Sunday Tribune 2025-03-23

South Africa’s political system entered further unprecedented territory on 19th February this year when, for the very first time in our 31-year-old democracy, the Budget Speech was postponed. This was a result of fundamental disagreement among parties within the GNU government over a proposed two per cent VAT increase by the minister of finance. Realising the political damage such an increase would cause, the tabling of the budget was postponed, affording GNU parties to re-negotiate and come to an agreement. The government has found itself in a financially tough space. It needs to fund the extension of the Covid-19 social relief distress (SRD) grant, provide a 5.5% increase in public sector wages, and cover the country’s debt servicing costs. This, amid a backdrop of the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio reaching a…

Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, and young South African entrepreneurs now have the chance to elevate their groundbreaking ideas to unprecedented heights through the newly launched Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) GROW programme. This remarkable initiative is positioned to provide essential funding, ranging from R200 000 to R1 million, specifically targeting businesses that are not merely operational, but are truly innovative. Whether it's a disruptive product, a revolutionary service, or a bold new business model, OCIF GROW is looking for ambitious entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 anywhere in South Africa who have proven market traction and the potential to scale. With a unique mix of grant funding and interest-free loans, as well as expert mentorship and investment readiness support, this initiative, powered by CDI Capital, a subsidiary of the…

The sun-drenched hills of the KZN South Coast, known for their rich agricultural legacy in sugar cane, bananas, and macadamia nuts, are witnessing an inspiring transformation. At the forefront of this agricultural evolution is Oatlands Oyster Mushroom, a pioneering enterprise that’s tapping into the region’s unique potential for an unexpected produce – mushrooms. Established by enterprising local entrepreneur Asanda Mkhize in 2018, Oatlands is a proudly 100% black, woman-owned business located in KwaNositha. With no prior experience in agriculture, Mkhize ventured into mushroom farming, motivated by the significant income that agriculture generates in the community. “When I started, I didn’t have any background in agriculture, but I knew that was the industry I needed to be in because it’s where so much local income is sourced,” she said. Oatlands…

Netflix has released a trailer for one of the fan-favourite and thrilling series, You, which is giving fans a glimpse of what is to come for the fifth and final season of Joe Goldberg’s dark, twisted life journey. Played by Penn Badgley, Joe Goldberg returns to New York and finally lives what appears to be a perfect life with his new wife Kate Galvin (Charlotte Ritchie). However, with Joe, a perfect life seems to be far-fetched as his past catches up with him in his new life. The psychological thriller opens up with his infamous words, “Hello, you”. Now married to Kate, a CEO of Lockwood Corporation, he gets introduced to the world of the elite and wealthy. Netflix posted on its social media platforms to announce that the final…

Season three of The Mommy Club came with a few surprises such as reality TV veteran and OG cast member Mrs Mops’ announcement that she would be stepping away from the show. Mpumi Mophatlane, better known as Mrs Mops, began her reality TV journey on The Real Housewives of Johannesburg and then went on to The Mommy Club, a show her family supported. Mrs Mops explained that she opted for the friend role this season as she wanted to shift her focus toward her business. “Being part of a reality show is incredibly time-consuming, and in this new chapter of my life, my priority is growing Nala Reign, my family, and continuing to build my brand as a boss babe. “The Mommy Club will always be home for me, though,…

Do you enjoy fast-paced action series? I’m talking about those of the same ilk as Homeland, The Diplomat and Black Doves. If you are, then The Night Agent season 2 needs to be added to your binge-watch list. Based on Matthew Quirk’s spy thriller of the same name, this 10-part series is a rush. Each episode leaves the streamer on tenterhooks eager to see what happens next. Think of it as being along the lines of 24 meets The Blacklist. The second instalment picks up several months after the Camp David saga. FBI Agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) is now a fully-fledged member of the covert Night Action unit. On assignment with Alice Leeds (Brittany Snow) in Bangkok, Peter finds himself entwined in another cat-and-mouse chase after they are ambushed.…