Indholdsfortegnelse for 2026-01-18 i Sunday Tribune

Minister Mantashe's recent assertion that unemployed people are passive is a “political offside”. A few years back, I also came across a picture of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe clad in a full football kit on social media. He seemed to be participating in a match. But, I am not talking about an offside he may have committed there then. In a recent television interview, Mantashe called young people who struggle to find employment as passive, not doing enough to find jobs and only waiting for handouts(I paraphrase). With this statement, the Minister really employed an unfair act to gain political mileage. Hence I say he was “politically offside”. The high unemployment rate in this country is more of a governance failure than the fault of the general public who…

If you don’t journal, chances are the last time you held a pen was to sign for a delivery or fill in a form you didn’t really want to complete. Which is wild, when you think about it. Many of us (millennials and older) grew up handwriting everything: pages of school notes, doodles in the margins, love letters folded into tiny squares. And yet somewhere between smartphones, laptops and voice notes, the pen quietly slipped out of our lives. I realised this the first time I committed to journaling properly. The ideas came easily, but the act of writing felt slow, almost inconvenient. My hand cramped. My letters looked unfamiliar, like they belonged to someone else. It was baffling and a little unsettling how disconnected I’d become from something that…

THE foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that has devastated South Africa’s agriculture, has raised urgent concerns for farmers. Considered the worst outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in recent years, the implications are dire, with prices for red meat and dairy products set to surge. FMD is a highly contagious disease of all cloven hoofed animals and South Africa lost its FMD-free status in 2019. The outbreak started in 2021 when animals moved from Phalaborwa to KwaZulu-Natal. Farmers like Angus Williamson, vice president of the KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu), have blamed government negligence for the crisis. He said it was a catastrophe which could have been prevented. “As organised agriculture we engaged with government since 2021 when the outbreak was in Mtubatuba and it took them a year to get vaccinations done in…

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi has been accused of overreaching and acting procedurally irresponsibly following his December 12 directive, which has been widely seen as an attempt to clear the path for Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in the country. In the Government Gazette, he proposed easing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) licensing requirements for satellite service companies such as Starlink. This would allow for bypassing the strict 30% Historically Disadvantaged Groups (HDG) ownership requirements and replacing them with a less stringent “equity equivalent” model. After his directive, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) said it noted the publication of the policy direction. Since then, Malatsi has faced intense scrutiny since the directive. GOOD Secretary-General Brett Her- ron said the minister’s directive is a dense,…

RAJASTHAN translates as the “land of the kings” and the crown jewel is unmistakably the architectural marvel of the “pink city’’ of Jaipur cloaked from drinking well to palace dome in the dusty terracotta hue decreed by Maharaja Ram Singh in 1876 to welcome the bum-in-butter Prince of Wales who was later to be crowned King Edward VI. Fast forward exactly 150 years later and the warren of beehive royal hides beckon a far more stellar breed of royalty in the waves of writers, poets and lovers of the written word who converge from every nook and cranny of the known world on the Jaipur Literature Festival. Historian and Indophile William Dalrymple, who was among the founders of the litfest 19 years ago quipped: “These hundreds of thousands are a…

The eThekwini Municipality has removed drug addicts and vagrants from under the M4 freeway, Che Guevara Road. For more than a decade, vagrants and drug addicts have played a cat-and-mouse game with municipality officials at the southern entrance to the Durban CBD, commonly referred to as the Albert Park area. The municipality had been moving vagrants away from this zone, only for them to reoccupy another plot of land within the zone. For two months, they had occupied the pavement and traffic lanes of Che Guevara Road, making it an unsightly and dangerous intersection for motorists and businesses in the lower Umbilo area. On Friday, the municipality focused on street sweeping, litter picking, removal of illegal dumping, and dismantling of the unlawful structures. The operation was led in collaboration with…

Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who has been implicated in multiple corruption scandals, previously attempted to expand his business interests beyond state tenders by proposing a luxury private airport terminal at OR Tambo International Airport, reportedly backed by annual funding of about R70 million from Nedbank. News24 reported that meetings between Matlala and Nedbank representatives took place over several weeks, with bank officials accompanying him on a site inspection of OR Tambo’s cargo terminal between June and July 2023. The publication said the failed proposal, formalised in a concept document signed by Matlala, outlined how VIP and VVIP passengers would bypass conventional airport procedures through a fast-tracked system managed by his security firm. In the concept document cited by News24, Matlala described the proposed facility as “The Green Lounge”, calling…

For South Africa’s matriculants, the joy of receiving their final results is quickly overshadowed by the crushing reality of university admissions. Across the country’s top institutions, application volumes for the 2026 academic year have soared to overwhelming levels, turning the pursuit of a degree into a fierce, numbers-game battle. With universities like the University of Cape Town (UCT) receiving over 100 000 applications for a few thousand spots, meeting minimum requirements is no longer a guarantee – it’s merely the entry ticket to a hyper-competitive race for a coveted place. A crucial factor in the high application volumes is that a single matriculant often submits applications to multiple universities and for numerous different degree programmes, meaning the application figures are significantly inflated compared to the actual number of individual students…

ONCE regarded as one of KwaZulu- Natal’s weakest performing areas, the uMkhanyakude District is rewriting its history by achieving remarkable success. After 14 years of languishing near the bottom of provincial rankings, the district has emerged as a top achiever in KwaZulu-Natal and secured second place nationally in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. In 2024, uMkhanyakude District rose to the top, having previously been ranked 75th out of 75 districts. This significant elevation marks a transformative journey for the district. uMkhanyakude has remained in the top spot for the third year with 93.2%, up from 92.8% in 2024. The announcement of the NSC results for KwaZulu-Natal's high achievers took place at the Durban Intervention Centre (ICC), where the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, graciously applauded and congratulated…

BETWEEN the 1930s and the 1970s, German ethnologist Hans Himmelheber journeyed across Ivory Coast amassing a collection of ritual objects. Today, around a hundred pieces he bought from local artists – along with 15,000 photographs and a dozen films, have been handed back to their country of origin. Masterpieces from the Senufo, Dan, Baoule and Guro peoples, as well as everyday objects, are now on show in the cities of Abidjan and Man. Ivorian schoolchildren crowd around masks, finely carved turtles, and ceremonial spoons once admired by visitors of Zurich’s Rietberg Museum. They have flocked to the Himmelheber archive at the Adama Toungara museum in economic capital Abidjan. Running until March 8, the exhibit retraces the journeys made by the researcher, who died in 2003. It also features 24 of…

There are words that inspire belief at Orlando Pirates, and then there are words that invite danger. “Quadruple” sits firmly in the latter category. Pirates are once again flirting with history. While success has become familiar in recent seasons, the weight of expectation has never felt heavier. With two trophies already secured and more within reach, the conversation has shifted from progress to possibility—a transition the club knows can derail even the most promising campaign. The Sea Robbers have already lifted the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout this season. They sit at the summit of the Betway Premiership and remain contenders in the Nedbank Cup. On paper, this puts them in rare territory, chasing a feat no South African club has ever achieved. But paper does not remember pain —…

The Sunrisers Eastern Cape coach has acknowledged the club's unmatched record in the SA20, while emphasising their ambition to continue "pushing the envelope" as they host MI Cape Town at St George’s Park today. The Gqeberha-based side has operated at a different level throughout the competition's history. Having reached three consecutive finals, they now have the opportunity to secure a fourth showpiece appearance in as many seasons. With two SA20 trophies and a runners-up medal already housed at St George’s Park, coach Adrian Birrell expressed pride in an achievement he attributes to the calibre of the squads they have assembled. “I think we’ve had good sides. In the first three years, we had a nice style of play. It paid dividends, and we reached the finals three times. We're very…

Superstar Rajinikanth has revealed that shooting for his eagerly-awaited upcoming film with director Cibi Chakravarthy will begin in April this year. Rajinikanth met fans who had gathered outside his residence to greet him on the festival of Pongal. The superstar, when asked about his eagerly-awaited film with director Cibi Chakravarthy, which is being directed by actor Kamal Haasan’s production house Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), he said, “Shooting is to begin in April this year. It will be a proper commercial entertainer.” The film has triggered excitement ever since actor, producer and politician Kamal Haasan announced that RKFI, would be producing the film, tentatively being referred to as #Thalaivar173. The film was meant to be directed by one of Tamil cinema’s most successful directors, which Kamal Haasan had said would…

As we move into 2026, the landscape of wellness travel is set to undergo a profound transformation. Gone are the days when wellness was merely an add-on; the future embraces a holistic integration of health-focused experiences infused with science and personalisation. Wellness travel is becoming a holistic approach to rejuvenation. Expect a rise in concepts like “glowcations” for beauty and “cool-cations” for climate escapes, alongside data-driven retreats and community-focused healing spaces such as saunas and bathhouses. This shift indicates that wellness is no longer an add-on but a core component of the travel experience. Recently, spa booking site SpaSeekers.com released its annual Spa Trends Report for 2026, revealing the countries and cities that spa lovers will flock to for a relaxing break. By analysing over 40 million spa-related Google searches…

Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a break. A real, honest-to-goodness break where the only pitter-patter of feet you hear is your own heading to the spa, and the loudest “splash” is the ice hitting your perfectly crafted cocktail. For many of us, especially those of us who cherish our adult time, the idea of a getaway free from the delightful, yet undeniably energetic, presence of children is incredibly appealing. And it seems Oceania Cruises agrees. In a move that’s sure to delight a significant portion of the cruising community, this luxury cruise line has officially set sail into adults-only waters. As of January 7, the luxury cruise line exclusively welcomed guests aged 18 and above, firmly positioning itself as a haven for sophisticated travellers seeking tranquillity and refined…

There has been welcome reaction to last week’s announcement of the removal of South Africa from the European Union’s list of “High-Risk Third Country Jurisdictions” (EU List). The National Treasury said that they welcome South Africa’s removal from the list. “This follows the delisting of South Africa from the FATF’s greylist (“list of countries under increased monitoring”) and the UK’s list of countries in which there is a high risk for money laundering and terror financing, both of which happened on 13 October 2025.” Treasury added that they also welcomed the removal of five other African countries - Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania - from the EU List, following their removal from the FATF greylist in 2025. “The decision to remove South Africa (and other African countries) from…

Over the holidays, my yearning for a comedy led me to Single Papa on Netflix. I loved it. The six-part series boasts both captivating performances, notably from Kunal Kemmu and Neha Dhupia, and powerful social commentary that scrutinises prejudiced adoption policies and conventional societal pressures. At the heart of the story is Gaurav Gehlot (Kemmu), who is recently divorced. Let’s just say his wife, Aparna (Isha Talwar), outgrew his mama’s boy traits. In trying to find love again, through dating apps, he finds his life upended when a baby boy is left in his car. Stymied by the situation, he takes the baby home, catching his parents, dad Jatin (Manoj Pahwa) and mom Poonam (Ayesha Raza Mishra), and sister, Namrata (Prajakta Koli), who will soon be tying the knot, off…

Well done to the matric class of 2025 on the excellent overall performance. Even some good records were broken. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes for the future. Learners, educators, parents and others concerned are commended. Special thanks go out to educators who offered learners additional classes free of charge. Hopefully retired and current educators would follow suit in the spirit of Ubuntu. Hopefully many learners will proceed to tertiary studies. This is highly recommended. Be wary of bogus institutions and exercise due diligence before registering as there are fraudsters abounding. Not everyone can and should be doctors, lawyers and engineers; diverse artisans should also be trained for essential electrical, plumbing and carpentry services. Persons could also venture into business or self-employment especially as places in tertiary institutions are limited and…

Harvard doesn’t want perfect grades. They want proof you’ll change the world. Sazi Bongwe didn’t get into Harvard with nine distinctions alone. He got in with “Ukuzibuza” – an online platform he built to address injustices facing South African youth. The credentials myth Having coached leaders across five continents, I’ve watched organisations obsess over transcripts while ignoring the only question that matters: What have you actually built? “Top American universities look for students who demonstrate academic potential and are intellectually curious, passionate, and innovative,” says Rebecca Pretorius from Crimson Education, who guided Sazi through applications to Harvard, Stanford, and Yale in 2022. Think about that. The world’s most prestigious institutions aren’t asking “What did you score?” They’re asking “What did you create?” The capstone that opened doors Sazi’s 95.9% aggregate…

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has not given up on leading the KwaZulu-Natal, as the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) teeters on the brink of collapse due to the National Freedom Party’s (NFP’s) internal divisions. MKP KwaZulu-Natal convenor Willies Mchunu yesterday said the party’s intention is to consistently seek ways and means to lead the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government as per the wishes of the electorate, who gave the organisation 45% of the vote in the last provincial elections. “For the purposes of governing, when given an opportunity, it stands to reason that other parties will be consulted on the configuration of government,” he said. The troubled NFP was expected to have met with the existing GPU partners such as the IFP and ANC between yesterday and today. The NFP’s divisions…

THE National Freedom Party (NFP) was founded on January 25, 2011 by Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi and a group of former Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) members, marking one of the most consequential splits in KwaZulu-Natal’s post-1994 political landscape. KaMagwaza-Msibi had joined the IFP in 1975 and rose steadily through its ranks, eventually becoming its national chairperson. However, by the late 2000s, relations between her faction and the party’s top leadership had soured. Tensions peaked after the 2009 general election, when a reformist campaign, popularly branded “Friends of VZ”, emerged to support her as a future IFP president. Her supporters were warned against openly wearing campaign regalia, signalling her growing marginalisation. The “Friends of VZ” seemed to the last straw for IFP traditionalists who saw her challenge for Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi's position as…

Every December, schoolchildren finally get a taste of freedom, especially when it comes to their hair. Girls experiment with funky coloured braids and bold, intricate styles, while boys, for some reason, collectively decide summer is the perfect time to go blonde, complete with sharp lines and detailed fades. But as the first day of school creeps closer and reality sets in, that freedom comes to an abrupt end. With heavy hearts, learners are forced to part ways with the looks they spent weeks enjoying, all in the name of school rules. Hair policies differ from school to school, but most schools have strict guidelines in place. Learners and parents are advised to familiarise themselves with these rules before the school year begins. If you are returning to the same school,…

DESPITE South Africa boasting a state-of-the-art, impact-based early warning system managed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the recent destructive floods in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal serve as a stark and painful reminder that technology alone cannot prevent disaster. At the time of going to print 31 people had lost their lives after the torrential rains caused havoc in the three provinces. The areas include several municipalities in the three provinces with reported severe heavy rains and flooding in uMhlabuyalingana, Nongoma, Jozini, in KZN; and Hoxane, Kiepersol, Mkhuhlu, and Wales in the Bushbuck- ridge, in Mpumalanga as well as the Giyani, Vhembe, Mopani, and Sekhukhune districts in Limpopo. The Emergency Housing Unit of the National Department of Human Settlements, working together with teams from Mpumalanga and…

A KwaZulu-Natal family received closure this week when the killer of KwaDukuza traffic officer, Senior Superintendent Arumugam (Desmond) Marimuthoo, was sentenced to life imprisonment. The Durban High Court sentenced Philakahle Dladla, 27, to life imprisonment for the murder of Marimuthoo. Marimuthoo, 50, a father of three from Tongaat, was killed on November 4, 2024 in Groutville, in northern KwaZulu-Natal. On that fateful morning, Marimuthoo was carrying out his duties when he spotted a mini-bus taxi blocking the road in Groutville. Upon approaching the driver, Marimuthoo learned they were in the midst of a robbery. Whilst Marimuthoo was reversing his vehicle the suspect fired several shots hitting Marimuthoo and ultimately resulting in his death on the scene. The suspect, who was later identified as Dladla drove the taxi towards Thembeni township…

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie faces an investigation by Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka for his decision to stop artist Gabrielle Goliath from partici- pating in the 2026 Venice Biennale. DA MP and the party’s spokes- person on sport, arts and culture Leah Potgieter has asked Gcaleka to probe after the minister withdrew South Africa’s official submission to the 2026 Venice Biennale after a lawful, independent selection process had already been finalised. She said the Public Protector should investigate whether McKenzie’s conduct amounts to maladministration, an abuse or unjustifiable exercise of power, and whether an act or omission by a person performing a public function resulted in unlawful or improper prejudice to others. The Public Protector on Friday confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that the matter…

The internal politics and ideological differences are at play within the DA amid the resignation of former minister Dion George following his fallout with party leader John Steenhuisen. This is according to two political analysts, who commented on what is going on in the second-largest party within the Government of National Unity (GNU). George said in his statement he learnt through the media last November that Steenhuisen requested President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove him as the minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment while he was representing our country at COP30 in Brazil. “My attorneys have requested documents and they are not provided and no proper explanations in writing are received.” At the time, there were reports about his performance in government that the DA was not happy about, along…

CANNON’S Auctioneers are kicking off the 2026 auction season with an online auction of mainly South African paintings and books. Full descriptions and images can be viewed on Cannon’s website or on the Cannon’s Auctioneers app. The highest valued book is Nelson Mandela’s A Prisoner in the Garden, numbered 55 from an edition of 100, signed by Madiba himself and estimated to fetch in excess of R30 000. Three copies of Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom – all signed – should command good interest and prices. African history dominates the book category with some high-value reads on offer. Titles include Natal, the Land and its Story, The Zulus and Boers of South Africa, Cetshwayo’s Dutchman, a 1920s issue of Sports and Sportsmen SA & Rhodesia, Gestapo, Voyage of a Naturalist…

THE UK is considering following Australia in imposing a social media ban for children under 16 years old, amid growing calls for restrictions to protect vulnerable younger users. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said this week that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is encouraging debate on whether to impose an online ban for young people, following a report in the Sun that he has ordered officials to examine how Australia’s own exclusion is working. “I’m certainly in favour of action in this area,” Streeting told Sky News, pointing to his own concerns about the impact of social media on the wellbeing and cognitive development of children. The flurry of activity comes after the UK separately threatened action against Elon Musk’s X platform over the thousands of sexually suggestive images generated by its…

South Africa enters 2026 burdened by a demanding political calendar and an impending democratic test in the form of the National Local Government Elections. While an official date has not yet been announced, all indications suggest that the country will return to the polls in November. These elections are not a routine democratic ritual. Local government is the coalface of the state, the point at which constitutional promises are either translated into lived reality or exposed as hollow abstractions. It is at the municipal level that citizens encounter the state most directly, through water that flows or does not, refuse that is collected or left to rot, and electricity that illuminates lives or plunges communities into darkness. The decisive question, therefore, is not simply whether opposition parties can win municipalities,…

The Sharks produced an emphatic second-half display to secure a 50-12 bonus-point victory in their Champions Cup pool clash against Clermont at the "Shark Tank" in Durban yesterday. JP Pietersen’s side scored 36 unanswered points after the break to overwhelm the French visitors. The hosts started on the front foot, and a brilliant chip over the top by scrum-half Jaden Hendrickse was gathered by Springbok full-back Aphelele Fassi to score close to the posts. Fly-half Jordan Hendrickse added the conversion for an early 7-0 lead. Clermont began to press and were camped inside the Sharks' 22, but a heavy Fassi hit helped alleviate the pressure. The visitors were soon dealt a blow when Yerim Fall received a 20-minute red card for a dangerous tackle in the air on Sharks winger…

In the wake of Steve Barker’s unexpected resignation, Gavin Hunt initially slammed the brakes on taking over as coach of Stellenbosch FC. Rather than accepting the offer immediately, Hunt felt the Winelands club needed time for a careful, strategic transition following Barker’s departure. Hunt was also mindful that the technical staff at Stellenbosch FC found themselves equally blindsided by the turn of events. As Stellenbosch grappled with the loss, the club needed clarity regarding its future direction and aspirations. Hunt, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience, initially expressed concerns about the timing of the club's new direction.“I believe football is always about timing, so Barker’s resignation was unexpected. With Steve leaving, they started interviewing coaches. Rob [Benadie, CEO] phoned me and asked, ‘Would you be interested in the…

Proteas all-rounder George Linde believes South Africa has assembled a formidable squad for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India. Linde is set for his first taste of World Cup cricket, where he and his 14 teammates will aim to become the first senior South African side to bring a world title home. The 34-year-old’s inclusion by Convenor of Selectors Patrick Moroney was a career milestone he describes as "special." “It was obviously very special to me. I don't think it's sunk in yet, to be honest. “There's still a lot of cricket to play before we board that plane,” Linde said. “I think once I'm on the flight to the World Cup, it will start sinking in. I'm really excited. We've got a very good squad and…

South Africa’s population is aging rapidly. The proportion of citizens aged 60 and older has grown from 7% in 1996 to nearly 10% in 2022, representing over six million people. By 2050, this number is expected to reach 12 million, or roughly 16% of the population. With around 40% of people over 60 needing assistance with daily tasks, and this rising to nearly 50% for those over 75, the care sector is feeling the pressure. Many families already rely on domestic helpers to support aging parents or grandparents. These helpers often take on the role of companion, cook, cleaner, and carer all in one. Their willingness to help is remarkable, but caring for older adults requires a different set of skills than caring for children or managing a household. As…

Aside from sweeping romances, I am also becoming a huge fan of meet-cute love stories. What brought this on? It would be People We Meet On Vacation on Netflix. I was completely captivated by the leads in this film, soaking up the clever, quirky script and feeling deeply moved by the tenderness of the direction. It's been a minute since a movie has charmed me as much. Imagine storylines that are playful yet unforgettable, similar to Love, Rosie, Crazy, Stupid, Love, 27 Dresses, Knocked Up, and The Back-Up Plan, as well as timeless classics like Notting Hill and When Harry Met Sally. Adapted from Emily Henry's 2021 novel, this romcom by Bretty Haley is based on a screenplay developed by Nunzio Randazzo, Amos Vernon and Yulin Kuang. At the heart…

I know how easy it is to get stuck listening to the same songs over and over. This year, I want to find music that inspires me, and I want you to do the same. Music has a way of shifting your mood, giving you energy or just helping you think. The good news is, discovering it doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve found a few ways that help me find songs that really connect. I start by paying attention to the music I already love. I ask myself why certain songs stick with me. Is it the lyrics, the beat or just the feeling I get when I listen? Once I understand that, I look for other music with a similar vibe. You can use Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube…

I have been largely inactive on social media for the past five years due to study and work commitments, save for the occasional instance when a friend shared a link they thought I might find interesting. Even then, my engagement rarely extended beyond reading an article or watching a video. This was largely because I had made a deliberate decision to deactivate all my social media accounts. However, during the recent festive season, while I was at home hosting visitors who stayed for a few days, I found myself fully immersed in conversations that dominate social media spaces. That experience reaffirmed that stepping away from those platforms five years ago was the right decision. What struck me most was not just one, but many older women in their late 30s…

KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as the top-performing province in the 2025 matric results, and the learners who achieved this outcome deserve sincere congratulations. For many young people, this success was achieved despite poverty, overcrowded classrooms, and limited resources. Their achievement reflects resilience, discipline, and determination. However, celebration should not be confused with resolution. A high matric pass rate, while encouraging, does not automatically translate into a healthy or equal education system. Behind the headline figures lies a far more troubling reality, especially for learners in no-fee and rural schools. Across KwaZulu-Natal, many schools continue to operate under severe constraints. Crumbling infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and unsafe sanitation – including pit toilets – remain common. These conditions undermine dignity and compromise effective teaching and learning. For many learners, education is further disrupted by…

PARENTS of matriculants at Hillgrove Secondary School in Newlands West have accused the school principal of unlawfully withholding matric results statements from learners whose families owe outstanding school fees. According to parents, several pupils who had passed their matric examinations returned home distraught on Tuesday after being denied their results at the school. The principal allegedly informed learners that no results statements would be released until outstanding fees were fully settled. One affected parent, Nozipho Hlongwa, said the decision has placed her daughter Olwami’s academic future in jeopardy. “I know that I owe school fees, but it hurts that my child cannot secure a place at university because her results are being withheld simply because I can’t pay,” said Hlongwa. She claimed that in September last year, the principal submitted…

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have finally reunited on the big screen for the high-stakes thriller The Rip, which has quickly climbed the charts to become the number one movie on Netflix at the moment. It is a massive moment for fans who have been waiting to see Hollywood’s most iconic best friends share more than just a quick cameo. This time, they are delving deep into a gritty world of crime and corruption in Miami, and the energy they bring to the roles is exactly what you would expect from two people who have known each other since they were young. The story follows a specialised police tactical team that stumbles upon a massive stash of cartel cash hidden inside a suburban home. The title refers to the police…

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) has successfully appealed a Durban High Court decision at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to forfeit R46,120 seized from taxi owner Sithembiso Gcaba, a member of the well-known Gcaba family. The seizure occurred after police observed Gcaba engaged in suspicious and unlawful activity near an ATM at a petrol service station in March 2021. Upon searching him, officers discovered 69 orange Social Security Agency (SASSA) cards, along with a black bag containing additional SASSA cards and R7,640 in cash. An additional R39,800 was recovered from his vehicle. In total, the police seized R46,120. Gcaba’s failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for the cards and money resulted in his arrest and a subsequent charge of 69 counts of fraud. He was later released…

Former Bosasa chief operations officer Angelo Agrizzi on Friday testified virtually in the Bosasa-linked corruption case against business- man Trevor Mathenjwa, currently before the High Court in Johannesburg. In a statement, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) of the National Prosecuting Authority said the state led its evidence in chief through Agrizzi, who previously served as chief operations officer at Bosasa. The NPA’s IDAC has completed leading its evidence in chief through Agrizzi and four other key witnesses. The defence has since commenced cross-examination of Agrizzi. The matter was postponed to April 7 for the continuation of cross-examination. Mathenjwa is facing corruption charges linked to Bosasa, with the alleged gratification amounting to about R600 000. The state alleges that the money was offered and received from Bosasa and its subsidiary,…

The investigation into the kidnapping of businessman Jerry Boshoga is still under way following the return of the docket to the investigating team that was replaced by another without the knowledge of the National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Testifying before the Ad Hoc Committee, Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo said the case was under investigation, but it has had challenges. “During that time, the team was working on the case as instructed by the national commissioner. Soon after the (December 6, 2024) operation, that case was reallocated by Deputy National Com- missioner, General Sibiya, to another team. “So up until recently, the national commissioner directed that the team resume the investigation of the said case,” he said. Khumalo said the team that was initially assigned to the Boshoga’s kidnapping case…

KwaZulu-Natal’s top 10 matric achievers for the Class of 2025 were honoured at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Durban International Convention Centre on Tuesday. The province proudly celebrated its historic 90.6% pass rate, the highest in the country. The learners, representing schools across the province, were recognised not only for their academic brilliance but also for their remarkable resilience. They completed their high school journey amid the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing socio-economic challenges. KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka praised the cohort for their determination and discipline. “The Class of 2025 largely comes from schools with limited resources, many of them in rural areas, making the achievement even more significant,” he said. Top 10 Matric Achievers : 1 Ethan Neil Naicker – Port Shepstone Secondary…

Ian Wyles Auctioneers is featuring three properties set to go under the hammer during their multi-property auction on February 18 at 11am at the Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, uMhlanga Rocks. The first is 47 Devon Terrace, Westville. The area combines suburban tranquillity with urban convenience, making it a desirable location for families and professionals. This four-bedroom property is spread over two levels and complemented by a separate flatlet, ideal for extended family living or rental potential. The first floor features a welcoming entrance hall that leads to an open-plan lounge and dining area. The fully-fitted kitchen comes complete with a scullery. This level features two bedrooms with built-in cupboards and two modern bathrooms. The main bedroom includes built-in cupboards, an air-conditioner, and an en-suite bathroom. The second floor…

The decision by the National Freedom Party (NFP) to pull out of the multiparty coalition government formed by the IFP, ANC and DA in the KZN Legislature has left everybody guessing about the political future of this province. Members of the multiparty coalition create the impression that the legislature is stable. The reality, however, is that nothing is certain – something they will find hard to refute based on a cogent analysis of the present situation in the province. Even Premier Thami Ntuli has recently admitted that this new development will create chaos and instability. Ironically, parties like the DA have suddenly regained their conscience, arguing that the MKP must put the people of KZN first. This is the same organisation that emphatically stated that neither the MKP nor the…

When Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made his first overseas tour of 2026 with visits to Ethiopia, Tanzania and Lesotho from January 7 to 12, he was not merely continuing a 36-year diplomatic tradition but reaffirming the importance that China places on engagement with Africa. The visit underscores a substantive agenda for deepening co-operation in areas critical to long-term development, including digital infrastructure, innovation capacity and inclusive growth. The strategic partnership with China has already reshaped Africa's development trajectory. And nowhere is this more visible than in the rapid expansion of its digital economy. At the heart of this advancement lies a powerful partnership with China – one that combines advanced technology, financial support and deep policy engagement. By helping establish mobile payment systems and smart cities, China is paving…

Protests in Iran and the possibility of the US and Israel attacking the country are causing widespread concern across the international community. At the forefront of this situation are allegations of human rights violations against protesters by the Iranian government. These allegations have received significant attention from Western governments, media outlets and sections of the Iranian diaspora, often presented without sufficient context or historical grounding. Violent and destructive protests cannot be tolerated, particularly when they are not supported by the vast majority of the population and when there is credible evidence of external influence and funding. Such actions undermine social cohesion and threaten public safety. However, upholding the rule of law must occur with restraint. Excessive force and indiscriminate repression risk deepening social divisions and entrenching instability. The experience of…

There are men who join football clubs, and then there are men who are born into them. Bobby Motaung belongs firmly in the latter category. He arrived into the world in 1970—the same year Kaizer Chiefs Football Club was formed. That coincidence has since hardened into something closer to destiny: a life so deeply entwined with the gold-and-black institution that separating the man from the club feels almost unnatural. “I was born the same year as Chiefs,” he says matter-of-factly, as though stating a simple truth rather than a defining biographical marker. Yet, nothing about growing up a Motaung was ordinary. Chiefs was not just a football club his father ran; it was the environment that raised, shaped, and disciplined him, ultimately defining his purpose. Long before Naturena…

Proteas cricket legend Vernon Philander has dismissed any fears that the SA players risk burning out at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, with their exertions in the current SA20 followed by the West Indies series that ends just before the showpiece on the subcontinent kicks off. The television analyst feels, rather, that the series against the visitors from the Caribbean, that starts at Boland Park in Paarl on January 27, should help crystallise coach Shukri Conrad’s strategy and final line-up for the World Cup. “At the moment guys are playing for different SA20 franchises, perhaps not in the positions the coach wants them to be playing in, so I think those T20 games against the West Indies will give Shukri Conrad a little bit of a…

The Stormers were their own worst enemies in a frustrating match against the Leicester Tigers in Cape Town yesterday, squandering several opportunities, but they eventually sealed a 39-26 Champions Cup victory effectively at the death. They also secured a spot in the playoffs of the European tournament with the bonus-point win. After bursting out of the blocks and looking sharp in the early exchanges, they raced into a 12–0 lead and seemingly took full control. Their tempo was high, their work at the breakdown was solid, and Leicester struggled to cope with the Stormers’ initial intensity. However, rather than building sustained pressure after the tries by eighthman Evan Roos and hooker André-Hugo Venter, the hosts inexplicably eased off the pedal, allowing the Tigers back into the contest. Poor decision-making on…