Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-07 i Sunday Tribune

As South Africa approaches 2026, the economic landscape for both businesses and households is imbued with a sense of cautious optimism. This outlook is underscored by the recent Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) and the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decisions, which suggest a gradual movement towards macroeconomic and financial stability. Adding to that was the GDP data released this past week which revealed that the country's economy expanded by 0.5% in the third quarter of 2025, this was slower than the revised 0.9% growth in the second quarter. According to Frank Blackmore, Lead Economist at KPMG, nine out of ten industries displayed positive growth from the second to the third quarter, a positive indicator of a broadly distributed recovery. Blackmore emphasised that while some industries exhibit growth, the economy’s…

If you’re looking for a holiday movie that’s a bit different from the usual romcoms, look no further than Netflix’s Jingle Bell Heist. This quirky film combines the fun of a crime caper with a sprinkle of romance, set against the festive backdrop of London’s holiday season. The film follows Sophie, played by Olivia Holt, a smart and nimble small-time thief who works two jobs, at a posh department store named Sterling’s and at a local pub. She is also caring for her sick mother in the hospital, while trying to make ends meet. Her covert petty theft is unexpectedly uncovered by Nick, played by Connor Swindells, a tech-savvy former Sterling employee now working in a phone repair shop. Nick spent two years in prison for stealing from the same…

Let’s be honest, when we hear the word “detox”, we immediately imagine a better, shinier version of ourselves on the other side of the process. Whether it’s a juice cleanse or a tech detox, the promise is the same: you’ll be healthier, happier, and more in control. But when it comes to the trendy dopamine detox, is it truly the life-changing reset people claim, or just another fleeting wellness buzzword? This question lingered in my mind as I scrolled through countless TikToks and Instagram posts about dopamine detoxing. People were giving up their phones, music, and even socialising, all in pursuit of better productivity and presence. Here’s what I uncovered and why this wellness trend is sparking so much curiosity right now. What is a dopamine detox? At its core,…

The Democratic Alliance has now filed court papers challenging the appointment process of three executive directors in the eThekwini Municipality. While I have not yet seen their sworn affidavits, media reports suggest that the party is questioning procedural irregularities in the recruitment and appointment process. The DA has every right to approach the courts, and the merits of their case will be tested there. That is not the issue. What is surprising is that these concerns are being raised after the appointments were approved in a full Council sitting where DA councillors were present and fully participated. On the day of the meeting, the DA did not raise a single concern about irregularities. The party did not warn Council that the process might be flawed or unlawful. Even more curious…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the killing of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D, as “heinous” and insisted investigators uncover exactly what happened. “The killing of Witness D, Mr Van der Merwe as we have now come to know, is terribly, terribly unacceptable,” Ramaphosa said yesterday on the sidelines of Cosatu’s 40th anniversary event in Dobsonville, Soweto. “We are devastated by his killing, and I’ve said to the minister they must make sure that the investigation is thorough.” “They must leave no stone unturned until we find the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” he added. Ramaphosa, who was at the event in his capacity as ANC president warned that the killing of witnesses who expose wrongdoing within the security cluster threatens to deter others from coming forward. “It’s…

Legendary music icon Pops Mohamed, born Ismail Mohamed-Jan, has died at the age of 76, leaving behind a powerful legacy that forever shaped the country’s music landscape. He died on Thursday, December 4, but the cause of his death has not yet been revealed. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said: “Pops Mohamed was not merely a musician but a guardian of our cultural heritage, a teacher, a visionary. His music carried the voices of our ancestors and opened doors for new generations to embrace and celebrate our roots,” McKenzie said. He was born on December 10, 1949 in Benoni, Gauteng. Mohamed built a musical career spanning more than five decades. Widely known as the “minister of music”, he was a masterful multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and cultural custodian.…

National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams has found himself once again on the wrong side of the code of conduct for Members of Parliament. This, after the Ethics Committee found that Adams has, for the second time, flouted the code after posting personal information of a DA staff member on Facebook without that person’s consent, after DA Chief Chip George Michalakis laid a complaint. “The dissemination of personal information by the member was reckless and irresponsible,” said co-chairpersons Lusizo Sharon Makhubela and Joseph Britz. Makhubela and Britz said Adams claimed to be unaware that he had captured sensitive information and apologised for the offence. The co-chairpersons said the code for MPs required that social media usage must not bring Parliament into disrepute. “The member was informed of the breach and…

POLICE in Limpopo have arrested a 31-year-old woman believed to be the girlfriend of Isaiah Thomas Maphalle, 42, whose body was discovered wrapped in a maize meal bag and buried in a shallow grave at his home. The woman was arrested on Thursday, December 4. Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that the police in Tzaneen have made a significant breakthrough in this murder case, which took place in Morutji Village, Bolobedu South. “It is alleged that the deceased, Isaiah Thomas Maphalle (42), was found murdered, with his body dismembered, wrapped in a maize meal bag, and buried in a shallow grave at the back of his house,” Ledwaba stated. “The disturbing discovery was made after community members alerted the police,” he added. Following this, a thorough investigation…

Poverty and Inequality South Africa is often described as the most unequal country in the world. That inequality is not a historical accident, a policy failure, or the slow residue of a fading past. It is the product of a political settlement that reconfigured – but did not dismantle – a system of racial capitalism. As Sampie Terreblanche argued with devastating clarity, the transition to democracy was shaped by elite negotiations that protected white economic interests and incorporated a small Black elite into circuits of capital and state power. The result was not liberation but co-optation. The old order was not overturned. It was modernised. To understand this, we must begin with the nature of the system itself. Capitalism in South Africa was forged through racial dispossession, super-exploitation, and the…

The ANC National General Council takes place in Gauteng from December 8 to 12. This mid-term review occurs under the theme “ANC renewal to advance the Freedom Charter: Forward to a national democratic society based on social justice, shared prosperity and human solidarity”. The NGC base document stands as one of the most substantial political reflections produced since the advent of democracy in 1994. Its significance is amplified by its timing, emerging 70 years after the adoption of the Freedom Charter and 31 years into democratic governance. It offers a moment of introspection comprised of a candid appraisal of its successes, missteps and contradictions. As is common with ANC documents, it articulates a wide range of principles and commitments with considerable clarity. Yet these rarely translate into decisive action,…

During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, African leaders revived the call for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to grant Africa a permanent seat on the UN’s top decision-making body. Voices by African leaders are backed by the Global South, the Caribbean and Eastern European nations, which observe that the UNSC’s current structure is not only outdated but is also marginalising a continent at the centre of today’s global challenges. In his address, Kenyan President William Ruto called for an end to what he termed an indefensible historical imbalance, stating that the much-needed reforms should guarantee Africa at least two permanent seats on the UNSC. President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that the current UNSC structure was entrenching inequality at the expense of…

Ronwen Williams insists Bafana Bafana cannot afford to look too far ahead, despite being handed a World Cup draw that immediately sparked memories, excitement, and comparisons to a moment etched in South African football history. South Africa will face Mexico, Korea Republic, and a yet-to-be-confirmed European qualifier at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a group that blends history, intensity, and unpredictability. The final team will emerge from UEFA playoffs involving Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, and Ireland, ensuring Bafana’s path is anything but straightforward. The draw also serves as a symbolic reunion, with Bafana opening their campaign against hosts Mexico on 11 June — a fixture mirroring the 2010 World Cup curtain-raiser. But Williams is adamant that any nostalgia cannot become a distraction ahead of a demanding few months.…

The Blitzboks delivered a trio of stirring performances at the Cape Town SVNS yesterday, defeating Fiji, New Zealand and Great Britain to remain unbeaten as they powered their way into the semi-finals. With the defending champions chasing back-to-back home titles, the South African side fed off the electric energy inside the DHL Stadium and rose to every challenge placed before them. Now, a clash against France (12.22pm kick-off) awaits the Springbok Sevens for a place in the final on Sunday. Their most dramatic display came against arch-rivals New Zealand in the second pool match, where they showed immense grit and resolve to clinch a 19-14 victory despite being reduced to six men on two occasions in the first half. The Blitzboks’ defensive effort was nothing short of heroic as they…

The Stormers opened their European Champions Cup campaign with a gritty and mature performance, grinding out a 26–17 victory over Bayonne in France despite receiving a 20-minute red card in the second half. What had been a controlled and composed outing suddenly shifted when the red card to replacement lock Adré Smith put them under heavy pressure as their hosts started finding gaps. Instead of unravelling, as they probably would have in the past, the Cape side dug in and delivered one of their most determined defensive efforts in recent seasons to seal the victory. Two tries through scrumhalf Imad Khan, named Player of the Match, and lively flanker Paul de Villiers, and kicks off the trusted boot of flyhalf Clinton Swart secured the victory. Bayonne fought valiantly, even after…

The Proteas Women’s team will be hoping to close out the three-match T20I series when they meet Ireland in the second match at Boland Park today. The home team are leading 1-0, courtesy of a comprehensive 105-run victory at Newlands on Friday, and are looking to maintain their momentum in Paarl. The World Cup runners-up are ranked much higher than their Irish counterparts, and are expected to sweep the series, but allrounder Sune Luus believes it remains a test of the team’s ability to remain ruthless regardless of the opposition. “It stays an international match, whether you play Ireland or Australia. For myself, when I walk out to bat, I'm as nervous when I play Australia as when I play Ireland. I don't think it's a team you can take…

DURBAN author and storyteller Kiru Naidoo has drawn on his rich tapestry of experiences in his latest book, Durban Indians that was launched last weekend at the Books & Chai Festival in Umhlanga. In Durban Indians, Naidoo provides a lively exploration of cultural nuances through personal anecdotes that touch on food, clothing, and pivotal social events. “It is my lived experiences that looks at food, clothing and social events and my experience in diverse settings such as weddings, funerals and cutting mangoes,” said Naidoo. Unlike his previous memoir, Made in Chatsworth, which was a more substantial tome, Durban Indians presents a series of concise narratives, each intertwining humour with nostalgic recollections that capture the essence of childhood in a dynamic community. In his foreword, Selvan Naidoo, director of the 1860…

It’s difficult to ignore the real-life drama that follows actors. Justin Hartley found himself in such a predicament when his ex-wife Chrishelle Stause aired their dirty laundry on Selling Sunset. They tied the knot in 2017, not long after Hartley landed his big TV breakthrough role as Kevin Pearson in the critically-acclaimed drama, This is Us. In 2021, the couple parted ways. According to Stause, Hartley announced their separation via a text message. It was reportedly an ugly situation and harder for her as she didn’t see it coming, nor received an explanation. That being said, she paved the way for her own success on the reality show, recently confirming that she won’t be returning for season 10. Of course, Hartley flourished in his career as well. Following the end…

Bafana Bafana have finally discovered their group-stage opponents for next year’s Fifa World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the US and Canada. With one team still to be confirmed as the Uefa European Qualifiers Play-offs are yet to be concluded, South Africa will renew their World Cup rivalry with Mexico. Remarkably, they will open the tournament against the same opponents they faced in the 2010 World Cup opener on home soil. Placed in Group A, Bafana are joined by a tournament-seasoned South Korea side, along with one of Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or the Republic of Ireland – all of whom will contest their playoff matches towards the end of March next year. Reflecting on the draw, Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele acknowledged the difficulty of the…

THE family of slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran is devastated and angered that, despite repeated pleas for better protection of those who expose corruption, yet another innocent life has been taken. On Friday evening, Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, was ambushed and killed outside his home in Brenthurst, Brakpan, shortly after returning from dinner with his wife. His assassination has once again drawn urgent attention to the vulnerability of whistleblowers in South Africa. Deokaran, a mother of one, was gunned down outside her home in Winchester Hills, Johannesburg, on August 23, 2021. At the time, the 53-year-old chief director of financial accounting at the Gauteng Department of Health was assisting investigators probing a PPE tender scandal that had rocked the department. Pastor…

Recalling President Cyril Ramaphosa might leave the ANC without a capable leader to take it forward, said political analyst Susan Booysen. Booysen was responding to reports that the ANC will investigate allegations that Deputy Minister of Communication Mondli Gungubele and Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla were behind a plot to oust Ramaphosa before the end of his term as the ANC president. Both Gungubele and Phaahla, who backed Ramaphosa to be elected ANC president in 2017 and 2022, have since distanced themselves from the plot. The report of the plot came while the ANC was preparing to hold its National General Council (NGC), which will start on Monday. Ramaphosa’s leadership was marred by the ANC's poor performance in last year’s general elections, which saw it for the first time since…

THIS year has asked something of all of us. More than a sequence of months, it may have felt like a building site, a place of dust, scaffolding, breakthroughs and quiet moments where truth arrived like a whisper. For many of us, it has been a year of unlearning and rebuilding, shedding, a tender (at times) process of learning to trust the ground beneath our feet again. We often imagine courage as loud or certain, something that announces itself with confidence. But what this year taught me is that courage is usually far quieter. It sounds like the breath you finally release after holding it for far too long. It looks like choosing yourself even when you’re shaking. It feels less like walking away and more like walking towards something…

With the festive season in full swing and thousands of South Africans heading to the coast for their annual break, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has issued an urgent advisory about the dangers of the spring tide this weekend. NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram urges beachgoers to exercise caution during this full moon spring tide, which peaked on Thursday and will significantly impact tidal conditions over the weekend. This comes after two recent incidents in KwaZulu-Natal, where bathers were washed out to sea during a spring tide. These incidents included a child who was rescued, and left one adult male missing. Ingram said a spring tide is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun, moon, and earth align during the full moon phase, amplifying the gravitational pull on…

A WEEK after three senior Mangosuthu University of Technology executives were suspended, the nature of the disciplinary issues that led to the suspensions has still not been revealed. The university's council announced last week that the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Nokuthula Sibiya, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Resources and Planning, Dr Bhekabantu Ntshangase, and the Senior Director for Operations, Dr Buhlebakhe Msomi, were all placed on immediate suspension. Council Chairperson Dr Mosidi Makgae said the suspensions were pending the outcome of a disciplinary inquiry. “The Council did not arrive at this decision lightly. In reaching its conclusion, it carefully considered the importance of maintaining stability at MUT during this period,” said Makgae . He did not disclose the nature of the disciplinary issues. Makgae acknowledged that suspending three high-ranking executives simultaneously…

WHILE the Bloemfontein High Court has set a new date for convicted rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester and his co-accused’s pre-trial hearing, it appears Bester is joining Dr Nandipha Magudumana in fighting the circumstances around his deportation from Tanzania. Bester, allegedly assisted by Magudumana escaped from the Mangaung Correctional facility in May 2022. The pair were arrested in Tanzania in April 2023, and they were brought back to South Africa to face charges. Since then, Magudumana has been locked in a legal battle, fighting her arrival back to South Africa. During his court appearance on Friday, Bester informed the court that he wanted to access certain documents from the Presidency and Crime Intelligence as well as the cellphone records of International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, to prepare for his trial.…

Police have confirmed that the number of people who were killed in a shooting at Saulsville, in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, yesterday morning, has risen to 11, including a three-year-old child, while 14 other people were injured. The police confirmed that the shooting occurred at an illegal tavern in the area. In an update at the scene, SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the total number of people shot was 25, with 11 confirmed dead – ten at the scene and one later in hospital. “The youngest deceased is three years old. We’ve also got a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old among the dead, while the remaining eight are adults,” Mathe said. She said the incident occurred just after 4:15 a.m, but police were only alerted around 6:00 a.m. “We…

Dr Imraan Buccus has long been known as a political thinker with a deep interest in, and connection, to grassroots and working class struggles. South Africa, Buccus argues, is living through a moment of profound reckoning. Yet for someone who has long been immersed in the country’s social movements and working-class struggles, this crisis is neither exceptional nor inexplicable. It is part of a global and historical pattern where liberation movements that lose their moral compass, succumb to corruption, and ultimately betray the very people whose sacrifices enabled their rise. This stark assessment lies at the heart of his new book, Promises and Peril: The South African Crisis, that was launched in Durban on Friday. Buccus says the book was driven by an “urgent need to understand South Africa’s deepening…

TWO South African presidents, living in different times and different political dispensations, uttering the same message: South Africa’s problems must be solved by South Africans. The two presidents are PW Botha, the second last apartheid president and Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s fifth democratic leader. Botha made the comment in a speech he delivered at the opening of the National Party Natal Congress in Durban on August 15, 1985. At the time it was a speech that was keenly awaited. Speculation was rife that Botha would announce decisive action to end apartheid. He did nothing of the sort. Instead, he defended white minority rule. He also rejected foreign involvement in what he saw as South African issues. “South Africa's problems will be solved by South Africans and not by foreigners,” he…

The date of December 5, 2013, was deeply ingrained in my brain. It was a very cold and snowy day in Sweden, where I was attending a workshop, when I received the devastating news about Nelson Mandela’s passing. Given his international stature, various television stations covered this breaking news repeatedly. An important chapter in the life of the ANC and South Africa had ended. Mandela joined his comrades, including Chief Albert Luthuli, Chris Hani, Dr Langalibalele Mafukuzela Dube, Oliver Tambo and many others. From that day, South Africa was never going to be the same. This year 2025 marks 12 years since Mandela’s passing. As South Africa celebrates this 12th anniversary, it is the opportune time to reflect on how the country has progressed or regressed under the ANC since…

“It’s been busy ...” That’s how an emotionally charged Siphiwe Tshabalala summed up the sudden buzz on his phone after Bafana Bafana were drawn to open the 2026 Fifa World Cup against Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June. Bafana’s clash with Mexico will not be an ordinary game for either nation or for Tshabalala. It is déjà vu — a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener, played more than 15 years ago when Bafana hosted the tournament on home soil at Soccer City (now FNB Stadium), also on 11 June. The hosting of the 2010 global showpiece on home soil brought the nation together — whether at Soccer City, in front of the TV at a viewing party in the park, on the road, or in…

Orlando Pirates 1 (0) Mofokeng 104’ Marumo Gallants 0 (0) Relebohile Mofokeng wrote his name into Orlando Pirates folklore last night, scoring an extra-time winner that delivered the Buccaneers their first-ever Carling Knockout Cup title and sealed a triumphant end to 2025. The gifted 20-year-old reacted quickest in a chaotic goalmouth scramble in the 104th minute, poking home from close range after confusion between goalkeeper Washington Arubi and his defenders left the net unguarded. It was a composed finish in a final dripping with tension, and one that ensured Pirates closed out the year with a second trophy, adding to the MTN8 triumph secured just two months earlier. For head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, only four months into the job, it represented a perfect early milestone — silverware on the board,…

Emiliano Buendia ended Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten run with a last-gasp strike that sealed Aston Villa’s dramatic 2-1 victory over the Premier League leaders at Villa Park yesterday. Mikel Arteta’s side fell behind to Matty Cash’s first-half goal before Leandro Trossard came off the bench to equalise after the interval. A pulsating clash saw chances squandered at both ends before Argentine winger Buendia capitalised on sloppy Arsenal defending to score with virtually the last kick of the game. It was Arsenal’s first loss in all competitions since a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on August 31 , highlighting the Gunners’ vulnerability when dealing with defensive injuries. Villa, under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, have repeatedly troubled the north Londoners in recent seasons and now sit just three points behind them, with Manchester…

A KwaZulu-Natal medical student has become the first beneficiary of a newly launched youth-focused charity. A small- and medium-sized enterprise organisation called Unconventional CA (UCA) recently launched The Unconventional Hearts Foundation. It was launched to raise funding and awareness across four core pillars: education and entrepreneurship, healthcare, food security and shelter, creating long-term support for youth up to the age of 25. At the foundation’s inaugural golf day they raised over R218 000 to support its first beneficiary, Azaria Narain, a fourth-year Wits medical student. Hiten Keshave, CEO of Unconven- tional CA, said the project was inspired by his own upbringing and passion for empowering the next generation. “I’ve always been passionate about education and empowering the next generation. Growing up, I didn’t have the opportunities many young people need…

IN a heartfelt effort to enhance the quality of life for her son, a mother from Durban has turned to crowdfunding to raise funds for a specialised bed to keep her son, who has end-stage Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, comfortable. Iris Govender this week started a Backabuddy page to raise R150 000 for her son Jezreel. Jezreel, 24, from Phoenix, has been fighting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) since he was diagnosed at the age of six. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle degeneration, affecting mainly boys, with symptoms typically appearing in early childhood. Key symptoms include muscle weakness, difficulty with motor skills like walking and climbing stairs, frequent falls, and a waddling gait. “We care for Jezreel at home. Management includes suctioning, oxygen support and…

As South Africa works to strengthen its long-term economic resilience, it’s essential to recognise the critical role played by agriculture and agro-processing, sectors that underpin jobs, regional development and sustainable growth. On paper, the agricultural sector is a small contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – coming in at just under 3%, which means that it contributes around R200bn to the economy each year. However, if we consider that the mining sector was just 6% of GDP in 2024, this gives us pause for thought around the role that agriculture will play in the coming years. Our business gives us quite a unique perspective on the sector. If we look at our forestry business, we have first-hand operational insights into the challenges and opportunities that the agro-processing sector provides. Downstream,…

It’s the silly season. A time when lighthearted content is sought after, which explains the bombardment of Christmas movies. Of course, if you are partial to such offerings, then Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, a Bollywood romcom with English subtitles, is worth watching. It’s fun, playful and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Don’t go looking for a solid script either, it’s as far-fetched as they come. But, to be honest, that is unsurprising for bubblegum offerings of this nature. Sometimes, that is part of its appeal. Yes, there is an audience for them. The story centres on Sunny Sanskari (Varun Dhawan), who meets and falls in love with Ananya Bhatia (Sanya Malhotra). However, when he decides to take the next step and get down on one knee, he learns that…

There are moments in the life of a nation when a single figure rises above the ordinary, and in our legal fraternity that figure is Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC. He is no mere advocate. He is an eagle, soaring with a vision and precision that few can match. To take silk after only ten years at the Bar is not simply an achievement; it is a testament to a mind forged in brilliance and discipline, a rare jewel polished by relentless pursuit of excellence. Ngcukaitobi does not merely argue cases; he conducts them like symphonies. Every pause, every gesture, and every modulation of his voice is deliberate, calculated, and devastatingly effective. He knows the weight of silence, the power of restraint, and the elegance of timing. It is said that…

Two nine-metre bronze statues – Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo – are currently standing incognito along Durban’s beachfront and stadium precinct, bundled up in plastic like oversized action figures waiting for Christmas morning. The R22-million pair, billed as part of government’s plan to “transform the heritage landscape” and boost tourism, have instead transformed into the latest local spectator sport: residents rubbernecking at statues they still can’t see. Mandela’s statue has been spotted guarding the parking lot at Moses Mabhida Stadium, staring intently toward Kings Park Athletic Stadium. Meanwhile, Tambo holds fort along North Beach, possibly wondering how he ended up beachfront property. The two struggle icons – who, alongside Walter Sisulu, founded the ANC Youth League in 1944 – are no strangers to political turbulence. Their modern-day bronze counterparts seem…

A SENIOR Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officer who worked with slain Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry witness, Marius van der Merwe, has ruled out zama-zamas from his cold-blooded murder on Friday. The officer, who was part of the operation to clear the Plastic City informal settlement in Brakpan of illegal miners, said if the zama-zamas wanted to kill Van der Merwe, they would have done so a long time ago. The Plastic City informal settlement is a longstanding complaint by the Brakpan community, and law enforcement agencies demolished thousands of shacks in October. “Even on the same day he came back from the Madlanga Commission, we spoke over the phone, and I asked if he was okay. He said he was, but I could hear he was shaking,” said…

Drama unfolded at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Friday night after an evidence leader objected to the manner of the re-examination of suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu by his legal representative. Advocate Mahlape Sello SC objected to the extent of Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC’s re-examination of Mchunu after he concluded giving evidence at the commission of inquiry investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. A visibly exasperated Sello interjected while Ngcukaitobi was re-examining Mchunu. “Chair, I apologise, Mr. Ngcukaitobi, I beg your forgiveness. I have bitten my tongue for a long time, on particularly this that Mr. Ngcukaitobi is ‘re-examining’ the witness. None of that evidence has been led before this commission. The issues…

THE Democratic Alliance in eThekwini has raised concerns about the safety of beaches in Durban, claiming a cover-up by the eThekwini Municipality. Yogis Govender, the party's exco member, said they were deeply concerned that the municipality was not being honest with residents and visitors about the state of Durban beaches. Govender said that in a recent report to the Executive Committee, the city failed to mention the high levels of dangerous bacteria found in the water. “This raises serious questions about why the municipality chose to hide such important information at the start of the festive season,” said Govender. The municipality on December 2, in a media statement, said that all 23 beaches were open and safe for swimming, following the latest water quality test results. This was as the…

The Bhisho High Court showed no mercy to the Eastern Cape’s notorious robber Fikile Msindwana, 57, who committed crimes while out on parole for murder. The court recently sentenced Msindwana to 50 years imprisonment for a string of armed robberies that he committed with five others across the Eastern Cape. In sentencing Msindwana, with co-accused Camagu Zimela, Siphelo Mase, Siyamthanda Mkhangeli, Noveki Maqundeni, and Zoleka Ntsizi, Judge Igna Stretch stated that the evidence showed the crimes were planned. Between December 2018 and July 2019, local businesses were the targets of a series of armed robberies. In several of these incidents rifles, including AK-47s, were discharged. Judge Stretch said in 2017, Msindwana was found to have been a candidate for parole by the acting director of Pre-Release Settlement, even though he…

The highly contentious proposal by Build One South Africa (Bosa) leader Mmusi Maimane to increase the National Senior Certificate (NSC) minimum pass mark from 30% to 50% has ignited a fierce debate in South African education circles. Parliament this week rejected a motion by Maimane to reassess the 30% minimum pass requirement for certain Grade 12 subjects. The motion was defeated by a vote of 119 MPs against and 87 in favour. Experts and the Basic Education minister have reached a consensus, however, that foundational, systemic reforms are urgently needed long before any tinkering with the final pass metric. Maimane, championing the move as a necessary step to raise educational standards and better prepare students for higher education and the modern workforce, has met strong opposition from the ANC and…

As India hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and Friday for the 23rd annual India-Russia Summit, the discourse is moving beyond old practices in the energy industry. Rising demand for clean power and secure supply chains is pushing the bilateral relationship into a new era, one based on civil nuclear co-operation, industry localisation, critical mineral supply chains, and modern connectivity corridors. India’s energy demand curve continues to climb. According to recent forecasts, India will drive a significant share of global energy demand growth in the coming decade. Meanwhile, India’s electricity landscape has changed a lot because of the shift to renewable energy, mainly solar and wind. As of late 2025, India’s total installed electricity capacity has surpassed 500GW, with more than 51% of that capacity coming from non-fossil. The…

The Proteas have two years to prepare for a World Cup on home soil, but they will do well to remember their humbling defeat in Vizag. India, determined to protect a record that has seen them unbeaten in both Test and ODI series at home since 1986, delivered their finest performance of the series to secure a commanding nine-wicket victory and seal the series 2-1. The hosts dominated in all three departments from the moment Arshdeep Singh removed Ryan Rickelton with the fourth ball of the day. Quinton de Kock, who struck his 23rd ODI century, and captain Temba Bavuma (48) attempted a fightback with a 113-run second-wicket partnership, but seam bowler Prasidh Krishna (4/66) and spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4/41) restricted the Proteas to 270 all out. “It was really…

Italian visitors Benetton brought the Lions’ recent winning streak to a screeching halt with a 26-18 victory in the opening round of the Challenge Cup at Ellis Park yesterday. Benetton looked well-organised defensively in a cagey opening five minutes, and Ryno Smith opened the scoring for the visitors. The teams then traded penalties, with flyhalf Chris Smith on target for the Lions in the ninth minute and Jacob Umaga replying for Benetton three minutes later, as they led 8-3. The Lions were struggling to impose their game on Benetton and showed little of the intensity from last weekend’s win against the Bulls. A forward pack that had fronted up to their neighbours’ vaunted forwards also struggled to make headway in the set-pieces, though returning Bok prop Asenathi Ntbalakanye looked lively,…

Boxing promoter Colin Nathan deemed 2025 a good year for the sport in the country and attributed it to forging relationships among the country's top promoters. In the Mixed Martial Arts world, the sport has also continued to grow in leaps and bounds. Nathan, a prominent figure in combat sports in the country, particularly boxing, believes that they have continued to push the boundaries in the sport this year. The promoter praised the new board at Boxing South Africa, appointed late last year after the National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association took Boxing South Africa to court over the appointment of the preceding board. With Ayanda Zamantungwa Khumalo as chairperson, Nathan has expressed that the sport of boxing in the country seems to be heading in the right direction. "I think…

KwaZulu-Natal is officially ready to welcome holidaymakers from across South Africa and around the world ahead of the festive season. Rev Musa Zondi, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, together with KZN Tourism and Film Authority Chairperson Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, CEO Sbusiso Gumbi, and uMgungundlovu District Deputy Mayor, Sandile Mnikathi, recently launched the province’s Summer Campaign in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The launch included a site inspection of the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, which is currently undergoing refurbishment. Upgrades include a new access road, a redesigned gatehouse, expanded parking and an improved stormwater system. The project is funded by the Department of Tourism and implemented by KZN Tourism and Film. According to the department, the upgrades are 95% complete and are expected to be finalised ahead of the…

With the festive season upon us, the familiar excitement of summer holidays fills the air as many South Africans plan a much-deserved escape from their hometowns. However, the thrill of getting away can sometimes distract from essential medical and safety precautions. As such, travellers are reminded to remain vigilant during this high-risk period, particularly when it comes to road safety, home security and health considerations. Here are some top health and safety hacks to make sure that you have a sound festival season. Road trip safety The holiday season is notorious for increased road accidents, making vigilance imperative. l Prioritise rest: Adhere to the “6-hour sleep and 2-hour stop” rule: ensure six hours of sleep the night before a long journey and take a 15-minute break every two hours to…