Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-12 i Weekend Argus Saturday

The Life List brings Lori Nelson Spielman’s bestselling novel to the screen with a heartfelt story about grief, growth, and second chances. It ambitiously turns pain into purpose and a childhood bucket list into a roadmap for rediscovery. While it may not hit every emotional note with perfect precision, the film offers a warm, sometimes overly polished, yet relatable reminder that death doesn’t have to be the end of your story – it can also mark the beginning of a new one. The heart of the story lies in Alex Rose (Sofia Carson), a woman in her early 30s navigating the loss of her mother, Elizabeth (Connie Britton), and the sudden disintegration of a life she thought she had figured out. Directed by Adam Shankman, best known for feel-good fare…

IN early April 2025, President Trump increased tariffs on key trading partners, including China, Canada, Germany, Japan, and several African countries. The baseline tariff on all imports was 10%, and some countries faced up to 50%. South Africa has been notably affected, facing a 30% tariff on goods entering the US based on a 60% reciprocal tariff claim. However, this is inaccurate, as SA’s average tariff is closer to 7.5%. Trump’s use of tariffs transforms them from mere economic tools into sources of market unpredictability. Trump’s policy interventions are intentionally disruptive, reflecting a complex interaction of economic uncertainty, class conflict, and systemic instability. These actions challenge the ideological foundations of the liberal global order, shifting the focus away from rules and institutions to a reality dominated by power, hierarchy, and…

Cunard Line’s new luxury vessel, the Queen Anne, made her grand entrance into South African waters with her highly anticipated arrival at Cape Town harbour Thursday, following a stop in Durban on 7th April. This marks a significant moment, not just for Cunard, but for the City’s burgeoning reputation as a premier cruise destination. The Queen Anne is the largest ship in Cunard’s illustrious history by embarking on a complete world voyage, capable of accommodating 2,996 passengers alongside 1,225 crew members. Following her 107-night maiden global journey that started in January from Southampton, she has made her historic debut on African shores, calling at 30 ports across 18 countries. This debut affords South African guests a chance to book a place on a luxurious global voyage, with a…

As the Easter long weekend approaches, a wave of excitement is sweeping across South Africa. Families are preparing for short breaks, packing their cars, and hitting the open road for some much-needed quality time away from home. However, amidst the anticipation of adventure lies a crucial need for safety and preparedness, both on the road and at home. Recognising this, Castrol has collaborated with Paige Lindenberg, general manager for Shelby SA and an award-winning racing driver, to share essential road safety tips for your Easter journeys. “Safety on the road isn’t about luck; it’s about preparation,” said Paige. Drawing from her experiences on the racetrack, she underscores the significance of addressing even minor vehicle issues before embarking on a trip. “Looking after your family’s safety should start long before your…

“Our soldiers have broken into Berlin” were the words of Soviet mayor-general Vladimir Antonov which reverberated through Soviet Russia and the world after their breakthrough into the city. In defence of their capital, the Germans were determined to fight to the end, while the Russians would fight to liberate Europe from Nazism. Yet, to British historian, John Pimlott it was the epitome of an ideological clash, because “a victory [in Berlin] would symbolise more than just the winning of a battle – it would represent a triumph of one political ethic over another”. With the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Berlin and end of the Second World War in Europe in May 1945, it is fitting to reflect on this final pivotal confrontation. The famed Soviet general of the…

When speaking about Robben Island, the name is often synonymous with Nelson Mandela and the Struggle against apartheid. However, on March 31, the Robben Island Museum hosted a tour and pre-conference on the island’s World War II history. The presentation centred on the role Robben Island played during World War II. It is one of the island’s most tragic periods. In 1933, Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany, ultimately leading to a second global war. Back home in South Africa, allegiances were divided. The English supported the Allied forces, while many Afrikaners favoured the German cause or advocated for a neutral stance in the European conflict. This division caused a split in the coalition government between J.B. Hertzog’s National Party and Jan Smuts’s South African Party. The Head…

THERE’S a debate raging at the moment about what constitutes volunteering and whether certain organisations or causes should be ranked higher than others. Should service hours spent caring for children or the elderly be considered more valuable than hours spent helping animals or protecting the environment? Is feeding the homeless somehow more meaningful than planting trees or rescuing pets? These questions are sparking passionate discussions across communities, schools, and even volunteering platforms. I don’t really have a strong opinion either way, but it has made me think deeply about the purpose of volunteering. If we’re starting to measure and compare causes, perhaps we’re moving too far from the heart of what volunteering is truly about. Maybe we need to return to the basics and ask ourselves: What are the true…

Prepare to have your perceptions of power and beauty utterly redefined. Local lingerie brand KAAL, helmed by the multi-talented model, actress, and disc jockey Roxy Louw, has just unleashed its groundbreaking “ICONIC” campaign, and it’s sending seismic waves of self-love and empowerment across the nation. This isn’t just about showcasing exquisite lingerie; it’s a bold declaration that a woman’s power resides within her, waiting to be unleashed. For Louw, the “ICONIC” campaign is deeply personal, born from “a fire in my chest – a deep desire to redefine what power, beauty, and sensuality look like when women claim it for themselves.” Her vision is crystal clear: “We’re not waiting to be discovered. We’re not asking for permission. We’re becoming our own icons, on our own terms. The campaign is a…

It’s been nearly a month since the Two Oceans Aquarium successfully released Gen, the ragged-tooth shark, back into the open ocean off Struisbaai. The Aquarium shared the exciting news with their followers, marking a significant moment not just for the team who cared for Gen, but also for the future of ragged-tooth sharks and ocean conservation as a whole. Gen’s release was the culmination of months of careful preparation. Leading up to the big day, the Aquarium team ensured that Gen’s health was in optimal condition. She was removed from the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Exhibit and placed in temporary housing where she was closely monitored by the aquarium’s veterinarian, Dr Ilse Jenkinson. Regular health checks were carried out, including tests on her blood and vital signs, to ensure…

Philanthropic donations to South African universities have seen significant growth in recent years, with the latest 10th Annual Survey of Philanthropy in Higher Education (ASPIHE) conducted by Inyathelo revealing a sharp rise in donor contributions. In 2022, donations reached R1.81 billion, up from R659 million in 2013. When including Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) income, the total funding for the 2022 academic year reached R2.2bn. The number of donors has also surged, more than doubling from 4,355 in 2013 to 8,087 in 2022. The bulk of these donations came from South African sources, accounting for 88% of the total philanthropic income. Individual donors remain the largest contributors, making up 71% of the donor pool, while trusts, foundations, and the private sector contributed 83% of the total income. A significant…

Addressing kidney disease requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating early detection, accessible treatment options, skilled healthcare workers and supportive policies. This is according to Professor Mignon McCulloch, head of the Clinical Unit of Paediatric Nephrology and Solid Organ Transplantation at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, who delivered her inaugural lecture titled “First aid for kids’ kidneys in Africa and beyond”. Her presentation focused on using alternative forms of dialysis that do not rely on sophisticated technology. Her work demonstrates that African solutions for African problems exist. She mentioned that chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 10% of the global population, yet many individuals remain undiagnosed until the disease has progressed to a critical stage. Risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and genetic predisposition contribute significantly to CKD. “We must…

Citroen is looking to expand its footprint in South Africa and in so doing hoping to get more bums on seats in the iconic French marque. “South Africa is an important market for us,” said Citroen Global CEO Thierry Koskas. Citroen falls under the Stellantis portfolio which in South Africa also includes Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Opel, Peugeot and Abarth. Locally, Citroen sells the C3 1.2 Plus, C3 1.2 Max, C3 Aircross 1.2 Plus, C3 1.2T Max, C3 Aircross and the C3 Aircross 1.2 Max 7-seater. Pricing Pricing ranges from R249,900 to R371,900. “In terms of pricing we are well-placed compared to the competition. “The majority of our sales are stable and in Europe, but we are trying to grow outside Europe with a few key operations in South…

Imagine standing on the lawn of a home you poured your blood, sweat, and savings into, watching as it’s repossessed by the bank. Now imagine discovering that the very same house, cornerstone of your life, has been sold by that bank for as little as R100. For some South African homeowners, this isn’t a distant nightmare but a cold, harsh reality that has sparked a battle in the courts. I was surprised when I read an article by the Cape Times on this. The indignity of this situation cannot be overstated. How does a house, often one’s single greatest asset and symbol of stability, end up being sold for a pittance? These are the questions at the heart of the R60 billion class action lawsuit against the country’s major banks.…

The Master’s Office has faced significant criticism in the media over the past few years due to frustrations with service delivery issues. As a 350-year-old institution, with its first trust recorded in 1833, the Master’s Office is under increasing pressure to adapt to societal changes and a growing client base while managing its manual systems. For example, following a court case in late 2002, the Master was tasked with administering intestate estates of black South Africans for the first time, and after another court case in late 2004, the Master was assigned to administer estates distributed under customary law. Following legislative changes in 2022, after the Financial Action Task Force found several issues - including that South Africa did not adequately track the “beneficial owners” of trusts - the Master…

While all eyes will be on Akani Simbine’s duel with Ferdinand Omanyala in the 100m in Botswana Grand Prix today, two South African women will be hoping to take the next big step in their careers. The 400m hurdles pair of Zeney Geldenhuys and Rogail Joseph have been progressing steadily on the world rankings over the past few years. But they really grabbed the attention of the hurdles world by reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, and were unlucky to miss out on a spot in the final. In fact, Geldenhuys was the ninth-quickest overall across the semi-finals, so she fell just short of the required time to rank eighth. But she still managed to set a new personal best of 53.90 seconds as she ended in third…

There is still an outside chance for all four South African franchises to reach the playoffs of the United Rugby Championship (URC) when the tournament hits the business end next weekend. While the Bulls and Sharks are the pacesetters of the local teams in the top four, chasing defending champions the Glasgow Warriors for second place, the Stormers and Lions have work to do in their final four games to get into the top eight. The Cape side is in a more comfortable spot than the men from Ellis Park, who must hope for a few results to go their way while winning all their final games, to break into a knockout spot. Bulls While fighting in the Challenge Cup, the Jake White-coached outfit will have one eye on catching…

In today’s fast-paced world, where balancing work commitments, school schedules, and daily responsibilities can seem overwhelming, it’s easy for family time to slip away. However, nothing can replace the value of creating lasting memories with those closest to us. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, South Africa provides a stunning backdrop for unforgettable family experiences. Whether your family is defined by blood relations or cherished friendships, exploring new horizons together becomes a journey of discovery. Family-friendly culinary experiences: Clarens, Free State Dubbed the Jewel of the Free State, Clarens is perfect for families who appreciate great food and local flavours. Nestled at the foot of the Maluti Mountains, the town offers dining gems like Clementines, known not just for its delicious cuisine but also for its fascinating history.…

I’ve spent what must amount to hundreds of hours binge-watching reruns of The Big Bang Theory. At this point, it’s more than just background noise, it’s a ritual of sorts. Although, I’ll admit I sometimes find myself frustrated with the lack of character development (Leonard, I’m looking at you; stand up for yourself already). Yet, I keep coming back, and if you’re like me, choosing to watch the same shows over and over, especially during stressful times, you’re not alone. There’s a comforting psychology behind this habit, and it’s deeply rooted in how our brains are wired. The power of familiarity At its core, rewatching old TV shows taps into our brain’s love for familiarity. According to research, our central nervous system prefers familiarity, consistency and predictability because it helps…

In South Africa, where the spirit of Ubuntu (“I am because we are”) is deeply rooted in our culture, maintaining healthy boundaries can feel like a delicate balancing act. For many of us, prioritising our own needs is seen as selfish, even disrespectful. But here’s the truth: constantly making exceptions for others at the expense of your own mental and emotional well-being doesn’t serve anyone in the long run. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably asked yourself: why am I always the one bending? Why is my well-being always the compromise? These are important questions and they highlight a crucial reality when you consistently make yourself the exception, you risk losing sight of your own needs, energy and peace of mind. Setting boundaries isn’t about being unkind or un-African. It’s…

A group of excited school learners with entrepreneurial aspirations is the first intake at the African Innovation Academy (AIA)’s inaugural initiative at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). iAccelerate SA – an innovative high school start-up accelerator, designed to empower South African students with essential entrepreneurial and leadership skills – got under way at UWC facilitated by NPO, Sakhikamva, which focuses on youth skills development. The interactive session kicked off on Friday and had learners from Grades 9 to 12 from various schools across the Western Cape introduced to conceptualising ideas for start-up businesses. One of the guest speakers at the first session in iAccelerate’s three-month programme, editor-in-chief at Fast Company SA, Wesley Diphoko, shared his story of ambition, failure, and working in technology, media, and communications spaces.…

Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier has announced a record R33.259 billion budget for the 2024/25 financial year – the largest departmental budget in the province – with a strong focus on improving learning outcomes, expanding access to education, and supporting vulnerable learners. “We are stepping up to tackle the most pressing challenges faced in education,” said Maynier. A key part of this year’s budget is the R322.3 million investment in the #BackOnTrack programme. According to Maynier, “A recent evaluation showed that children gained up to 205 days’ worth of learning, catching up nearly a full year’s progress.” In 2024, over 15,000 learners in Grades 4 and 7 and 8,000 matriculants will receive additional support through weekend classes and revision camps. He said teachers will also benefit, with 2,483…

Milton Manor, located on the scenic 2 Milton Road in Sea Point, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. For some of its residents, however, the beauty of the location is being overshadowed by a long-standing issue that’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore – a tree whose invasive roots are causing serious damage to the property. The tree, located on the pavement outside the building, has caused damage to the boundary wall, paving, and even the apartments, some of which cost more than R3 million to buy. Since December 2023, residents have been struggling with the ongoing issue, with one pensioner in particular being directly impacted. The roots of the tree have invaded her apartment, forcing her to move her furniture around to avoid further damage. Marion…

In a tense cross-examination, State prosecutor Advocate Aradhana Heeramun grilled Jacquen “Boeta” Appollis about why he failed to open a case or report the alleged assault he claims to have endured at the hands of police officers during the early days of the Joshlin Smith investigation. He took the stand in the Western Cape High Court sitting at the White City Multipurpose Centre, Diazville, Saldanha Bay, and demonstrated how the police allegedly beat him with rubber batons. He was arrested on March 5, 2024, with his girlfriend and Joshlin’s mom Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, and friend Steveno ‘Steffi’ van Rhyn for kidnapping and human trafficking. Appollis testified to being tortured, alleging beatings with batons, suffocation with a plastic bag, and being suspended in the air with an aluminum pipe during interrogations.…

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Durbanville, the famed Groot Phesantekraal winery is turning heads as it commemorates one of South Africa’s most intriguing historical figures, Anna de Koning (sometimes written as de Koningh or de Coningh). The Cape Town Heritage Foundation recently unveiled a Blue Plaque in her honour, recognising her remarkable journey from slave to socialite in one of Cape society’s most notable eras. Born around 1661 to a slave and demonstrating exceptional beauty and resilience, Anna’s life unfolded against the richly woven tapestry of 17th- and 18th-century Cape Town. She inherited Groot Phesantekraal in 1724 after her husband, Olaf Bergh –a Swedish explorer and Dutch East India Company official – passed away, placing her amongst the wealthiest individuals of her time. The family-run winery, which has been…

THE rugby season is kicking off in schools across South Africa and players, parents, coaches and referees are preparing for exciting, yet physically demanding matches. In many sports, injuries are an unfortunate, common occurrence. Rugby, inherently a contact sport, also carries the inevitable risk of head injuries, ranging from minor concussions to severe Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). The importance of early detection of head injuries is essential for effective treatment and preventing further complications. In many cases, the symptoms of a concussion or TBIs may not be immediately apparent and athletes may continue playing which can lead to further damage. Accurate diagnosis and management of head injuries require a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced imaging techniques. radiologist at SCP Radiology, Dr Hofmeyr Viljoen, talks about the nature of these…

Prepare for a night of unrestrained laughter as Kurt Schoonraad, one of South Africa’s most beloved and influential comedians, returns to the stage with his latest one-man show, Funny Side Up. Running from May 12 to 17 at the esteemed Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, this highly anticipated comedy event promises to deliver an evening filled with clever observations and heartwarming humour. Schoonraad’s signature style merges wit, warmth, and uniquely South African humour, as he delves into the absurdities of modern life. From navigating the daily chaos to unearthing silver linings amidst relentless change, his performance serves as a delightful reminder that laughter is an essential coping mechanism in turbulent times. “Funny Side Up as a title is just a metaphor for never losing your sense of humour,” Schoonraad explained.…

From blowing his trumpet in the Klopse to blending that vibrant street culture into a distinctive jazz sound, Muneeb Hermans, 30, from Hanover Park, has turned tradition into triumph – now set to headline his own project at the prestigious Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). Hermans first picked up the trumpet at around age 11, after joining the Kaapse Klopse (Cape Minstrels). “The first year I was walking with the umbrella,” Hermans recalled, laughing. “The next year, that trumpet was in my hands – and that’s where the journey really started.” While the Klopse is sometimes met with criticism, for Hermans, it was his launch pad. “A lot of people focus on the negative, but that’s where I found music,” Hermans said. “It’s all about what you…

A collaborative team of scientists from South Africa and the UK has unveiled a pioneering synthesis framework designed to facilitate the rapid assessment of changes in insect biodiversity. This vital step comes at a time when insect populations face unprecedented declines globally, raising urgent questions about causes, urgency of action, and, ultimately, the future of our ecosystems. In their recently published review article in the prestigious journal Science, the researchers highlight the alarming yet poorly understood trends affecting insect biodiversity worldwide. “We know that insect biodiversity is changing, and that there have been many declines in parts of the world,” the article notes. “However, we do not know how severe or pervasive the problem is. More critically, we lack a clear understanding of why insect biodiversity is changing.” Prof. Cang…

April is Autism Awareness Month, highlighting challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families, as many misconceptions and limited understanding still persist. Zaida Frank, spokesperson for Autism Connect, Nicolette Ripepi, founder of Autism Connect Learning Centre, and Nikki Simons, Clinical Psychologist at the Neurodiversity Centre in KZN, are all working to combat these misunderstandings. Frank highlighted misconceptions surrounding autism. “People often assume autistic individuals behave like fictional characters such as Dr. Shaun Murphy from The Good Doctor,” she said. This oversimplification of autism, alongside the damaging belief that it is caused by supernatural forces or parental actions, continues to fuel misunderstanding. “These misunderstandings could be resolved if society as a whole became more inclusive and better informed about the condition,” Frank believes. Despite laws advocating for inclusivity, Frank…

Like a burly tri-athlete in a tuxedo, the new Lexus GX aims to combine genuine off-road capability with the kind of luxury and sophistication that you’d expect from the Japanese premium brand. Unashamedly pitched at premium rivals such as the Land Rover Defender, this is the first time that the Lexus GX is ever being offered to South African consumers, although internationally it is now in its third generation. Just like the larger Lexus LX is based on Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300, the GX is a relative of the Prado. Yet after spending two days with the newcomer on a variety of roads and trails in the Eastern Cape, it became clear that this is far more than just a Prado wearing Prada. While it retains the Prado’s basic bodyshell,…

There’s historical precedent for how Robert F Kennedy Jr is handling his ascension to high office in the US. It’s an episode that didn’t end well. Thabo Mbeki, who succeeded Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa and governed in his shadow for nine years, was the world’s most powerful AIDS denier. As president, he could do far more than spout long-debunked theories about HIV not causing AIDS. He appointed a health minister who insisted that the cure was garlic, lemons, beets and beer. And he forbade public hospitals to provide the antiviral drugs that were saving lives in other African countries. Both Mbeki and South Africans paid a price. In 2008, he was ousted in an ANC party power struggle – after his intransigence had killed an estimated 365…

Last week, in reaction to the US government’s extraordinary imposition of tariffs on goods coming into America from almost every country in the world (including islands inhabited only by penguins), stock markets understandably tanked. By the time you read this, they may have recovered somewhat or dropped further. Investors should rightly be worried – they are seeing the value of their savings plummet. But this is the nature of stock-market investments.Even without the incomprehensible actions of US President Donald Trump, it was fairly inevitable there would be a “correction” at some point, particularly in the US market, whose giant tech stocks have been massively overpriced for some time. The advice from your trusted financial adviser, if you have one, will be not to panic and sit tight until markets recover.…

Sperm does not make a father, and being a biological parent does not automatically grant parental rights, according to a ruling by the Pension Funds Adjudicator, Muvhango Lukhaimane. Lukhaimane dismissed a complaint from a woman who was aggrieved that Old Mutual Wealth Retirement Annuity Fund refused to recognise her twin children as beneficiaries after the death of their sperm donor father. The deceased, a member of the fund, passed away on January 4, 2021, leaving behind several relatives, including a minor daughter, a minor son, a major son, a stepson, and two customary spouses. A gross death benefit of R787 524 before tax was available to be allocated among his beneficiaries. The fund allocated 80% of this benefit to the deceased's major son and 20% to one of his customary…

The prestigious Monte Carlo Masters is off to a shaky start, with the recurring theme of top seeds, some of whom reside in the principality, crashing out early, coupled, with the revolving door issue, with respective coaches. First to be felled was World No 2, Alexander Zverev, “who loves playing at home”, but didn’t enjoy losing in front of a top heavy Italian crowd, to 2023 Wimbledon Finalist, Matteo Berretini, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5: When asked what was troubling him, the German cryptically replied: “ I lost three sets in Buenos Aires, three in Rio, three in Indian Wells, three in Miami and three here, so that’s the matter...” What he means is, he’s failed to go beyond the Quarters of any tournament, since the Australian Open- or pick up a…

In just over 100 days since taking on the role of the 8th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Professor Robert Balfour has already begun to leave a distinct mark on the institution. His dynamic approach to leadership is characterised by warmth, visibility, and a firm commitment to transforming UWC into a beacon of social justice and inclusion in higher education. Although officially starting on 1 January 2025, Professor Balfour wasted no time familiarising himself with UWC’s vibrant campus culture. Embracing the ethos of accessibility, he made it a point to walk the grounds, engage with students and staff, and greet visitors like old friends, often adorned in one of his signature hats. This early immersion laid the groundwork for open dialogues that have defined…

Students from Mitchells Plain have broken their silence about ongoing issues with the New Venture Creation business skills programme, facilitated by the Mitchells Plain Community Advice and Development Project on behalf of Services SETA. The group of students said they are frustrated and disheartened after months of delays in stipend payments and the non-issuance of certificates – despite completing the programme and signing all necessary documents. Janine van Reenen, one of the affected students, said she joined the course last June after hearing about it through her local community WhatsApp group. “I asked around to make sure it was legit, and was told I could trust it. I registered in the rain during winter, because I wanted to better myself,” she said. According to the students, the four-month programme,…

Bidders Choice are inviting interested parties to submit bids for Stellar Agri and Stellar Winery, which is in business rescue. Offers can be submitted from May 27 at 8am until May 29 at 4pm and the acceptance period will last for 21 days until June 30 at 4pm. Bids can be submitted as follows: 1. The entire business with all movable assets as a going concern. 2. Individual farm portions. 3. Individual bids on: The winemaking business Vegetable farming Vineyard farming 4. The wine cellar and related equipment. 5. The farming equipment. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. All requests for information must be sent to pg@bidderschoice.co.za - a link with all the information will be sent to bidders who have requested access. Please note, no telephonic requests will be…

St Benedict’s College Aquatic Centre in Germiston played host to a memorable gathering of lifesaving athletes from across the country, as DHL Lifesaving South Africa hosted the 2025 Pool Inter-Provincial Championships. With exceptional energy in the air, teams from across South Africa came together not only to compete, but to celebrate the essence of lifesaving: skill, speed, teamwork - and above all, a shared commitment to saving lives. “Every second counts. It’s a reminder of why we do this. In the critical moments of a rescue, a life is on the line. Accuracy, speed, and confidence in the water are non-negotiable. That’s why championships like this matter. They sharpen the very skills that our lifesavers rely on when called into action at their respective clubs,” said Annelie Lourens, Chairlady of…

Prepare to be spellbound as MAJIKA, Africa’s largest illusion show, heads to the Artscape Theatre Centre this winter promising to be a must-see for magic fans of all ages. The College of Magic, which celebrates its 45th anniversary, presents MAJIKA, a world-class production that blends cutting-edge illusions with contemporary African artistry, leaving audiences breathless with its mind-bending feats. “Join us as we celebrate 45 years of enchantment with a grand-scale illusion show that celebrates Africa’s magic and talent,” said Chad Findlay, creative director of The College of Magic. With an electrifying mix of daring illusions, mesmerising sleight of hand, and theatrical brilliance, this production promises to be an extraordinary fusion of magic and innovation. Witness Africa’s rich cultural storytelling intertwined with mind-blowing magic in a way that has never been…

As Earth Month unfolds, a battle looms over South Africa’s environmental future with the burst of concern surrounding fossil fuel development in the ocean off the Outeniqua Basin. The Green Connection and Natural Justice have formally lodged objections against exploratory oil and gas surveys in Blocks 9 and 11B/12B, shedding light on the potential environmental devastation these projects could incur. Despite significant scrutiny and alarming evidence highlighting how such initiatives only accelerate climate change and destroy ecosystems, the push for fossil fuel exploration persists. Adding to the controversy is the fact that TotalEnergies EP South Africa has already abandoned the project, viewing it as too fraught with risk and cost. Now, Main Street 1549 (Pty) Ltd, a lesser-known entity in the oil and gas sector, is stepping into the breach,…

The Cape Leopard Trust Research team is buzzing with excitement as they unveil the results of a significant survey of the Cederberg region. Spanning over 1600 km² of this rugged, iconic landscape, the survey ran from June to December 2023 and promises to shed light on the elusive leopard population within one of South Africa’s most pristine natural habitats. During the survey, 67 paired camera stations were strategically placed along jeep tracks and hiking trails, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the varied montane Fynbos environment, which includes provincial and private nature reserves as well as communal lands. The challenges faced during this survey were immense, from unprecedented floods and snow to heatwaves and veld fires. Working alongside the cutting-edge machine learning programme WildID, the research team meticulously sifted through over 240,000…

It was hard, brutally so, but after five days, a group of intrepid motoring enthusiasts had written the Nissan Navara Warrior into the Guinness Book of World Records in a brand new South African bakkie. The Navara Warrior had only been officially launched to the local market days before. Built in South Africa by Nissan at its Rosslyn plant, the Pro 4X then undergoes a conversion by Australian engineers Premcar, in the same plant, to emerge as the Warrior with greater ground clearance, better approach and ramp breakover angles and bigger front and rear tracks. The best way to prove the new vehicle to the market was to set a world record in it, says Nissan Africa head of communications Ramy Mohareb. “We’ve been building the all new Navara in…

By the end of this year, 42 African countries will have held national elections in the previous 24 months. But do these elections produce parliaments that accurately reflect the societies they serve? Aside from studies of women in Africa’s legislatures, there is surprisingly little information about this important issue. Elected parliaments are the essence of representative democracy. Lawmakers are more likely to know what voters need and want if they are alike in age, gender, language, education or occupation. As scholars of African politics, we wanted to find out if African legislators actually represented their voters. We compared the results of two separate surveys conducted across the same 17 African countries. The first comes from the African Legislatures Project. This interviewed 823 elected representatives (MPs). The second was produced by…

Banks are increasingly making use of technologies in a bid to thwart criminals. With a need to balance fulfilling customers’ desires for instant gratification in terms of having items delivered ASAP with the extra time it takes them to verify transactions, new solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly coming to the fore. Adrian Schofield, veteran ICT commentator noted that “putting your money into someone else’s hands for safe-keeping and for enabling transactions has inherent risks that offset the planned advantages”. “Fraud is nothing new,” Schofield said, given that third parties with criminal intentions have constantly found ways to insert themselves into the relationship between banker and client to deprive them of their “cash”. “As fast as the banks adopt new technologies to secure the transactions, the criminals use…

Escalating trade tensions – driven by President Trump’s sweeping 10% tariff on all imports and China’s impending 34% “retaliatory” levy on U.S. goods – have heightened fears of a global recession. The real conflict is economic. It is about trade wars, technological dominance, and controlling key industries. The stock markets in the USA have lost almost 5$5 trillion! The recent fiasco in finalising a budget for the South African economy has sent an extremely negative message to the financial markets. Interest rate on long bonds increases sharply to 11,21%. In contrast, the long bond rate of the USD is 4,25%, and most first-world countries are lower than that. Third world countries have much higher rates, with Brazil and Russia rates at over 15%. Price often serves as a proxy for…

The Toyota Easter Festival, South Africa’s premier equestrian event over 10 days, has attracted over 5000 entries and takes place at the Kyalami Park Club in Johannesburg. Scheduled to start on Saturday through to Monday, 21 April, the festival has placed South Africa on the international equestrian map. The event features a variety of competitions, including show jumping, dressage, and eventing, catering to riders of all ages and skill levels. This diversity ensures that spectators can enjoy thrilling displays of skill and grace. The stakes have been upped for the 2025 showpiece because the Olympic discipline of dressage is being added to the showjumping portfolio. Riders will target their training regimes to encompass the technical demands of dressage and the thrilling agility required for showjumping. For those talented riders from…

A honeymoon marks a pivotal celebration in a couple’s matrimonial journey, offering a unique opportunity to step away from the chaos of wedding planning and bask in each other’s company. This special time together is not just about relaxation; it’s about enriching your relationship, creating lasting memories, and nurturing intimacy through shared experiences. Whether you envision breaking routines, discovering new cultures, or indulging in luxurious relaxation, a well-planned honeymoon is an essential chapter in your love story. Choosing the right destination Selecting the perfect honeymoon destination involves several considerations that can shape your experience. Start by setting a realistic budget that encompasses flights, accommodation, activities, food, and potential fees such as visas or travel insurance. Look for deals and packages that can help stretch your budget further, allowing you to…

Wellness travel is no longer just a trend; it’s a lifestyle. Globally, travellers are seeking destinations that offer rejuvenation, relaxation, and connection to nature, and South Africa is quickly emerging as a leading hotspot for luxury wellness tourism. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and innovative wellness offerings, it’s no wonder South Africa is becoming a global favourite for wellness enthusiasts. According to the Global Wellness Institute, Africa’s wellness tourism market was valued at a staggering $89.56 billion in 2023, with projections of reaching $114.24 billion by 2029. SA stands at the forefront of this growth, capturing the hearts of international travellers with its unique blend of luxury, ancestral healing traditions, and eco-conscious experiences. What is wellness travel? Wellness travel focuses on experiences that enhance physical, mental, and spiritual…