Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-05 i Sunday Tribune

As the festive season approaches, South Africans are grappling with an ever-increasing strain on their finances, exacerbated by soaring living costs and high interest rates. Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue, expressed grave concern about the ongoing financial struggles faced by households across the nation. “With inflation remaining stubbornly high, the economic outlook for South African consumers in the final quarter of this year is daunting,” Roets said, pointing to looming economic challenges. The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources recently announced an increase in petrol prices, adding to the sense of desperation among consumers. While a decrease in diesel prices offers a sliver of hope, many South Africans were left disheartened by the petrol price hikes of 1 cent per litre for petrol 93 and 8 cents per litre…

Reality TV is everywhere, but Inside: USA has managed to stand out in a crowded field of competition. Imagine a group of 12 contestants, each one trying their hardest to win a $1 million prize, starting with nothing but the clothes on their backs. All the things they might need to survive are sold within the house itself, but there’s a twist: everything costs money ... a lot of money, that comes directly from the prize pot. Want a hot shower? That will set you back $100 (around R1 700) per minute. Want a can of soda? That will be $500. Fancy a meal upgrade? Be prepared to cough up $1000. This sets the stage for some nail-biting decisions as contestants must balance their wants against the dwindling funds. The…

The promise of weight-loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy has captured global attention, with many patients shedding significant kilos while others see little change. Now, new research suggests the answer may lie not in the drug itself, but in the reasons why people eat in the first place. A Japanese study involving 92 patients with type 2 diabetes has revealed that eating behaviour plays a crucial role in determining how effective GLP-1 medications are. Over the course of a year, participants were monitored for weight, body composition, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and eating habits. While most experienced weight loss and improvements in cholesterol, the degree of success varied depending on how they approached food. The study focused on three types of eating linked to weight gain l External eating –…

Ah, the Catholic bishops of KwaZulu- Natal have spoken. And what a revelation it is! After two thousand years of Christianity thriving on cultural borrowings, they have finally found the great threat to the Gospel: Africans with coloured candles, slaughtered chickens, and wild dan- cing. Who knew sacraments could be this fragile? They thunder against “syncretism” with the confidence of people who were absent from seminary the day their own church history was taught. Easter baptised spring fertility rites; Christmas colonised the solstice; saints’ festivals replaced pagan cults. Relics are kissed, Mary appears on rotis, and saints are invoked to find lost keys. But if gogo (old woman) appears in a dream, warning her family of danger, that is idolatry of the highest order. Consistency clearly isn’t a theological virtue.…

The family of the late Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has welcomed the deployment of five top South African police investigators to France, saying it restores their faith that the truth behind his death will not be buried. The officers, described by Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia as highly seasoned and capable, left for France yesterday to join the French police in what is now a high-level international investigation into the former minister’s sudden and unexplained death. The Mthethwa family has rejected the French authority’s official report that Mthethwa committed suicide by jumping to his death from the 22nd floor of a hotel in Paris on Tuesday. His body was discovered on the pavement outside the 137-meter-tall Hyatt Regency Hotel, where he had reportedly checked in. Media reports have stated…

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, will take the stand on Tuesday to address serious allegations he made during a July media briefing. Mkhwanazi and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola will form part of the first batch of witnesses to give testimony next week. Mkhwanazi’s appearance before the Ad Hoc Committee was announced by the committee Chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, at a meeting on Friday. “On October 7, Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi appears before us,” Lekganyane said. This follows the committee’s previous indication that Mkhwanazi would give his testimony on September 22, upon concluding consultation with evidence leaders on September 17, once done with the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. His appearance will take place amid the adjournment of the Madlanga Commission until October 13, after Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo was unable to continue…

THE sudden death of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has sent shockwaves through political and diplomatic circles. At 58, his career embodied both the triumphs and the contradictions of post-apartheid South Africa: a Struggle activist who rose from township structures to the cabinet, but whose years in office were never far from controversy. Roots in resistance: Mthethwa grew up in Klaarwater, Mariannhill, west of Durban but called the village of kwesaKaMthethwa, in KwaMbonambi, north of KwaZulu-Natal home. The tiny Durban township, became a haven for anti-apartheid activists fleeing political violence that ravaged much of the province in the 1980s. Known by his peers as “Jazz”, Mthethwa was central in community activism. Klaarwater itself was marked by hardship and neglect. The community resisted incorporation into the KwaZulu…

A group of survivors and families of victims of apartheid-era crimes, together with the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), have recorded another victory in their bid for justice and damages. The High Court in Pretoria ruled in their favour on Friday, dismissing President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government’s application to indefinitely postpone or stay the R167 million constitutional damages claim case the group launched in January. The government side had pleaded for the damages process to be stayed pending a judicial commission of inquiry into alleged political suppression of prosecutions of apartheid-era cases identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The FHR sent out a statement on Friday stating that the organisation and the group of survivors and victims’ families welcomed the judgment. Ramaphosa and the government not only…

Flood victims from Lamontville, south of Durban, who lost their homes in the devastating February 2025 floods, say their lives remain unsettled as they grapple with strict rules at their temporary accommodation in Umbilo. The families were first housed at the Bayside Hotel before being relocated in February this year to a former student residence, known locally as Out Spam. While grateful for a roof over their heads, they say the conditions imposed on them are harsh and humiliating. Among the restrictions are a ban on visitors, a curfew, and a prohibition on alcohol. Residents allege that anyone who breaks the rules faces eviction. “We are treated like children,” said one of the evicted residents, who described his frustration at the rigid regulations. “Where have you ever heard of an…

Eskom has announced that it will begin to rollout smart meter installations from tomorrow in KwaZulu-Natal. The power utility said it is taking decisive steps to transform South Africa’s energy future through the installation of smart meters across the province. This comes after Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, recently unveiled a bold and comprehensive plan to end load reduction. This initiative aims to achieve its goals within the next 12 to 18 months. Eskom, in a statement, said the smart meter rollout forms part of its drive to modernise the national grid and transform the customer experience. “Already introduced in selected areas, the programme is now accelerating, with around 800,000 customers set to benefit. The aim is to install 7.2 million smart meters across the country over the…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring two industrial properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on October 29 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first is a 322m² industrial workshop at 11 Turners Avenue, Berea. This thriving industrial node is on the edge of the Durban CBD and is known for its central location. Berea and Glenwood are home to a mix of boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants and are in close proximity to schools, public transport and other amenities. The property comprises: • A total floor area of 323m² • A lock-up workshop – 80m² • Under roof – 80m² • Ablution facilities • Two offices • 10 open parking spaces • Good security with steel roller shutter steel…

The state of politics in South Africa today reflects profound disillusionment. As the next local government elections approach, the prevailing mood is one of fatigue and withdrawal. Voter apathy has deepened due to a growing perception that political participation has failed to yield tangible improvements in the quality of daily life. South Africans are not asking for grand transformations or utopian projects. We want running water, reliable electricity, punctual public transportation, clean streets, safe communities, a criminal justice system that is effective and incorruptible, and an economy that favours the poor and marginalised. These are the most fundamental functions of government. Yet, despite the significant increase in access to basic services over the past three decades, efficiency remains elusive in many areas. Increasingly, the ANC, which once embodied the aspirations…

A whirlwind amid multiple maelstroms best sums up the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which opened this month under the theme, “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”. This year, UNGA’s 80th session (UNGA80) identified four core priorities for survival: Pushing for peace in conflict zones. Ensuring sustainable financing to tackle the big issues like climate. Making AI safe and inclusive. Delivering on a new pact for the future. When the UN Charter was signed in 1945, it included a promise: its rules could be reviewed. Yet in nearly 80 years, Article 109 – the built-in mechanism for reform – has never been used. Small island states suffer immense marginalisation amid the rising tide of climate emergencies, narrow nationalism, and a…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed satisfaction with the progress made within South Africa’s domestic football scene in developing a new generation of young players ready to step up to the national team. South Africa will take on Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (6pm kick-off), before closing off their Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium a few days later. Bafana are currently in second place, level on 14 points with Benin, and both matches will be crucial as they look to secure qualification for next year’s global showpiece, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Speaking after announcing his latest 23-man squad, Broos highlighted the continued growth of local talent and named Mamelodi Sundowns defender Malibongwe…

Kaizer Chiefs will have the opportunity to get back on track when they face Stellenbosch FC in the Carling Knockout round of 16 at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town today (3pm kick-off). It will be the second meeting between the two sides this season, with Chiefs having claimed a 2-0 victory at the same venue in their league opener. Both teams have endured inconsistent results in recent weeks, though Stellies have struggled more severely, managing just one win from their nine league matches. Amakhosi will take confidence into this fixture, drawing inspiration from their most recent cup success—the 2-1 Nedbank Cup victory over Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last season, which ended their decade-long trophy drought. They now face a Stellies side that reached the MTN8 final…

Golden Arrows produced a stirring second-half comeback to beat Sekhukhune United 3–1 at the King Zwelithini Stadium yesterday, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout Cup. Bradley Grobler had given the visitors the lead in first-half stoppage time, but Arrows roared back with three unanswered goals after the break to extend their winning run and underline their resurgence under coach Manqoba Mngqithi. The contest, billed as a clash between two of the league’s form sides and a tactical duel between Mngqithi and Eric Tinkler, delivered on both counts. The opening exchanges were cagey, with both teams leaning on familiar combinations. Arrows’ early spark came from Siyanda Ndlovu, fresh off back-to-back Player of the Match performances. The winger nearly created the opener midway through the half when he…

The mother-city is buzzing as South Africa concluded hosting the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting and the AI for Africa Summit, drawing ministers from G20 member states, guest countries, and African Union dignitaries. As part of the South African delegation, I had the privilege of contributing to bilateral discussions that revealed an undeniable truth: Africa’s economic future hinges on the growth of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), the vibrancy of our innovation ecosystems, and the equitable deployment of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Economic backbone: SMMEs are the lifeblood of our economies, though their contribution is often understated. In South Africa, they contribute close to 40% of GDP, and provide about a third of formal employment. Across the African continent, they represent around 95% of all registered…

I don’t know about you, but now and again, I like to watch something that inspires or casts a positive light on life. Aside from the year-end burnout, many seek out hope, especially when grappling with mental health struggles. Tyler Perry’s modern retelling of a biblical love story, Ruth & Boaz, recently ticked the box. Directed by Alanna Brown and co-written by Michael Elliot and Cory Tynan, it is a story of second chances as well as keeping the faith. Ruth (Serayah McNeill ) is a struggling singer with a powerful voice that could move mountains. Tag teaming with her vocalist best friend and roommate, Breana (Nijah Brenea), they are on the cusp of a career breakthrough. However, the direction their manager, Syrus (James Lee Thomas), has taken when they…

Our knees carry us through life, yet they’re often the joints we take most for granted. By the time many of us reach our thirties, the first warning signs may appear – stiffness in the morning, an ache on cold days, or hesitating before crouching down. Over time, these niggles can grow into bigger problems, especially if you lead an active lifestyle, carry extra weight, or have underlying health conditions that affect your joints. Knee pain is the second most common musculoskeletal complaint after back pain, and it can greatly impact mobility and overall quality of life. Research shows that with every step, our knees endure a force up to one and a half times our body weight. Fortunately, targeted exercise can make a real difference. The knee’s stability depends…

The recent tirade by Ngizwe Mchunu against a gay couple’s traditional wedding attire was more than a crude assault on the LGBQTIA+ community; it was an affront to our Constitution and a betrayal of the values that underpin South African society. By condemning the same-sex couple for wearing imvunulo (traditional Zulu attire), he weaponised culture to stoke hate and division. His rant reduced a living heritage rooted in respect, ubuntu (humanity) and communal pride to a tool of exclusion. We cannot allow pseudo-custodians of tradition to dictate who may claim Zulu-ness or how it is practised. South Africa’s Constitution guarantees dignity, equality and freedom of association for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or belief. Section 16(2)(c) explicitly excludes hate speech from the right to freedom of expression, making it…

The family of slain whistle-blower, Babita Deokaran, is disappointed and shocked by the findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report that more than R2 billion was looted from Tembisa Hospital. Deokaran, who was a Gauteng Department of Health official, uncovered around R850 million in suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital and was killed in August 2021 for exposing this corruption, implicating at least 15 current and former employees. The six men accused of her murder were sentenced earlier this year, but the mastermind behind the hit has not been caught. Babita’s brother-in-law, Bishop Tony Haripersadh, said it has been difficult for the family, who still struggles to find closure since her death. He believes that the authorities and law enforcement are not concerned about finding the mastermind behind her…

Former radio and TV personality Ngizwe Mchunu faces growing legal trouble as more individuals and organisations file complaints against him for alleged hate speech and homophobia. Mchunu this week posted a now-deleted Facebook video in which he went on a profanity-laden rant against the LGBTQIA+ community. His comments were sparked by the wedding photos of gay couple Simon Nhlapo and Crosby Jodwana, who recently wed wearing imvunulo (traditional Zulu attire). In the same video, Mchunu attacked former Idols SA judge and openly gay choreographer Somizi Mhlongo, accusing him and “his nation” of being a bad influence and calling on them to leave South Africa, claiming they were corrupting Zulu traditions. Human rights activist Xolani Makhubu has lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), while advocacy group…

The South African Medical Association (Sama) has ended its relationship with the Israeli Medical Association (IMA). Sama said it had reviewed its relationship with the IMA and decided to immediately suspend all professional and bilateral contacts. It also asked that the IMA be suspended from the World Medical Association (WMA) until it makes meaningful changes. Sama’s decision comes in response to escalating conflict in Gaza and the detaining of activists aboard a flotilla that was trying to deliver humanitarian aid on Thursday. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which included ships carrying medicine, food, and protestors, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. More than 40 vessels were involved, and many of the passengers have been detained. SA's government, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, has condemned the interception as a violation of…

The Durban Undersea Club (DUC) is ready to open its doors to approximately 500 paddlers for the Ocean Racing World Championships 2025 between October 17 and 19. Angie van der Hoogen, the DUC secretary and freediving officer, said that DUC is the event hub and the start venue for both races held along the Durban coastline. The club’s facilities will house the athletes’ skis and provide the facility for the final prize-giving ceremony. eThekwini councillors gave the go-ahead at a council meeting on Tuesday for the municipal Parks and Recreation to partner with the International Canoe Federation (ICF) to host the Ocean Racing World Championships for the next three years. The municipality was also given the go-ahead to enter into and sign a one-year contract with PaddleSport South Africa to…

A 40-minute hijacking ordeal in Khayelitsha on Friday night has left three Gift of the Givers staff members deeply traumatised after they were kidnapped at gunpoint. The team, a man who was the driver and his two women colleagues, had been driving through the area when seven armed men cut them off, forced them out of their vehicle, and bundled them into a blue Toyota Yaris. Meanwhile, two other suspects sped off in the organisation’s branded van. The hijackers later abandoned the staff in the middle of a dark, informal settlement. The hijackers stole the Gift of the Givers bakkie but triggered the alarm, which activated the vehicle’s tracker. Project coordinator Ali Sablay confirmed the incident. “Gift of the Givers regrets to confirm that members of our team were hijacked…

THERE were eight children among the four close-knit families in their Seattle neighbourhood, and by last fall, the oldest child – who was almost 9 – had already started asking for a smartphone. But the group of parents had made a communal agreement: They would keep their children away from smartphones for as long as possible. There was strength in that solidarity, says Lauren Zemer, a Seattle-area therapist and mom of two: “We had agreed that we were going to share these values.” But she and her neighbours also wanted their children to feel connected to their peers and to develop a sense of social independence. So in October last year, when one of the parents heard about a local father who had built a prototype for a kid- specific,…

The path to peace for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region is a path of bold moves and collective accountability. The current political and security situations in the region, and more specifically in the DRC, call for an unorthodox analysis at the four most dominant levels of international politics: international systems, the regional, state and individual levels. The past failed attempts by the international community and Congolese actors to restore peace in the DRC show that best wishes and superficial resolutions alone are not enough. Agreements must include reinforcement mechanisms, measurable outcomes and clear accountability measures. Whether supported by the UN Security Council (UNSC), as in the case of UNSC Resolution 2773, or through regional arrangements, such as the recent merger of the Congo…

ORLANDO PIRATES (0) 1 Mbokazi 88’ SIWELELE (0) 0 Mbekezeli Mbokazi continued to endear himself to the hearts of the Ghost as he steered the Sea Robbers into the Carling Knockout quarter-final with a thunderbolt. Mbokazi struck two minutes before the end of regulation time as Orlando Pirates edged Siwelele 1-0 at Orlando Stadium yesterday afternoon, extending their winning streak. Pirates have now won eight consecutive matches and are yet to concede a goal. This victory, inspired by captain of the day Mbokazi’s screamer, has kept Pirates' dream of being third-time lucky in the competition alive, having fallen short in the last two editions. Pirates’ coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been like a cyborg assassin since donning an elbow brace, ruthlessly guiding the…

The shocking defeat the Springboks suffered in their opening Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies is now a distant memory after the South Africans clinched the title at Twickenham by beating Argentina. But it was that 38–22 drubbing at the iconic Ellis Park that provided a timely wake-up call and laid the platform for a series of spectacular performances to come. That second-half collapse in Johannesburg saw the Springboks concede 35 unanswered points. However, they managed to turn things around the following week with a win over the Wallabies in Cape Town before heading to New Zealand to face the All Blacks. The Springboks then lost in Auckland after a poor start and a failure to take their chances on a damp night. But they finally clicked into gear in…

George Russell stunned the Marina Bay crowd by snatching pole position for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix after qualifying, delivering a lap of pure precision when it mattered most. His 1:29.158 effort was enough to put the Mercedes driver at the very front of Sunday’s grid, narrowly edging out Max Verstappen by just 0.182 seconds. The razor-thin margin sets up a gripping showdown, with Verstappen knowing that his championship ambitions rest heavily on what he can achieve under the lights in Singapore. For Russell, pole represents redemption. After crashing in Friday’s free practice, few would have expected him to piece together such a commanding lap less than 48 hours later. His composure, combined with Mercedes’ improved balance around the twisty street circuit, gave him just enough of an edge over…

Durban City’s newest hero Fezile Gcaba walked off the Chatsworth pitch on Friday night not only with the match ball tucked under his arm but also a cool R100 000 reward for being voted Carling Knockout Cup Player of the Match. And his first thought was not himself. The 26-year-old defender, who scored a stunning hat-trick in City’s 4-1 extra-time victory over Polokwane City, revealed afterwards that the prize money was already spoken for. “I’m a mama’s boy, so all the money will be handed over to her and she’ll decide what we do as a family,” he said with a smile, fresh from his career-best performance in front of the Chatsworth faithful. It was a night to remember for Gcaba, who is only two months into life at Durban…

He’s redefining food heritage Chef Rev Batohi is a high-energy, classically trained chef with a multi-faceted background in the hospitality industry. Batohi hails from Shallcross and has spent periods living and working in London and, more recently, along the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal in Ballito and Umhlanga. His culinary journey accelerated with the restaurant Pop-Up Society in Glenwood, and he has since owned and operated several other ventures. Today, his focus spans consulting, catering and hospitality projects that integrate local food production with culinary innovation. “My love for food began in the home,” Batohi said. “I loved licking the spoon while my mother baked. During Diwali, I would sit on the counters, mixing batter and tasting whatever she made. Those moments set the stage for everything that came after.” For…

Nepotism is practically a rite of passage in Bollywood. To the outside world, the bias towards celebrity kids has been a longstanding point of contention. That said, the industry isn’t impenetrable for talented actors. Or those wanting to break into the different facets away from the camera. This brings me to The Ba***ds of Bollywood, a seven-part Netflix series created, written and directed by Aryan Khan. Of course, being the son of Shah Rukh Khan (SRK), a billionaire actor and film producer, his foray into the film industry isn’t surprising. But unlike other star kids, he never wanted to follow his father’s footsteps in front of the camera. Aryan’s interest has always been behind the scenes, and his father, who is also hailed as the “Baadshah of Bollywood” and…

After a rough season, Miss South Africa is entering a new era, and they have had to make strategic changes that ensure the pageant remains relevant in today’s society. ​Former titleholders Basetsana Kumalo and Peggy-Sue Khumalo have been announced as co-chairs of Miss South Africa. ​They will serve as mentors to the contestants, who are now viewed as ambassadors. Basetsana and Peggy-Sue have made strides in their careers from the young women who were crowned in 1994 and 1996. ​Viewers, unfortunately, will not get to see Basetsana and Peggy-Sue in action and giving the young women the tips that helped them succeed in their journeys that were kick-started by Miss South Africa, as there will be no Crown Chasers. ​Crown Chasers is the reality show that documents the Top 10…

Local and international banks have been accused of enabling criminal syndicates to funnel illicit funds without proper scrutiny or reporting of suspicious transactions. The allegations came from the Public Service and Commercial Union of South Africa (PSCU). The PSCU was of the view that banks only close suspicious accounts and blacklist corrupt companies after profiting significantly from illicit transactions, often when it's too late to prevent the financial damage. PSCU secretary general Tahir Maepa claimed that banks were not being held accountable for their role in facilitating corruption. He has urged Parliament to summon bank CEOs to explain their failure to detect corrupt money despite their “sophisticated systems”. Maepa claimed that criminal syndicates, such as those implicated in the R2 billion fraud at Gauteng’s Tembisa Hospital, could not have succeeded…

As you enter Tembisa Hospital, you are greeted by the Accident and Emergency Unit, which was gutted in April by a fire, reportedly started by a security guard at the hospital. There’s been no visible progress after the Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) indicated that repairs to both buildings would cost R14 million. On the left of the hospital’s entrance, through the security gates towards the reception area, windows are covered with what looks like white linen sheets instead of curtains. In some parts, plumbing is an issue, as water leaked from where the laboratory services is situated. Walking through the corridors, into the hospital, it looked clean and neat, until you get to the men’s toilets, which was in complete darkness. There is a semblance of functionality at the…

SARAH Mullally was named the new archbishop of Canterbury on Friday, becoming the first woman to serve as the spiritual leader of the Church of England, and of the global Anglican community, in the church’s nearly 500-year history. The position has been vacant since last November when Justin Welby announced his resignation after an investigation found he failed to sufficiently report, investigate and contain a man who for decades ran evangelical summer camps and subjected boys to sexual, physical and psychological abuse. A report summarising an investigation by the church described the man, John Smyth, as “arguably, the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England.” The Church of England only allowed women to become bishops in 2014. Mullally, 63, has broken barriers throughout her career.…

EFF leader Julius Malema was found guilty of unlawfully discharging a firearm this week after charges were laid by AfriForum following a 2018 incident. Straight after the gavel came down in the East London Magistrate’s Court, Malema walked out of the court house to join his supporters in a chorus of “Kill the Boer”. Malema and his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, faced trial after video footage showed a rifle being handed to Malema, who then fired shots into the air at the packed Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018. It was the party’s fifth birthday rally. Malema was convicted on all five charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public area, reckless endangerment of persons or property, and failing…

PHOTOGRAPHS elicit emotional responses from the viewer. We respond to the memories preserved in old family snapshots, the visual beauty of a landscape, the joy or grief captured in an interaction between people, we are appalled by the violence of an event or swayed by the propaganda behind a photograph. Since the invention of the camera, photographs have recorded South Africa through a panoply of social, cultural and political subjects for nearly 200 years. In his new book, Life Itself: Photography and South Africa, Simon A Clarke charts that history. A chance meeting in Paris with renowned photographer Roger Ballen aroused Clarke’s curiosity in South African photography. New technology was behind its advance and growth, particularly in the 1860s with the carte-de-visite camera which created multiple duplications at low cost.…

An ANC councillor, sought for the murder of a fellow councillor in Umlazi, was reportedly advised by an attorney to evade the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) police officers. Concurrently, a senior crime intelligence officer directed one of the councillor’s bodyguards to steal the lawyer’s car in which the councillor was seated, enabling him to escape arrest by the PKTT. This was revealed by Magistrate Jackie Jonck, who has since convicted the crime intelligence officer Thulani Obed Thango. Thango was found guilty of defeating the administration of justice by helping former eThekwini councillor Mthokozisi Nojiyeza evade arrest for a few hours on December 21, 2018. Nojiyeza was wanted for the murder of Umlazi councillor Sibusiso Maphumulo. PKTT sergeant Sizwe Sokhela testified in the Durban Magistrate’s Court that on the morning…

Motorists may soon be able to breathe a little easier at the pump, with early indicators suggesting that SA’s fuel prices could shift down a gear in November. The Central Energy Fund (CEF)'s preliminary figures suggest motorists might finally be able to hit the brakes on rising pump prices. It recorded early over-recoveries – a promising signal that fuel prices might finally dip after months of pressure. Petrol is showing a notable over-recovery while diesel is managing a smaller gain. Over-recovery happens when the cost of importing fuel, based on global oil prices and the rand’s exchange rate, falls below the current local pump price. That opens the door for possible cuts in the next price review. The CEF’s early figures suggest petrol 93 could decrease by 42 cents per…

South Africa’s golden era under Rassie Erasmus continues to shine brightly after the Springboks clinched a dramatic 29–27 victory over Argentina at Twickenham to secure back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time in their history. It was a hard-fought win that demanded every ounce of grit, experience and composure from the world champions — who were pushed to the brink by a spirited Pumas outfit. The triumph marks a full-circle moment for the Boks, who began their campaign with a humbling defeat to the Wallabies at Ellis Park, only to regroup and rebuild with trademark resilience to clinch the crown. Independent Media looks at five talking points from the Twickenham clash. Back-to-back Rugby Championship glory The Springboks’ narrow victory over Argentina sealed a historic back-to-back Rugby Championship title. It’s…

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Saturday Lamine Yamal's groin injury is not simple to heal from and cast doubt over a potential return date. The Spanish champions said Yamal would be out for two-to-three weeks in a statement on Friday, but Flick suggested the 18-year-old winger's absence could potentially be longer. Yamal will miss World Cup qualifiers with Spain and is aiming to return before Barcelona face Real Madrid in a Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26. "This injury is not so easy, like a muscle (injury), we have this experience with (those), the coaches, the therapists. "With this kind of injury, it's not easy to say now, okay, he can play in two weeks, in three weeks or four weeks, so he's able to play in the…

BOLLYWOOD megastar Shah Rukh Khan is now the richest entertainer in the world. The actor has officially become a billionaire with an estimated wealth of $1.4 billion. As per the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025, Shah Rukh Khan has officially entered the billionaire club. This milestone places him among the wealthiest entertainers globally. Notably, his wealth surpasses that of several international celebrities, including Taylor Swift ($1.3bn), Arnold Schwarzenegger ($1.2bn), Jerry Seinfeld ($1.2bn), and Selena Gomez ($720 million). SRK’s wealth extends beyond his film career, and is anchored in a diversified portfolio of businesses and investments. His flagship enterprise is Red Chillies Entertainment, founded in 2002, which has produced numerous blockbuster films such as Chennai Express, Raees, and Pathaan. The company not only produces films but also manages visual effects,…

In an inspiring effort to heal from depression and anxiety, Thabani Gwala, also known as Action Ndlovu Maluleke on social media, is walking to raise awareness about mental health. Sharing his journey on TikTok, Gwala, an artist and playwright, opens up about his struggles with mental illness and the transformative power of walking. After facing rejection in the arts and entertainment industry and nearly taking his own life in 2023, Gwala decided to embark on a walking journey. “I started walking in June 2023 after almost committing suicide. There’s a lot of rejection in the arts. In this industry, people need to accept you first, which can lead to significant depression, especially when you don’t succeed in auditions or win proposals,” he explains. Gwala’s first steps towards healing involved a…