Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-08-17 i Sunday Tribune

What began as a university passion project has blossomed into one of South Africa’s most recognisable plant-based food brands. For Antoine van Heerden, founder of ButtaNutt, the path from engineering student to food entrepreneur was shaped by family roots and a love for wholesome, local produce. “My parents started farming full-time when I moved down to Stellenbosch. Holidays were spent harvesting macadamias and litchis or helping out at the farm stall. With my sister studying cooking, I was exposed to the food industry from farm to fork. The pivot to food felt natural” Van Heerden said. Founded in 2013, ButtaNutt began as a stall at local markets, selling handcrafted nut butters. But as the plant-based movement grew globally, so too did the brand’s ambition. By 2020, ButtaNutt had entered the…

A gripping two-part documentary titled aka Charlie Sheen is set to premiere on Netflix in September. The iconic actor will delve deep into his life marked by fame, fortune and profound personal struggles. Directed by Andrew Renzi, the documentary is an unprecedented look into Sheen’s world, showcasing his meteoric rise to celebrity status and dramatic fall from grace. With seven years of sobriety behind him, Sheen addresses rumours, scandals and the self-inflicted chaos that have defined his public persona. In candid interviews, he reflects on wild moments, the hard lessons learned and the moments of clarity that emerged from the chaos. It will feature interviews with Sheen and many of his family and friends, including Denise Richards, Heidi Fleiss, Jon Cryer, Sean Penn, Ramon Estevez, Brooke Mueller and Chris Tucker,…

South Africa’s music scene is currently buzzing for reasons that go beyond the beats. Renowned DJs Shimza and Major League have captured attention with their remarkable weight loss transformations, showing that dedication to health can be as impressive as talent behind the decks. Known for their electrifying performances and gruelling touring schedules, both acts have visibly transformed their physiques, leaving fans and fellow artists alike in awe. For years, Shimza, born Ashley Raphala, has been one of the most recognisable faces in house music. Recently, however, fans have spotted a leaner, healthier version of the DJ. Social media posts have sparked conversation about his fitness journey, with fans lauding the results. “The transformation, you put in work! You look great, fam!” wrote Nadia Nakai on Instagram. Zodwa Phiri joined…

Labubu toys, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and sold by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, have become a viral and profitable sensation around the world. Labubu dolls have taken over the globe, with many people wanting to get their hands on the squishy plush toy. The demand has opened a door for counterfeit products to flood the market. In May, retailer Pop Mart suspended in-store sales of Labubu toys amid rising concerns over public safety and staff threats, following reports of global thefts and queue violence tied to the sought-after collectables. Many of the fake Labubu’s flooding the market have been deemed unsafe, according to Britain’s Chartered Trading Standards Institute. “Counterfeit Labubu dolls are poorly made and unsafe. Many contain small, detachable parts such as eyes, hands and feet,…

The establishment of the broad-based steering committee to oversee and guide the National Dialogue could not be finalised yesterday as some sectors were yet to decide on their representatives. The dialogue’s first national convention ended yesterday, having had input from various lobby groups. Mandisa Khanyile, a member of the convention’s organising committee, said some formations or sectors were not yet ready to make a decision regarding their steering committee nominees. “We are going to allow a period of two weeks post this convening for those sectors to make that decision,” she said. Khanyile said the organising committee wanted the process to be made public and clarified that it was a 100% voluntary engagement. “No one is going to get remunerated for their time. You will not be paid to do…

The Marikana Massacre was commemorated yesterday amid demands for justice for the 34 fallen mineworkers killed during a strike at Lonmin Mine in Marikana, North West, 13 years ago. The day was marked by calls to declare August 16 as Marikana Memorial Day, and Allied Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has announced plans to make the koppie, the site where the killings took place, into a memorial site. Before the massacre, 10 people, including security guards and police officers, were killed when workers embarked on a wildcat strike at Lonmin Mine, now Sibanye-Stillwater. The Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) said there have been no prosecutions for the deaths that occurred during the Marikana incident, and no one has been held to account for the physical and psychological injuries suffered by many…

South African women still face major challenges when it comes to building wealth. In fact, the wealth gap between men and women in our country is wider than the global average. According to the WTW Global Gender Wealth Equity report, South African women retire with only 71% of the wealth that men do. This is lower than the global average of 74%. The difference becomes even greater in senior positions, where women who are managers and executives retire with just 62% of the wealth their male colleagues accumulate. One of the biggest reasons is unequal pay. Women’s Report Africa points out that in 2021, South African women earned only 78 cents for every rand earned by men. Shockingly, this was a decline from the 89 cents figure in…

AS business leaders, we’re acutely aware that national economies are like sports teams competing on the global stage. The critical requirement is to get your best players onto the pitch, and right now, South Africa’s high unemployment rate means that we are only playing with half the team. The recent 11th edition of the report by the Institute of Risk Management highlights a key insight: South Africa needs to unlock its vast human capital potential and transition our people from dependence on government support. Having 28 million people dependent on social grants is unsustainable, and we urgently need to find a way of transitioning our young people from being mere spectators to active participants in the economy. The recent embedding of the Youth Employment Service (YES) into the South African…

School restores historic flag KwaZulu-Natal private school Michaelhouse is restoring a historic flag used at the unveiling of South Africa’s National War Memorial in France, preserving a vital piece of the country’s war history. The flag, which once flew prominently over the school’s Memorial Hall, is one of only two that were used during the unveiling of South Africa’s National War Memorial at Delville Wood in France, a site dedicated to honouring the brave South Africans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the World War I. The memorial at Delville Wood is a national memorial dedicated to all South Africans who served in all areas of conflict in the war. Delville Wood is the only memorial dedicated to the participation of the South African Forces on the 1914 to 1918…

The Ad Hoc Committee set up to inquire into serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will decide tomorrow if the evidence leader should be from the parliamentary legal services or external legal counsel. This emerged when the committee received inputs from political parties and MPs when the terms of reference were considered on Thursday. The draft terms of reference propose that the committee use the services of an external legal counsel in an advisory capacity to assist it in carrying out its work where necessary, including presenting the evidence of a witness to the committee. However, the ANC said the committee should use the services of legal counsel within the parliamentary legal services. ANC MP Khusela Sangoni-Diko said they should not seek to use resources…

IN an era of unprecedented technological advancements, aviation leaders convened at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit at the ICC in Durban this week, where a panel of experts explored the future of the workforce in the aviation industry. ICAO forecasts suggest that by 2037, over 665 000 aircraft maintenance technicians, 554 000 pilots, 92 2000 cabin crew members, and 106 000 air traffic controllers will be needed. Christian Schleifer, Austria’s representative on the ICAO Council, moderated a panel discussion titled “The future of work in aviation: Adapting to the industry transformation”. Schleifer emphasised the necessity of adapting to industry changes to achieve ICAO’s 2050 vision of CO2 neutrality and zero fatalities, while ensuring no country or potential is left behind. He said…

YEARS after Jane Birkin famously decorated her eponymous Hermès handbag with clusters of trinkets and strands of beads, bag charms have made a big comeback. Plush Labubu keychains helped revive the Gen Z-fuelled accessorise- your-accessory trend. Now, charms are showing up on fashion runways and dangling from the purses of celebrities. Designer handbag makers, anxious for growth during a downturn, are especially eager to get in on the phenomenon. If affluent shoppers can’t be persuaded to drop thousands of dollars on a new purse, perhaps they can be enticed to spend a few hundred dollars on a branded charm for a purse they already own. Ethan Diaz, 24, used to splurge on high-priced purses and streetwear that he would barely use. Now, bag charms enable him to quickly switch up…

The issue of undocumented migrants in South Africa has caused a stir across various sectors. While some call for their immediate deportation because they deplete the country’s resources at the expense of the nationals, others – including some NGOs – plead on their behalf. They even invoke certain clauses of the Freedom Charter and sections of the country’s Constitution to strengthen their argument on why these undocumented migrants should be allowed to stay in this country. The main question that begs for attention is: Where does one draw the line between addressing the challenge of undocumented migrants and upholding human rights? Another question is: Should the rights of these undocumented migrants supersede those of South African citizens? These are very critical questions. To answer them properly, one must cogently interpret…

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is hosting its 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government today in Antananarivo, Madagascar. This year’s gathering will be held under the theme, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC”. Malagasy President Andriy Rajoelina will assume the rotational position of chairperson from the Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has chaired the organisation since August. Mnangagwa’s chairmanship faced its challenging moments, including the violence and instability in Mozambique following the holding of general elections in October 2024 and the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Both issues, which have far-reaching implications on regional stability, were not satisfactorily handled. According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW), about 300 protesters lost their lives and hundreds more were injured…

Punch-drunk or battle-hardened? That was the question Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus posed early in the week in his assessment of the Wallabies, and he got his answer on the scoreboard as the plucky Aussies put the world champions in their place to the tune of 38-22. Who would have thought that the Ellis Park faithful would be leaving in droves five minutes before the final whistle, after Tom Wright’s sixth try for his team confirmed one of the greatest capitulations in modern rugby history? The Boks had led 22-0 before the 20th minute, only to concede 38 points without reply in the worst 60 minutes for the Springboks in the Rassie Erasmus era, dating back to 2018. What is astounding is that the Springboks were breathtaking in their brilliance in…

Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki oozes confidence that his side can still qualify for the CHAN quarter-finals, despite their mixed performances in the group stage so far. Bafana will face Uganda in their final Group C match at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda tomorrow afternoon (6pm kick-off). Ntseki’s men are second in the group with five points – one behind the Cranes – after drawing with Algeria, beating Equatorial Guinea, and drawing with Niger. With the top three teams in the group – Uganda, Algeria, and Bafana – all playing their final matches tomorrow, qualification for the next round will be decided then. Ntseki made a bold claim before the Niger game that their fate was in their own hands – a sentiment he still holds despite dropping points.…

Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to keep digging for gold as they prepare to start their latest bid for a first Premier League title since 2004 against revamped Manchester United on Sunday. Arteta's side have finished as Premier League runners-up for the last three seasons, sparking criticism of their failure to get over the line in the title race. Arsenal blew significant leads when Manchester City pipped them to the trophy in 2023 and 2024 before Liverpool left the injury-plagued north Londoners trailing in their wake last season. Arsenal's title frustrations are mounting, with fans questioning whether Arteta is the right man to end their drought after winning only the 2020 FA Cup since he took charge in December 2019. But the Gunners showed their potential last season with a…

The Wallabies pulled off a stunning upset over the Springboks, winning in South Africa for the first time in 14 years during their Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park. Independent Newspapers' John Goliath unpacks some of the key talking points from the dramatic encounter. Is age finally catching up with the Springboks? Altitude is normally South Africa’s ally, and early on it looked like that would be the case again. The Boks stormed to a 22–0 lead within the first 20 minutes, looking powerful, clinical, and sharp. But in the second half, they simply couldn’t keep up with a youthful Australian side full of energy and ambition — especially in broken play. Australia scored 38 unanswered points to beat the world champions. The age profile of the Springboks' golden generation…

As winter relinquishes its hold and spring prepares to breathe new life into the landscapes, it’s the perfect time to shake off the chill and embrace the great outdoors. Spring signifies fresh starts, vibrant blooms, and the warm embrace of sun-kissed air. It’s also the perfect opportunity to prepare that summer body and nourish both your physical and mental well-being. With Mother Nature unleashing her charm, there’s no better season to embark on invigorating walks and hikes. Springtime walks are not merely an enjoyable pastime; they are also integral to your health. Engaging in physical activity, such as walking or hiking, is crucial for boosting your immune system, stimulating blood circulation, and enhancing your overall mood. Exposure to sunshine allows your body to produce essential Vitamin D, vital for bone…

It's hard to resist the allure of a romantic drama. It helps that the leads are often distractingly attractive, and their chemistry is off the charts. Of course, the script plays a crucial role as well. Common romantic tropes include friends becoming lovers, enemies developing feelings, rekindled past relationships, fake relationships turning real, immediate strong attractions and slow-burn romances. I’ve enjoyed everything from historical and modern-day to fantasy and paranormal romances. However, the ones that tugged at my heart the most were the ones that didn’t fit into the happily ever after mould. I’m talking about Dying Young, Autumn in New York, Me Before You, The Fault in Our Stars and A Walk to Remember. This brings me to Netflix’s My Oxford Year, which is inspired by Julia Whelan’s novel…

We all rely on AI chatbots now, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot, to handle everything from crafting e-mails to soothing broken hearts. But what happens when this digital helper becomes something more? A confidante, a lifeline… even a spiritual guide? Recently, alarming real-world stories have emerged, like a case reported by The New York Times and WinBuzzer, where a man descended into conspiracy-tinged delusions, homeless and isolated, believing ChatGPT dubbed him “The Flamekeeper”. And for some, that bond is spiralling into something darker. Mental health experts and worried families are warning about a disturbing trend being called “AI psychosis”, a pattern where prolonged conversations with chatbots seem to trigger or intensify delusional thinking. When connection turns to obsession In one widely reported case, a mother watched her ex-husband…

Andrew Blackwood-Murray has been described as the most conscientious and careful pilot. His death on Thursday when the Extra 300 aircraft, a two-seat aerobatics monoplane, he was piloting crashed into the sea, has left family and friends baffled as to what caused the crash. Blackwood-Murray, 61, an airline and former air force pilot from Johannesburg, was at the time performing a final display during an airshow near Durban’s Battery Beach. Blackwood-Murray’s wife, Kyla, said she was devastated and beyond heartbroken. “It was the call I have been dreading my whole life. But I always said I would rather he go doing the things he loves the most. I just didn’t realise he would have left so soon. “He was my world. We did everything together and we had so many…

The latest data from Statistics South Africa indicated that South Africa’s official unemployment rate has risen to 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025, up from 32.9% in the previous quarter. However, expressing it as a percentage does not convey the severity of the issue. In South Africa, approximately 25 million people are not working. If the number is too overwhelming to grasp, let’s crunch the numbers. Keep in mind that the working-age population is 41.8 million people. To provide clarity amid public discourse, Stats SA has offered precise definitions to IOL and shed light on the methodology. Defining “Employed” Persons: The 16.8 million employed persons in Q2:2025 are, according to Stats SA’s official definition, individuals aged 15–64 years who, during the reference week, performed any work for at least…

Murder-accused security bosses Darren and Ferrel Govender, owners of Pro-Secure, are set to face a pre-trial conference at the Durban High Court later this year. The brothers were served with their indictments when they appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on Friday. They were arrested in January for the murder of Durban businessman Shailen Singh. Singh was shot dead at Umhlanga Ridge on December 29 last year. The cause of his death was multiple gunshot wounds to the head and torso. The State has alleged that the murder was pre-planned by the brothers, with Ferrel identified as the shooter. According to the indictment, Darren, 36, is listed as the first accused, and his older brother, Ferrel, 41, as the second. Ferrel was also facing 14 charges: murder, two counts of…

Twin brothers who have been accused of killing Jacob Khoaele, the regional manager of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), over a tender, were denied bail when they appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The court found that the twins failed to provide exceptional circumstances warranting their release, while the State revealed that it was in possession of video footage of the shooting – evidence that will be led during the trial. The State believed that Khoaele was killed because he did not sign off on payment for work done by the twins, owing to it being unsatisfactory. The previous manager at Prasa had reportedly resigned over the same issue with the Mchunu brothers. The brothers, Vukani and Vukile Mchunu, Sandile Sakhile Ngcobo and Mthandeni Cele have…

It started as a cheeky online stunt to buy KwaZulu-Natal police boss Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi two cows. It now ends up with R44 074 going to help educate the children of slain police officers through the South African Police Service Education Trust Fund (Sapset). The viral “Buy Mkhwanazi Cows” campaign, launched on X (formerly Twitter) by notorious parody account Chris Excel, had one goal: to raise R35 000 to buy the provincial commissioner two head of cattle in recognition of his zero tolerance for crime. Many social media users rallied behind the idea after Mkhwanazi’s July 6 press briefing, where he dropped a bombshell that triggered top cop suspensions and even saw Police Minister Senzo Mchunu placed on special leave. Mchunu’s portfolio is now headed by Prof Firoz Cachalia, as…

A rape suspect will get paid R350 000 by the Police Ministry following a high court order in which the man sought relief for his wrongful arrest. This comes after police effected the warrantless arrest of the man on mere suspicion nearly a year after the incident occurred, and in the absence of further evidence, which had eventually been added after his arrest. In the High Court of South Africa at the Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, Judge Stuart Wilson had harsh words for the Minister of Police – a respondent in the matter – after the rape suspect proved to the court that he was wrongfully arrested. The man was arrested on suspicion in August 2018, having been accused of raping a 9-year-old girl. The incident allegedly occurred a year…

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has sounded the alarm over an increase in reports of social grant beneficiaries losing part of their payments to what appears to be unauthorised deductions by financial service providers. According to the agency, many recipients have complained that insurance premiums are being taken from their grants without their knowledge or approval. Some have even believed that Sassa is working with these companies, a claim the agency strongly denies. Chief executive officer Themba Matlou stressed that Sassa had no legal authority to deduct money from a beneficiary’s grant without their consent. “We respect our clients and the legislation that governs social assistance. Your grant is yours, and we cannot dictate how you spend it. “We will never do anything to take away from what…

Van’s Auctioneer’s is hosting the online auction of a prime property in uMhlanga, perfect for investors looking for a fixer-upper. The property is at 115 Ridge Road in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most sought-after coastal suburbs. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is a rare opportunity for savvy renovators and investors to create something spectacular. The solid double-storey brick home features a double garage, swimming pool, and outdoor braai area, and is positioned just minutes from the beach. The property promises exceptional potential for transformation into a modern coastal home. The online auction opens at 12pm on August 27 and closes at 12pm on August 28. Viewing is by appointment only. For more information, please contact Paul Holdt on 082 220 1312, email Paul@vansauctions.co.za or visit www.vansauctioneers.co.za |…

After sealing Gaza off from international reporters and blocking the world’s eyes from its genocide, Israel has moved to the next phase of its blackout strategy – hunting down Palestinian journalists inside Gaza. The goal is obvious: silence the last independent witnesses so that the genocide and starvation of an entire people proceed unseen, unrecorded and unchecked by the global community. The latest murder of two of Gaza’s most prominent TV correspondents, Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqeh, as well as four other reporters, in a tent housing journalists outside a Gaza hospital brings the number of Palestinian media workers killed by Israel to more than 230, the highest number killed in any world conflict. This is not just in Gaza.Let us not forget Israel’s cold-blooded murder of American-Palestinian journalist Shireen…

Australia’s T20 skipper Mitchell Marsh was full of praise for seasoned player Glenn Maxwell, after he returned to his well-known best during the third and final T20I against South Africa on Saturday, sealing a 2-1 series victory. Chasing 173 for victory, Australia looked in trouble at 122/6 before the big-hitting Maxwell took charge with an unbeaten 62 off 36 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 172.22. He held his nerve to strike the winning runs off the penultimate ball of the chase and roared in delight after conjuring up a remarkable rescue act. “Obviously, it's always nice to win the close ones in T20 cricket, and it was a little bit unorthodox, but I'm very thankful that Max got us over the line.…

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi is eager to see football grow—not only for his own side but across the entire KwaZulu-Natal province. Returning to the place where much of his success began, Mngqithi will lead Arrows into his first full season since rejoining the club in the middle of the last campaign after a lengthy spell with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he served as both assistant and head coach. With two matches played already this season, the 54-year-old managed to bounce back from a disappointing 3-1 opening loss to Siwelele FC with a hard-fought 1-0 KZN derby win over Richards Bay on Wednesday. Another derby awaits when league action resumes after the MTN8 break this weekend, with Abafana Bes’thende set to face a Gavin Hunt-led Durban City. As things stand, City…

The Springboks arguably had their worst match in the Rassie Erasmus era when they went down 38-22 to the Wallabies in Johannesburg yesterday. While they dished up a commanding display in the first half, leading 22-5 at halftime, the Boks conceded 33 points unanswered points in the second half. There were a few good moments in the first half, but the result paints a picture of an indifferent team performance overall Independent Newspapers' Leighton Koopman rates the Springboks. 15 Aphelele Fassi (3): Not effective on the attack as the starting fullback. 14 Edwill van der Merwe (3): That record of scoring in all of his first four Tests evaded him. Some good touches, but he was restricted by the Wallabies. 13 Jesse Kriel (3): A couple of times, he cut…

Teaser has a surprise twist setting The teaser of the Bengali language film Raktabeej 2 was unveiled this week. It promises a gripping mix of high-voltage drama, edge-of-the-seat action, and an unexpected twist about Munir Alam, believed to have died in the first film, being alive in the sequel. The film is helmed by the director duo Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, and boasts a stellar ensemble including Victor Banerjee, Seema Biswas, Abir Chatterjee, Mimi Chakraborty, Koushani Mukherjee, Nusrat Jahan, Kanchan Mullick, Subrata Dutta and Ankush Hazra. Abir Chatterjee said: “With the teaser of Raktabeej 2, Pujo fever has officially begun. The last two years’ Pujo has been truly special with Windows, and for Bengalis, Pujo and cinema go hand in hand. The countdown starts now”. Ankush Hazra concurred: “This…

In the era of digital connectivity, social media platforms have transformed the way we plan and dream about travel. With their visually rich and interactive content, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube serve as immense sources of travel inspiration. They amplify stunning location imagery, user-generated anecdotes, and influencer recommendations, making the idea of exploring the globe more accessible and enticing than ever before. Travelbag, a long-haul travel specialist, recently conducted a thorough analysis of 70 sought-after destinations worldwide. By examining Instagram hashtags and TikTok posts, they have unveiled the top 10 dream destinations that have captured the hearts (and likes) of global travellers. Dubai, United Arab Emirates Topping the list, Dubai reigns supreme with an astonishing 143 million hashtags on Instagram and over 40 million posts on TikTok. This opulent city, known…

When US President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs earlier this year, the move was likened to an economic tsunami, a force capable of shaking global trade foundations. Yet, much like the massive earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula that triggered Pacific tsunami warnings but caused minimal damage, the initial economic shock has not yet unleashed the devastation many feared. “It is too soon to tell, but so far economic activity inside and outside the US has held up surprisingly well,” said Izak Odendaal, Old Mutual Wealth Investment Strategist. “Global equity markets are on track for a decent year despite the considerable uncertainty,” Odendaal said. Global resilience has been buoyed by factors such as stockpiling ahead of tariff deadlines, rate cuts by central banks outside the US, and a weaker dollar…

Rami Malek has bagged some of the biggest films in Hollywood. Aside from winning an Oscar for Best Actor for his electric portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, he’s proven his range time and again – effortlessly slipping between playful, serious, menacing and geeky roles. The latter was marvellously executed in the TV series Mr Robot, where his meticulous attention to detail made Elliot Alderson one of the most compelling anti-heroes in recent television history. Once again, Malek channels his inner nerd in The Amateur, now streaming on Disney+. Socially awkward but with a brilliant mind, Charlie Heller (Malek) is a happily married CIA cryptographer. His wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), not only loves him (and his coffee-making skills) but also embraces his obsessive fascination with puzzles – a quirk…

I’ve spent years battling with earphones and headphones that never quite worked for me. In-ear options would fall out within minutes, and over-ear headphones left my ears painful and red after a while. Only recently did I discover a pair of on-ear headphones that actually fit comfortably and deliver the sound I want. Whether you’re a casual listener, a podcast fan, a remote worker, or a serious audiophile, finding the right headphones can feel overwhelming. With so many styles, features, and price points available, the key is to match your choice to your lifestyle and listening habits. Adriana Wooldridge, from Homemation, distributors of premium audio brands in South Africa, explains: “It’s not just about what you listen to, but how and where you listen. The right headphones should seamlessly integrate…

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is said to be considering appointing former prisoner Russel Ngubo as a mayor of Impendle Local Municipality. Ngubo was a deputy director of the New Prison Correctional facility when he was convicted for killing IFP induna Ernest Nzimande in 1998. He was sentenced to 25 years. However, he was released on parole in 2017. The tiny 10-seat municipality outside Pietermaritzburg has been without a mayor since last month after ANC councillors assisted the opposition to remove ANC mayor Buyisani Mlaba. In the council, the ANC has six seats while the EFF and IFP have two each. However, it was reported that five ANC councillors abstained during the motion of no confidence against Mlaba and he was eventually ousted. After the ANC regional task team meeting with…

Government officials visited the Solomon Mahlangu Primary School in Cornubia, north of Durban, to officially open the school on Friday. In July 2019, the sod-turning for the construction of the school, clinic, community hall, sports facilities, and park took place. EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said this development aligns with the municipality’s commitment to building dignified human settlements. Approximately 2 600 houses were occupied in Cornubia. The school began with mobile classrooms and just 151 pupils. Today, it boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and over 1 800 pupils from grades R to 7. “This impressive institution honours veteran freedom fighter, Solomon Mahlangu, serving as a legacy of hope and education. “The school is expected to be earmarked as a fully functional smart school, which will contribute to the intellectual growth and development of…

In 2014, a 28-year-old radio producer made waves in the broadcasting world when she won the MTN Radio Award for Best Content Producer on Gagasi FM’s flagship breakfast show. That producer, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, had travelled a long road from her early days on campus radio at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she was studying supply management. Her love for radio took her from campus studios to Vibe FM, Inanda FM, Gagasi FM where she was a content producer and co-host, and later had her own show until 2014 when her contract wasn’t renewed. She returned to Vuma FM, her last radio career to date, which ended dramatically, with a provincial MEC going to court to dispel rumours about her role in Ngobese-Zuma’s axing. She’s not keen to dwell on her…

Advocacy group Black Sash has called for the urgent introduction of a permanent Basic Income Support (BIS) grant for unemployed South Africans, warning that millions are being pushed deeper into poverty as the country’s jobs crisis worsens. The call follows the release of Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey this week, which showed that the unemployment rate has risen to 33.2%, with 8.4 million people jobless and nearly one in two young people unable to find work. “Behind these figures are millions of households facing hunger, deepening poverty and the daily struggle to survive,” Black Sash said. “Black Sash reiterates its call for the urgent introduction of permanent Basic Income Support (BIS) for all those aged 18 to 59 with little or no income, set at a level…

The Umhlanga ratepayers and the eThekwini Municipality met on Friday to discuss a wide range of issues, including homelessness and sewerage network challenges. The eThekwini Municipality mayor, Cyril Xaba, said that he had met with members of the Umhlanga Ratepayers and Residents Association (URRA) to discuss service delivery and issues affecting the area. Xaba mentioned that the two-hour engagement addressed various issues, including the Durban metro police's capacity to service the fast-growing precinct, ongoing water leaks, sewerage network challenges, stormwater drainage improvements and homelessness. He was accompanied by municipal officials from various service delivery units, who outlined a clear plan to address the challenges raised. “The meeting forms part of the municipality’s ongoing commitment to work closely with communities to find sustainable solutions to service delivery challenges.” Bradley Singh, eThekwini…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has initiated an investigation into Minister Gayton McKenzie over offensive posts on his X account and alleged xenophobic utterances. The controversy stems from remarks made in a live video and social media posts dating back as far as 2011. The Commission said it became aware of the resurfaced posts on August 9 2025, and has received multiple complaints from various political parties and individuals, prompting the commission to take action. Following an initial assessment, the SAHRC believes that McKenzie’s utterances are “prima facie violations of the provisions of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), 2000”. An allegation letter has been dispatched to McKenzie. The Commission stated that its next steps might include instituting proceedings in the relevant…

Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, together with Deputy Ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, welcomed more than 1 900 newly trained constables to the ranks of the SAPS at their passing out parade on Friday morning. The contingent of trainee constables have completed the Introductory Police Development Learning Programme (IPDLP) and now hold qualifications in criminology, policing, law, forensic investigation and various other fields of study. They will be deployed to bolster crime-fighting efforts, especially at the 30 stations with the highest crime rates. The ceremony took place simultaneously across the country where 222 at Bishop Lavis Academy in the Western Cape, 215 at Mthatha Academy in the Eastern Cape, 287 at Mankwe Academy in the North West, 201 at Moloto Academy 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 six-bedroom home on the Tuzi-Gazi Waterfront, at 9 Waterways Estate, Bridgetown Road, Richard’s Bay. Located on the northeastern seaboard of KwaZulu‑Natal, Richards Bay is defined by its coastal plain, bordering a broad lagoon system and protected wetland corridors. The estate is close to Richards Bay Airport and the Port of Richards Bay and features exclusive waterfront properties, private jetties, and direct canal access to the Zululand Yacht Club. There are meticulously landscaped communal areas, paved internal roads, secure pedestrian walkways, and 24‑hour monitored access gates. The property features: • Open-plan lounge, dining, and bar…

The pattern is well-worn. Regardless of the issue or the president in power, if a country refuses to toe the Washington line, accusations of human rights abuses become the weapon of choice. Cuba and Venezuela were targeted primarily because of their economic policies, which diverged from the model preferred by Washington. Iran and China were labelled for achieving successes that rivalled or surpassed Western capabilities. Now the target is South Africa. The offence is that the country dared to take Israel to the International Court of Justice and lay bare evidence of genocidal acts. When pressure failed to deter the government from this principled course, the US released a plethora of destabilising interventions, the most recent being a report alleging that the human rights situation in South Africa had worsened…

ORLANDO PIRATES (0)(1) Sebelebele 86 MAMELODI SUNDOWNS (1)(0) Mokoena 36’ THIS was meant to be a national dialogue — two of the best sides in the land exchanging ideas on how they plan to reign supreme — but it almost turned out to be a monologue. Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning kings of South African football, were close to once again making a mockery of their rivals Orlando Pirates, until they conceded late. Sundowns drew 1-1 with Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at a packed Orlando Stadium yesterday afternoon, but they showed exactly why they’ve been the dominant force. The Brazilians produced a solid and controlled performance that signaled their intent to dominate this season — despite the challenges of losing key players.…

Fine margins can shape an entire season, and few teams know this better than Kaizer Chiefs after navigating a challenging couple of campaigns. This season has begun on a positive note, with two wins from their opening two fixtures. The side still appears to be a work in progress, but they have shown not only marked improvement, but also a renewed hunger to get as close as possible to some of their previous best standards. Achieving that will require sustained effort. While the season will be a marathon, winning the smaller “sprints” along the way is just as important — and so far, so good. Adding to their domestic responsibilities, Amakhosi will return to continental competition this season. Their Nedbank Cup triumph last term secured a place in the CAF…

Stellenbosch FC: (2) 2 (Enyinnaya 23, Titus 33) Sekhukhune United: (0) 0 Steve Barker may have played down the stranglehold he holds over managerial rival Eric Tinkler in the build-up to this MTN8 semifinal first-leg, but Barker was once again the one smiling after Stellenbosch FC comfortably beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 at the Danie Craven Stadium yesterday. The victory was Barker’s eighth success over a Tinkler-coached side after previously dominating the iKapa derby when the former Bafana Bafana midfielder was at the helm of now-relegated Cape Town City. But not even a change of teams and cities have been able to improve Tinkler’s fortunes. It’s hard though to imagine how this first-leg could have gone better for Barker and his Stellies troops. The only disappointment on the night for the…

Three weeks before the 2019 World Cup, the Springboks’ preparations received a jolt when attack coach Swys de Bruin resigned from the management team. The popular coach cited personal reasons that he later disclosed to be stress-related. De Bruin withdrew from coaching for some time and worked as a television analyst, but a year later, he was tempted into a return to coaching when he was offered the different challenge of heading the Springbok Women’s team. It has been a marriage made in heaven — if that is the correct terminology — with De Bruin loving his new lease on life and the Bok Women improving hugely over the last 12 months. De Bruin, speaking hours before taking his team to the Women’s World Cup in England, was honest about…

As more people seek solace in the great outdoors, a growing trend has emerged: solo camping. The appeal of setting out on personal adventures, disconnected from daily stress, allows travellers to embrace the freedom of exploring nature at their own pace. However, with this freedom comes a hidden danger that many overlook. “The biggest mistake I see solo campers making is what they post online while they’re out there alone,” warns camping expert Andy Halliday from Lexrope, an outdoor gear specialist. The rise of solo camping Solo camping has surged in popularity, particularly as people seek authentic outdoor experiences without needing to co-ordinate with others. “I’ve seen a massive increase in solo camping gear sales. They want that genuine experience while maintaining autonomy over their itinerary,” explains Halliday. However, with…