Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-12-14 i Sunday Tribune

Behind every delivery bag on South Africa’s roads is a worker with ambition, responsibility, and a story worth telling. Few embody this better than 29-year-old Sizwe Mpungose, a Sixty60 delivery rider whose commitment to safety and mentorship is reshaping the way riders navigate the country’s roads. Raised in Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal, Sizwe credits his upbringing for the discipline and awareness that guide his work today. “Eshowe is a place where you learn to be patient, observant, and respectful of others,” he said. “We grow up understanding that small mistakes can have big consequences. Because of that, I approach my work with discipline and a strong sense of responsibility.” Mpungose joined Pingo Delivery, the Shoprite Group’s on demand delivery network, in June 2023 as an independent contractor. His love for riding…

Romcoms are even more of a hit this time of the year. With everyone in high spirits, watching films or TV shows that match that heart-warming energy is almost an unspoken rule. Of course, streaming platforms are cognisant of this reality, which is why they roll out an attention-grabbing festive slate. Set in picturesque Cape Town, including the Winelands, the storyline resonates with Mzansi as it draws parallels between the haves and have-nots while also unpacking romances where opposites are drawn together. At the heart of the story is Ovee (Ntobeko Sishi), the Playboy son of billionaire Mr Sityebi (Bongile Mantsai). While he doesn’t have a social media footprint, he is known for his wild partying and one-night stands. However, his father wants him to take on a more hands-on…

Gathered in sombre reflection at St Thomas’ Anglican Church on Musgrave Road, family, friends, and colleagues celebrated the life and legacy of Dennis Pather, retired deputy editor of the Sunday Tribune, who was laid to rest yesterday. Pather, who was a writer, columnist and editor of several newspaper titles in the Independent Group, died last Sunday at the age of 80. Born and raised in KwaDukuza on the North Coast, Pather’s journey began in 1967 as a copy boy and cub reporter at the Golden City Post, marking the foundation of a career that would encompass several prestigious titles, including Drum, The Leader, The Graphic, The Post, Daily News, Saturday Paper, and The Mercury. His tenure as deputy editor of the Sunday Tribune lasted until his retirement in 2010, after…

The eThekwini Municipality, which has been taken to the Durban High Court by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding the appointment of three senior directors, said the political party’s application was based on incorrect information. The three new senior directors are Lindokuhle Mkhize, appointed as the executive director of Operations Management; Cyril Bhekinkosi Mkhize, as the executive director of Public Safety; and Ednick Msweli, as the executive director of Technical Services. The DA initially sought an urgent interdict to prevent the senior managers from starting their duties (Part A of the motion) and to have the appointments declared invalid, claiming they were inconsistent with the Constitution (Part B). Part A was abandoned by the DA during court proceedings earlier this week, with the municipality’s representative, advocate Griffiths Madonsela SC, arguing against…

David Obagbuwa has graduated with an MBChB from Stellenbosch University (SU), becoming one of the youngest medical doctors, at just 21 years old, to qualify in South Africa. Obagbuwa began his medical studies at the tender age of 15. Despite the challenges associated with his age and commencing his studies during the Covid pandemic, he persevered and graduated this week. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Obagbuwa was welcomed into the 2020 intake of medical students. At the time, he said being admitted into SU was a dream come true, and that he intended to set a record by graduating at 21. “It’s a dream that has indeed come true, but it feels surreal. This achievement is a testament to the mentorship, support, and world-class education I’ve received from the Stellenbosch community.…

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has hinted at the possibility of declassifying the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report on the conduct of members of the Presidential Protection Unit in the controversial investigation into the theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm. Cachalia, in response to parliamentary questions from EFF MP Mazwi Blose, stated that IPID is contemplating revising the classification status of the report, which has been designated as “Top Secret”. “This is in view of the need to balance the individual rights as alluded to above with the public interest to access information,” he said. Blose sought clarity on when the report would be declassified for public access, especially following earlier confirmations from suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu earlier this year that the document had been referred to…

After touring across the US, New Zealand and Canada earlier this year, international hit tribute The Michael Jackson HIStory Show will return to Durban for its end-of-year performances on December 20 at 8pm and December 21 at 2pm at playTSOGO Globe at Suncoast. This marks the second consecutive year the acclaimed tribute show will close out its annual world tour at one of Durban’s premier entertainment venues – a testament to the city’s love for the King of Pop, and the production’s ongoing success. The return of the show coincides with renewed global attention falling on MJ, following the release of the “Michael” biopic trailer. The excitement surrounding the film reinforces how relevant Jackson remains today – his music, dance, and style continuing to inspire generations and shape Pop culture…

The ANC’s National General Council (NGC) is an organisational oddity, and few members of the public actually know what to expect of it. It is not a conference, and it does not elect party leaders. It is also not a policy-making body. The ANC established it in 2000, and its mandate is to be a mid-term event where progress made with the implementation of the preceding National Conference resolutions is evaluated. It is normally held quite close to the next local government elections. This year’s NGC is different in the sense that it is the first meeting of its kind in 10 years. The one meant for 2020 did not materialise because of the Covid-19 pandemic. NGCs are not meant to be action-packed events, but are characterised by long commission…

1st ODI Ireland: 209/7 (Forbes 42, Stokell 39*, Hunter 32, Mlaba 3/43) South Africa: 211/3 (Luus 66*, Smit 56*, Murray 2/34) South Africa won by 7 wickets Experience and youth combined perfectly to power the Proteas Women to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Ireland at Buffalo Park yesterday. Former captain Sune Luus (66 not out, 72 balls, 6x4) and 20-year-old Miane Smit (56 not out, 70 balls, 7x4) compiled an unbroken 125-run partnership for the fourth wicket to see the home team over the line. Luus was the first to bring up her half-century before Smit’s reached her maiden ODI fifty in fine style with a powerful pull shot to the boundary on the leg-side. Smit’s smile upon reaching the milestone was something to behold as all the hard work…

This year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament showcases some of the continent’s most talented players and teams. The hosts, Morocco, will kick-off the continental showpiece on Sunday, December 21, against one of the lowest-ranked countries, Comoros, in the opening match in Rabat. As Africa’s top world-ranked team, Morocco is the favourite to win the championship on home soil, thanks in part to its impressive journey to the semi-finals of the last Fifa World Cup in Qatar. However, the hosts face a potential setback with the early loss of their captain, Achraf Hakimi, who sustained a serious ankle injury while playing for Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich. Despite this hurdle, the Moroccan side oozes talent and tactical nuance. Adopting a flexible 4-3-3 formation, Morocco’s approach combines defensive solidity with rapid offensive…

Dusi Canoe Marathon ace Andy Birkett will team up with his winning partner from 2024, Matt Fenn, in next year's race from February 19-21, where he could secure the tile of undisputed Dusi king with a 16th triumph. The legendary paddler is currently tied on 15 titles with the late Graeme Pope-Ellis. Next year’s race will be the first time that Birkett has the same partner as the previous K2 race since he won the Dusi twice with Jason Graham in 2012 and 2014. Should the Euro Steel duo win next year, Fenn will also become the first paddler, apart from Birkett, to win the prestigious race twice since Lance Kime won the K2 race with Birkett in 2016. “We’ve started getting excited for Dusi, but it is still a…

Coach Vladimir Petkovic says he will not make promises while trying to resurrect the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fortunes of Algeria after two disastrous campaigns. The Desert Foxes won the premier football competition in the continent a second time in 2019 when a second-minute Baghdad Bounedjah goal delivered a 1-0 final victory over Senegal in Cairo. It was a team teeming with stars, led by then Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, and the belief was that they would go on to claim more honours. But those dreams were never realised. Instead, the Foxes were eliminated after the first round of the 2022 and 2024 Afcon’s in Cameroon and the Ivory Coast. Not only did they fail to reach the knockout stages, they were humiliated, unable to win a match…

Mohamed Salah set up a goal in Liverpool's 2-0 win against Brighton yesterday as he returned to action after an explosive outburst cast doubt over his future at the Premier League champions. The Egypt forward, the subject of intense scrutiny in the build-up to the game at Anfield, came off the substitutes' bench to huge cheers in the 26th minute, replacing injured defender Joe Gomez. The home team, whose title defence has collapsed after a shocking run of results, were leading 1-0 at the time, with France forward Hugo Ekitike on the scoresheet after just 46 seconds. Brighton squandered a number of opportunities to level and Ekitike scored again with half an hour to go to give Liverpool breathing space. Salah accused Liverpool of throwing him "under the bus" after…

The year has been one of travel and adventure. From Paris to Bali, SA celebrities have been hopping from destination to destination, living the jetset life. From solo trips to couples getaways to family vacations, our celebrities showed that the best way to live is to catch flights and enjoy precious moments with loved ones. As we count down to the New Year, possibly filled with more exciting adventures, here is a recap of Mzansi’s celebs who gave us travel envy with their escapades. Anele Mdoda: A year of love and adventure Anele Mdoda has had a whirlwind year filled with love and travel. In April, she tied the knot with Bonelela Buzza James Mgudlwa in a beautiful traditional ceremony. Following the wedding, Mdoda was whisked away to Chintsa…

South Africa has once again cemented its status as a global tourism powerhouse, bringing home four prestigious titles from the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025. Tourism royalty from across the globe convened in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the event, which recognises travel organisations pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation. Amid fierce international competition, South African hospitality and conservation took centre stage. The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in Johannesburg, was crowned World’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2025. Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane at Kruger National Park secured the title of World’s Leading Luxury Lodge, while Villa Thandawena at Jumeirah Thanda Safari, Zululand was named World’s Leading Luxury Private Villa. Rounding off the victories, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve at Kruger National Park scooped the…

With Black Friday all wrapped up, South African consumers will now look ahead to the festive season, keeping a close eye on deals and their wallets. In a promising sign for the South African economy, consumer confidence has experienced a marked rise heading into the festive season, as revealed by Momentum Investments' latest Consumer Pulse report. The findings for the fourth quarter of 2025 indicated an improvement in the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), climbing from –13 to –9, the highest level noted this year and a welcome change from the previous quarter’s downturn. This increase is particularly significant as households gear up for the traditional rise in spending during the festive period. While there are indicators that household spending may take a hit later in the year due to declines…

It’s that time of the year when we reflect on the shows that captivated us completely. Of course, each had its own unique appeal. And don’t even get me started on the calibre of actors attached to them. A good starting point for describing this is "mind-blowing". Of course, it’s impossible to list all the shows. But these were the ones that stood out for me. The Beast in Me (Netflix) This psychological thriller captured attention with its storyline and the fact that it pitted two top-tier actors, Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, against each other. I have followed their careers since their breakthrough roles in My So-Called Life and Brothers & Sisters, respectively. The premise centres on celebrated author Aggie Wiggs (Danes), who has hit a wall in writing…

Skincare trends may come and go, but some stick around because they deliver results, and none is making waves quite like lymphatic drainage. From TikTok tutorials to celebrity-approved beauty routines, this ancient practice is having a major cultural moment, promising to de-puff, sculpt and detox. Let’s dive deep into the trend that’s taking over the beauty space and your social feed. What is lymphatic drainage? Think of your lymphatic system as your body’s clean-up crew. It’s a network of vessels and nodes that move lymph, a clear fluid rich in immune-boosting white blood cells, through your body to flush out toxins, waste, and excess fluid. But unlike your circulatory system, which has your heart to keep things moving, the lymphatic system relies on movement, breathing and external stimulation to function…

I appreciate the concerns raised in the recent letter, “Clarification on academic integrity: addressing confusion in UKZN discourse” (Sunday Tribune, December 7), which responded to ongoing public dialogue on university governance. It is important, however, to ensure that the public discussion remains anchored on verifiable facts rather than assumptions. My original letter (October 16) stated two central points: 1. Parliament’s Portfolio Committee has formally reported governance failures at UKZN, particularly in relation to risk management and its relationship with external security service providers. 2. I had previously raised these concerns internally and consistently, long before they became a matter of national scrutiny. These are matters on public record and are now confirmed by independent oversight, not personal allegation, nor conjecture. Therefore, the claim that my narrative lacks evidence overlooks the…

Season’s greetings and festive best wishes to one and all. At this time, many will be on leave and looking forward to rest, fun, leisure and merriment with family and loved ones, get-togethers, vacations and diverse visits to resorts, shopping centres and other places. Regrettably, some will not be able to enjoy the festive season due to various factors, primarily ill health, bereavement, financial hardship, work and business commitments and studying. Please spare a thought for such persons, as well as those especially in the police, security, medical and emergency/essential services and store workers who have to be on duty. Shopping queues are rather long and traffic heavy, with parking at various places limited, so kindly be patient and considerate. Accidents, road injuries and deaths must be minimised. Special thanks…

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has been tipped as one of the leaders who might be lobbied to contest the ANC presidency at the next elective conference. According to an ANC regional leader in KwaZulu-Natal, who attended the party’s National General Council (NGC) in Johannes- burg, some ANC delegates have indicated that they might nominate Didiza to contest the party’s highest position. “Since she is the Speaker at the National Assembly, obviously, she would be able to replace Ramaphosa and be sympathetic towards him after he had left the office,” said the regional leader. He said the ANC Secretary- General Fikile Mbalula blocked the succession debate when some delegates attempted to raise it at the NGC gathering. “But as a member of the structures of the ANC and as regional…

FOR decades, Margaret Hirsh has been a formidable figure in South Africa’s business landscape, a woman who built an empire brick-by-brick, not just through ambition but through an unwavering belief in discipline, generosity, and heart-led leadership. “The House of Motherly” is a storytelling platform designed to explore the different “rooms” of our inner lives. Each room holds a theme, a purpose, and a particular kind of wisdom. The Study/Library is where we explore purpose, leadership, career evolution, self-belief, and the courage it takes to write and rewrite your story. Margaret arrives in this room carrying the wisdom and light of a life that has been built with intention. Her story begins in modest circumstances and ascends into one of South Africa’s most recognised entrepreneurial success narratives. Yet what stands out…

The DA’s sudden decision to abandon its court application seeking to interdict the appointment of three executive directors in the eThekwini Municipality has confirmed what ActionSA cautioned from the very beginning – that this was never about clean governance, but about politics. Last week, when the DA rushed to court claiming irregularities in the recruitment and appointment process – it did so after fully participating in both the Executive Committee (EXCO) and council meetings without raising a single procedural concern. Not once did it warn council that the process might be flawed, unlawful or worthy of litigation. Only now, when required to argue its case before a judge, the party has quietly withdrawn. This leads to an unavoidable conclusion – the DA’s case was never solid. Its intention was political,…

Former Durban Funworld owner Nic Steyn has weighed in on the proposed Durban Amusement Theme Park, offering a reminder that thrills don’t come cheap, especially when the machinery isn’t properly maintained. Reacting to Wednesday’s announcement of the park, planned for the old Funworld site and set to open in 2027, Steyn suggested that excitement alone won’t keep the rides running. Acknowledging that his comments may not earn him any free tickets with the developers, he nonetheless urged them to rethink the project, warning that long-term success depends as much on maintenance budgets as it does on big ideas. The Durban Amusement Park will introduce a globally benchmarked collection of attractions, including: Lighting Roller Coaster: a neon-lit 500m track reaching speeds of up to 86km/h. Disco 24 and Vertical Swing: high-adrenaline…

South African Olympic gold medallist, Chad le Clos, will be taking on the 8-Mile Charity Challenge at next year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile, lending his support to swimmers and raise funds for his foundation. The 53rd aQuellé Midmar Mile will take place from February 5 to 8, with the 8-Mile Charity Challenge events on the first two days and the main events on the last two. The event, held annually in February at Midmar Dam near Pietermaritzburg, is the world's largest open-water swimming event. Founded in 2018, the Chad le Clos Foundation works to create safer access to water across South Africa through drowning-prevention initiatives, water- safety education, and community engagement. Its programmes include developing young swimmers from disadvantaged communities, supporting promising talent with coaching and competition opportunities, and launching long-…

A Mozambican national, Faro Zitha, 31, who pleaded guilty to rhino poaching offences, has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by the Skukuza Regional Court after being caught with a hunting rifle and an axe at the Kruger National Park in June 2025. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for trespassing, one year for contravention of the Immigration Act, four years for possession of a firearm to commit an offence, eight years for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, two years for possession of ammunition, four years for conspiracy to commit an offence, and one year for possession of a dangerous weapon. The court ordered some of the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years’ direct imprisonment. Zitha was apprehended on…

Calls have been made for the appoint- ment of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) to be undertaken by Parliament rather than the Executive. This comes amid the conclusion of the interviews on Thursday of six candidates nominated to succeed incumbent Shamila Batohi when her term ends next month. The panel will submit its report to President Cyril Ramaphosa for his consideration. However, there has been a concern around the constitution of the advisory panel interviewing the candidates, and chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said Parliament should lead the process, if it was to be fair. “At the moment, those people chosen by the president are the president’s people. “If we have to appoint people who are going to occupy…

AT the end of the year, many families reunite to enjoy time together. These times can be happy, yet sometimes they reveal tensions, unsatisfied needs and difficult relationships. The reality is that being together does not necessarily mean you are connected. Families can be both joyful and anguished or distressed at the same time. These contradictions are brought into focus during festive periods. They show just how strong the ties of a family are, and remind us that family life is not just a social structure but a continuous practice of connecting and caring. In our work at the Centre of Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, we pose what seems on the surface a very simple question: what…

Before the ink could dry on the peace accord brokered by US President Donald Trump – now being referred to as the Washington Peace Accord – violence had once again erupted in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The March 23 Movement (M23), backed by Rwanda, has launched a new offensive around the strategic town of Uvira in South Kivu. This renewed violence reminds us that: “Peace agreements are not peace – they are promises. And promises only matter when leaders fear disappointing their citizens more than they fear each other.” At the signing ceremony on Thursday, November 27 in Washington, Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi could barely look each other in the eye, nor could they exchange a comfortable handshake. Their strained body language alone signalled that…

The erosion of human rights: A 2025 perspective The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, in his report presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council last September, stated that “no one is safe when human rights are attacked”. He was referring to the growing disregard for the multilateral agreements that have constituted International Human Rights Law and, with it, the impunity for those who commit such acts, which makes everything even more serious. This concern highlights a dynamic that underscores one of the central themes of an assessment of the human rights situation in 2025. The growing weakening of multilateralism and global human rights protection mechanisms is not new, but it certainly gained momentum in 2025. One of the main factors contributing to this is the attacks by…

The Proteas are in the rarefied thin air of Dharamsala for the third T20I against India. At 1 457 metres above sea level, and situated in the picturesque snow-capped Himalayan mountains, it is one of the coldest cricket grounds in the world with temperatures hovering around five degrees Celsius. “It is really cold,” Proteas coach Shukri Conrad admitted. “But look, it's a wonderful place here. We're staying up in the mountain there, looking down here. This morning, I was up early enough to experience that cold as well. “But look, it's all part of taking in the experience of touring here, coming to a wonderful place like this. “I've had to cancel a meeting because some of our guys are on a hike, still caught in the mountains somewhere. But…

Tete Dijana redeemed himself in the Comrades Marathon after a painful run last year; Gerda Steyn reigned supreme yet again; Glenrose Xaba’s star continued to rise; Elroy Gelant usurped an ‘oom’ as the country’s foremost marathon runner. What a year of road running we’ve had. Road Running writer Matshelane Mamabolo reflects on the year and is pained by the death of a runner stuck by a car at the Soweto Marathon and would love to see the ASA leadership cleaning up their act in the upcoming year. THE GOOD Elroy you Beauty! After a superb 2024 in which he won the national marathon title and ran like the wind in the popular Absa Run Your City Series and every other race while also representing the country well in the Olympics…

The Spar Proteas surged into the final of the Africa Netball Cup with a comprehensive 85-32 victory over Zimbabwe at Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe, Malawi, yesterday afternoon and setting up a final against arch-rivals Uganda. The gulf in class between coach Jenny van Dyk’s defending champions and Zimbabwe was again evident from the first centre pass, as they flew into an 18-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, and led 40-16 by the half-time break. The match was all but over as a contest at that stage but the Proteas continued to press home their advantage to run out comfortable winners, even in the face of a number of substitutions. Elemaré van den Berg was restored to her starting role at goal shooter, and her combination…

An under-strength Bulls team will be hard-pressed to beat Northampton this evening at Franklin Gardens, but the brash Henry Pollock being put in his place would be a comforting second prize. The precocious Pollock, with his peroxide blond hair, is the figurehead of the England arrogance stemming from their winning streak in 2025. That culminated in the English saying it was a pity that they had not played the Springboks in November, with the inference that they would have beaten them. You would forgive Johan Ackermann — the antithesis of showman Pollock when he played for the Springboks — for having a quiet word with Elrigh Louw and Marcell Coetzee about enticing Pollock down a blind alley at a busy ruck where the referee might be unsighted… Jokes — and…

Diwali or Deepavali, one of the foremost cultural and spiritual festivals celebrated by Hindus worldwide, has been included in Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list. Unesco announced the development on its official X handle, stating: “BREAKING. New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took to social media ‘X’ and said, “A joyous moment as Deepavali, the festival of lights, marking the triumph of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya, which is celebrated globally, is added to the @UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.” A total of 67 nominations submitted by nearly 80 countries, including India’s Deepavali festival, were examined during the week-long key session of Unesco’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of…

As the year draws to a close, it’s worth asking whether 2025 was a win or a loss for women’s empowerment and gender equality in South Africa. The answer depends on what we choose to count. If you count mobilisation, mentorship and the rebuilding of a leadership culture that says “lift as you rise,” 2025 was a win. If you count access to capital, employment and the stubborn economics of care and safety, it was not nearly enough. The year delivered a powerful surge of collective energy, Ubuntu in action, but the material dividends that change women’s lives at scale remain frustratingly thin. On the side of progress, platforms such as the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) Cornerstone Conference brought together leaders across generations, sectors and geographies. Another was…

In the absence of truth, lies often flourish. Ponder Ithala Bank, which is regularly in the news and dominates contemporary conversations these days. Word has it that the state-owned Ithala Bank was founded by the late Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi in the 1950s. That is a gross blue lie. The genesis of Ithala Bank SOC was in 1983 or 1984. Unfortunately, the bank’s own website is also peddling this lie of the 1950s. Below is the brief evolution of Ithala Group as a Finance Development Institution (FDI), just like your Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), National Empowerment Fund (NEF) of Sydney Maree fame and scandal and other FDIs like the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and Business Partners, formerly known as Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC). All the aforementioned FDIs are…

Gossiping about one another other at the Luthuli House and prioritising to be elected as leaders over rebuilding provincial structures is what led to the KwaZulu-Natal ANC provincial task team (PTT) being shown the door, said ANC insiders. An ANC regional leader in the province said the relationship among PTT members had reached its lowest level. On the sidelines of the ANC’s National General Council (NGC) meeting in Boksburg this week, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, announced that the PTT would be disbanded for its failure to achieve the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) goal to rebuild the ANC in the province, which was previously its strongest province in the country. This resulted in the PTTs dismal failure to carry out the mandate of rebuilding the ANC structures. The PTT was appointed…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will analyse evidence seized this week in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and file for civil litigation to recover the millions of rands from the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (UIF) Covid-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (Ters). The SIU and specialised police units swooped in on a syndicate of 35 people representing 16 businesses who defrauded the UIF-Ters fund of R161 million. Searches were conducted at Kenville in Durban, Port Shepstone, Anerley and Margate on the South Coast, Pietermaritzburg, Sandton and Fourways and Pretoria. The syndicate had exploited the financial safety net designed for vulnerable workers during the pandemic. Among those being investigated were: Gauteng-based Nakomang Trading Enterprise which allegedly received over R19m, and Lubelo Hlomuka Holdings trading as SA Scrum Assembly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng(KZN/Gauteng). It is alleged…

IF Durban ever needed a tourism advert, My Cousin’s Big Fat Durban Wedding, just waltzed in wearing a sherwani, ululating joyfully, and said, “Relax, I’ve got this”. The film, which premiered in cinemas on Friday, celebrates the city, its people, rhythm and cultures and how they evolve in modern South Africa. Guided by the imagination of actor and comedian Theshen Naicker, founder of Sheila Power Productions and creator of the beloved Aunty Sheila, Naicker uses the chaos of wedding prep to explore deeper themes of social cohesion and identity, showing how Zulu and Indian traditions coexist, collide, blend, banter, and ultimately celebrate each other. The plot is multilayered and what begins as a simple wedding spirals into a tapestry of love, relationship drama, unspoken insecurities, social expectations, and the tricky…

The deliberate lies shared by eThekwini Municipality regarding the outcome of Wednesday's High Court matter is unsurprising and doesn’t shock us. eThekwini Municipality has become synonymous with lies, corruption and mismanagement. The municipality falsely claims that the DA has abandoned its case of the appointments of three senior managers. This is a blatant lie and it proves that there is a leadership crisis in eThekwini. What occurred is that the court recognised the urgency and importance of the matter and agreed to hear the full case early in the new year. The DA did not abandon its application. Myself and the DA eThekwini EXCO team led by the caucus chairperson and leader were in court with our legal team. After a two-hour deliberation, and by mutual agreement with all the…

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements has uncovered a racket on social media where personalised licence plates are being sold at up to four times more than the official price. Vehicle owners and motorists have been warned that illegally purchased number plates will be cancelled. Siboniso Duma, MEC for the depart- ment, announced the crackdown on the resale of vanity licence numbers, also known as personalised number plates, warning motorists that it is illegal and that licence plates bought on social media for inflated prices will be cancelled. He said the department’s Motor Transport Services team on Thursday had uncovered an underground racket where personalised licence numbers were being sold on social media platforms for between R5 000 and R10 000. The price, set exclsively by the…

Multiplatinum-selling singer and songwriter Calum Scott returns to South Africa next month for concerts in Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria. The global hitmaker first toured Mzansi back in 2018 in support of his Only Human album, seeing thousands of local fans rushing to experience his first live performance in the country. In 2022 and 2023, he toured again across South Africa, cementing his love for the country with ongoing fan support. He returns for his much-anticipated return for The Avenoir Tour South African dates in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria. ‘I remember my first time in South Africa, being blown away by the demand for tickets to my show – it made me feel so special! Every time that I have been back, I have felt the same love and…

SOLVING a technical challenge that has stymied science for 40 years, researchers have built a robot with an onboard computer, sensors and a motor, the whole assembly less than one millimeter in size – smaller than a grain of salt. The feat, accomplished by a partnership of researchers at University of Pennsylvania and University of Michigan, advances medicine toward a future that might see tiny robots sent into the human body to rewire damaged nerves, deliver medicines to precise areas, and determine the health of a patient’s cells without surgery. “It’s the first tiny robot to be able to sense, think and act,” said Marc Miskin, assistant professor of electrical and systems engineering at University of Pennsylvania, and an author of a paper describing the work published this week in…

On December 16, the country will celebrate 30 years of Reconciliation Day. Until 1995, this day was known as Dingane’s Day or Day of the Vow. King Dingane, who planned the killing of Boers in 1938 after luring them into his kraal, died on January 29, 1840. The Boers made a vow to God that if they were to win against Dingane, they would build a church to thank God. Their wish came true at the Battle of Blood River. It was for these reasons that the day had two names – one acknowledging King Dingane, the other acknowledging the Boers. The current labelling of this day as “Reconciliation Day” was meant to heal the old wounds and build a post-apartheid nation. The extent to which we have been able…

ORLANDO PIRATES (0) (2) Luthuli 68’, Radiopane 80’ CARLING ALL STARS (0) (0) Orlando Pirates proved that they have mastered how and when to turn it on at “final” festivals in the first half of the 2025 season — and not even a PSL combined “All Stars” team or rainy weather conditions could derail them. Pirates won the Carling Cup after beating the All Stars team 2–0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, courtesy of goals from substitutes Sifiso Luthuli and Boitumelo Radiopane. While this was an unofficial trophy, it still counts toward the team’s domestic success so far this season, after they bagged the MTN8 — their fourth in a row — and the Carling Knockout for the first time in three attempts. The strides made by…

It was not easy on the eye, but Sharks supporters won’t care as their team laboured over the finish line at Kings Park yesterday evening to beat Saracens 28-23, in the process reviving their ambitions in the Champions Cup. The match ended with the Sharks fighting for their lives as they defended their line, but a Saracens error gave new head coach JP Pietersen a victory in his first outing. Before kick-off, Pietersen would have looked to the thunder clouds and wondered what the rugby gods had in store for his team. It had been tortuously humid in Durban almost all week. Moisture was thick in the air, and by kick-off, at 5.15pm, the skies had had enough and emptied their load on Kings Park. There was a strong wind,…

England’s troubled Ashes campaign has drawn further attention following an incident involving a member of the team’s security staff and a Channel Seven cameraman at Brisbane airport. The altercation occurred yesterday as the England squad was preparing to travel to Adelaide ahead of the third Test, scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Footage shared by Australia’s Channel 7 shows a member of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) security team confronting a cameraman during the check-in process. In the video, the ECB security guard is heard repeatedly telling the cameraman to step back. Channel 7 described the exchange as 'aggressive', while images published by CODE Sports appear to show the security official standing back as the cameraman continued filming. The ECB chose not to comment on the incident, which sections…

With 13 games played, Bayern Munich are already eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and look set to welcome back lightning-fast wing-back Alphonso Davies this weekend. Davies came off the bench at the end of Bayern’s 3-1 home Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. Included in the squad for today's home clash with rock-bottom Mainz, the Canada captain is in line to play his first Bundesliga match since tearing his ACL on international duty in March. Bayern's blockbusting form - the German giants have dropped just two points in the Bundesliga this season - means coach Vincent Kompany can afford to ease Davies back into the starting XI. Writing on social media after the match, Davies said: “Good to be back doing what I love…

Durban, known for its rich culture and diversity, is home to an emerging group of social media stars elevating the narrative of positivity in 2025. From culinary storytellers to empowered women, these influencers share their journeys and passions, captivating audiences with authenticity and vibrancy. Here are our Top 4: Uthika Naidu Also known online as @braisedbyuthika, Uthika Naidu is one of Durban’s coolest food content creators who believes in “storytelling through food”. Instead of just sharing recipes, she tells stories about her Indian culture and family traditions through tasty dishes. Naidu’s videos are special because they aren’t rushed. She takes her time explaining why certain meals, like a yummy curry, are cooked for special occasions. Many of her recipes have been passed down through generations, making every dish a piece…

In a major legal boost for Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, the Delhi High Court on Thursday directed social media intermediaries to remove within three days all content, including fake news, violating the actor’s personality and publicity rights. While approaching the High Court to protect his personality rights, Salman Khan demanded that his name, identity and voice should not be used commercially without his permission. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora directed social media intermediaries to treat the petition filed by actor Khan as a complaint and act within three days as per the rules. Khan had filed a complaint under the Information and Technology (Intermediaries) Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules. The court stated that it will soon issue a stay order regarding non-social media platforms violating the actor’s personality…