Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-03-23 i Sunday Tribune

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…

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…

TODAY marks five years since South Africa entered one of the strictest Covid-19 lockdowns in the world. At the time, our streets fell silent, schools shut their doors, and the buzz of everyday life was replaced with an eerie stillness. It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. For some, the memories of those turbulent days are a faded blur. For others, they remain raw and vivid, like an open wound that refuses to heal. It was a time that tested our resilience, pushing us to the brink as individuals, families, and a nation. It was also a time that revealed the fragility of life, the strength of community, and the power of adaptation. We were irrevocably changed, but we endured. From the heartbreak of saying goodbye to loved…

TRADE union federation Cosatu and the SA Communist Party (SACP) are not backing down from a rally today to welcome home now-former South African ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool after his expulsion. This is despite President Cyril Ramaphosa urging people to refrain from partaking or engaging in action that may seem inflammatory and worsen the already volatile diplomatic relationship with the US. The ANC in the Western Cape has bowed to pressure and indicated that it will adhere to Ramaphosa’s call, according to the party’s Khaled Sayed. However, Sayed said it was incorrect to say the ANC had bowed to pressure. “We are still attending and supporting the homecoming reception which is organised by our own regional structure,” he explained. Melvin de Bruyn, Western Cape provincial secretary of Cosatu,…

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba joined the search yesterday morning for a missing Lamontville woman who was washed away during heavy rains last month. Zondeni Gcabashe, 60, went missing after her informal home along a river canal started filling with flood water on February 25. Gcabashe and other residents were washed away while trying to escape by holding onto poles as they were trapped between the canal and rapidly flowing water on the street. The mayor joined the search efforts after Gcabashe’s family reached out for help in locating the body in an effort to find closure. The city said during these floods, five people were reported missing in Lamontville and four were recovered. The search party included members of the Metro Police Search and Rescue, the SAPS Canine Dog Unit,…

The former mayor of eThekwini Municipality Zandile Gumede’s foundation said no one has implicated her in the ongoing trial of R300 million Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender fraud. Gumede and 21 others are on trial in the Durban High Court for this tender. They all face numerous charges, which include money laundering, racketeering, fraud, corruption, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act. “As this case enters its seventh year, it remains critical to underscore that no witness has implicated the former mayor and others in the alleged wrongdoing,” read the statement by the Mama Zandile Gumede Foundation. The foundation has also criticised the State, saying it has suffered blows due to evidentiary inconsistencies and prosecutorial overreach. Siphelele Jiyane, Gumede’s spokesperson said: “The State’s reliance…

A concerned resident has reached out to the eThekwini Municipality to conduct inspections of playground equipment at its public parks. The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had been emailing the municipality since 2022 about the playground equipment at Mitchell Park but nothing had been done. He even went so far as to meet with the manager of Mitchell Park, but only an umbrella was repaired. He was told a tender had to go out, which he found strange since the playground needed minor repairs and cleaning. The resident also suggested that playground equipment that was under- utilised or not used at all should be removed from parks and transferred to parks that were well-frequented, for example, Japanese Gardens, Mitchell Park, Blue Lagoon, North Beach and Peoples Park.…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring two properties that will go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on March 27 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, uMhlanga Rocks. The first is a property development opportunity at 83 Ridge Road in the coastal suburb of uMhlanga Rocks. This sought after and affluent area offers ocean views, high-end properties, and a lifestyle centred around luxury, convenience, and natural beauty. It is close to beaches, highways, public transport options, hospitals, schools and colleges, as well as shops and restaurants. The property presents a rare opportunity for investors, developers, and discerning homeowners. Offering a combination of a single-storey residence and a new multi-storey apartment development, this property blends luxury living with prime investment potential. Whether as a primary residence, a guesthouse, or an…

Kwena Maphaka may just be poised to be one of the big stars of the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Rajasthan Royals. The teenager had his first taste of IPL cricket last year when he made his debut for the Mumbai Indians at the age of 17. Though he made just two appearances where he picked up one wicket across his two matches, the learning experience would have been invaluable. After making his IPL bow, Maphaka went on to debut for South Africa in all three formats. In January, the now 18-year-old Maphaka became the youngest-ever player to make his Test debut for South Africa in the New Year’s clash against Pakistan in Cape Town. Get your news on the go, click here to join…

The three-day Fit India Carnival was inaugurated this week and Andhadhun actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been made the Fit India Icon by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Ayushmann said: “I do socially relevant films but in real life also, I want to set an example, whether it is the Unicef national ambassador or recently the Fit India icon. I think it’s a great honour and a great responsibility.” Given today's busy lifestyle, how do you think one should work towards fitness? Hustle is very important, of course – we are not in 9 to 5 jobs as we tend to keep on working even after that – but if you do not have a fit body, you will not be able to enjoy your success, there is no…

Bollywood producer Karan Johar (KJo) is all hyped about a new filmmaker who has been trained through his production house. The director-producer took to his Instagram and shared a long note in which he wrote about introducing a new director with his upcoming production. KJo also shared that the director in question dedicated about four years to the project, and battled the delays induced by the pandemic. However, KJo stopped short of naming him. He wrote: “When I began producing films (once I stepped into Dharma as an active part of the company), in 2003 with Kal Ho Naa Ho – the idea was to empower filmmakers and storytellers to pay it forward. We got it right, we got it wrong but the intent was always to put out stories…

The upcoming long weekends for Easter and Youth Day present the perfect opportunity to escape the daily grind and discover South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It provides an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate, whether you’re planning a spontaneous road trip or a serene getaway. These mini-holidays allow you to discover local attractions, enjoy nature through activities like hiking or camping, and create lasting memories with loved ones. South Africa is a treasure trove of destinations waiting to be explored. From colourful townships and historic villages to remote Karoo hideaways, the country is rich in experiences that not only enrich your life but also support local communities. By visiting these places, you contribute to the livelihoods of small business owners, artists, and communities that make South Africa truly special.…

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…

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,…

We’ve all heard tales of the fabled fountain of youth from ancient myths to Hollywood blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean. But what if the secret to a longer, healthier life isn’t a mystical elixir but something much simpler? In South Africa, where lifestyles range from fast-paced urban living to the more laid-back rural existence, the quest for longevity is universal. We spend a fortune on skincare, wellness retreats, and supplements, hoping to slow down ageing. But science tells us that the real key to living longer and, more importantly, living well lies in two fundamental aspects: diet and exercise. The link between diet and ageing In December, a study published in Clinical Nutrition reinforced what nutritionists have long suspected: what we eat directly impacts how we age. Researchers from…

Historian Niall Ferguson states on Chris Williamson’s Modern Wisdom podcast how history can be noisy, unpredictable and volatile: “… it’s better to read history as a series of forking paths with a keen awareness of other futures that might have happened … there are constant turning points, moments where it could have gone differently.” Continuing on its current path South Africa’s current Government of National Unity (GNU) may have been one of those points in which South Africa could have made it as a country but did not. That GNU consists of two main parties, the African National Congress (ANC) and the DA, along with eight others. In the event of the ANC’s electoral loss in 2024, for the first time, I was not surprised to hear that the ANC…

KWAZULU-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has revealed that the province has more than 650 women who have been rescued from gender-based violence (GBV) in their families and are now housed in 46 shelters in various towns across the province. During the provincial government’s commemoration of Human Rights Day held in Durban yesterday, Ntuli also announced that more shelters would be built in King Cetshwayo District, North Coast and Ugu District on the South Coast. He said there were 755 victims of GBV who are being taken care of, but he could not say where others were kept. He said eThekwini, which has 14 shelters occupied by 312 survivors, had the highest number of victims in the province. Other operating shelters are in: uMzinyathi (three shelters with 35 survivors are occupied) uMgungundlovu…

In a nursing home in south China’s Shenzhen, an elderly resident curiously reaches out to hold the hand of Xia Lan, a humanoid robot with lifelike skin, blinking eyes and a warm, soothing voice. “Can you dance for us?” one senior asks, prompting smiles from those around. “I’m so happy to see robots becoming part of our lives,” another resident remarks. “I hope they bring us more convenience.” China is witnessing a rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics into eldercare services, offering innovative solutions to the challenges of an ageing population. The latest data shows that by the end of last year, China’s population aged 60 and above reached 310 million, accounting for roughly 22 % of its total population. The International Electrotechnical Commission recently released a global…

Human Rights Day serves to remind us of the inspiring contributions of sporting heroes like boxer Gerrie Coetzee in uniting South Africans and promoting social cohesion as a means of dismantling the walls of segregation in South African sport. Currently, South Africa pauses to reflect on the importance of Human Rights Day. It is fitting to explore the profound impact that sport has had on uniting this diverse nation. From the cherished memories of the 1995 Rugby World Cup to the inspiring stories of individual athletes such as Coetzee, ‘The Boksburg Bomber’, who was internationally acclaimed for criticising apartheid. He earned the respect from icons like Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali for various acts of defiance during the era of racial segregation. South Africa’s democratically elected post-apartheid government awarded Coetzee…

Bollywood actress Esha Deol turned into “desi Batwoman” dressed in a stunning black ensemble exuding elegance and power. Deol shared two pictures on Instagram posing in a shimmering black and gold ensemble. She wore a sequined cropped jacket over a black top, paired with a voluminous metallic skirt. “A Desi Batwoman this would be it. Look for the premier of #tumkomerikasam,” she wrote in the caption. The actress was last seen in Cakewalk in 2019. She will next star in Tumko Meri Kasam with Adah Sharma and Ishwak Singh. On March 17 co-stars Esha and Adah were seen enjoying a buggy ride. The two were accompanied by fellow actors – Anupam Kher and Ishwak. Deol shared a video of her buggy ride with Adah on social media. She later revealed…

In a new twist to the alleged promotion of betting apps by celebrities, Cyberabad Police have registered a case against Tollywood actors Rana Daggubati, Vijaya Devarakonda, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal and others. A case against six actors and 19 social media influencers has been registered at Miyapur Police Station of Cyberabad Commissionerate. The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under sections 318 (4), 112 r/w 49 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 3, 3 (A) and 4 of Telangana Gaming Act and 66D of Information Technology Act 2008. The police registered a case on a complaint by Phanidra Sharma, a resident of Miyapur, who stated that he found several celebrities and social media influencers actively promoting illegal betting apps, websites and other platforms. The complainant said the promotion…

The Saudi crown family's megalomaniacal dream of building a gigantic, futuristic holiday resort in the middle of the desert is facing a brutal reality check. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Neom project – which includes a sprawling all-inclusive resort on the coast, a ski resort in the mountains, and “The Line”, a pair of 480m-tall skyscrapers stretching up to 170km – is running into major financial trouble. Sindalah Island, a seaside resort spanning 840 000m2, features a state-of-the-art 86-berth marina and hosted a lavish $45 million (R825 million) launch party in October, attended by high-profile celebrities. Yet, five months later, it remains closed to the public. According to The Wall Street Journal, capital expenditure estimates to complete Neom by 2080 have skyrocketed to $8.8 trillion (R161 trillion), which is more than 25…

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…

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.…

As the music industry continues to grow and evolve, the rise of female DJs is a phenomenon deserving of both celebration and serious reflection. Recently, British fashion icon Naomi Campbell made waves by stepping into the world of DJing, igniting a surge of reactions across social media platforms. While many applauded her new venture, others questioned the legitimacy of her entry into a space that has long been dominated by men. Comments varied from, “Amazing how anyone can become a DJ these days,” to jokes like, “Naomi Campbell becoming a DJ is an interesting retirement choice.” While Campbell isn’t alone in facing scrutiny – local celebrities like Dineo Ranaka, Cyan Boujee, and Thuli Phongolo have also drawn judgment for their DJ careers. However, such criticisms often ignore a pivotal reality:…

WITHIN 10 minutes of his call with US President Donald Trump this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed his military to halt all attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. That is how apparently eager and determined Trump and Putin are to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, which Trump vows would never have started had he been in the Oval Office. The meeting between the two presidents of the leading nuclear nations lasted more than two hours. It was the second known official engagement between the pair since Trump became the 47th US president on January 20. The cordial call evidently removed yet more hurdles on the road to a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia, and by extension, Moscow and the West. Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy…

THE Durban West Taxi Region that would be most affected by eThekwini’s integrated transport system, GO! Durban, has expressed its frustration at the eThekwini Municipality’s disregard for its patience and playing by the book as they see the perpetually delayed multi-billion project wither away. “We are the most affected but least important,” is how Mathula Mkhize, the chairperson of the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) Durban West Region, defined the municipality’s position with them. Mkhize said the project had gone through multiple mayors and pronounced many dates of the launch, yet it had failed to go live. Speaking to the Sunday Tribune, Mkhize said as Durban West, they had chosen to go on a consultative route since the municipality wanted their participation to be grouped with all public comments on…

Ashwin Trikamjee has been remembered as a distinguished legal professional, a committed activist and a respected religious leader. Glowing tributes have been paid to the distinguished community leader who died in hospital early on Thursday following a short illness. Trikamjee, aged 80, from Morningside, was head of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) and an executive consultant at Garlicke & Bousfield, specialising in commercial litigation and tax law. He had served on boards of a number of parastatals and major corporations. Yvonne Boden, CEO of Garlicke & Bousfield, said they were devastated. “It was saddening to receive the news of Ashwin’s passing. A few days ago, I spoke to him and he said he was going to the hospital for observation. Last year we celebrated his 50 years as…

Municipal demarcations and boundaries are of concern in several KwaZulu- Natal communities. The Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Portfolio Committee held meetings to explain the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill (Imda Bill). The committee visited Creighton, Amajuba District, and Ntuzuma this week. Next week, it is expected to be in uPhongolo on Wednesday. In Ntuzuma, Thando Khuzwayo, the Deputy Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital committee in eThekwini, said that some of the demarcation processes have caused problems with ward-based project implementation. “These meetings talk to the needs of the communities. There are many wards in eThekwini and you find the demarcation line sometimes leaves a house split between them. The kitchen is in one ward and the bathroom in another. These are the issues that need to…

Three years after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) found that eThekwini Municipality was in violation of the right to access clean drinking water, many residents continue to face significant challenges. In its 2022 KZN Water Inquiry report into the province’s municipalities and water authorities, including eThekwini Municipality, the SAHRC found that there were “systemic failures in water provisioning, and the violation of multiple human rights”. Pavershree Padayachee, SAHRC provincial manager, said that eThekwini Municipality has started several projects and other mechanisms to address water access issues since the inquiry. According to reports, in January 2024, Verulam residents in Trenance Park were without water for almost 100 days. The Commission began participating in war room meetings in late January last year, where there were numerous ongoing challenges. Padayachee stated…

A 32-year-old Pinetown man who allegedly killed his 80-year-old grandmother and kicked her head around like a soccer ball has told the Durban High Court that he wants to plead guilty. Thabo Ntokozo Nzimande made his first appearance in court this week. The State alleges that on June 7, 2024, Nzimande attacked Beatrice DeLange, his grandmother, in their home on Maurice Nichols Road, Pinetown, stabbed her multiple times in her chest and stomach with a knife or knives, and then decapitated her. “At a subsequent post-mortem examination, the cause of death of the deceased was found to be multiple penetrating and decapitation injury,” the State said in its indictment. It was further alleged that the murder was premeditated. As the court proceedings started, Nzimande raised his hand and told the…

THE health clinic where Alice Okwirry collects her HIV medication in Kenya’s capital Nairobi has been rationing supplies of antiretrovirals to one-month refills since the US government froze foreign aid. On the outskirts of the city, meanwhile, millions of life-saving doses sit on the shelves of a warehouse, unused and unreachable. The clinic is a half-hour’s drive from the warehouse, but for Okwirry, they may as well be an ocean apart. Without US funding, distribution from the warehouse, which stocks all US government-donated HIV medicine to Kenya, has ceased, leaving supplies of some drugs worryingly low, according to a former USAID official and a health official in Kenya. The 90-day foreign aid freeze, ordered by US President Donald Trump after taking office on January 20, has upended the global supply…

No less than 16 South Africans will be involved in the big money 2025 Indian Premier League which starts on Saturday. Players from around the world converge on India to play in the most-watched cricket league on the planet. And the rewards are just as big, as players become instant millionaires for just six weeks’ work. The IPL has generated billions in revenue since its inception in 2008, turning the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) into one of the richest governing bodies in sport. In June 2022 it sold the broadcast rights for five IPL seasons to global media giants for $6.2 billion. The IPL is a huge earner for Indian cricket and the tournament makes more than $11 billion for the economy each year. Indian wicket-keeper…

Thanks to the astute guidance of coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana has undergone a remarkable transformation and once again packed out the stadium at the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier match against Lesotho on Friday. Afterwards, Broos said the Peter Mokaba Stadium crowd had provided his team with a lift in a difficult contest, which they eventually won 2-0. Broos has bravely blooded a few young stars who have stepped up to the plate and delivered outstanding performances on the international front, none more so than Relebohile Mofokeng, the 'Player-of-the-Match', who broke the stalemate early in the second half. Player ratings for Bafana Bafana’s run-on XI: Ronwen Williams - 6 He was called on to make one save in the match after Lesotho managed one shot on target. The match…

In an increasingly polarised world beset by over 30 armed conflicts, including the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine wars, and amid growing fears of the outbreak of a third World War, India continues to play an important role in global peacekeeping. The latest pillar in India’s peace-building efforts is the inauguration of the country’s first World Peace Centre in Gurugram, Haryana, in northern India. The centre was established by the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti which was founded by Indian Jain monk, writer and speaker Acharya Lokesh, acclaimed for his contributions to Ahimsa (non-violence), inter-faith dialogue and social reform. The establishment of the Peace Centre is being hailed as an initiative that will amplify India’s voice on peace and harmony on global platforms, including the UN and the World Parliament of Religions. The centre…

From April 1, Singapore Airlines passengers will no longer be allowed to charge portable power banks using onboard USB ports or use power banks to charge their personal devices during the flight. Singapore Airlines is implementing this ban alongside a growing number of airlines, including Thai Airways, China Airlines, EVA Air, and AirAsia, which have already introduced similar restrictions. In a statement, Singapore Airlines said: “The SIA Group complies with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations regarding the carriage of power banks, which are classified as lithium batteries.” The ban applies to both charging power banks via onboard USB ports and using them to charge personal devices while in flight. Passengers are still permitted to carry power banks in their cabin baggage, as they are not allowed…