Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-10 i Sunday Tribune

While consumers in South Africa who are paying back loans were given some financial relief after the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) cut interest rates, fuel price adjustments for August brings a mixed bag. This past week, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced that from Wednesday, August 6, both grades of petrol decreased by 28 cents, while diesel went up by between 63 cents (50ppm) and 65 cents (500ppm). That means petrol 95 Unleaded will now cost R20.80 at the coast and R21.59 in Gauteng, where the slightly less expensive 93 ULP will retail for R21.51. The wholesale price of 50ppm diesel will reach R19.28 at the coast and R20.04 inland. While the decrease in the price of petrol has been welcomed by some motorists, Neil Roets, CEO…

The Big Bang Theory creator Chuck Lorre is back with another hit series. Lorre’s latest production, Leanne, which is streaming on Netflix, follows a Texas woman as she navigates life as a singleton. After 33 years of dedicating her life to her husband, two adult children and the family business, Leanne, played by popular comedian Leanne Morgan, has to get back on the saddle after her husband leaves her for a younger woman. This setup sets the stage for both comedic and heartfelt moments as she relies on her family, friends and church community to help her face the storm ahead. The series features a talented ensemble cast that includes Kristen Johnston as Leanne’s sister Carol and Ryan Stiles as her estranged husband, Bill. Celia Weston and Blake Clark play…

“Coloureds apparently chow each other chief, siblings … I would believe that because coloureds are crazy.” A seemingly casual remark, yet these words from the Open Chats Podcast have sparked a profound uproar across South Africa, disrupting the nation’s dialogue on race, dignity and freedom of speech. The reaction was swift, raw and loud from celebrities to political parties to fellow podcasters: “We’ve had enough.” While the Open Chats Podcast hosts Am, Cino and Mtho are hardly household names, they’ve now become so for all the wrong reasons. Social media creator Kwezi summed up what many felt: “Your freedom of speech ends where my dignity begins. What you’re doing isn’t brave or edgy. It’s lazy racism dressed up as opinion. “We’ve seen this before. Say something inflammatory, target a vulnerable…

Apolitical civil activist organisation, Action Society, in light of Women’s Month has called for violence against women to be declared a national disaster. It cited an average of 320 women murdered, 3 934 raped, and 5 341 suffered grievous bodily harm every month. “On this Women’s Day, Action Society warns that behind the speeches and tributes millions of South African women were not celebrating – they were surviving,” said Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society. “This is not just gender-based violence, it is a sustained, systematic assault on women. When a nation’s women are attacked at this scale, it stops being a ‘crime’ – it becomes terror.” Action Society noted the SAPS Crime Statistics covering October 1 to December 31 2024, saying violence against women remains alarmingly high. It…

In the wake of the recent 30% tariff hike imposed by the US, South Africa’s sugar and automotive industries are bracing for significant upheaval. Economists warn that these tariffs could spell disaster for local businesses, jeopardising exports and leading to alarming job losses. Economist Miyelani Mkhabela has warned that losing the market will collapse the industry. “People have a reason to panic because the tariffs will make it difficult for South African products to appeal to the American market,” said Mkhabela. He said small industries faced the danger of collapsing because although the normal trade deal between South Africa and the US might be restored after the end of Trump’s presidency, “four years is a lot for a company.” He said South Africa could not easily find a country that…

Once reserved for celebrities and kept a secret, the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is shedding its taboo image in South Africa. The procedure is increasingly being embraced by women as a powerful tool for self-reclamation, with a notable surge in interest among Black African women who are openly choosing to restore their bodies and confidence on their own terms. Leading this shift is Professor Chrysis Sofianos, a respected figure in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. “Cosmetic surgery is less about vanity and more about feeling at home in your own skin again,” he explains. “It’s often an important investment in self-worth, confidence, and acceptance. “And tummy tucks, especially post-pregnancy or after weight loss, are one of the most powerful tools we have in body restoration.” What is a tummy tuck? A…

Behind the doors of Girls and Boys Town South Africa (GBTSA), a quiet army of women shows up every day, not for recognition, but to rewrite the stories of young people who need hope the most. This Women’s Month, we honour these women, the caretakers, mentors, role models, and pillars of strength whose work rarely makes headlines but forever changes lives. At the GBTSA girls’ residence in Verulam KwaZulu- Natal, Wendy Gumede, pictured right, a devoted child and youth care worker, carries a quiet fire. Each morning she rises, not just to clock in, but to stand together with the vulnerable youth in her care. “What keeps me going is reminding myself why I’m here,” Wendy says. “Even if it’s one child, one youth – if I can make…

An appeal by a Durban man accused of murder has been dismissed again following allegations that he attempted to bribe the complainant. The appeal by Shirwin Nowtham was dismissed by both the Verulam Magistrate’s and Durban High courts. It had been alleged that Nowtham paid a R5 000 bribe to a former employee – who he allegedly tried to kill – to change a statement that he had made to the police, declaring him innocent. Nowtham has been charged with murder and attempted murder of two of his employees. It was alleged that he shot his employees. One survived. According to court papers, Nowtham was denied bail by the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on October 4, 2024. He did not challenge the decision, but later applied for bail on new facts,…

The eThekwini Municipality intends to reduce its dependence and reliance on the national grid by 20% by 2026, and 40% by 2030, enhancing local resilience against loadshedding. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, made the statement when he visited Durban on Friday to inspect the Landfill Gas to Electricity Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project. This programme will allow eThekwini Municipality to procure 400 MW of new generation capacity (100 MW Solar PV and 300 MW Gas to Power (GTP), with a focus on dispatchable, reliable, and low-carbon energy technologies. Ramokgopa also stated that eThekwini Metro is the first in the country to receive a Section 34 Determination to procure new electricity generation capacity directly from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Ramokgopa said the approval of the determination is not…

A 39-year-old father appeared in the Tsakani Magistrate’s Court, Ekurhuleni, where he is facing a charge of allegedly raping his daughter and subsequently having a child with her. The alleged abuse began in March 2022 when the victim was 15 years old at the time. Lumka Mahanjana, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said when the alleged abuse happened, the victim was living with both parents and her younger brother in Tsakani. “On the day of the first incident, the mother was at church, leaving the victim with her father and brother. It’s alleged that the father called the victim, who was playing outside, into the house, and sent her brother to buy chips from the shops. “When the victim got inside the house she found the father…

In George Orwell’s 1984, the most chilling threat to freedom wasn’t surveillance. It was the control of language, the quiet and deliberate rewriting of history, and the creation of a society where independent thought was replaced by consensus, enforced through a simplified vocabulary called New Speak. When you erase nuance, you erase resistance. Today, knowledge is increasingly and overwhelmingly digital, and we are dangerously close to that precipice – not through a dystopian regime, but through an algorithmic demo- cracy where the loudest, most persistent voices curate what we accept as fact. My own experience with Wikipedia is, in many ways, incidental. I am one of thousands whose biographies have been misrepresented, edited without consent, or laced with innuendo under the guise of neutrality. The policies designed to uphold factual…

The opening line of the United Nations Charter is ‘We the peoples of the United Nations, determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war ...’. Yet eighty years on, we once again face the terrifying prospect, not just of a global war, but of nuclear war. The authority of the UN is increasingly undermined as founding members leave it cash-strapped and disregard multilateralism and international law. As we remember the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, bombed by the United States on 6 and 9 August 1945, we question whether the nuclear powers have learned anything. The US attack on Japan was an act of savagery that resulted in over 200,000 lives lost and a ravaged environment. It had no military justification. By then, the Soviet Union had already…

Africom’s role in the SADC’s security landscape The US Africa Command (Africom) – the combatant command responsible for carrying out the US Department of Defence’s military operations, exercises, and security cooperation in Africa – could sow divisions within the southern African region. The leadership of the Africom, including the Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John Brennan and Ambassador Robert Scott, made what seemed to be successful visits to Angola and Namibia at the end of July. In both countries, the parties discussed mutual security interests, including promoting stability in southern Africa, tackling wildlife and timber trafficking, drug cartels and terrorism, which are a threat to regional peace and stability. The visits followed the Obangame Joint Military Exercise conducted in Cape Verde in May, in which both Namibia and Angola took part…

Bafana Bafana displayed remarkable resilience and teamwork during their African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C match against Algeria, which ended in a 1-1 draw on Friday evening at Kampala's Mandela National Stadium. The Mamelodi Sundowns attacker, Malibongwe Khoza, delivered a stellar performance, earning the 'Player of the Match' award, despite being deployed in an unfamiliar central midfield role. Khoza's nonchalant attitude towards his accolades highlighted his commitment to the team. After the match, he said: “First of all, I’d like to give thanks. I’m pleased with this draw, considering we conceded very early, but I must say this award belongs to the group, not just to me. "The most important thing is that we got the point.” His sentiment echoed the spirit of unity within the team, a vital ingredient…

A dozen ambitious students from KwaZulu-Natal are poised to kick-start their academic journeys in India, having been awarded prestigious scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). This year’s selection sees 13 students embarking on an enriching educational experience intended to last several years in various fields of study. One of the scholarship recipients is Merushka Muthu, 19, who will be leaving at the end of August to Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi to pursue her studies in biomedical sciences. “I am looking forward to studying in India over the next four years. I have always been passionate about research and laboratory work. “I am grateful to the Indian Consulate and Indian government for this opportunity. I will encourage others to apply for the scholarships,” said Muthu. Drushentha Govender,…

Veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu has weighed in on the continuing language debate, emphasising that talent and adaptability matter more than language proficiency when it comes to professional opportunities. The singer shared his thoughts on the language row, saying that everyone should have the freedom to work across the country, regardless of linguistic differences. Sanu said that the ability to pick up a language depends on the individual’s capacity and interest, and that it should not become a barrier to professional opportunities. He said: “I don’t want to say anything about the language. The national language of our country. Everybody has the right to work in any place. Language should not depend on their quality… how much they grab it. It depends on how much they can speak or not.…

What began as one of the most promising matches on Married at First Sight Mzansi has ended in divorce. Litsoanelo “Dee” Seturumane, a participant in the first season of the reality dating experiment, has publicly confirmed that she and Khutso Mokoena have parted ways. The show, which aired on Mzansi Magic and Showmax, followed eight brave singles who agreed to marry strangers, relying on a team of relationship experts to match them based on compatibility. After exchanging vows and saying “I do”, the couples move in together for six weeks to see if they are indeed compatible and if they would still adhere to the sweet words they shared at the altar, where they officially met and saw each other. Seturumane and Mokoena quickly became one of the fan favourites.…

There’s a special bond between a person and their dog, and for many, that bond is strengthened on the trails and sidewalks. Running with your furry friend is a great way to combine exercise, companionship, and a love for the outdoors. Benefits of a shared run Running with your dog isn’t just about getting a workout; it’s a mutual benefit for both of you. For you, your dog is the ultimate running partner. They’re always ready to go, and their boundless energy can be a great motivator to get you out the door on days when you might rather stay in. This shared activity can deepen your connection and strengthen the bond between you. For your dog, the benefits are just as significant. It provides a great physical outlet for…

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) referred more than 300 apartheid-era crimes for further investigation and prosecution to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in its final report, where amnesty was denied against the perpetrators. There are allegations of political interference by ministers and senior officials under former president Thabo Mbeki’s administration in stymying efforts by the NPA to act. Twenty-five families of the victims of apartheid-era crimes are seeking R167 million in constitutional damages against the government. Mbeki and former Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla approached the court to intervene, a move that was rejected by the court. President Cyril Ramaphosa wants to delay the matter so that the govern- ment can reinstate its opposition in the case. The court has reserved its judgment. Mbeki and Mabandla approached the court because…

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has remained tight lipped over claims that Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola faced imminent arrest, saying it could not discuss any investigation. This was despite a Whatsapp message, which is said to be from sources close to the investigation, alleging that the IDAC has obtained a warrant of arrest against Masemola. The police chief was alleged to have abused the slush funds from the secret service account of crime intelligence and purchased two properties in Pretoria and Midrand, without adhering to proper procedures. It has been claimed that Masemola conspired with Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, head of crime intelligence, to acquire the properties. EFF leader Julius Malema last month said a warrant of arrest was issued against Masemola but a press briefing held by KZN police…

The Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leader, Jacob Zuma, has defended his use of the South African flag during a visit to Morocco, saying it does not belong exclusively to the government but to all citizens. Zuma made the remarks during a press briefing held Friday in Sandton, where he addressed journalists alongside party officials following a meeting of the party’s National Officials. Those present included Zuma, national chairperson Nathi Nhleko, MP and national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela, and other senior leaders. “The South African flag doesn’t belong to the government. Is there anyone who doesn’t know that the flag of any country belongs to the citizens of that country? Is there anyone who doesn’t know that?” Zuma said, laughing. “And you,” he added, pointing to journalists, “come here asking so many…

Several prominent legacy foundations have withdrawn from the structures of the Preparatory Task Team (PTT) and the upcoming First National Convention of the National Dialogue scheduled to begin on Friday. The Steve Biko Foundation, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, the WDB Foundation, the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group announced their decision in a joint statement on Friday. The group, which has played a central role in shaping the emerging National Dialogue process over the past year, says the decision comes from a place of “deep regret”, but is necessary to protect the credibility, inclusiveness, and integrity of the process. They stress that they remain committed to a citizen-led National Dialogue rooted in public trust,…

Pretoria-born, Antwerp-based jazz vocalist Tutu Puoane returns to South Africa this August with “Wrapped In Rhythm”, her award-winning double-album inspired by the poetry of Lebo Mashile. She will perform two full-band concerts in Gauteng, followed by four intimate duo shows with Belgian pianist Ewout Pierreux in Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha. The orchestral Volume 2 of the project, featuring the Grammy-winning Metropole Orkest, will be released worldwide on September 19, 2025. What inspired this album? I remember how deeply I was affected by the poetry collection “In A Ribbon Of Rhythm” by South African poet and activist Lebogang Mashile. “Ten years ago, this book had me in a choke-hold. “I often find things about my country so difficult to express, it all feels so strange after being gone from…

A 44-year-old man from Mandeni on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast is still reeling in shock after nearly burying a doll believing it to be the body of his recently “deceased” child. Nkululeko Zulu, from Machibini village, said he is still struggling to come to terms with the deception by his former girlfriend, Diyana Maluleke, 44, who allegedly led him to believe she was pregnant for months with his child. According to Zulu, Maluleke sent him what appeared to be ultrasound images and regular updates about her pregnancy. Trusting her, he believed he was going to be a father, and said he was grateful to God for the supposed blessing. Throughout the supposed pregnancy, Zulu regularly sent her money. Although Maluleke lived in Durban and eventually stopped visiting, he continued to support…

The Durban High Court has ordered the removal of a R660 000 reserve price for the sale in execution of a property following two failed auction attempts. The court heard that previous sales in execution held in July 2022 and February 2024 had failed to attract bidders, despite attempts to lower or lift the reserve price during the auctions. The property, with an estimated market value of more than R1 million and forced sale value of R1,050,000, remained unsold due to the R660,000 reserve price barrier. The property owners’ financial situation had deteriorated significantly since the court ordered that the reserve price be R660,000 nearly four years ago. Their arrears to the Changing Tides 17 (Pty) Ltd had grown to more than R824,270.16, with R375,773.67 representing arrear instalments. Additionally, the…

Thandiwe Mchunu’s journey from chemical engineer to organic farming pioneer is not just a tale of career change but a powerful testimony of vision, resilience, and rural revitalisation. Raised in the small village of Amahlongwa on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, Mchunu wears many hats, mother, sister, farmer, researcher, and award- winning academic with a master’s degree in chemical engineering from UKZN. Her early life was steeped in agriculture, growing corn, amadumbe, sweet potatoes, and peanuts with her family. But it was a Grade 10 school trip as a learner from Adams College to the Engen Refinery that ignited a dream far beyond the farm. "I was fascinated by the integrated systems, the massive pipelines and mega tanks. Even though it was in the petroleum industry, I imagined a similar setup in…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring three properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on August 27 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first is a mixed-use commercial property at 38 Prospecton Road, Isipingo – a well-established industrial area to the south of Durban. The property is positioned approximately 150m away from the N2 freeway at the corner of Prospecton Road and Joyner Road and is exposed to high levels of passing trade and vehicular traffic. The property is a prime corner stand with two entrances. The warehouse eaves have a height of 5.5m-6.7m and there is a roller shutter door (4.5m x 4.5m) providing distribution access to the warehouse from Prospecton Place. The warehouse also has insulated ceilings and…

On August 9, 1956, the Women of South Africa rose with a clarity of purpose that still reverberates through the sinews of the Republic. More than 20,000 of them converged upon the seat of State power, the Union Buildings, in a Moment of Defiance that defied geography, race, and class. They were not mere protestors; they were political architects, moral insurgents, and custodians of a vision far ahead of its time. At the forefront of that march stood the unyielding spirits of Lilian Ngoyi, Charlotte Maxeke, and Sophie de Bruyn, matriarchs of the resistance whose names must never be invoked lightly. They mobilised not for inclusion into an oppressive order, but to dismantle it altogether. They marched for universal suffrage, for dignity, for spatial and economic justice, and for a…

US President Trump has rattled Washington’s ties with New Delhi to an unexpected degree. Countries, including India, were prepared for rough diplomatic weather after Trump won his second term, but did not anticipate the kind of onslaught he has unleashed on the global system and diplomatic norms. Trump’s latest attack on India and the BRICS countries explains this underlying dynamic. The BRICS aspire to play a greater political, economic and financial role in global affairs. This aspiration is based on shifts of economic and concomitant political and financial power towards the so-called emerging powers or middle-income countries. BRICS countries have already begun to use their national currencies in trading with each other as much as possible. The use of draconian financial sanctions on Russia by the West has accelerated this…

Durban City will finally get their taste of top-flight football when they kick off their maiden Betway Premiership campaign against TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday at 3pm. The newly-promoted KwaZulu-Natal outfit earned their place among South Africa’s elite after a strong 2024/25 campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, and now coach Gavin Hunt’s men will look to prove they belong at this level. City come into the season brimming with confidence after an impressive pre-season run that included victories over Milford FC and AmaZulu. Hunt has spoken openly about the excitement of the challenge ahead, especially in a province where competition for football fans’ attention is fierce. “Anytime you go to a new team, it gives you a new lease of life. You fall in love with…

Manchester United signed Slovenian international Benjamin Sesko yesterday, the third forward the 20-time English champions have acquired in the close season. The 22-year-old's arrival from RB Leipzig, in a deal reported to be worth up to £74 million, completes an overhaul of the Red Devils' attack that failed to fire last season. “Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Benjamin Sesko has joined the club, subject to registration,” read a club statement. The five-year contract includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3million, with the remainder in add-ons, according to reports. Sesko, who has scored 16 goals in 41 international appearances, is United's third major signing in attack following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and Bryan Mbeumo for £65m with £6m in add-ons. “The history of Manchester United is obviously…

Barcelona on Friday reinstated goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as captain after resolving a dispute over the German's fitness. The club had started disciplinary action on Tuesday and stripped Ter Stegen of the club captaincy on Thursday over a row concerning his fitness after he underwent back surgery at the end of July. Local media reported that the 33-year-old had refused to cooperate and release his medical details so the club tried to have him classified by La Liga as a long-term injury, which would allow Barcelona to deduct part of his pay from their official wage bill. But in a late night statement Barcelona reported the player had signed the necessary paperwork. “The disciplinary file is considered closed and the player regains the first team captaincy with immediate effect" Barca…

South Africa head coach Swys de Bruin believes an experienced squad led by the Springbok women's most capped player Nolusindiso Booi can “push them towards the play-offs" of the Rugby World Cup. Booi, capped 52 times, also captained the squad at the previous tournament in New Zealand in 2022 and is one of 19 players out of the 32 player squad with previous Women's Rugby World Cup experience. South Africa, whose poor record pales into insignificance compared to the men's team who have won the global showpiece a record four times, are in Pool D for the tournament, which is being held in England and runs from August 22 to September 27. They face a tough challenge to even progress from the pool stage with Six Nations runners-up France favourites…

Popular Tamil actor and comedian Yogi Babu is set to make his much-awaited debut in the Telugu film industry with director Murali Manohar Reddy’s upcoming Telugu film, Gurram Paapi Reddy. Gurram Paapi Reddy features Padma Shri awardee and comedy legend Brahmanandam in the lead role. The project has already garnered a lot of attention and with the addition of Yogi Babu, who is known for his impeccable comic timing and impactful screen presence, the buzz has only gotten stronger. The film has triggered huge expectations as it will feature two comedic powerhouses from two major South Indian industries together. Yogi Babu, who has carved a niche for himself in Tamil cinema with a wide range of memorable roles, will be looking to repeat the feat in Tollywood. Sources close to…

There is no arguing the fact that trade finance does not necessarily sound sexy. But for the women we work with, it is the difference between a good idea and a growing business. At Aions, we have seen first-hand what happens when you back a woman with a viable business and a plan. Whether she is selling vetkoek in Soweto or supplying glass bottles to ABI, she has already proven she can hustle. What she needs now is not another grant, but a fair shot at real growth. Most corporate enterprise and supplier development (ESD) models start with the right intentions. Telkom’s Future Makers programme, for example, offers early-stage capital to emerging black-owned businesses (EMEs) in the ICT sector. This is enterprise development in action. You give a startup the…

It’s fitting that the second season of Wednesday, Netflix’s Addams family spin-off, launches on Wednesday. It’s not exactly a joke, and it’s not really that clever, but it feels right. That’s not the worst analogy for how its first season found wild, record-breaking success, becoming the streamer’s most-watched show. Sure, there was wacky, thematically incoherent plotting, but the series could coast on its rich combination of sensibilities (Tim Burton style plus CW-era showrunners) alongside monsters, witches, child detectives, high school drama and pure nostalgia - not to mention Christina Ricci’s thrilling appearance, which felt like an implied benediction from the actor who made Wednesday a goth icon in The Addams Family and Addams Family Values. The first season followed Wednesday (played by the inimitable Jenna Ortega) as she struggled to…

Health is a deeply personal experience impacted by a variety of biological processes that women face throughout their lives. However, although milestones such as first steps and puberty are frequently regarded as simple, the path to menopause is plagued with unanticipated twists, particularly during perimenopause. This critical shift, characterised by changing hormone levels, is rarely defined in the precise terms required, resulting in a troubling difference in how women’s health issues are recognised and treated. While misdiagnosis can affect anyone, research shows that women are disproportionately impacted. This disparity raises urgent questions about the underlying causes: Are we witnessing the effects of medical gaslighting, a lack of research in sex and gender medicine, and a society still grappling with outdated views of women’s health? The World Health Organisation (WHO) has…

Trade Union Solidarity has reported one of South Africa’s biggest companies, Bidvest, to the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), calling for an investigation into the company’s “racial” practices. Solidarity has complained that Bidvest’s policy was racially discriminatory and violated the SA Constitution and international human rights conventions by excluding whites. The Bidvest Education Trust programme offers employees earning less than R15 300 a month to apply for assistance with school fees, stationery, uniforms and extra classes for children in Grades 4 to 12. However, the applications are limited to employees whose race can be described as “black, coloured or Indian”. White employees, regardless of their needs, are excluded from support through this programme. Solidarity was of the view that the…

A manhunt has been launched after an awaiting trial prisoner shot and killed two police detectives in Roodepoort, Gauteng, on Friday, August 8. The National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, has deployed maximum resources to trace Jabulani Moyo. Moyo killed the detectives as they were transporting him from court. A multidisciplinary team consisting of crime intelligence operatives, detectives, as well as the Gauteng DPC tracking teams and the Hawks, are on the ground actively searching for Moyo. Masemola calls on all residents in South Africa not to harbour this dangerous criminal, who is in possession of a state firearm. The same firearm was stolen from one of the officers, which he used to kill the two detectives. “Moyo must be stopped in his tracks, and he can only be prevented…

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has welcomed the sentencing of a KwaZulu-Natal pastor for the rape and sexual assault of 12 children. CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said the serial rapist targeted 10 boys and two girls between the ages of seven and 14. The Nquthu Regional Magistrate’s Court recently sentenced Mandlelisa Mabhale,58, to 10 terms of life in prison. The sentence was for nine counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, seven five-year terms for sexual assault, and seven five-year terms for exposing a child to pornography. Mabhale had lured children to his rented property under the pretence of offering spiritual guidance or requiring help with tasks, which is where the abuse occurred. Alarm bells were sounded in September 2022, when a child minder of four children overheard…

eThekwini ratepayers were assured that the Landfill Gas to Electricity Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project was financially sound and had an economic benefit. eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba made the assurance during the visit to the project site in Durban by the minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on Friday. Ramokgopa also announced the outcome of the Section 34 Ministerial Determination giving the municipality the go-ahead to procure new electricity generation capacity directly from Independent Power Producers. Xaba stated that preliminary modelling indicates savings of approximately R5 billion throughout the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), translating to around R250 million in annual savings. “These are savings we can redirect to the upgrading of infrastructure for basic services that will directly benefit our residents,” he said. Xaba explained that this programme…

Experts and women’s rights organisations have echoed sentiments that while the country has moved three decades into democracy, there is still much room for improvement to bring women to the forefront to influence policy. Tackling the scourge and national pandemic of gender-based violence and sexual abuse, gender rights organisation, Sonke Gender Justice, said positive inroads have been made, but added “it is a mixed bag of reviews”. Sonke’s provincial manager based in the Eastern Cape, Patrick Godana, said it commended South Africa’s democratic dispensation for laying the foundation of a constitutional democracy, which has enabled the development of laws and policies aimed at creating a society where all people, regardless of sex, gender, or belief, can live safely, and with dignity. “This framework has been critical in promoting and protecting…

Eighty years ago, in August 1945, the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were incinerated by the first and only use of nuclear weapons in war. By the end of that year, approximately 140 000 people had died in Hiroshima and 74 000 in Nagasaki. Those who survived – known as Hibakusha – have carried their suffering as living testimony to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear war, with one key wish: that no one else will suffer as they have. As the world marks 80 years of remembrance since those bombings, the voices of the Hibakusha offer moral clarity in an age of growing peril. As someone who focuses on nuclear disarmament and has heard Hibakusha testimonies in my native Japanese language, I have been promoting disarmament education grounded in…

AmaZulu got their Betway Premiership campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Orbit College at Princess Magogo Stadium yesterday. Usuthu, still smarting from their five-goal thriller defeat to Stellenbosch in the MTN 8 last week, wasted little time asserting themselves against the league newcomers. The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute when Nkosikhona Radebe’s low cross caused chaos in the Orbit defence, forcing goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane into a costly error as he fumbled the ball over his own line. It was a moment that summed up Orbit’s nervy start to life in the top flight — hesitant at the back and unable to settle under AmaZulu’s high tempo. The hosts, in contrast, played with purpose and aggression from the outset, eager to set the…

Orlando Pirates’ Betway Premiership got off to an unpleasant note as they lost 1-0 to Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium last night. This was not the start Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddu had in mind as he knows that one of the club’s mandates is to challenge for the title. Ouaddou would have collected three points that would have seen them come out of the blocks, especially after champions Mamelodi Sundowns dropped two points earlier. Sure, it was the first game of the season, but Ouaddu has already dented his reputation, after the team hit a record of successive wins in their first seven league games last season. Ouaddou’s counterpart Eric Tinkler will be pleased by the result as they look to do better than their fourth-place finish of last…

Liverpool manager Arne Slot refused to rule out an improved bid for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak as the Premier League champions consider adding to their formidable firepower, with Darwin Núñez set to leave for Saudi Arabia. After a quiet first year in the transfer market under Slot, the Reds have spent almost £300 million on forwards Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, as well as full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Núñez is one of a number of significant exits that will help recoup much of that outlay, as the Uruguayan closes in on a £46 million move to Al Hilal. Liverpool reportedly had a £110 million bid for Isak turned down by Newcastle, who are seeking a British transfer record fee. The Swedish striker has not been part of the Magpies’…

South African Olympic surfer Jordy Smith is riding the wave of a lifetime, juggling family life and his career as he chases that elusive top spot in the World Surf League Championship this season. At the ripe age of 37, the South African athlete is still inspiring the younger generation of surfers, and he is keen on doing so for as long as he can while setting his sights on staying amongst the top surfers in the world. Currently navigating the waves in Tahiti as he looks to maintain his second place on the rankings as the season progresses, tto ultimately secure another world title for South Africa. Smith recently had a small hiccup in Jeffreys Bay at the JBay Open, but will be keen to get to the top…

In an increasingly interconnected world, travel has emerged as not just a form of leisure but an essential catalyst for personal growth, empowerment and cultural immersion, particularly for women. Whether stepping into the vibrant streets of Japan or exploring the serene landscapes of Iceland, travel offers women opportunities to challenge societal norms, indulge in self-discovery, and forge deeper connections with those around them. Travelling allows women to break free from the constraints of everyday life, providing a platform to explore their capabilities. As they navigate new environments, manage logistics, and tackle unforeseen challenges, women often find increased confidence and independence. This reinvention goes beyond mere adventure; it’s about embracing a journey of introspection that deepens their understanding of personal values and the global landscape. Every destination offers its unique charm…

British adventurer Karl Bushby is just over 3 200km away from completing his monumental journey: To walk an unbroken path around the world without ever taking a car, plane or even a bike. After 27 years of trekking through rainforests, icy terrains and the crossroads of continents, Bushby is ready to return to his mother's home in Sutton Park, Hull. Starting his adventure on November 1, 1998, in Punta Arenas, Chile, Bushby called his adventure the Goliath Expedition. While he thought it would only take him about 12 years to walk 57 936km, complications forced his expedition to stretch far longer than he ever imagined. Bushby has been walking through wars, a pandemic and even visa troubles. Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside recently, Bushby said that he hopes to continue…