Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-04-19 i Weekend Argus Saturday

Melinda Gates realised her marriage to Bill Gates was in jeopardy in 2019 after revelations about her then-husband’s association with Jeffrey Epstein. Melinda, 60, details the period in her new memoir, The Next Day, describing how she began suffering nightmares and quickly came to understand they were connected to the unravelling state of her relationship. At the time, scrutiny was mounting over Bill’s reported ties to Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and federal conspiracy charges. The couple divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. She says in her autobiography: “That October, things had reached a fever pitch when The New York Times published a deeply disturbing article that raised serious questions about Bill’s conduct – questions that…

If you’ve ever binge-watched The Real Housewives or scrolled through Instagram, you’ve likely seen the influence of cosmetic surgeries. From lip fillers to facelifts, the “Instagram Face” trend has shaped how people, especially women, view beauty. But while these trends dominate social media, they don’t always work for everyone, especially if you have darker skin. The truth is that what works for fair skin may not work for darker skin tones. This isn’t just about aesthetic preferences; it’s about biology, cultural narratives, and the risks involved in certain cosmetic procedures. To unpack this, Independent Media Lifestyle spoke to Durban-based plastic surgeon Dr Kajal Klutch, a respected expert in cosmetic surgery for diverse skin tones. The beauty gap: why skin tone matters When it comes to cosmetic procedures, one size doesn’t…

The City of Cape Town’s latest urban mobility proposals to turn several roads within the CBD into pedestrian walkways has outraged some who are concerned about access for delivery vehicles and e-hailing services. While the plan is still in draft form, it proposes a major shift towards a “more pedestrian- and public transport-friendly city centre”. The draft CBD Mobility and Access Plan (CBDMAP) doesn’t call for immediate car bans, but it does outline a framework for redesigning the CBD to give more space to people walking, cycling, and using public transport, while limiting car dominance in some areas. “This is about building a CBD that works better for more people,” said Rob Quintas, the City’s mayco member for Urban Mobility. “It’s about rethinking how we use our limited space and…

In a significant development in the ongoing trial over the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, Judge Nathan Erasmus has ruled that statements made by two of the accused, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn, are admissible in the main proceedings at the Western Cape High Court. This decision came after a trial-within-a-trial to determine whether the statements were obtained lawfully and per constitutional protections. Delivering his ruling on Thursday afternoon at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Diazville, Saldanha Bay, Judge Erasmus stated that the statement made by Appollis to Colonel Adrian Pretorius on 5 March 2024 will be admitted as evidence and marked as exhibit KK. Similarly, the statement made by van Rhyn to Captain Philip Seekoei, provisionally marked as Exhibit JJ, was also ruled admissible. The Judge…

If it wasn’t for the Arolsen Archives, half-sisters Sula Miller and Helen Schaller would never have met. American Miller and German Schaller only recently discovered they had the same father – a Holocaust survivor who emigrated to the US. Miller “contacted us because she was looking for information about her father”, said Floriane Azoulay, director of the Arolsen Archives, the world’s largest repository of information on the victims and survivors of the Nazi regime. Mendel Mueller, a Jew born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was incarcerated in two Nazi concentration camps: Buchenwald in northern Germany and Auschwitz in what was then occupied Poland. An investigation of the archives revealed he had another daughter, Helen, who was still alive and living in Germany. “Thanks to us, the two women got to know…

EDUCATION is more than the mere transmission of knowledge; it is the foundation upon which societies build their future. However, for many learners, the journey through education is fraught with challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. In South Africa, where socioeconomic disparities, gender-based violence, the lasting impacts of apartheid, and the COVID-19 pandemic continue to shape lived experiences, the need for a trauma-informed approach to education has never been more urgent. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Our country’s National Development Plan 2030 recognises education as key to achieving socioeconomic equity. But how can we expect our children to learn effectively when their trauma goes unaddressed? How can we build a more equitable society without healing the wounds that perpetuate cycles of violence and disadvantage? Evidently, trauma fundamentally alters how…

The 2025 St John’s College Easter Rugby Festival returns and takes place this weekend. A cornerstone of the schoolboy rugby calendar, the Festival continues to celebrate the very best in schoolboy rugby, school spirit, and community. Well known for its focus on camaraderie, skill, and sportsmanship, this beloved Festival once again brings together top College and Prep school teams from across South Africa. There are no league tables, trophies, or medals at the Easter Rugby Festival — this is rugby at its purest, where passion for the game takes centre stage. This year introduces a new format: while Thursday and Saturday still feature the traditional U19 and U13 fixtures, Monday introduces an exciting lineup of U16 teams to complement the U13 fixtures, offering young, aspiring players the chance to…

Tributes continue to pour in for veteran actor Don Mlangeni-Nawa, whose indelible mark on the television industry is fondly remembered by many who cherished his performances. Mlangeni-Nawa, who passed away at the age of 65, left behind a legacy that spanned more than three decades, captivating audiences not only in South Africa but across the continent and beyond. The actor, known for his legendary roles, first captured the nation’s hearts as Laqhasha in the beloved series Sgudi Snaysi. This role endeared him to many, bringing laughter and thoughtful reflection to viewers. However, it was his portrayal of Zebedee “Bra Zeb” Matabane on Isidingo that cemented his status as a household name, making his contribution to South African television truly unforgettable. Mlangeni-Nawa’s family confirmed his passing on April 16, expressing their…

In a significant move to protect public health, academics from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) are heading the fight against exploitative marketing practices, paving the way for a healthier future for all. A paper just published in the Journal of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa provides a strong call for South African health professional associations to end sponsorship from commercial milk formula manufacturers. The authors of this paper represent various health professions, disciplines, universities and organisations in South Africa. A former UWC lecturer and alumna, as well as academics in public health and health promotion, combined efforts to curb the aggressive promotion of commercial milk formula (CMF). Despite the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, the CMF industry continues to expand, driven by pervasive marketing strategies that often…

Name any vehicle that was built almost 50 years ago, is still in production and is instantly recognisable by virtually the entire world. There aren’t many, right? Unless, of course, it’s the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon or, more correctly, the Geländewagen. First introduced in 1979 as a military vehicle and later that year as a civilian option, the G-Wagon has stayed true to its box-like shape and incredible offroad ability, whether it’s a modern diesel G450d or the fire-breathing AMG G63 that’s much loved by rappers, gangsters, soccer players and the rich and famous social types. Who knew, though, that an electric G580 would be as good, possibly better, than anything that has preceded it? I suppose it was inevitable given the way mobility is moving, but as an offroad enthusiast, when…

It’s been a rough few weeks for investors across the globe with volatility caused by higher-than-expected tariffs announced by United States President Donald Trump on April 2, which he called Liberation Day, before walking them backwards somewhat. Markets have seesawed, losing serious ground before recovering and then being highly volatile. And this is going to be the picture for the while, market commentators and analysts say. Old Mutual Wealth chief investment strategist, Izak Odendaal, compared Trump’s trade war to the adverse impact of heavy rain, with the full effect of water damage only being felt later in time. He wrote that the world’s financial markets took the first blow, yet “all that water still needs to go somewhere, and swollen rivers can wreak havoc days away from where the deluge…

When a fund member reaches retirement age, he or she has a choice to purchase one or more life annuities and living annuities. A single life annuity is a guaranteed annuity that the pensioner will receive as pensioner for the rest of his or her life. The monthly pension can be a set amount, for example R10 000 per month or an amount that increases every year by a set percentage (for example, 5%) or an annual increase that is linked to the inflation rate (for example, 100% of the inflation rate of the previous year). The monthly pension payments stop at the death of the pensioner, irrespective of the fact that the member might have a spouse who will need financial support after the death of the pensioner.…

The European clay season swung into action this week with top seeds spread between Masters 500 in Germany and Spain, reducing the potency of respective Draws. New World No 2 and Monte Carlo champion, Carlos Alcaraz, headed for happy hunting ground, Barcelona, which he’s already won twice, while the man he leapfrogged, and demoted to World No 3, Alexander Zverev, also chose home soil, in Munich, to kick off his clay campaign, together with Dutch No 1, Tallon Griekspoor, American Next Gen, Ben Shelton and Argentinian No 1, Francisco Cerundolo. Alcaraz wasted no time in cruising through to the Quarters, demolishing Laslo Djere, 6-2, 6-4: “I think, as much as I can win in straight sets, it’s much better to save energy, for matches coming forward,” the Spaniard maintained. This…

The world watched with interest as American pop star Katy Perry made history as part of an all-female crew launching into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 spacecraft. The mission took place on Monday which marked a significant milestone as the first all-female space crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s historic solo flight in 1963. The six-woman crew included pop star Katy Perry, Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sanchez, journalist Gayle King, film producer Kerianne Flynn, former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, and founder of a campaign group against sexual violence, Amanda Nguyen. During their brief trip, Perry reportedly sang a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World in space and even unveiled her Lifetimes tour set list on camera. The crew travelled to the edge of space. Blue Origin has shared…

If you grew up in the days of playing in the street with your friends, building mud pies, chasing each other around barefoot, and sneaking a popsicle when no one was watching, consider yourself lucky. Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, the new three-part documentary that recently dropped on Netflix, is a brutal reminder that many children today are trading their carefree childhoods for ring lights, scripted “fun”, and a parent armed with a spreadsheet and a camera. I’ve been binge-watching doccies lately, and this one stopped me in my tracks. Coming fresh off watching Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, I couldn’t help but notice how similar the themes are: manipulation, abuse of power, and a shocking lack of accountability. The documentary hits differently because…

As thousands prepare to travel across the Western Cape over the Easter holiday period, the Western Cape Department of Mobility has outlined its safety measures and road readiness efforts aimed at protecting all road users during one of the province’s busiest travel periods. South Africa’s Easter weekend in 2024 was marked by a disturbing rise in road fatalities and crashes, with the Western Cape showing a noticeable increase compared to the previous year. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s Easter 2023 and 2024 State of Road Safety Report, national road deaths surged by 32.9%, sparking renewed concern over travel safety during holiday periods. In the Western Cape, fatal road incidents increased from 26 crashes in 2023 to 31 in 2024, and the number of deaths rose from 27 to…

A Grade 9 learner at a Cape Town high school is reportedly fearing for his life following an incident where he was allegedly threatened with a knife over a joke made in class. Zulfah, a concerned grandmother from Salt River, stated that her grandson made a joke, which offended one of his classmates. She says that the classmate then contacted his friends at Harold Cressy High School to stab the 14-year-old after school. The grandmother explains: “Apparently last year this same classmate threatened my grandson with a knife at school, but my grandson did not tell me this until things spiraled out of control on Tuesday. When school was dismissed these boys from Harold Cressy approached my grandson and took out a knife but he ran back to class and…

In 1944, a middle school girl gave her friend a card for her 14th birthday. When the girl’s birthday came around, the friend sent the same card back to her. “Neither one of us can remember who started it,” said Pat DeReamer, one of the two girls, who is now 95. The other teen was Mary Kroger, now 94. For the past 81 years, DeReamer and Kroger have been sending the same birthday card back and forth on their birthdays, signing their names and the date each time. DeReamer opens it every year on her birthday, April 1, then signs it and mails it to Kroger, so she can open it on her birthday, May 20. Kroger lives in Carmel, Indiana, and DeReamer lives in Louisville “It’s been a long…

FOLLOWING the success of the inaugural 2024 Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship, the company is expanding the online competition to include high schools from all nine provinces across South Africa. The 2025 edition aims to reach an even wider audience, promoting inclusivity and fostering strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through the world’s most accessible sport. After a strong response in 2024 from participants in Gauteng, Western Cape, North West and KwaZulu-Natal - with St John’s College, Johannesburg, crowned champions - this year’s online high school tournament will be open to schools nationwide, ensuring broader accessibility for students across the country. Kicking off on May 10, the team-based championship will see schools competing within their respective provincial pools. The top teams from each pool will then advance to the final stage,…

In a disappointing turn of events for R&B fans, the eagerly awaited concert, Keyshia Cole - Live in South Africa, has been officially cancelled. This announcement comes after a series of scheduling difficulties that have plagued the planning of the event, with Cole’s team requesting yet another postponement to accommodate her global tour later this year. Cole was initially meant to perform in South Africa in September, however due to “unforeseen circumstances” it was postponed to January 2025. The January date was rescheduled to April due to a devastating fire incident in Los Angeles earlier this year, fans had finally received optimism when a confirmation video was shared by Cole herself on social media, declaring the show would go ahead next week. However, amidst further complications, it has now been…

Nearly 100 000 pounds of meteoritic matter enters Earth’s atmosphere every day, scientists estimate. The vast majority burns up as it hurtles through the sky, creating shooting stars. Of the few space rocks that fall to Earth, most end up in the ocean. The rest go unnoticed, blending in with other stones. But in the Mauritanian desert, herders have learned what to look for: rocks with a strikingly dark surface, known as fusion crust. Though meteorites fall with the same frequency around the world, scientists say, they are especially easy to spot in places like this, where they stand out against the beige expanse. Finding the rare rocks has become a popular pastime – and a business opportunity. Driving from the Mauritanian capital to this remote Saharan outpost takes at…

The Isle of Man TT race is probably the toughest and certainly the most dangerous motorcycle race in the world. Taking place on the island’s public roads at the end of May each year, this adrenaline-pumping contest not only showcases speed but also tests the limits of human endurance and skill. With an average speed of 205km/h zigzagging through some 200 corners over a challenging 60.5km track, riders enter a realm where the thin line between exhilaration and danger blurs as the sound of motorbikes can be heard reverberating everywhere for 13 days. To give you an idea of how dangerous the race is, 265 deaths have been recorded in the 102 races that have taken place since 1907; 1982 was the only year that there were no fatalities. Special…

Vinothan Naidoo and Brian Levy South Africa’s multi-party government of national unity (GNU), which emerged in the wake of the May 2024 elections, marked a turning point in the country’s political history. It took South Africans back to the 1990s, when the country showed that political opponents could find common cause. The formation of the government of national unity expressed the hope that the country could do it again. But just nine months into its term, the good will and pragmatism which marked its formation have worn thin. A major Budget impasse between the two major actors, the ANC and the DA, threatens the coalition. South Africans have long been accustomed to viewing the world of politics, governance and bureaucracy through the lens of a top-down “strong” state – a…

In this column I look at how the investment markets performed in the first quarter, up until March 31. I do not cover what economists are now referring to as “Trump’s Tariff Tantrum” on April 2, also called a “self-inflicted wound” by former US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, and the havoc that the US government’s tariff announcements and subsequent flip-flops have wreaked on the world’s financial markets. While the US market was already pricing in some negativity, as we’ll see below, we were, on March 31, experiencing a relative calm before the storm. The JSE enjoyed a bumper 12 months to the end of March. The FTSE/JSE All-Share Index (Alsi) closed at 88 637 points, off slightly from its all-time high of 90 149 points on Wednesday, March 19.…

I recently had the opportunity to be part of a webinar where Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, directly engaged with stakeholders on the dire state of South Africa’s Master’s Offices. Her remarks painted a picture of dysfunction that is both alarming and, surprisingly, tinged with hope. Let’s not mince words, the situation at these offices is nothing short of a mess. Operations at six Master’s Offices across the country have practically ground to a halt, largely because crucial leadership roles were left vacant at the end of March. No Chief Master. No acting heads. Just a vacuum of responsibility at institutions meant to serve the most vulnerable, from orphans and widows to those declared mentally unfit. The Master's Offices play an essential role in the administration of…

In chaos and unstructured play, Benetton is an unbelievably good team, and the Lions will watch out for that factor in their all-important United Rugby Championship (URC) clash at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon. Missing a few key backline players like Mannie Rass, Henco van Wyk and Richard Kriel, the Johannesburg side will still look to play their brand of rugby as they push for a crucial five points against their Italian visitors. There might be some rain predicted for Ellis Park (1.45pm kick-off) but that should not deter the home team from going all out and pushing for a win and five maximum points. They need it as they continue fighting for a first-ever knockout spot in the URC with three games remaining after this weekend. Currently, they know…

Modern celebrations have evolved beyond simple gatherings of friends and family to encompass a spirit of adventure, exploration and personal growth. In today’s fast-paced world, milestones such as birthdays, graduations, pregnancies, and marriages are increasingly being marked with memorable travel experiences that create lasting memories. Travelling offers an opportunity not just to celebrate life but to deepen bonds with loved ones through shared adventures. Imagine embarking on a journey that combines the thrill of discovery with the joy of companionship. For friends looking to explore together while celebrating milestones, here are some of South Africa’s hidden gems, perfect for a “bestiemoon”, where friendship meets adventure. From serene safaris to vibrant culinary experiences, these unique destinations promise unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come. Off-the-beaten-path safari: Waterberg Region,…

If you’re a millennial, chances are you’ve been hit with slang that leaves you completely baffled. Words like “drip” or “slay” might seem simple enough, but to Gen Z, they have entirely different meanings. This younger generation has taken everyday vocabulary and spun it into their own unique language. So if you’re a parent or even a grandparent, it might be worth picking up a few of these phrases just to stay in the loop. You never know when you’ll need to decode a conversation between them or even understand what they’re saying to you. That said, just because you manage to understand the slang doesn’t mean you can start using it. Most Gen Zers find it deeply embarrassing when older generations try to talk like them. Of course, that…

We wash dishes and sit in traffic while Artificial Intelligence (AI) generates images, writes stories, makes movies, and composes music. This is not entirely the future science fiction and experts prepared us for. While AI itself is around 70 years old, it was Open AI’s ChatGPT that moved it from functioning in the background to being available to anybody connected to the internet on 30 November 2022, acquiring a million registered users within only five days. Since then, a bouquet of AI tools has allowed users to generate images within seconds that would have taken artists and designers days, if not weeks, to create. Poetry and entire books are written in a flash that would have taken a tortured poet weeks of agony. This led to philosophers, artists, and everyday…

In classroomS where textbooks are shared and Wi-Fi is more wish than reality, something unexpected is plugging in: a gaming console. But this isn’t about escaping reality – it’s about reshaping it. At the centre of this quiet revolution is Tyrone Damon, the founder of GameXperience Africa, and the driving force behind a grassroots initiative called the Esports School Programme. His goal? To bring digital skills, career exposure, and creative learning to young people in communities that are often overlooked – all through the power of gaming. “This is about more than just games – it’s about using gaming to educate and prepare young people for the digital world,” said Damon. The initiative is personal. Damon grew up in Lansdowne, Cape Town, raised by a single mother who worked as…

In the neighbourhoods of Cape Metropole, parents grapple with the safety of their children travelling to and from school. A recent study from Stellenbosch University’s Departments of Civil Engineering and Economics has shed light on these concerns, revealing a difference in worries related to road safety between parents in lower-income and higher-income areas. The study drew on feedback from parents of children attending 19 schools across diverse areas, aiming to quantify the worries specific to road safety and identify contributing factors. Findings published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies highlighted that parental concern transcends boundaries, with more than 86% of parents expressing varying degrees of unease about their children’s safety. According to researchers, only 13% of those surveyed reported being ‘not worried at all’. The data revealed parents…

A Cape Town attorney who has spent years campaigning for safer, more dignified court security measures said a recent killing inside Wynberg Magistrate’s Court could have been prevented – if the court had simply followed a High Court order issued nearly five years ago. Dingalomoyo Chintso, 49, was shot dead inside the court while waiting to be called up for his murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm case on 8 April 2025. A week later, 35-year-old Shireen Matthews from Strandfontein appeared in the very court, after being accused of orchestrating the gang hit. Matthews has been charged with premeditated murder. Attorney Ben Mathewson, known for challenging invasive body search procedures in Western Cape magistrates’ courts, believes the continued refusal to implement electronic screening devices has contributed to unnecessary conflict…

In a poignant celebration of heritage and empowerment, the National Griqua Council, in collaboration with the National Khoi and San Council and the Biodiversity Trust, hosted a significant handover ceremony at the iconic Castle of Good Hope. The event was marked by the unveiling of the Castle’s first kitchen, aptly named the Adam Kok I Kitchen, and the distribution of sewing machines to ten dedicated Griqua leaders. This moment symbolises a firm commitment to uplifting the Griqua community through economic development and social welfare initiatives. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by the Khoi and San communities, who historically have endured dispossession of land, cultural erosion, and limited access to vital social services. As the Griqua people were classified under the “Coloureds” category during apartheid,…

eSports, once seen as a niche pastime, is rapidly gaining ground in South Africa. This rise is not just about gaming and entertainment, but about cultivating essential 21st-century skills in students. Projected to be a $3 billion industry by 2027, with careers ranging from professional players to game developers, data analysts, and event organisers, it is imperative for schools to start introducing eSports as early as possible, to prepare students for a world where digital fluency and adaptability are non-negotiable, an education expert said. Academic Head of Schools at JSE-listed ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider, Desiree Hugo,said the institution has embraced eSports to foster critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital literacy among its students. “Far from casual play, ADvTECH’s approach encourages students to strategise, collaborate, and compete at the…

Located within the expansive 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, the mature lifestyle estate of Renishaw Hills is not just a haven for residents but a groundbreaking example of conservation and biodiversity preservation. Developed on land previously utilised for sugar cane farming, Renishaw Hills has undergone meticulous rehabilitation efforts that have revitalised the area’s natural ecosystem. Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, emphasised the estate’s commitment to conservation. “Renishaw Hills was developed with a strong focus on conservation,” he stated. “The developers undertook extensive alien invasive plant removal and sourced indigenous flora from the Izinyoni Indigenous Nursery at Crocworld Conservation Centre, specifically established for this purpose.” The result of these efforts is evident as local resident ‘citizen scientists’ have recorded a remarkable…

A new study released by SmartStart, a non-profit organisation, presents compelling evidence that early learning programmes conducted in homes and community venues can significantly enhance children’s developmental outcomes on a large scale. The findings highlight the critical role of accessible, community-based early childhood education in combatting educational inequality in South Africa. The independent research team, led by Professor Sarah Chapman from the University of Cape Town, examined the progress of 551 children enrolled in SmartStart early learning programmes (ELPs) over an intensive eight-month period. Their analysis revealed a striking increase in the proportion of children deemed “on track,” rising from 45% to an impressive 65%. Furthermore, the number of children “falling far behind” nearly halved. However, the study’s most profound finding is the significant reduction in the achievement gap between…

In the past few years, Chinese vehicles have become a formidable threat to established manufacturers, particularly in the SUV space. But just how significant are these sales figures? We compared the first quarter sales of all Chinese brands, from 2020, 2023 and 2025, and although these brands have yet to command a lion’s share of the market, their share of the sales pie is growing rapidly. Chinese car and light commercial vehicle sales, as reported to Naamsa, amounted to just 3 247 units in the first quarter of 2020, accounting for 2.78% of the total vehicle market. By Q1 2023, this share had grown to 6.98% of the total vehicle market, from 9 559 unit sales, and by the first quarter of this year, the Chinese brand share was 11.81%,…

Not only are women more financially responsible than their male counterparts, but they are also increasingly losing out at work at a time when technology is developing at a rate of knots. As the World Bank has noted earlier, even with the current rates of improvement, full gender parity will only be reached in 134 years, or around 2158. In terms of economic participation, the Bank’s Women, Business, and Law index, combines indicators of the legal environment for women within employment and entrepreneurship on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 being “perfect”. South Africa’s measurement against this index was 88.1 – above the average of 78.9 in the 2023 report. This does perhaps not tell the full story. The index measures enabling legal frameworks, such as whether the…

The Stormers selected one of their best backlines to date as they look to run Connacht off their feet today in the United Rugby Championship (URC). John Dobson, director of rugby, squeezed utility backs Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse into a backline with fullback Warrick Gelant and he is well aware of the magic they can produce at the DHL Stadium (4 pm kick-off). He hasn’t been able to play three of his top playmakers together this season due to injury disruptions, but they will be unleashed on a depleted Irish side who rocked up to Cape Town without Irish duo, centre Bundee Aki and winger Mack Hansen. On top of that, their coach resigned in the lead-up to the clash after not traveling with the side. According to Dobson,…

Bulls coach Jake White says his team’s match against Munster on Saturday at Thomond Park will be between two teams desperate to bounce back from the disappointment of being knocked out of the European cup competitions last week. The Bulls lost to Edinburgh and Munster to Bordeaux, and White says that the focus for both teams has shifted to finishing as high as possible on the United Rugby Championship points table, with four rounds to go to the playoffs. Munster are fifth on the log and victory over the third-placed Bulls will inch them closer to a Top Four finish and the reward of a home quarter-final. It is tense times for the Bulls as they are away to fast-improving Munster and next week to champions Glasgow, before much easier…

As the sun begins to set over the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, anticipation builds for one of the most exciting events on the South African calendar: the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). Scheduled to take place from April 25 to 26 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community. As music enthusiasts prepare to flock to the city, Cape Town is set to transform into a pulsating hub of creativity, where the rhythms of jazz fill the air and the spirit of togetherness shines brightly. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, from the majestic Table Mountain to the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The city is also a feast for the senses, offering delectable cuisine that…