Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-07 i Weekend Argus Saturday

Nearly 30 years after their breakthrough movie, Goodwill Hunting, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck will be sharing the screen in their upcoming crime thriller, The Rip. This collaboration marks another chapter in their long-standing friendship that dates back to elementary school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where their journey began as neighbours and best friends. The film, directed by writer Joe Carnahan, known for his work on films such as Narc and Smokin’ Aces, features a stellar cast that includes Steven Yeun, Kyle Chandler, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Sasha Calle. Produced by Artists Equity, the artist-led studio founded by Damon and Affleck in 2022, The Rip promises a gripping narrative infused with personal experience and the classic spirit of 1970s cop thrillers. Carnahan said in an online interview: “Working with…

South African former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius took part in a triathlon in Durban, 12 years after murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in a crime that drew worldwide attention. Pistorius, 38, was freed from jail in January 2024 after completing more than half his sentence and is on parole until 2029. Singabakho Nxumalo, spokesperson for South Africa's Department of Correctional Services, said Pistorius had approval to attend the race, the Ironman 70.3 Durban. “There was no breach of his parole conditions,” Nxumalo said. Conrad Dormehl, an attorney for Pistorius, confirmed Pistorius had participated in the Durban race. “This forms part of his rehabilitation into society. “While he particularly enjoyed participating in the event and seems to have been bitten by the bug that is triathlon, he isn't eyeing any comeback…

After nearly a year of repeated appeals, warnings, and growing frustration, railings along a hazardous stretch of Victoria Road in Clifton have finally been installed – just days after the matter was publicly highlighted. Heron Water, a luxury apartment block located just below 64 Victoria Road and overlooking the iconic Clifton 1st Beach, has been at the centre of a safety dispute with the City of CapeTown since mid-2024. Despite commanding property values of up to R30 million and offering direct beach access, residents said they remain concerned about ongoing safety issues amid deteriorating site conditions. For the past year, residents and contractors had raised the alarm over a collapsed fence, rusted balustrades, and a steep, unstable slope directly beside a public sidewalk. In July 2024, the situation worsened when…

Police are offering a R100 000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the gunmen behind a deadly shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank that left four people dead and three others injured, including a commuter. Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said yesterday’s incident took place around 6am at the old taxi rank when two unknown gunmen opened fire, striking seven people before fleeing the scene. “Of the seven victims, one was a commuter that was injured,” said Potelwa. The Western Cape Taxi Violence Unit has since launched a full investigation and is pursuing several leads. No arrests had been made by yesterday afternoon, but detectives were pursuing several leads. A reward of R100 000 has been offered for any information that could assist in the…

A South African woman has come forward with a chilling account of how she lost R2 400 in a sophisticated scam involving supposed coin buyers – a case now under investigation by well-known private investigator Mike Bolhuis. According to Bolhuis, this is just one example of the growing number of scams targeting individuals who are misled into believing their ordinary coins are worth millions. In this particular case, the woman was promised a payout of R40.3 million in exchange for coins she believed to be valuable, including Mandela R5s. The scammers posed as representatives from companies claiming to buy rare and historic coins. The woman said she was asked to pay an initial registration fee of R200, which she did, thinking it was standard procedure. Soon after, she was given…

On Sunday, September 14, the Oos-Kerk on van Zyl Street in Robertson will resonate with the splendid sounds of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, as they present a concert titled “Music for all”. This celebrated assembly of 55 professional musicians is set to inspire audiences with a carefully curated selection of popular classical pieces that speak to the heart and soul of community bonding through music. Hosted by Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, this event aims not only to entertain but also to uplift spirits during these challenging times. With music known for its power to unite people, attendees will undoubtedly find a sense of connection and joy within the melodies performed. Following a triumphant concert earlier this year, the orchestra is anticipated to attract a full house, making early ticket procurement…

Michael September, a respected community leader from Mamre, is working to realise a long-held dream: to create a Centre of Excellence for Disabled People that brings support, dignity, and opportunity to those often left behind. For years, Michael has led Lief en Leed, a grassroots organisation he helped establish in the 1980s to support disabled people in his community. From skills training to handcraft projects, food distribution and social inclusion events, the organisation has made a meaningful impact – but September said it’s time to grow. “A lot of people are still being left behind,” he explained. “We did a survey earlier this year and found 146 disabled people in Mamre who are not involved in any support programmes, not working, and not connected to anything. We need to reach…

The Big Bang is often described as the explosive birth of the universe – a singular moment when space, time and matter sprang into existence. But what if this was not the beginning at all? What if our universe emerged from something else – something more familiar and radical at the same time? In a new paper, published in Physical Review D, my colleagues and I propose a striking alternative. Our calculations suggest the Big Bang was not the start of everything, but rather the outcome of a gravitational crunch or collapse that formed a very massive black hole – followed by a bounce inside it. This idea, which we call the black hole universe, offers a radically different view of cosmic origins, yet it is grounded entirely in known…

It shocked me to learn that the Trump administration in the United States, with the assistance of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, had dismembered and severely impeded the function of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This US government agency was established in 2011 under President Barack Obama in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2008. According to the US Treasury Department, the bureau is tasked with the responsibility to “promote fairness and transparency for mortgages, credit cards, and other consumer financial products and services”. On its website, the CFPB says its central mission “is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans – whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other…

South Africa faces many challenges, but a clear trend is emerging of expats returning home. Stats SA’s Migration Profile Report for South Africa, released last year, shows that since 2000, the number of South Africans in the UK has grown from 136,720 to 247,336. But in a move that some have dubbed “reverse emigration”, many are heading back. The top reasons for coming back range from missing the South African lifestyle and family and friends, to the bad weather and high cost of living in the UK. The UK is significantly more expensive than South Africa, especially when it comes to housing, eating out, and labour costs. For the same income, South Africa offers families better homes, an affordable lifestyle, and access to good schools. Here are the financial…

Majors have that magic effect of elevating not only the level of tennis of Top dogs, in their respective quests to win either their first (Alexander Zverev), their fifth (Carlos Alcaraz),or their 25th (Novak Djokovic) title, but also propelling underdogs to perform beyond all expectation. Roland Garros too, has delivered: French Wild card & No 361, Lois Boisson, your proverbial Cinderella, who prior to this event had no clothing sponsor and was on the verge of declining her invitation to the French Open ‘ball’ on account of a knee injury, yet pumpkins aside, managed to arrive, in the nick of time. She then proceeded to come from a set down, against World No 3, Jessica Pegula, in Round 4 to beat the stunned American, 3-6,6-4,6-4. No fairy godmother hovered…

The landscape of visa applications for travellers – including those from South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini – heading to Germany is set for a significant shift. In a decision announced by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, the remonstration procedure, which previously allowed applicants to appeal visa denials, will be abolished starting on July 1. This change comes as part of a broader effort to streamline the visa application process. Until recently, applicants who faced visa rejection could challenge the decision through an appeal process, which, while not legally mandated, was a common practice within the visa sections of German foreign missions. However, findings from a pilot project conducted across various German embassies revealed that suspending this procedure could enhance efficiency. Since June 1, 2023, this project has been trialled, and the…

In a bid to improve visitor experiences and alleviate congestion during the bustling summer tourism months, Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced the extension of visiting hours for various museums and archaeological sites. The programme, which follows a successful trial period in summer 2024, seeks to allow tourists to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage under cooler evening skies. As of June 1 to October 1, an impressive roster of 27 historic and cultural attractions will be at the public’s disposal well into the night. While most sites will close by 9pm, some, including the iconic Istanbul Archaeological Museum and the majestic Hagia Sophia, will extend their hours until 11pm. This initiative not only provides greater accessibility but also enhances the ambience of these spectacular sites, with the…

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Teyana Taylor and Sherri Shepherd, who are part of the principal cast of Tyler Perry’s thriller, Straw. Now these phenomenal women are legends in the industry – and not just for acting. Taylor is a respected singer, songwriter, model, dancer, choreographer and music video director, while Shepherd is also a daytime talk show host as well as podcaster and comedian. Engaging with them, even briefly, was mind-blowing. Especially with it being about a project that undeniably carries Perry’s signature ability to portray poignant stories of socioeconomic hardship. He’s proven his Midas touch in his popular Madea franchise and Good Deeds. Straw dropped on Netflix yesterday. It centres on Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson), a single mother with a sick little girl,…

Social media has become a lifeline for many seeking mental health support, with platforms like TikTok offering a space where users share personal stories, coping tips, and advice. But beneath the surface of bite-sized videos and catchy #mentalhealthtips lies a troubling reality: misinformation is rife, and it’s spreading fast. A recent investigation by The Guardian revealed that more than half of the top 100 mental health advice videos on TikTok contain misleading or outright false information. The problem with TikTok therapy From eating an orange in the shower to reduce anxiety to promoting supplements like saffron and holy basil as cure-alls, the mental health advice circulating on TikTok is often dubious at best. Some videos claim that trauma can be resolved in an hour, while others mislabel normal emotional experiences…

The call to devolve the mandate for policing – SAPS in the Western Cape to the Provincial Government – is no longer a matter of political preference; it is a very practical matter of necessity, accountability, and real justice for the people of the Western Cape. Currently, the SAPS is managed, led, and resourced by the national government and underpinned by a tradition of bureaucratic centralisation, cadre deployment and turning a blind eye to incompetence. It has lost sight of its constitutional duty. The result is that our residents live under the daily shadow of violent crime, yet control over policing remains in the hands of a distant and increasingly detached national government. This national government does not have a comprehensive understanding of the issues in the Western Cape and…

As South Africa steps into June, known as Pride Month, the contradiction between what is promised and what is lived becomes impossible to ignore. On paper, South Africa boasts one of the most progressive constitutions in the world – a beacon of equality, dignity, and protection for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. But for many in the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those living on the margins, that promise remains unfulfilled. Legal protections offer hope, but discrimination persists, violence goes unchecked, and many queer South Africans still live in fear, forced to justify their existence in a society that too often refuse to see them. For organisations like Ilitha Labantu, Pride Month is not just about rainbow flags and celebration – it is a solemn call to affirm the…

A Mitchells Plain ward councillor has appeared in the Caledon Magistrate’s court on sexual related charges made against him by a 75-year-old woman. The ward-92 councillor, which covers Tafelsig, Beacon Valley and Eastridge, allegedly sexually assaulted the pensioner in 2023 when he took her on an outing for her birthday. She claimed that after having a few drinks, the councillor rubbed his naked behind in her face and “dangled his penis in front of her”. In turn, the councillor opened a case of crimen injuria against the woman, who he was friends with for over 20 years. Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that the councillor’s case was remanded to 25 July, while National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the councillor indeed appeared in court on 9 May…

In a dazzling celebration of South African culture and heritage, Afrimunt has unveiled its highly anticipated limited-edition Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin collection, achieving unprecedented sales figures for privately minted coins in the country. The event showcased the remarkable craftsmanship behind these coins and saw the gold 1 oz. coin being sold for a staggering R358 000, a price that reflects its high demand and symbolic significance. The silver 1 oz. coin also made waves with a final sale price of R53 200, while the bronze 1 oz. coin closed at R30 200 – marking the highest prices ever recorded for private gold, silver, and bronze coins in South Africa. Launched in collaboration with Bassani’s auction house and ITickets, the Afrikaans is 100 commemorative coin commemorates a century of the…

Bidders Choice is hosting the online auction of a business property in Boston, Belville. The property has an erf extent of ±892m², and comprises: 16 allocated parking bays Foyer with wooden floors and wooden staircase Reception room Storeroom One small kitchen Four bathrooms Three small offices Five lecture rooms, all with basins Viewing is on June 18 from 10am to 3pm. Bids close on June 26 from 12am. For more information, please visit www.bidderschoice.co.za or call Casper on 082 459 8877. | Auctions Writer…

Julia Reynolds, a Grade 9 Treverton College student, is part of the KZN Western Riding Club which kicked off with their first show for 2025, The “Giants Classic.” Julia rode her horse Bronco Fare Chic Olena with the following results: • Ranch Trail – 1st (in all age groups) • Ranch Reining – 2nd in youth and 4th overall (in all age groups) • Ranch Cow – 2nd youth & 3rd overall (in all age groups) • Combined Reining Cow Horse – 3rd overall Congratulations Julia.…

In a landmark study that pushes the boundaries of our understanding of human evolution, a research team led by scholars from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Copenhagen has unveiled powerful insights into Paranthropus robustus – a close, extinct cousin of modern humans. Published in the prestigious journal Science, the study successfully harnesses two-million-year-old protein traces extracted from fossilised teeth, retrieved from the rich archaeological tapestry of South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind. This pioneering research not only presents some of the oldest human genetic data ever recovered from Africa but also disrupts long-held beliefs about the biological make-up and diversity of one of our early hominin relatives. As Dr Palesa Madupe, co-lead of the study and a research associate at UCT’s Human Evolution Research Institute (HERI),…

Just days after her heartfelt plea appeared in the Weekend Argus, Tracy Olivari from Goodwood received the kind of news that changes lives forever. In a bid to raise R35 000 for her daughter Zoë’s hearing assessment and treatment – a crucial step before the young girl starts Grade 1 – Tracy never imagined how quickly help would come. Thanks to international support, including a powerful boost from American YouTuber Colonel Chris Wyatt, the full amount was raised in just 30 minutes. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” Tracy shared. “I thought I’d be waiting months — I didn’t expect this to happen in three days, let alone in under an hour. I’m completely overwhelmed.” Four-year-old Zoë's story of being born prematurely at just seven months, and…

When we think of bakkies, our attention mostly is focused on double cabs ranging from the super luxurious to entry-level versions. However, there’s an entire industry out there that exclusively uses single cabs purely as workhorses to transport goods. Look at the courier companies, builders, agriculture, FMCG companies, mining, and add conversions like emergency services, mobile workshops and fridges to understand the versatility. Base model It’s not often that we get a base model single cab on test, never mind a converted dropside, which was the case with the converted Ford Ranger in the driveway. It forms part of their new Ford Pro Converter (FPC) programme that transforms vehicles for the commercial market. It’s not restricted to the Ranger and also includes the Everest SUV and Transit van. On the…

On May 22, 2024, at a joint IEC- Unisa engagement hosted at the UnisaDurban campus, I had the privilege of presenting my research on electronic voting (e-voting) in South Africa. The audience – comprising about 200 participants from academia, civil society, and industry – grappled with the future of elections in a digital democracy. Core concerns included the digital divide, inadequate voter education and the technical infrastructure required to support secure and inclusive e-voting. Amid this robust debate, one audience member posed an intriguing question: Why not piggyback on banking apps or ATMs to collect votes securely? The suggestion – lateral and bold –demands thoughtful consideration, as it taps into the increasing appetite for leveraging familiar, trusted technologies to solve public challenges. We must have clear credible reasons for any…

Thulani Cele was, very sadly, a victim of low economic growth and the receiving end of retrenchments. While he did the smart thing and started making payment arrangements to cover his loans, especially one he took out to do an MBA, paperwork around an insurance policy that would have helped cover part of this loan somehow got lost in the mix. While not commenting on this particular matter, Denise Gabriels, Lead Ombud at the Life Insurance Division of the National Financial Ombud Scheme, said it’s important to not only read the paperwork carefully but also to check bank statements. “There is a general duty on clients to go through their financial statements. “This may alert the client that a credit life insurance premium is included in their loan instalment, and…

Delays in winding up an estate can create unnecessary hardship for grieving families, and while the Master’s Office is often blamed for backlogs, the root cause frequently lies in poor or incomplete estate planning. Ensuring your estate is structured and documented properly can go a long way in easing the burden on your loved ones during an emotionally taxing time. Original Will cannot be located: One of the first requirements when reporting a deceased estate is providing the Master’s Office with the original Will and any codicils. If your loved ones are unaware of the location of your original Will or unsure whether you even have one, this can lead to significant delays. Locating the Will may require contacting your bank, financial planner, attorney, or insurance company, which can take…

Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad has named a 16-player squad for the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, set to take place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from 28 June - 10 July. Test captain Temba Bavuma will lead the group that includes five uncapped players. Among the new faces are Momentum Multiply Titans batting duo Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane, both of whom have received their maiden call-ups to the national setup. They are joined in the squad by another first-timer DP World Lions fast bowler Codi Yusuf. At just 19, Pretorius enjoyed a breakout season in the CSA 4-Day Series. He struck three hundreds in five first-class games at an impressive average of 72.66, including a crucial 114 in the final that helped secure a hard-fought…

Eminem’s publishing company, Eight Mile Style, filed a lawsuit accusing Meta of unlawfully using 243 of his songs without permission. According to court papers dated May 30 and seen by E! News, the rapper (real name Marshall Mathers) alleges that Meta allowed the “unauthorised storage, reproduction and exploitation” of his music across its platforms. The lawsuit specifically points fingers at features like Reels and Original Audio, claiming these tools encourage users to use music, including Eminem’s, without proper licensing or credit. Now, the multi-Grammy Award- winner is demanding financial compensation for what he calls the theft of his creative work. He’s asking for either lost profits or damages from Meta’s earnings or the maximum statutory damages of $150 000 (about R2.1 million) for each track, which adds up to more…

Weddings are often a reflection of the couple’s personality and values, but what happens when a guest takes control of the menu? One Redditor shared her experience on the Wedding Shaming forum after attending a friend's wedding that unexpectedly went all-vegan. The twist, however, was that neither the bride nor the groom was vegan. “A good friend of mine from college was about to get married, which I was happy and excited for,” she wrote. But things got strange a few weeks before the big day. “She calls to tell me that the wedding will be vegan. She wanted me not to tell my partner because she was afraid he wouldn’t go.” She reassured the bride, noting that while her partner had the “palate of a four-year-old,” he was still…

Kim White Towne's family is fighting to repatriate her remains after she was allegedly murdered in the US by her husband. They have launched a BackaBuddy campaign to cover the costs, with Lauren Delcarme writing on behalf of the family: “The process of repatriating a loved one’s remains is both complex and costly. Expenses possibly include cremation, documentation, and international transport. The estimated cost to bring Kim home ranges from $4 000 (approximately R71 000) to $6 000.” Towne, 32, died on May 25, with her husband Alexander Towne simply telling emergency services in a 911 that he doesn’t think “she’s with us any longer”. Inside their home in West Virginia, authorities found the lifeless body of his wife, Kim. She had been strangled, while their toddler son was in…

If you’ve ever spotted a colourful beach buggy cruising along the West Coast, chances are it belongs to a group called the Wild Buggers Beach Buggy Club – a Cape Town-based club made up of people who love old Volkswagen Beetles, Buggies, Bajas and anything with a bit of vintage charm. This month, weather permitting, they’re inviting other vintage VW lovers to join them on their next group run – a scenic drive full of stops, photos and a traditional South African braai to end it off. If you’ve got a Beetle, Buggy or even just a half-finished project in your garage, you’re welcome. The club started in the early 1990s when founder Anton Kleyn bought his first buggy. “I was hooked,” he said. “A few years later, I decided…

In a country where children and young people are far too often victims of unspeakable violence, Afrika Tikkun, a leading non-profit organisation, is calling on every South African to take a stand during Child Protection Week 2025, under the urgent and timely theme: “Every Conversation Matters.” The devastating cases of children like Cwecwe, and more recently Olerato Phali, a brilliant young Wits University student whose life was violently taken, are not isolated tragedies. They are echoes of a deeper crisis threatening our communities. These names must not become statistics. They must be the reason we rise. This week is a call to action, not observation. It is a week of walking, speaking, listening, and learning together. The protection and safety of our children cannot wait. Not one more child should…

The Masque, on Youth Day, will hold its first-ever Battle of the Bands: High School Edition. Enjoy the high-octane energy and talent of four high school bands that have been mentored by industry professionals to present this afternoon of entertainment and community pride. The event takes place on Youth Day, June 16 at 2pm. Bands taking part include ReHab (Fish Hoek High); Entropy (Muizenberg High); The Honeys (Muizenberg High) and Chromatic Kisses (Westridge High). These incredible young artists have been hand selected and guided by top local musicians and performers in a mentorship programme that has helped sharpen their skills and boost their confidence. Battle of the Bands: High School Edition is part of The Masque’s commitment to creating accessible platforms for youth engagement in the arts, celebrating talent, building…

La Ronde is set to ignite The Baxter Studio this winter with a daring and darkly comic new production directed by Leila Henriques. Inspired by Arthur Schnitzler’s once-censored 1897 play, this contemporary reimagining explores themes of sex, power, and longing through a chain of encounters between 10 strikingly different characters. In a world obsessed with visibility, image and performance, this modern adaptation of La Ronde probes a world where intimacy is currency, sex is a calculated strategy and everyone is performing for someone. Set in modern-day Cape Town, the play unfolds through the eyes of a DJ, who soundtracks each scene with music that reflects the emotional tempo of the characters’ intimate exchanges. “This play is funny, awkward and deeply human,” said Henriques. “Anyone who’s ever chased love or…

One sunny morning in 2023, Dale went to a beach in Oahu, Hawaii, to surf three-foot waves in the Pacific Ocean. To Dale, a French bulldog, it was just another day at the beach. But it became something else entirely: It was the moment Dale made his acting debut. Dale was filming a scene for the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, which opened at the box office recently. The scene shows Dale at the front of a surfboard for a few seconds, inspiring the character Stitch to surf in the film. The movie is a remake of the 2002 animated film about a Hawaiian girl, Lilo, who befriends a doglike alien, Stitch. Before Dale started surfing, he was already adept at paddleboarding and bodyboarding. He picked up surfing for the…

University of the Western Cape Analytical Chemistry Prof Priscilla Baker's groundbreaking career has earned her the top global recognition as the 2025 L'Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Laureate, for Africa and the Arab States. In a world where healthcare disparities persist and women remain underrepresented in science, Prof Baker is breaking barriers with her pioneering research in wearable electrochemical sensors while advocating for greater inclusivity in STEM fields. Growing up in Bellville South, Prof Baker said that, until recently, she would still go back to her old high school to motivate learners. Like many high schoolers in the mid-1980s, under PW Botha’s State of Emergency, her schooling was also disrupted as she started matric in 1986. However, Prof Baker’s path to scientific leadership was fraught with obstacles. In 1990,…

Sho’t left, tjom, chakalaka, boerewors, braai, chesanyama, vuvuzela, braai broodjie, brandewyn, bra, boet, broer, bakkie. You don’t get more South African than that, and when you are standing around a braai fire, the discussion inevitably turns to South Africa’s favourite vehicle – the bakkie – because they’re embedded in our cultural heritage. Test of time And while the death march slowly plays for saloon cars as everyone clamours to get behind the wheel of an SUV or Crossover, the bakkie continues to stand the test of time. In a country like South Africa with its vast distances, rural areas with gravel roads and the need to transport goods and people, bakkies will always be the first choice. If you’ve travelled to isolated rural areas with their limited infrastructure, bakkies play…

Every year, tax season creeps up on us, and somehow, despite all our good intentions, many of us still scramble at the last minute. With Sars officially opening the 2025 tax filing season from July 7 to October 20, now is the time to get your affairs in order before the inevitable rush. There’s good news for taxpayers—Sars has streamlined the process through auto assessments, meaning that a large group of non-provisional and provisional taxpayers will receive pre-completed tax returns based on third-party data from employers, medical aids, and pension funds. Those affected will be notified between July 7 and 20, and if the information is accurate, there’s no further action needed. If corrections are necessary, changes can be submitted via eFiling before the October 20 deadline. For those not…

Historically, trusts’ financials, if they were prepared, did not receive the attention they deserved from trustees. Typically, under pressure from often unforeseen deadlines, it was left to the accountant to make do with bank statements, if they existed for the trust, or to literally compile the trust’s financial statements on a one-page journal, massaging the numbers until they appeared satisfactory. The loan account usually serves as the balancing entry to balance the figures. Clearly, no supporting documents, such as resolutions and loan agreements, were in place, and the accountant had little understanding of the trust’s affairs to enable them to question or interrogate the numbers. In a tax case, Taxpayer D v CSars (IT 35476), in which the Johannesburg Tax Court delivered judgment on 5 February 2025, a taxpayer ended…

As winter blankets South Africa in its cold embrace, many sun-thirsty South Africans find solace in dreaming of vibrant summer days gone by. The warmth of summer in Europe presents the perfect opportunity for these sun worshippers to swop winter coats for beachwear and escape to sunny island getaways. These islands not only promise sunshine but also a unique blend of relaxation, adventure and a chance to leave the mundane behind. Explorers looking for warmth are in for a treat as Europe boasts a myriad islands, ranging from country-sized hideaways to quaint rocky outcrops. Here are some winning island destinations sure to banish the winter blues. Procida, Italy: An authentic Italian escape Set in the picturesque Gulf of Naples, the small island of Procida is a hidden gem that captures…

7 reasons to experience a South African safari for a roaring winter adventure As the chill of winter envelops Mzansi, it heralds the start of a much-anticipated safari season. From the sun-kissed shores of Cape Town to the sprawling savannas of Limpopo, South Africa offers a spectacular array of safari getaways that promise not just adventure but also a connection with nature like no other. The peak of the safari season typically runs from May to October, when animals gather at water sources and the sparse vegetation allows for clearer, more intimate animal sightings. With areas like the Kruger, Pilanesberg, Hluhluwe, Madikwe and Welgevonden coming alive, here are compelling reasons to embrace the magic of a safari this winter. See the Big Five without the fuss: There’s an exquisite thrill…