Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-01 i Sunday Tribune

In2assets will be auctioning a warehouse in the thriving Springfield Park Industrial Precinct on June 19 at 11am. The property at 26-36 Beechfield Crescent, Umgeni Business Park, is AAA-grade industrial facility in one of Durban’s most sought-after logistics zones. Springfield Park is strategically located just north of the Durban CBD. The area is known for its modern infrastructure, easy access to key transport routes, and close proximity to the port. With a land size of ±10 487m², the property offers a high-yield investment, generating ±R5 million in Gross Annual Income. There is currently a secure tenant in place with a lease that runs until 2029. The property has 800 AMPS power supply. Key features include: • Warehouse: ±3 700m² of high-clearance warehouse space, ideal for modern logistics, distribution, or manufacturing.…

Analysis by the maritime sector has been mostly positive to the news that Transnet would be receiving a R51 billion bailout for Transnet announced by the Minister of Transport last week. Transnet, in a statement, said that it welcomes the Minister of Transport’s announcement of a R51bn government guarantee facility to support its sustainability and long-term growth. “The facility will enable Transnet to refinance maturing debt and ensure the organisation’s continued access to adequate resources and facilities to be able to continue its operations as well as fund the capital investment programme for the foreseeable future.” Dave Watts, a maritime consultant, said that the communication from Transnet does not make clear how much of the R51bn guarantee will be used to roll over or refinance current debt and how much…

Who here doesn’t love a gripping thriller where a road trip takes a terrifying turn? Seriously, it has all the hallmarks of leaving viewers on tenterhooks, especially when underpinned by a solid script with plenty of red herrings and a fabulous cast. That’s why I thoroughly recommend Vidaamuyarchi, which is written and directed by Magizh Thirumeni. The Tamil film with English subtitles on Netflix also boasts the star pairing of Ajith Kumar as Arjun M and Trisha Krishnan as Kayal Arjun. After 12 years of marriage, Kayal wants a divorce as she has fallen in love with someone else. For a while, they were happily married until Kayal’s miscarriage, which left her infertile. The strain of the loss left the couple living very emotionally distant lives. However, Arjun hasn’t stopped…

There’s no denying it: stress is a daily reality for most South Africans. Whether it’s worrying about juggling work and family, stress has a way of following us sometimes right into bed. While we often talk about stress-related headaches or tummy troubles, few of us think about how stress shows up at night, especially in the way we sleep. But recent research and expert advice suggest that our sleeping position might just be a window into how well we’re coping. So, how does stress really manifest in our daily lives, and what do our favourite sleeping positions say about our mental state? Let’s unpack this in a friendly, relatable way because, let’s be honest, we all want to sleep a little better and stress a little less. First, a reality…

National lottery blackout averted while KZN business moguls prepare to take over NO Pause, just play. That was the go-ahead given by Ithuba Lottery to avert a lotto blackout as uncertainty loomed over the sale of tickets following a legal wrangle. The Gauteng High Court ruled on Friday that Ithuba Lottery, could only continue with operations for five months, until when the new operator Sizekhaya Holdings took over – a decision the National Lottery Commission (NCL) said could be rejected by Ithuba. But in a statement issued by Michelle van Trotsenburg last night on behalf of Ithuba, she said after careful consideration and prioritising the interests of South Africans, Ithubahas reached an agreement with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition and the National Lotteries Commission to operate the South…

US based Pastor Mark Burns, a staunch supporter of US President Donald Trump, believes the EFF and its leader Julius Malema should not be taken seriously and are attention- seekers for chanting the “divisive” “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer” chant. The African American televangelist, described by Time magazine as Trump’s top pastor, was in South Africa on a fact-finding mission following widespread and repeatedly disputed claims of genocide against white Afrikaner farmers. In an interview this week, Burns suggested that the EFF was losing steam and was slowly fizzling out. “To my understanding he (Malema) is a minor character and he is slowly fizzling out. I don’t want to keep bringing his name up to give him a platform but the reality of it is, that most South Africans…

One often finds unidentified photographs in old collections, which capture the mundane aspects of everyday life. Identifying them takes time and even a little detective work. One such picture was the Natal Steam Laundry, photographed in 1909. It represented a new type of business which relied increasingly on machinery rather than labour-intensive hand washing. The company was started in 1898 at 22 Stratford Road in what is today known as the Warwick Triangle precinct. Back in the 1890s, it was still a quiet part of town surrounded by trees and a few scattered houses. By 1910, it had grown into a working- class neighbourhood whose residents included a wagon maker, a pony rickshaw driver, a trolley driver, a baker, carpenters and grocers, a teacher, a fireman and a coppersmith. Most…

The construction of the Klein Boesmans River Bridge in Wembezi, KwaZulu-Natal, is incomplete despite R29 million being spent on the project by contractors. The KZN Legislature Transport Portfolio Committee conducted an inspection of the site on Wednesday to find the construction area deserted. The project began in 2020 and was scheduled for completion in May 2021. The committee said that to date, only 65% of the project was completed. Mncedisi Maphisa, the portfolio committee chairperson, said that according to the contractual agreement, the construction period to complete the job would be 15 months. Maphisa said the site had since been deserted and there was no progress, which triggered the committee to visit the bridge in a mission to find answers from the provincial Transport Department, municipality and contractors. “The committee…

Amanda Smith-Daniels, the grandmother of missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith, says she is grappling with deep psychological trauma after her daughter, Racquel “Kelly” Smith was sentenced to life in prison for trafficking her child. In an emotional interview, Smith- Daniels revealed that she has been admitted to a psychiatric facility for treatment for severe depression. The weight of her daughter’s betrayal and the anguish of not knowing what happened to her granddaughter have taken a devastating toll. “I have to work on my mental health because it’s too much,” she said. “My pillow is riddled with tears. Every night I lie awake praying for Joshlin.” Joshlin went missing from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, on 19 February 2024. According to Kelly, she left her daughter in the care of her…

THE Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP) argues that: “Members of Parliament are required to declare their assets; therefore, the same standards should apply to judges, who wield immense constitutional power and influence. Judges must be held to a higher standard of scrutiny and accountability. South Africa cannot afford to have a judiciary shielded from the same transparency expected of other arms of state.” The self-appointed guardians of our democracy would have none of it. The judiciary is a no-go area. After all, conventional wisdom dictates that judges are paragons of virtue. They cannot be compared to corruption-prone politicians and public officials. Counterposing MKP’s call is an argument that says: “Judges are already subject to the most stringent asset and income declarations of all public office bearers.” Also, subjecting judges to…

Mamelodi Sundowns’ camp is high on confidence that they’ll be crowned the ‘Kings of African Football’ when the final whistle goes in Cairo. Sundowns will face Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final second leg at 30 June Stadium tonight (7pm kick-off). They are on a bit of a backfoot as Pyramids scored in the 1-1 draw in the first leg in Pretoria, resulting in the Pharaohs taking home an away goal advantage. But Sundowns have ample confidence that they can turn the tide in the second leg as the draw at home last weekend was due to their own doing. Speaking to Mamelodi Sundowns TV on ‘Road to the Final of Finals: Episode 9’, midfielder Teboho Mokoena reflected on what went wrong for them at home a week ago.…

Mamelodi Sundowns are preparing for what could be the most defining match in the club’s illustrious history as they travel to Cairo to face Pyramids FC in the decisive second leg of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League final at the 30 June Stadium tonight (kick-off 7pm). With the tie finely balanced following a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last week, the Brazilians know the stakes couldn’t be higher. Now needing to take the initiative away from home, head coach Miguel Cardoso will be leaning on several of his top performers to deliver when it matters most. Below, we highlight five pivotal players who has the mettle to lead Sundowns to their second CAF Champions League triumph. Grant Kekana A key figure in Sundowns' defensive unit,…

Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Bernard Parker has expressed his satisfaction with TS Galaxy’s overall performance during the 2024/25 season, which marked his debut campaign as an assistant coach at senior level and as head coach of the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team. As he transitions from a celebrated playing career into coaching, Parker says he's proud of the strides his teams have made, even amidst early difficulties. Speaking about the season, the 39-year-old admitted that adapting to professional coaching was initially challenging, despite having prior experience at lower levels. “It was quite tough for me at first to put the team together because, although I had done coaching at a grassroots level, this was my first official season in professional coaching,” he explained. Parker holds a unique dual role…

Bulls director of rugby Jake White praised his team’s fighting spirit after their comeback win over Edinburgh in Pretoria yesterday to secure a home semi-final in the United Rugby Championship (URC). Having trailed their Scottish visitors 21-8 at a stage after an early yellow card, the Bulls mounted a superb fightback before and after halftime that blew the opposition out of the water to secure the victory at Loftus Versfeld. They scored six brilliant tries and the interplay between the backs and forwards was outstanding for most of them. Although they leaked five tries, of which at least two were questionable, their defensive effort in the final 20 minutes will give them plenty of confidence heading into the next match. However, the experienced coach feels they didn’t play as well…

World Boxing will introduce mandatory sex testing for all boxers in its competitions, the body said on Friday, adding that Paris Olympics gold medallist Imane Khelif will not be allowed to compete until she undergoes such a test. The global body, which will oversee boxing competitions in the 2028 Olympics after being granted provisional recognition by the IOC, said it aims to deliver a competitive level playing field for men and women. The new policy comes less than a year after Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting both won gold in Paris amid a gender-eligibility row. “Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at... any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing's rules and testing procedures,” World Boxing said in a…

Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh, celebrated for his versatile performances across more than 150 films in South Indian cinema, died on Thursday, at the age of 75. Rajesh died at his residence in Ramapuram, Chennai. The public wpaid their final respects to him there. He is survived by his daughter Divya and son Deepak. Born on December 20, 1949, in Mannargudi in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvarur district, Rajesh began his professional journey as a school teacher. However, driven by a passion for acting, he eventually left teaching and made a foray into films — a decision that marked the beginning of an illustrious and impactful career in Indian cinema. Rajesh made his acting debut in Aval Oru Thodarkathai’(1974), a Tamil film directed by K Balachander. His talent was quickly recognised, and he…

Cannes recently served as a glamorous and exciting hub, drawing the world’s film industry to the French Riviera for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. While the city is known for its star-studded red carpets and premieres, it offers much more beyond its cinematic appeal. Nestled between the azure waters of the Mediterranean and the lush hills of Provence, Cannes is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Here are five things to do while visiting this remarkable destination. Marketplace marvels From Tuesday to Sunday, the charm- ing Provençal markets of Cannes come alive, inviting one to indulge in a sensory delight. Each market is bursting with colours, enticing aromas and an atmosphere brimming with excitement. The stalls showcase fresh produce sourced from the fertile Cannes basin. Sample local…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring two properties that will go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on June 25 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first, an insolvent estate, is an undeveloped residential stand at 115 Heron Street, Kharwastan, Chatsworth. Kharwastan is a vibrant suburb, situated within a well-connected region that balances suburban charm with accessibility to urban amenities and offers residents proximity to major transport routes. The diverse community can easily access essential services, medical facilities, top-tier schools, amenities and public transport. The fully-serviced, undeveloped residential stand offers an opportunity for potential homeowners or developers. The property is primed for develop ment, offering ample space to design and build a custom residential home or multi-unit complex. The stand is connected to…

Across Africa, well-meaning initiatives, designed in boardrooms, backed by big budgets and rolled out with fanfare, have long been positioned as a force for good. But what if, in trying to help, we’re sometimes making things worse? In too many cases, CSI projects miss the mark: fostering dependence instead of empowerment, duplicating efforts already underway, or overlooking the very people they’re meant to serve. As Africa reflects on transformation during Africa Month, it’s time to ask harder questions about how and why, corporate giving can backfire. We’ve seen programmes that distribute food parcels without investing in food security, or those that introduce technology into schools without training teachers or ensuring the infrastructure exists to support it. These are not just inefficiencies, they are missed opportunities, and in some cases, they…

Over the past few weeks, I've swopped my usual line-up for some gripping reality TV competition shows on Netflix. Think Survivor, The Mole or The Circle, but with a more refreshing take on things. And if I’m being honest, there were so many notable insights into human behaviour. First up was Battle Camp, a mix of Survivor and Wheel of Fortune, where the contestants are well-known stars from other shows such as Squid Game: The Challenge, Selling the OC and Too Hot to Handle. After being divided into teams, they feature in a mix of hair-raising physical challenges, group votes, and strategic gameplay to avoid elimination. Ultimately, contestants will need to be unbeatable, unbreakable and unhateable to have the chance of winning $250 000 (around R4.5 million). The show is…

As South Africa contemplates relaxing black economic empowerment (BEE) regulations to enable Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate within its borders, a fierce national conversation must begin not about internet speeds, but about sovereignty, trust, and transformation. On the surface, Starlink is every- thing this country has been waiting for: a space-age solution to a deeply terrestrial problem. In a country where only 10–15% of rural households have stable internet and where countless schools, clinics and police stations still struggle with basic connectivity, the promise of fast, reliable satellite broadband sounds like nothing short of a miracle. But South Africa has been down this road before. Too often, technological “solutions” have arrived draped in global capital, wrapped in good intentions, and laced with fine print that erodes local agency. And this…

South Africa is yet to appoint an ambassador to the United States. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola, confirmed that a new ambassador has not been appointed since the expulsion of Ebrahim Rassool in March. Rassool was given 72 hours to leave the US after he was expelled by US secretary of state Marco Rubio for making comments during a webinar where he accused US President Donald Trump's administration of supremacism. “The appointment of an ambassador is the president's prerogative. It is under consideration of the president at the moment. “Mr Mcebisi Jonas remains as South Africa’s special envoy to the United States,” said Phiri. He said the role of the special envoy is when a person is tasked to take a message from the…

The annual East Meets West Bridal Fair taking place at Durban’s Pavilion Shopping Centre ends today but there is still a chance to win fabulous prizes. The fair taking place throughout the mall, is designed to help couples and their families plan for the big day. Engaged-to-be-married couples can enter a phenomenal competition and stand in line to win fabulous prizes – the winner receiving a bespoke Durban wedding valued at more than R170 000. The sponsors include Premjee’s Jewellers who are gifting a white gold and diamond ring; One Stop Tours is offering a trip to Mauritius as the perfect honeymoon destination; the Oyster Box Hotel is offering a reduced price for venue hire and honeymoon stay; Kevin Hsu Photography is providing a wedding videography and photography package; adding…

The Durban High Court earlier this week ruled in favour of Zandile Gumede, the former mayor of eThekwini Municipality, and her co-accused, ordering the State to reveal a report from the municipality claiming that the company that looked into the R320 million tender irregularities was unlawfully appointed. Gumede and her 21 co-accused are facing numerous charges, including money laundering, racketeering, fraud, corruption and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act, relating to the R320 million Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender. Integrity Forensic Solutions (IFS), a forensic company contracted by eThekwini’s City Integrity and Investigations Unit (CIIU), looked into irregularities in the tender. This was after the CIIU received anonymous documents alleging irregularities in the solid waste tender. After IFS investigated, the Hawks took over the…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has brushed off the EFF’s urgent legal challenge against the recent fuel levy increase, calling the party’s move shaky and politically charged. This comes after the EFF filed an urgent application in the Western Cape High Court, seeking to suspend the newly announced fuel levy hike. The increase, revealed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during his Budget Speech last week, will see petrol levies rise by 16 cents per litre and diesel by 15 cents, effective from Wednesday. Speaking to journalists at a high-level roundtable at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Friday, Mashatile was unshaken by the legal challenge. “I am worried,” he said, implying the government had followed due process in announcing the levy adjustments. “I’m not so worried about the EFF’s case because…

A Johannesburg-based women’s rights organisation has travelled to Cape Town to picket outside Parliament in a desperate bid to force the police to take decisive action in the murder case of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek. The Women Empowerment Platform (WEP), led by founder Natalie Solomons, joined local activists and community leaders in calling for justice after Jayden-Lee's body was found just metres from his home in Fleurhof, Roodepoort. The organisation is urging Parliament and the Portfolio Committee on Police to prioritise the case and ensure that an arrest is made. “We got involved in the Jayden-Lee case because he’s a child who was murdered in the very community we serve,” said Solomons. “I still can’t get the picture of how he was found that morning out of my head. It was…

THE Proteas Test team landed in the United Kingdom over the weekend, and the full squad will start their first preparations as a group for the upcoming World Test Championship final at Lord's staring on June 11. Throughout the build-up, the Proteas' weaknesses have been thoroughly discussed, and very little has been said about the Australian Test team and their disadvantages. The Proteas batting unit has been diagnosed as the weak link due to the lack of experience in Test match cricket, and also due to the unit not having played against a potent bowling attack this World Test Championship cycle. However, that is not the mood in the Proteas Test camp, as top-order batter Tristan Stubbs revealed. The 24-year-old emphasised that the Australians, despite being the defending champions and…

There were scenes of utter bedlam at Kings Park on Saturday night when the Sharks prevailed over Munster in a United Rugby Championship quarter-final thanks to a successful penalty shoot-out following 20 minutes of extra time. Rugby is not accustomed to soccer-style shootouts and there was an unlikely hero for the Sharks in replacement scrumhalf Bradley Davids, who held his nerve after the Munster kicker, Rory Scannell had earlier missed a kick. The Sharks are through to a semi-final against the Bulls, and they are there by the skin of their teeth after the match finished at 24-24 and the extra time of 20 minutes could produce no score. Munster were returning to a ground where seven months ago they got a 41-24 mauling, a result that cost coach Graham…

An emotional John Dobson, Stormers director of rugby, said this is not the way they envisioned their United Rugby Championship (URC) to end after suffering defeat in the quarter-final of the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Friday night in Scotland. However, he gave the Glasgow Warriors credit for how they managed to dismantle his side’s defence and kept their potent attack in check with some good, solid defence. The defending champions, in the end, won comfortably and kept their spotless record at the Scotstoun Stadium against the Cape side in check with a 36-18 victory. Dobson said it was by far his team’s "worst performance" in a couple of seasons as they exited the tournament at the first knockout stage for the second consecutive season. “It’s sitting pretty tough in…

Maxed Elite Running Club star Joseph Manyedi will be chasing the dream in this year’s Comrades Marathon down run on Sunday, hoping to take the giant step onto the podium after finishing fourth in last year’s race. The Rustenburg-based road running ace fancies his chances after last year’s personal best time of 5:28:33 saw him finish behind race winner Piet Wiersma of the Netherlands (5:25:00), Dan Moselakwe (5:25:45) and Degefa Yohannese Lafebo of Ethiopia (5:27:48). It was his fourth consecutive gold medal in eight races so far, and his best finish in The Ultimate Human Race. The four-time gold medallist, who has been a runner for more than 20 years, joined the Mr Price Sport-backed Maxed Elite Running Club from the Nedbank Running Club earlier this year. “I feel strong…

Travel blogger navigating the world one adventure at a time In the ever-evolving world of travel blogging, Sara Essop stands out as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration and adventure. With more than 13 years of experience in travel writing, Essop has turned her passion for exploration and storytelling into a rewarding career path that encourages fellow adventurers to embark on their own journeys. The Durban-born content creator who lives in Johannesburg, finds herself at the heart of a vibrant travel scene that fuels her enthusiasm for sharing her experiences around the globe. Essop’s journey began when she combined her love for travel and writing to create a blog that not only captures the essence of the destinations she visits but also invites other travellers to share their own experiences. Her…

New library and facilities for rural KZN school and community Thandokwethu Primary School in the rural community of Dududu, located on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, has been revitalised through a dedicated rehabilitation project spearheaded by Islamic Relief South Africa (IRSA), in collaboration with Islamic Relief Canada. The culmination of over two years of hard work was celebrated with the official opening of a new school library last Thursday. This transformational journey began in 2022, when a devoted and concerned teacher, Nikaya Shaikh, contacted the IRSA and asked for support for the dilapidated school. When IRSA visited the school, they saw every window broken; walls with large holes through which the outside could be seen, and where rain would flood the classrooms; hazardous asbestos roofing; and absolutely no running water or sanitation.…

When you think of an African safari, the vast savannahs of Kenya, Botswana or South Africa may spring to mind. But surprisingly, one of the most expansive safari-style experiences on the planet exists far from Africa in the heart of South Australia. Monarto Safari Park, an hour’s drive from Adelaide, holds the title of the largest open-range safari park outside of Africa and offers an unforgettable wilderness adventure without setting foot on the continent. Covering over 1 500 hectares, the park is so vast that you could fit every major zoo in Australia within its borders and still have room to spare. It is home to more than 500 animals, including African species and native Australian wildlife, roaming freely in naturalistic, safari-style habitats that mimic the African wilderness. Visitors can…

South African consumers cheered as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) cut the interest rate this past week, however, a wider view shows that the relief could be undone by other costs increasing. SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago decreased the repurchase (repo) rate for the country by 25 basis points, dropping it from 7.50% to 7.25%, effectively taking the prime lending rate to the country to 10.75%, from 11%. Hayley Parry, Money Coach and Facilitator at 1Life’s Truth About Money told Business Report that the cut could not have come at a better time. Parry said: “What that means is that, for anyone paying back any debt, you are going to be able to save on your debt repayment. “For example, for every million rand you have in a home loan,…

I know that not everyone is a fan of subtitled offerings. However, sometimes it’s worth putting aside such peeves when you are guaranteed a phenomenal watch. One such show is the Danish whodunit, Secrets We Keep, which is among SA’s Top 10 shows streaming on Netflix. The six-part series is set in an affluent suburb in Copenhagen, where Filipino au pairs live their best life, too. It centres on the close-knit friendship between Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen) and her lawyer husband, Mike (Simon Sears), and their neighbours Katarina (Danica Curcic) and her tycoon husband Rasmus (Lars Ranthe). The dynamic changes when the latter couples nanny, Ruby (Donna Levkovski), goes missing. Cecilie grapples with guilt after dismissing Ruby's plea for help during dinner at her home on the night of the…

South African entertainer Denise Zimba is living every mother’s worst fear of being separated from her children. Zimba, celebrated for her electrifying presence in South Africa’s entertainment industry, is now at the centre of a heartbreaking custody battle, a fight that has left her questioning her choices, her strength and her faith. Beyond the glitz and glamour, she’s just a mother fighting to keep her children close, and her story has sparked widespread outrage and empathy. In an emotional thread on X, Zimba revealed she hasn’t spoken to her daughters in nearly two weeks, sparking public outcry and raising urgent questions about the rights of mothers in international custody cases. “My biggest regret is choosing wrong, and having my children live with the consequences of my actions…” Zimba wrote. Besides…

THE government appears not to know the number of foreign nationals in the country’s labour market and is considering introducing quotas to limit them from competing for the few available technical and low-skilled jobs. The national labour migration policy approved by the cabinet this week, has noted that imposing quotas is a worldwide phenomenon and that EU member states also implement such measures for managing labour migration from developing countries. In South Africa, the Constitutional Court in 2022 affirmed that the constitutional reservation of the right to trade, occupation or profession to citizens is not uncommon in democracies and that the country has an obligation to protect its citizens’ interests. Despite the apex court’s judgment, the policy also accepted that a number of Supreme Court of Appeal rulings have found…

Paramedics in South Africa have sounded the alarm over critical shortages of ambulances and staff, leading to unsafe working conditions and in- adequate emergency care for communities. In a recent Parliamentary response, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi acknowledged that staffing levels were insufficient to cater for the needs of a population exceeding 63 million, with the government promising to enhance staffing as resources permit. As of April 25, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) alone had 480 ambulances, though 240 of those were non-operational. The Eastern Cape faces a similar predicament, with 418 ambulances but 125 out of commission. Motsoaledi stated that nationally, the ambulance to population ratio is 1:10,000, and there were 14,000 operational EMS personnel as of February 28. State paramedics, who have requested anonymity, have raised alarming concerns over chronic ambulance…

As the family of slain Wits postgraduate student Olorato Mongale lays her to rest today, they do so knowing that the police have been working around the clock to arrest her killers. Mongale, 30, went missing last Sunday after she was picked up at her residence in a VW Polo for what she believed was a date. Her body was found dumped along a road in Lombardy West in Johannesburg two hours later. Speaking ahead of her funeral in Bloemfontein, her aunt Kealogetswe Mongale says the family was happy with the progress made by police during the course of the week, with one suspect still at large. The main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was shot dead by police at a flat in eManzimtoti south of Durban in the early hours on…

WHERE is Joshlin Smith? That is the question police hope their investigations will help answer as they move to the next phase of their work having secured life imprisonment sentences against her mother Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn for trafficking in persons for the purpose of exploitation, and kidnapping. Joshlin went missing in February last year while in Appollis’ care. The state maintained during the recent trial that the three had planned to sell the child for R20 000. The trio were each sentenced to 10 years for kidnapping and life imprisonment for human trafficking. Police commissioner Fannie Masemola praised the investigating team comprising Captain Wesley Lombard, sergeants Fortuin, Van der Walt, Sangcozi, Haywood and Johnson. “Phase two of the investigation…

THE recent trip by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation to America produced different results for different people. The official position from the government is that the trip was meant to restart trade relations between South Africa and America. As such, proponents of this view argue that the trip was a huge success. However, a counterview is that the trip caused more harm than good to South Africa’s global image. According to this view, some of the utterances made at the Oval Office were unwarranted, factually flawed and devoid of context. Apart from the questionable pictures of the graves which allegedly carried the bodies of Afrikaners killed in South Africa (who were not from South Africa), there were other developments which happened in that meeting. One of them was when…

Tanzania will hold presidential elections in October. This will be the incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s first election contest since she succeeded the late John Magufuli who died in office in 2021. President Suluhu made history by becoming Tanzania’s first female president. She came into power as a reformist set on undoing her predecessor’s repressive posture. She lifted the ban on political rallies, preached media freedom, and released the leader of the main opposition party Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), Freeman Mbowe from detention. Mbowe had languished in prison for almost 8 months under trumped-up charges of terrorism. She also met with the Chadema leader Tundu Lissu upon his return to Tanzania in 2023 after spending five years exiled in Belgium. Lissu had survived an assassination attempt in 2017…

Nixon’s Watergate scandal showcased the US fireworks cartel’s militaristic capability in Christmas lighting the Vietnamese skies. Indeed, it was not a sombre, white Christmas in Vietnam. Dense bush and guerrilla tactics were promptly served to Nixon’s Santa by the Vietnamese forces. Like, the world and Americans forgot the planted listening devices during electioneering. Two weeks of bombings were supposedly due to a stalemate, or so that is what we are told. Lyndon B Johnson could not say much, except probably, “Walk on, Henry Kissinger, walk on.” No amount of evidence could bite Kissinger’s realpolitik in Cambodia, Vietnam or Latin America. Mass atrocities levied against innocent civilians, non-combatants and poor governments were met with repeated condonation. Political pragmatism is a wicked term for the human auditory canal. South Africa’s application before…

Hugo Broos is proud of the upward trajectory of Bafana Bafana and PSL sides’ in Africa recently as he believes the two parties have had a beneficial relationship. The kings of continental football will officially be crowned in Cairo on Sunday night as PSL outfit Mamelodi Sundowns will be away to Egyptians, Pyramids. The South Africans are on a backfoot heading into the match as the hosts have an away goal advantage after the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw last Saturday in Pretoria. However, whatever happens after the final whistle, Sundowns have already made the nation proud by marching all the way to the final for the first time since 2016. The Brazilians were not the only PSL team that flew the national flag high on the continent,…

The odds on Springbok winger Patience Mokone enjoying another try-scoring international debut are pretty high for the flyer who can’t seem to keep away from the opposition tryline, no matter the format. She did it on her Springbok Women’s Sevens debut as South Africa beat Argentina in the final of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger tournament in Poland. She also featured in the play-off tournament in Los Angeles that ended in heartbreak for SA in the HSBC SVNS Play-off tournament. Now, the 22-year-old Bulls Daisies wing has the chance to announce herself to the Test arena as part of the Springbok squad that will defend their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title in Madagascar. The Springbok Women face Uganda in the first of three Rugby Africa Women’s Cup matches in…

THERE are three reasons for Mamelodi Sundowns to be optimistic ahead of their Caf Champions League final second leg against Pyramids FC in Cairo tonight. One- That’s the number of times clubs who were held 1-1 in the first leg they hosted have gone on to win the continent’s premier club competition. The South African champions were shell-shocked by a last-gasp equalizer from Walid El Khatari at Loftus Versfeld last weekend when they seemed to have given themselves an advantage towards adding a second star above their club’s crest. While Pyramids celebrated that result as though they’d already been crowned champions, the reality is that the match is evenly-poised and Miguel Cardoso and his team have just as good a chance of winning as their hosts. And there is precedent…

It is a tragic postscript to the monumental achievements of the 1995 Springboks that, 30 years later, there are just 10 survivors of the team that started the final against the All Blacks. The New Zealanders have also suffered a loss, with Player of the Tournament Jonah Lomu passing away in Auckland in 2015 because of kidney failure. He was 40. The list of Springboks who have died makes for a sad reading because they were household names that contributed enormously to the rich history of the game in South Africa James Small, Joost van der Westhuizen, Chester Williams, Ruben Kruger, and Hannes Strydom were hugely popular public figures and their deaths at relatively young ages remains keenly felt. The first member of the tightly-knit squad to die was Kitch…

Priests, temple officials and representatives of Hindu organisations engaged in discussions that were aimed at strengthening their collective understanding of Hindu festival dates, calendar systems and their religious significance. The workshop, which took place last week Saturday, brought together affiliates from the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) and centred around the awareness of the Hindu calendar. Pundit Lokesh Maharaj, chairperson of the Priest's Council, said the meeting was a resounding success, drawing widespread appreciation from participants for its informative content. “Hindus often interpret the Hindu calendar through the familiar, solar‐based framework of the Gregorian system. In reality, however, the Hindu calendar is lunisolar – its months follow the phases of the Moon, while periodic solar adjustments keep it aligned with the seasons. “Hindu festival dates are calculated according to…

With South Africa bracing for winter’s chill, the allure of sun-drenched European adventures takes hold with promises of sunshine, vibrant festivals, and scenic escapes. For South Africans, Europe offers a treasure trove of destinations for adventure and affordability during summer. Here are some affordable destinations South Africans can explore: A coastal paradise: Portugal In the heart of the Iberian Peninsula lies Portugal, a summer gem exuding warmth, culture, and spectacular coastlines. Portugal is perfectly designed for those seeking sun, with its long, bright days offering ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. With minimal rainfall, it becomes the ideal setting for visitors to enjoy its stunning coastline and rich history. The Algarve is perhaps the most famous beach destination, boasting golden sands and clear waters perfect for activities like swimming and surfing.…

South Africans planning a getaway to the stunning landscapes of East Africa can now look forward to more accessible travel options. Air Tanzania is enhancing its services by launching twice-weekly flights between Johannesburg and the enchanting island of Zanzibar, commencing on June 10. This new route promises to breathe fresh life into travel between South Africa and its neighbour, with the return journey ingeniously structured to include a stop in Dar es Salaam. The newly scheduled flights are designed for optimal convenience, departing Dar es Salaam every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.45am, landing in Johannesburg at 1.15pm. Following a brief layover, the service will take off from Johannesburg at 2.15pm, arriving in Zanzibar just before sunset at 6.45pm. The return leg of the journey, departi- ng Zanzibar at 7.35pm, allows…