantage of the opportunity. Trump on Friday reiterated that South African farmers were welcome to settle in the US after repeating his accusations that the South African government was “confiscating” land from white people as he announced an end to federal funding. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that “any farmer (with family) from South Africa, seeking to flee that…

THE DA has put its foot down saying it does not want to hear anything about value added tax (VAT) when Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers the Budget Speech, which had been rescheduled for Wednesday. The speech to enable the government to function and deliver services, was cancelled on February 19 after the DA refused to sign it in protest against the 2% VAT increase, which Godongwana was going to announce. The political parties represented in the Government of National Unity (GNU) had to go back to the table to debate the increase, which was going to hit hard on consumers. The increase was criticised by most political parties and labour unions. DA spokesperson Charity McCord said that the parties were still debating the matter and “there is no progress”.…

THE State has been ordered to get its house in order as it presented documents that were bungled in the fraud trial relating to the R300 million Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender in which former Durban mayor Zandile Gumede, former deputy head of DSW Robert Abbu and 20 others are charged. This emerged as the State led evidence in the Durban High Court on Friday regarding the 2017 quotations of Ilanga La Mahlase PTY (LTD), one of the service providers that tendered for waste collection in Durban. Some pages were duplicated, the numbering was mixed up, and 2018 documents, including documents of another service provider, Uzuzinekele Trading 31 CC, were found. Both companies are charged in this matter. The accused are facing a litany of charges, including conspiracy to commit…

Relief was all over John Plumtree’s face, not to mention rivers of sweat, when he addressed the media as coach of the SA Shield-winning Sharks on Saturday afternoon. The Durbanites hung on to beat the Lions 25-22 in an arm wrestle between evenly matched United Rugby Championship sides at a steamy Kings Park. “It was a war of attrition,” Plumtree said. “During the week, we had these words written on a board ‘Who is prepared to go the hardest for the longest?’ "I’m pleased that we hung in and got over the line when it could have gone the Lions’ way in those last minutes. “A week is a long time in rugby, and I am very proud of the boys after a tough seven days (following the 38-14 defeat…

The near-capacity crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium rose to acclaim Kaizer Chiefs' extraordinary 3-1 win over Stellenbosch in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final in Gqeberha on Saturday evening. For several days now, Chiefs were reminded that this competition remains the club's last hope of silverware this season and although they played their hearts out, lady luck smiled on them during this Gqeberha dog fight. The outcome means Chiefs will advance to the semi-final round and their under-fire coach Nabi Nasreddine another chance to salvage a difficult campaign. It turned out to be a first half of high drama after Chiefs opened the scoring with an 18th-minute penalty. Referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa penalised Stellenbosch's Ivorian defender Ismaël Touré handled the ball as he lunged to clear a goalmouth crosskick. Rather importantly,…

Cole Palmer’s dry spell in front of goal has not had an adverse effect on the Chelsea attacking midfielder’s mood, manager Enzo Maresca said ahead of a Premier League meeting with Leicester City. England international Palmer, who netted 27 goals and bagged 15 assists in a breakout campaign last season, has failed to score in his last eight games in all competitions and has missed a number of promising chances in recent matches. “When you score a goal you are more happy because your goals help the team to win. But overall Cole is fine. He's happy,” Maresca told reporters. “He knows he’s struggled to score goals in this moment but that it’s something normal that during the season can happen. Watching him during the training session you don’t think…

An unfortunate period in the history of South African rugby has come to a happy end with the news that Western Province will no longer be under administration. In a statement, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) said its Executive Council has advised the administrator of the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) to wind up the Union’s period of administration. The decision clears the way for the union to hold elections and will restore its full voting rights once the process is complete. That process is expected to be completed by June 2025. The decision was taken in acknowledgement of the union’s financial stability following the conclusion of a private equity investment in the commercial arm of the Union. The sale of the Newlands rugby stadium remains to be…

Rassie Erasmus has taken a fire extinguisher to the speculation that the Springboks will join the Six Nations and that makes sense because the European countries don’t want South Africa and the Boks are better off competing against the Rugby Championship sides. Already we have seen the French and English clubs getting their knickers in a knot because the SA teams are in the Champions Cup, which has been the pinnacle of European club competition since 1995 when it started life as the Heineken Cup. The likes of Antoine du Pont have had their say about the South African invasion and while it wasn’t pleasant listening, I understand why there is resistance to newcomers. Africans gate crashing Europe is a sticky subject and rugby is only the tip of the…

After years of delays, a sod-turning ceremony will take place, for the second time, at the construction site of a monument honouring the1860 indentured Indian labourers. The design of the monument was finally approved at a meeting recently, after years of debate. Ntando Mnyandu, spokesperson for the Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, confirmed that the sod-turning ceremony would take place this month. “Now that the design has been agreed upon, the sod-turning will take place and construction will begin. The eThekwini Municipality has granted access to the site near uShaka beach. Timelines will be given once construction begins,” said Mnyandu. In 2015, the eThekwini Municipality was allocated over R4.6m for the monument, which was to be built along South Beach. Four years later, the city was forced to…

The series Khakee is returning with a new season later this month. At the unveiling of the trailer, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, this week, the best of Bangla cinema came together to serve a delectable treat. Khakee: The Bengal Chapter lies at the crossroads of politics, crime, heroism and the grit to set the system right. The show stars an ensemble cast that includes Jeet, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, Parambrata Chatterjee, Ritwik Bhowmik, Aadil Zafar Khan, Chitrangada Singh, Pooja Chopra, Aakanksha Singh, Mimoh Chakroborty and Shraddha Das. The new season of the Netflix show is a layered story of politics, inter-gang rivalry and the police system. The trailer featured an explosive blend of relentless action, intricate drama and unexpected twists. The new season is set in Kolkata in the early…

Actors R Madhavan, Nayanthara, and Siddharth’s upcoming Tamil film Test, a human drama where three lives intertwine beyond and because of a cricket field, is set to premiere on April 4 on the streaming giant Netflix. Actress Meera Jasmine will be seen sharing screen with Madhavan, Nayanthara, and Siddharth in the film, which marks the directorial debut of S Sashikanth. Talking about Test which is backed by YNOT Studios, Sashikanth said: “Having nurtured stories as a producer for years, stepping into the director’s chair for TEST was both exhilarating and deeply personal.” He said that the film was about resilience, the weight of choices and how life itself is the greatest test of all. Monika Shergill, vice president, content, Netflix India, said the film was set against the backdrop of…

As the crisp autumn air begins to seep in, South Africans are eagerly counting down the days to April – the month that promises a delightful array of holidays. With school holidays kicking off from March 31 to April 7, followed by Easter festivities stretching from April 18 to 21 and culminating in Freedom Day on April 27 (observed on Monday, April 28), this April presents the perfect opportunity for families to unwind and embark on adventures together. Parents can cleverly hack the system by taking annual leave during the school holidays, allowing them to relish Easter celebrations, the national holiday, and a well-deserved break in between. With the school days dwindling, the prospect of memorable family outings awaits, leading to a month where both kids and parents can enjoy…

In a recent remark, US President Donald Trump quipped that Lesotho is a country “nobody has ever heard of”, as he justified sweeping cuts to foreign aid. Despite such dismissive comments, the Kingdom of Lesotho, nestled within the mountainous terrain of Southern Africa, boasts a rich tapestry of culture, natural beauty and unique geographical distinctions that are well worth exploring. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and high altitude, Lesotho is aptly nicknamed “The Kingdom in the Sky”. This landlocked nation is an enclave of South Africa, making it the largest sovereign enclave in the world outside the Italian Peninsula. While the Sotho ethnic group or Basotho, constitutes an impressive 99,7% of the country’s population, their history and customs add a rich layer to Lesotho’s identity. With Sesotho as the native…