Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-05-03 i Weekend Argus Saturday

Oh, the irony. The happiest people on social media often have the darkest secrets, and the American Murder: Gabby Petito story is a brutal reminder of this fact. If you’ve heard the name Gabby Petito before, it’s likely because of the tragic, gut-wrenching story that’s still a topic of discussion across social media. Netflix’s docuseries shows that behind every picture-perfect post, there’s often more than meets the eye. It digs deep into the couple’s seemingly happy journey across the United States, with Petito and her fiancé Brian Laundrie posting their “van life” adventures online. What they didn’t show their followers, however, were the cracks in their relationship. Right from the start, the series pulls you into a real-life horror story, beginning with the bodycam footage of a police stop in…

Cosmetic procedures have become increasingly popular in the Western world, but many celebrities still cling to time-honoured beauty secrets and wellness hacks that yield impressive results without the need for surgical enhancements. From Victoria Beckham’s morning rituals to Zendaya’s make-up mastery, these unconventional beauty methodologies are being shared, offering fans accessible ways to achieve that coveted glow. Victoria Beckham Former Spice Girl turned fashion mogul, Victoria Beckham, recently shared her wellness hack through her Instagram Stories, showcasing her morning routine, which includes a couple of spoons of apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach. This simple yet effective method is a part of a broader wellness regime that she shares with her football legend husband, David Beckham. Together, they whip up nutrient-packed green smoothies filled with ingredients like spinach, broccoli,…

The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) has officially been named the content partner for Bellville in the City of Cape Town’s renowned Content Partnership Programme for 2025, a move that promises to put the spotlight on this dynamic suburb. The contract was signed at a ceremony held on Thursday, April 10, signalling an exciting new chapter for promoting Bellville on both local and global stages. This initiative, powered by the City’s Destination Marketing Unit, positions GTP as the strategic promoter of Bellville. The organisation will be responsible for capturing the essence of the area, showcasing its vibrant community, distinct attractions, and rich possibilities to audiences worldwide. Now in its second year, the City Cape Town’s Content Partnership Programme is revolutionising destination marketing by leveraging a network of trusted partners. Unlike traditional…

As the first anniversary of the George multi-storey tragedy approaches on May 6, the local government’s transparency came into question at the briefing of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure regarding their independent investigation. Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers was probed about the “veil of secrecy” under which their findings from an independent investigation are held. Simmers confirmed the investigation findings and the final report, which was undertaken by structural engineering firm B3 and which was subsequently peer-reviewed, have since been handed to the SAPS for a criminal investigation due to the loss of lives. Recently, in a preliminary report, Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane exposed alarming negligence and corner-cutting by the project’s developers. According to the national department’s preliminary report, Simelane announced that the company responsible for…

SAPS says “nothing sinister” has been detected so far around the death of three constables whose bodies were retrieved from the Hennops River in Centurion, Tshwane. The police officers were last seen at a petrol station near the Grasmere Toll Plaza early Thursday morning, April 24. They were travelling to Limpopo, from Free State, in a white Volkswagen Polo hatchback when they went missing last week. Following their disappearance, authorities launched a large-scale search operation involving police divers, drone units, and rescue teams. For several days, investigators scoured the N1 highway, surrounding waterways, and the Hennops River to locate the vehicle and those onboard. The bodies of the officers - 30-year-old Keamogetswe Buys, 20-year-old Boipelo Senoge, and 24-year-old Cebekhulu Linda – were retrieved from the river after they were reported…

Monday marked 80 years since Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was killed in an Italian village towards the end of the Second World War in 1945. The following day, his body was publicly desecrated in Milan. Given the scale of Adolf Hitler’s atrocities, our image of fascism today has largely been shaped by Nazism. Yet, Mussolini preceded Hitler. Il Duce, as Mussolini was known, was Hitler’s inspiration. Today, as commentators, bloggers and scholars are debating whether the governments of US President Donald Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin are “fascist”, we can learn from Il Duce’s career about how democracies fail and dictators consolidate autocratic rule. The early years The term “fascist” itself originated around the time of Mussolini’s founding in 1914 of the Fasci d'Azione…

This tiny island in the middle of the Bering Sea had recently completed its longest winter stretch in recorded history with above-freezing temperatures – 343 consecutive hours, or 14 days – when Aaron Lestenkof drove out to look at Sea Lion Neck. It was another warm February day. He saw no sea ice; scant snow on the ground. Lestenkof is one of the sentinels on the island, a small team with the Aleut tribe who monitor changes to the environment across these 43 square miles of windswept hills and tundra. He is also one of 338 residents who still manage to live on St. Paul, something that has become significantly more complicated as the Bering Sea warms around them. Over the past decade, steadily warming waters have thrown the North…

Identical twins Cailyn and Caitlyn Daniels have spent their lives side by side – born minutes apart, learning to walk and talk together, entering the same schools, and even getting their driver’s licences on the same day. Now, the 23-year-old sisters from Mitchells Plain are preparing to don matching gowns as they graduate with their Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching degrees from Rosebank College in Cape Town. The two spoke from their family home just minutes before heading out to buy identical dresses for next week’s graduation ceremony. “We hardly ever get the chance to dress the same anymore,” Caitlyn said, smiling. “That was a big thing when we were children, so this is really special.” “I still need to sort my nails and lashes,” Cailyn added with…

We’ve had our long-term Ford Ranger Wildtrak Supercab bakkie for a couple of months now and it’s been a trusty workhorse without skipping a beat. I’ve carted a faulty tumble dryer to the repair shop, saving on the call-out fee, lawnmowers, because the city council has long since given up on service delivery where we live, so veld grass verges need to be cut, and, with winter creeping up on us, thrown a bakkie load of wood on the back. I’ve also focused on my fuel consumption and, between my partner and I, we've managed to get it down to 9l/100km. It helps that much of the driving has been done on highways, but for a 2.0-litre Bi-turbo diesel engine with 154kW and 500Nm of torque aided by a 10-speed…

They say the food industry is putting pesticides, dangerous food dyes and other toxic chemicals into the US food supply. They eschew highly processed foods, raise chickens and grow organic vegetables in their backyards. Some call themselves “crunchy moms”, a term once linked with 1970s liberal environmentalists. But these aren’t traditional, left-wing environmentalists. They are the moms in the “Make America Healthy Again”, or MAHA, movement. They lean conservative, distrust vaccines and support Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. And they are changing what it means to be an environmentalist in the US – and generating growing momentum to change the country’s food system. “This perception that the food industry specifically is exploiting families to profit over children’s health – you can see roots of that from…

I believe there should be increased efforts by regulators and the financial services industry to reduce delays by retirement funds and their administrators in disbursing benefits to members or transferring benefits to another fund. The longer a fund sits on money that should be disbursed or transferred, the longer it receives the administration fees on that money. In terms of the Pension Funds Act and the rules of the fund, a retirement fund has to finalise a payout to a member or effect a transfer of benefits “within a reasonable time” of receiving instruction from the member. If the member has died, the process is more involved, because the fund needs to consider dependants not necessarily named on the beneficiary form when distributing the benefit, which would typically be part…

While global markets have been on somewhat of a rollercoaster since Trump’s re-election in November 2024, traders’ nerves have been particularly tested this past month. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) – one of the most widely used gauges of market turbulence – recently spiked to its highest level since the Covid-19 pandemic. This latest surge followed growing fears of a global recession, sparked by Trump’s sweeping new tariffs. In these times of extreme market uncertainty, a balanced trading strategy is key. If you haven’t done so before, now may be a good time to consider incorporating bonds into your portfolio. While no asset is entirely immune to volatility, bonds tend to exhibit lower correlation with high-risk assets, making them valuable during periods of market stress. The core appeal of bonds…

Madrid and most of Spain experienced an unprecedented power failure for an entire day, causing a backlog in the order of play at the Madrid Masters. And it was equally “lights out” for a handful of top seeds, namely Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz, who all expected to reach the quarters of this event and were instead eliminated by electrifying younger talent. Zverev was beaten convincingly for the fourth time in their head-to-heads by Argentinian No 1 Francis Cerundolo, who topped this big scalp, with a comeback quarter-final victory over Miami champion and rising star Jacob Mensik to notch up his tour leading 24th win of the season 3-6 7-6(5) 6-2. Cerundolo saved a break and a match point at 5-5 in the second set, and rode momentum…

Winter is often seen as a time for hibernation, where people retreat indoors with warm blankets and steaming cups of hot cocoa. However, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth in South Africa. From June to August, the winter months present an incredible opportunity to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and diverse activities. South Africa’s winter is not just about the cold; it is an invitation to engage with nature, embark on thrilling adventures, and discover the rich tapestry of experiences that the country has to offer. From the snow-capped peaks of the Drakensberg to the sun-kissed beaches of Durban, winter in Mzansi is a season filled with excitement, beauty, and unique opportunities for both locals and visitors alike. As the temperatures drop, the country transforms into a playground…

Ben Affleck is in full furrow-browed golden retriever mode in The Accountant 2, a convoluted, overcomplicated follow-up to the 2016 action drama that, when it became an unexpected hit, seemed to bode well for the theatrical fortunes of original movies aimed at grown-up audiences attracted to violence and arcane techno-speak in equal measure. Those qualities are already wearing thin nearly 10 years later, when those same filmgoers might have to refresh their memories: What exactly is the backstory of Christian Wolff, Affleck’s autistic forensic accountant who helps bad guys launder their money while wheeling around in an Airstream-cum-armamentarium? Did he end up on good terms or not-so-good terms with Ray King and Marybeth Medina (J.K. Simmons, Cynthia Addai-Robinson respectively), of the US government’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network? Was…

As rain swept across the Cape this week, it brought relief to the charred slopes of Tokai, Noordhoek, Silvermine and surrounding areas. With the fire finally contained, the focus is turning to the scale of destruction, the firefighting efforts, and growing public scrutiny around the City of Cape Town’s fire preparedness. The blaze consumed over 2 800 hectares of Table Mountain National Park, much of it fynbos – a fire-adapted vegetation unique to the Cape. While this ecosystem will eventually regenerate, not all damage can be undone. Slower-moving wildlife, including tortoises, chameleons, and snakes, were especially vulnerable. “The loss of life is hard to see,” said Belinda Abraham of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. “Unlike the fynbos, which will regenerate, these lives are lost forever.” Still, stories of survival…

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has strongly condemned what she described as the “senseless murder” of Elona Sombulula, a young prosecutor who was fatally shot earlier this week in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape. Sombulula, 30, was an official with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and a graduate of the Aspirant Prosecutor Programme that he joined in 2022. At the time of his death, he was serving as an acting regional court prosecutor. Police said Sombulula was shot and killed on the evening of April 29, in the Mangweni locality, Mtentu Administrative Area (Bityi), under mysterious circumstances. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobamtu Gantana, the victim was walking home from Mthatha when he was attacked near his residence. “He was on foot when an unknown assailant or assailants…

A 56-year-old man who sexually exploited his minor daughter will serve two life terms behind bars and an additional 3 713 years imprisonment following his conviction on more than 700 counts relating to rape, sexual assault, and sexual grooming. The man was sentenced at the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Gqeberha, said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali. The man was sentenced after facing an extensive compilation of counts which included rape, sexual assault, sexual grooming, human trafficking, possession, production and procuring of child pornography, and exposing children and a person living with mental disability to pornography. The accused pleaded not guilty. However, he made certain admissions in terms of Section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act. Tyali said the offences were allegedly committed from…

A British woman, Ethel Caterham, became the world’s oldest person aged 115 on Thursday after the death of a Brazilian nun who had held the record, according to research groups. Caterham was born in a village in Hampshire on August 21, 1909, the second youngest of eight children. She lives in a care home in Surrey, also in southern England, having outlived her husband and both her daughters. She is now the oldest person in the world according to the US-based Gerontological Research Group (GRG) and the LongeviQuest database, after the death of 116-year-old Inah Canabarro Lucas from Brazil. The great-grandmother is the last living subject of King Edward VII, according to the GRG, and is also the oldest British person ever, according to the “Oldest in Britain” database. Caterham…

Balfour Mall in Johannesburg has stepped up to support a new school initiative that combined sport, talent scouting and community pride in a packed day of competition at Northview High School. The VYG (Victory Youth Group) Sports Day, held recently in partnership with Chippa United, attracted learners from ten schools for a programme that combined athletics (mixed relay), chess, netball and soccer. This initiative reflects the mall’s ambition to back meaningful community development projects in its surrounding area. With strong backing from multiple stores within Balfour Mall, the centre contributed R13 000 in direct sponsorship, bringing in several additional partners that contributed to help make the event possible. The combined value of all sponsorships totalled R65 510, which supported catering, prizes and professional event content creation, contributing to a competitive,…

With a piano and a heavy heart, South Africa’s latest emerging talent, Sarah Pearson, takes a significant step into the spotlight with her debut single Tainted Heart. Released on all major platforms, this emotional anthem sets the tone for her upcoming album FAUXstalgia, expected to drop in late 2025. The track showcases a captivating blend of ‘80s musical influences tinged with diary-style honesty, a testament to Pearson’s artistic vision and raw emotional experience. Written during a tumultuous emotional period, Tainted Heart unfolds like a confessional voice memo transformed into a powerful piano ballad. “The song is about staying close to someone, even when you know they’re the one hurting you. It felt more like journaling than writing – it just poured out.” The rapid inspiration saw her craft the entire…

In a heartfelt plea for assistance, TEARS Animal Rescue, a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, is reaching out to the community to help bolster its essential Feed Hungry Pets Programme. This initiative provides critical support to families in low-income areas who are grappling with the harsh reality of pet food insecurity. As food prices continue to rise, many families find themselves facing the difficult choice of feeding their pets or their loved ones. Unfortunately, it is often the loyal dogs who bear the brunt of this tough decision, while cats tend to rely on their instincts to hunt and scavenge – strategies that can be dangerous and insufficient in urban environments. This is not merely a story of neglect; it is a heartbreaking narrative of love overshadowed by economic…

Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, 52, has officially assumed office as the new Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), setting out an ambitious vision to position the institution among the top 100 universities in the world. He was inaugurated on 1 April, where he shared his vision and called for renewed ambition, academic excellence and collaborative leadership. He succeeded Professor Wim de Villiers, who completed two terms at the helm. Under De Villiers, SU consolidated its status as a leading research-intensive university. Ramjugernath now takes over with a focus on moving the institution from “good to great”. An accomplished chemical engineer, Ramjugernath brings both academic distinction and executive experience. He became the youngest full professor in his field in Africa at the age of 31 and is internationally recognised for his…

Harking back to the 1970s, Porsche has unveiled a retro-styled 911 called the 911 Spirit 70 at the Shanghai Auto Show and according to Porsche, a lucky few will be able to own one locally. It is the third Heritage Design model following the first 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition in 2020, in the style of the 1950s and early 1960s and the 911 Sport Classic that revived the style of the 1960s and early 1970s. It will have a limited run of 1 500 units. Engine The 911 Spirit 70 is based on the current 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet with Porsche's new 3.6-litre turbocharged hybrid flat-six engine with an eTurbo system and an electric motor integrated into the dual-clutch PDK transmission producing 398kW and 610Nm. Exterior The designers…

With World Veterinary Day having been commemorated on April 26, and Save the Rhino Day on Thursday, this is an opportune time to reflect on the efforts of conservation teams, which include veterinarians, to combat the scourge of rhino poaching. There are five rhino species in the world, two of which occur in Africa – the black rhino and the white rhino. South Africa is the stronghold for white rhino. There are said to be between 10 000 and 15 000 rhinos in the country. Yet, despite this large number, about 10 000 rhinos have been lost, all for their horns. Rhino horn is a sought-after commodity in many parts of Asia, especially China. Having lost about half of our rhino population, it may seem that we are not making…

In recent years, South Africa has unfortunately earned a reputation as a fertile ground for fraudsters, transforming the country into a global hotspot for scams so elaborate they could fool even the sharpest among us. As a journalist and editor, I often hear of new scams making the rounds, but nothing quite compares to the chilling accounts of the SAPS impersonation scam – a scheme so terrifyingly convincing that it leaves its victims reeling in despair. Having personally experienced the unnerving rise in fraudulent activity, I can attest to the psychological toll scams like these take. A few months ago, I received an email claiming to be from my bank. The message was perfect in its mimicry – logos, language, and even sender details seemed legitimate. While I managed to…

Financial freedom is a goal that many aspire to, yet few truly achieve. It’s often viewed as a simple formula: earn more, save diligently, and invest wisely. However, financial freedom also entails establishing sound financial habits early on so you can build enough wealth, passive income streams, or savings to comfortably cover your expenses and live financially free. Financial freedom isn’t about keeping up with the Jones’ It is ingrained in our nature to compare ourselves to others, and there is a tendency to equate financial success with the vehicles we drive, the places we live, and the lifestyles we lead. However, true wealth lies in being able to control one’s time and make choices without financial stress. Those who accumulate wealth over time understand the value of living within…

A Barbarian horde – at least the rugby variety – will invade South Africa for the first time when the Springboks launch their 2025 season against the renowned invitational outfit at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, June 28. The Barbarians – consisting of players from the United Rugby Championship, French Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby and the Japanese League – will be coached by the experienced Robbie Deans, a former All Black who was also in charge of the Wallabies and the Crusaders. The BaaBaas are known for their fast-paced, attacking and open style of play, focusing on entertainment and fun rather than winning. Their matches are also celebrated for their camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere. South African rugby fans are in for a special treat. The match is being…

Lewis Hamilton said that it could take months to get to grips with his new Ferrari, and he was paying no attention to those questioning his performances. The seven-time Formula One world champion, a record winner of 105 races and title winner with both McLaren and Mercedes, joined Ferrari at the start of the year in a headline-grabbing move. Ferrari have not won a title of any sort since 2008 and Hamilton’s arrival has had fans dreaming that he might be able to deliver but reality has not followed the script so far. Although the 40-year-old won a sprint race in China in March, he has failed to finish higher than fifth in any of five races to date, while teammate Charles Leclerc was third in Saudi Arabia last month.…

The Blitzboks have done the maths, and coach Philip Snyman knows just what it will take to lift the HSBC SVNS World Championship title at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles this weekend. The grand finale, featuring the top eight teams from the SVNS Series regular season, will be a season-defining moment, Snyman admitted. South Africa will face Olympic champions France, Great Britain and league winners Argentina today in Pool A of the tournament. Fiji, Spain, Australia and New Zealand are in Pool B and the top two teams in each pool will contest tomorrow’s semi-finals. “It doesn’t matter what happened previously – if we’ve beaten Argentina – this weekend will be a once-off tournament. “So every game, from the first game against France, we need to be our…

DURING a meeting at the Vatican in 2019 with South Sudanese leaders, a desperately frail Pope Francis dropped to his knees before the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, and other senior leaders. In an act of extraordinary humility, he kissed their shoes, pleading for peace and accord. In this historical moment, Catholicism stood tall and proud. Today violence is rising in South Sudan. Reflecting on this, political scientist and international relations expert Dr David Matsanga said: “The greatest gift Salva Kiir and Riek Machar can give to Pope Francis and history is peace, not in theory but in action… this is not a favour to the Vatican or the international community. It is a duty owed to the mothers, children, and generations of South Sudanese who have known only…

The establishment of new informal settlements all over the country is continuing unabated, even after the surge during the Covid-19, with the one along the N1 highway towards the Cape Town CBD growing every day. The City of Cape Town said they cannot act against these illegal occupiers because the land belongs to Transnet, while Transnet asked for more time to respond to questions on the ever growing sprawling settlement. Cape Town is now home to 683 informal settlements, a number that has surged dramatically since the Covid-19 pandemic. This growth has been fuelled by job losses, mass evictions, and widespread unlawful occupations – many of which occurred while emergency regulations limited law enforcement intervention. Mayco member for human settlements, Carl Pophaim said since Covid-19, 186 new informal settlements sprang…

A man from the North West allegedly killed his female partner before hanging himself. Police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said after the awful domestic violence and gender-based violence (GBV)-related murder of a woman in Mahikeng last week, police in Phokeng received another horrific and tragic murder and suicide complaint around lunchtime on April 28. “The case was reported by the neighbour, following the gruesome discovery of the lifeless bodies of a couple in their home at Moime section in Serutube village. The female victim, aged 42, suffered and succumbed to serious injuries and the male partner (perpetrator), aged 65, was found hanging from the rafters,” said Myburgh. The police have concerns about the high prevalence of domestic abuse, GBV, and femicide-related offences, which are sometimes blamed and misattributed to weak,…

After eight years at a leading training institute, Sean Williams has seen firsthand how the role of the modern butler has evolved beyond the traditional image of a silent figure managing a stately home in a crisp suit. Historically, butlers were found in grand British households, overseeing domestic staff, housekeeping, and the overall running of the estate. Today, however, they are just as likely to be found aboard private jets, luxury yachts, cruise ships, or at exclusive hotels and private residences around the world. “There isn’t a sudden surge in demand,” Williams said, “but the world around butlering has certainly evolved. We’re seeing butlers on superyachts, managing private aircraft, and running households with the precision and professionalism of a personal assistant.” Williams is a senior trainer at the British Butler…

In an enchanting blend of artistry and emotion, Cape Ballet Africa is set to unveil a compelling programme of short works, aptly named Intermezzo, at the intimate Drama Factory. Running from 16 to 25 May, this production offers a gentle yet cathartic experience, showcasing the talent of a company that has quickly made a name for itself, following a spectacular debut at the Artscape Opera House earlier this year. Intermezzo will take audiences on a journey through the heart of classical ballet, featuring the beloved compositions of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The programme will highlight exquisite pieces from iconic ballets such as The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker. With a suite of Tchaikovsky’s most cherished melodies at its core, Cape Ballet Africa aims to create a visual and aural…

Get a honeybee near a rose or a lavender and the insect will extend its strawlike tongue to search for nectar, pollinating the flower in the process. That’s at least how it works in clean environments. But experiments show that when bees are exposed to microplastic pollution, their memory gets so muddled they may forget the scents associated with sugary rewards. As a result, pollination may fail - which is bad news for flowers and crops. While honeybees – the most important pollinator of crops – seem particularly affected, other pollinators, such as bumble bees, suffer, too. Such insects visit flowers to forage for nectar and pollen as food for themselves and their young and then transfer the pollen from male parts of one flower to the female parts of…

One of the biggest talking points for Chery at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show is Chery Super Hybrid (CSH), which is essentially the automaker’s hybrid range of vehicles, of which South Africa will also get its fair share. Chery says that the next-generation CSH range will be powered by an advanced hybrid engine, which will boast a record-breaking 46.5% thermal efficiency, matched to a hybrid transmission which will offer 93% efficiency. We understand that models such as the Chery Tiggo 7 CSH, the Tiggo 8 CSH and the Tiggo 9 CSH will be making their way to South African shores. The all-new Himla The most interesting bit of news for South Africa comes with the announcement of the all-new Himla double-cab bakkie making its way here in 2026. While at…

Lexus has lifted the covers off the all-new eighth-generation Lexus ES at the Shanghai Auto Show, including a fully electric version. It’s assembled on the company’s reimagined TNGA GA-K platform that is purpose built to accommodate both hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrains. Drivetrains For the first time the ES 300h uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine combined with an electric motor for a total output of 145kW. The ES 350h features an upgraded 2.5-litre hybrid engine with an all-wheel drive option delivering 183kW or 148kW. The BEV ES 350e produces 165kW with a claimed range of 685km. All variants are driven by the front wheels except the electric ES 500e that gets a motor on the rear axle and produces 252kW with a range of…

South Africans are putting off getting married until later in life, putting this ceremonial expression of love aside as they are focused on their financial stability, personal growth, and careers. And that’s if they are even getting married at all. A recently released Statistics South Africa research paper noted that the median age for grooms getting married has moved up from 35 to 38 in about a decade. Over the same period, the data showed, brides were getting married at a median – or middle-of-the-range age of 34 instead of 31. Statistics South Africa noted that, “in modern times, love and commitment are no longer bound by age but by readiness. Across the globe, the traditional timeline for tying the knot is shifting, and South Africa is no exception.” Verona…

A recent real-life case demonstrated the importance of estate planners and trustees staying alert. Essentially, the founder’s (the estate planner) daughter reached maturity, and her new attorney boyfriend influenced her so significantly that she believed she could claim her fair portion from the trust. In a knee-jerk reaction, the parents want to remove her as a beneficiary from the trust in an attempt to protect the assets held in trust as a generational wealth protection vehicle. Is that the right decision? What was the intention of the founder? When a crisis hits, people often lose sight of why they established trusts. The estate planner should revisit these reasons. The founder’s intention must be clearly stipulated in the trust deed. Additionally, the purpose of setting up the trust should be explained…

Akani Simbine has the fastest time in the world this year, but his first major test of the season will come in today’s Diamond League meeting in Shanghai/Keqiao. The men’s 100m race will be the showcase event at the China Textile City Sports Center arena, and for Simbine, it’s about building on last week’s victory in the first Diamond League meet in Xiamen. Simbine clocked 9.99 seconds in quite chilly conditions, but will be happy that the weather in Shanghai/Keqiao will be much warmer, with temperatures of around 33 degrees Celsius expected on Saturday. But while Simbine is unbeaten over the 100m distance this year, he will be pushed all the way this time around by Jamaican star Kishane Thompson. The 23-year-old stunned the sprint world by clinching the silver…

Premier League champions Liverpool are in line to receive a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, but any pre-match pleasantries will quickly be put to one side, with hosts Chelsea desperate to boost their top-five hopes. Liverpool wrapped up the title with four games to spare last weekend with a 5-1 hammering of Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, while Chelsea eked out a 1-0 win over Everton that kept them in the thick of the battle for Champions League qualification. The Premier League having an extra spot in next season’s Champions League might ordinarily have given the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea a little more leeway, but the reality is five clubs are chasing three places. With second-placed Arsenal, who have 67 points from 34 games, looking safe for…

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim said it was “natural” his more experienced stars like Harry Maguire delivered in the 3-0 Europa League semi-final first leg win over Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night. The Red Devils have had an atrocious domestic season, languishing in 14th in the Premier League, and some of their most established players have come in for heavy criticism. However,, at the San Mames, Bruno Fernandes netted twice and England international Harry Maguire helped set up the opening goal for former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro with an enterprising dribble down the right flank. “It’s really important that they have to step up in these moments,” Amorim told reporters. “They are experienced, international players. They have to step up in these moments – that’s why they are playing here.…

In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, the demands of business travel continue to evolve, challenging travellers to navigate logistics, schedules and changing policies while on the go. Despite the invaluable experience provided by a dedicated travel manager, artificial intelligence (AI) has stepped into the spotlight, subtly working behind the scenes to enhance and streamline the travel journey. It’s no longer just about finding the best fares as AI has become an essential partner in crafting a smoother, more personalised travel experience. From curating itineraries to anticipating your needs, here are five key ways AI is revolutionising business travel, according to Mummy Mafojane, the productive operations leader at FCM. Plotting the perfect itinerary “Ever checked into a hotel and found that your room was equipped with tailored amenities or delightful surprises? Chances…