Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-06-14 i Weekend Argus Saturday

So full confession time – my child said his first bad word the other day. And guys… I laughed. I know, I know. I’m not supposed to. I’m the adult. The responsible one. The example. But let me set the scene… We’re just going about our day, nothing out of the ordinary, when my son casually responds to me asking how his day was: “Mommy, today I got k*k sore when I fell.” (For those who do not understand k*k is equivalent to the word crap) anyways...The sentence. The delivery. The timing. I couldn’t help it – I burst out laughing. To all the members of the Judging Brigade warming up your fingers to type “But you shouldn’t laugh!”, please… I already know. But in that moment, it was the…

The beloved body swop antics are set to return in a big way with the upcoming sequel to the cult classic, Freaky Friday. The latest trailer for Freakier Friday reveals a plethora of wedding-related antics intertwined with heartwarming lessons on family bonds, spiced up with the trademark chaos fans have come to love. In this new adventure, Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan) is preparing for her wedding, with her mother Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) by her side, ready to assist. However, family tensions simmer beneath the surface as Anna’s daughter, and her fiancé Eric’s daughter, Lilly, clash in hilarious ways. From mock wedding vows to playful insults, Anna’s daughter describes her future stepsister as “a little demon thing with an obnoxious accent”. The story takes a turn when a fortune teller,…

Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom recently made waves in the wellness world by undergoing a £ 10 000 apheresis “detox” in London. He posted an intimate photo of himself hooked up to a machine claiming to remove microplastics and toxins from his bloodstream. But is this luxury procedure scientifically sound or a self-indulgent health trend? Bloom recently took his health regimen to the next level by undergoing a controversial detoxification procedure which costs approximately R190 000. According to the University of Southern California, microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimetres in size, that come from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are intentionally manufactured. They are found in food, water, air and even within our bodies, raising concerns about their potential health impacts. While research is ongoing, there’s…

As South Africa marks the one-year anniversary of its Government of National Unity (GNU), the country stands at a crossroads – again. The 2024 general election failed to produce an outright majority, ushering in a coalition arrangement intended to provide political stability and economic direction. But has it worked? That was the central question of a webinar hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) on Thursday, chaired by Professor Purshottama Reddy, a governance expert. The panel featured UKZN political science lecturer Zakhele Ndlovu, Merchant Africa director Advocate Lavan Gopaul, KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, and Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh. Ndlovu noted that despite the hope surrounding the GNU’s formation, the country remains mired in indecision and dysfunction. “Eight months ago, I said we were…

The call to devolve some police powers to the provinces and metro councils, has been a drum beaten by the Democratic Alliance (DA) for some time. But will it make a difference or is just about the DA thinking that they can do it better than the ANC? The DA runs the Western Cape province as well as the City of Cape Town and has within the Government of National Unity, the chairmanship of the police portfolio committee in parliament. The province and city is racked by gang violence, and there is frustration that the national police can't seem to get a handle on it. Michael Jacobs of the Mitchell’s Plain United Residents Association (MURA) said that every day in a suburb on the Cape Flats, a life is…

Andre Naude, an alleged underworld kingpin, was not new to controversy. The murder-accused was killed in a hail of bullets on Voortrekker Road in Parow on Thursday afternoon. His murder comes more than seven months after his friend and business partner Mark Lifman was gunned down in a shopping mall parking lot in George in November last year. The duo was both charged with the murder of Brian Wainstein. Western Cape police have launched a manhunt for Naude's killers, who came under fire alongside his bodyguards in Parow. But who is Andre Naude, and what links does he allegedly have to the underworld? Naude, 55, was the owner of a security company. He is currently out on bail for Wainstein’s murder. Naude is a friend of the alleged leader of…

Two high school learners from Parklands College have been crowned the winners of the inaugural Coronation Top Investor Challenge: Schools Edition. Reuben Rietoff and Mbali Nhuku, competing as the Cashflow Co-Pilots, outperformed hundreds of teams from schools across South Africa to build the top-ranked virtual portfolio. As winners, they have each received R25 000 in Coronation unit trust vouchers to kick-start their own investment journeys, while their school has been awarded a R50 000 cash prize. For the first time, the Coronation Top Investor Challenge was rolled out nationally to high schools across South Africa in 2025. This flagship initiative, a firm favourite among clients, invited learners to step into the shoes of investment professionals and experience the complex yet exciting world of investing. Armed with R1 million in virtual…

THE Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) is set to captivate audiences as it celebrates its 20th anniversary with an extraordinary line-up of concerts, masterclasses, and performances from July 4-13 at the US Konservatorium in Stellenbosch. Among the highlights of this prestigious festival is the world premiere of Resonance, an original composition by acclaimed Boston-based jazz pianist Kevin Harris, scheduled for July 8. Harris’s piece is a contemporary symphonic reflection inspired by the words and actions of anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko, a titan of the Black Consciousness movement. Drawing from Biko’s written works, Harris’s composition offers a profound exploration of social justice, encouraging audiences to look beyond the surface into the stories of those often relegated to the shadows, encouraging audiences to look beyond the surface into the stories…

The most pressing issue facing early childhood development in South Africa is the lack of political will by the government to meet the needs of young children. This was said by Professor Eric Atmore, director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development, on the back of a stakeholder engagement recently held at LaMotte in Franschhoek. Atmore said linked to this is the very low budget allocation for programmes to support young children in their early development, especially for early learning programmes. The engagement, which was hosted by the Inceba Trust, an organisation on a mission “to prepare preschool children in body, mind and soul for a future filled with hope, confidence and courage”. Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, founder of the Inceba Trust said their overarching goal is to support Early Childhood Development…

The prospect of Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, expanding its operations to South Africa has generated considerable excitement, particularly for its potential to bridge the digital divide in rural communities. However, experts in the field of astronomy are raising concerns about the unintended consequences of satellite constellations on South Africa’s world-class radio telescopes. University of the Western Cape (UWC) Professor Lerothodi Leeuw recently spoke about the disruptive impact that Starlink and similar satellite networks could have on the country’s premier astronomical facilities. Among those at risk are the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), a state-of-the-art observatory in Sutherland, and the ambitious Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, designed to unlock new insights into the universe. Prof Leeuw likened the interference caused by satellites to a form of “photo-bombing,” where artificial…

The FIFA World Club Cup, which kicks off in the US today, may seem like a new competition. Certainly, soccer’s governing body, Fifa, is promoting it as is it were, marketing the month-long competition between 32 of the world’s biggest soccer teams as the “pinnacle of club football”, with up to $125 million (R2.2 billion) in prize money for the winning team and $250m set aside for promoting “football solidarity”. In reality, the competition is the latest chapter in Fifa’s long-running quest – going all the way back to 1960 – to create a global championship that would determine which club really is the best in the world. The organising body has trumpeted a $1bn prize pot for the World Club Cup. But Fifa has been less vocal about the…

In a marriage in community of property, both spouses jointly own a single estate in equal, undivided shares. However, what many couples fail to consider is that the death of one spouse triggers the winding-up of the entire joint estate. This process can have far-reaching – and sometimes unintended – financial consequences for the surviving spouse, especially where no proper estate plan is in place. Winding up your joint estate On the death of the first-dying spouse, the joint estate ceases to exist, and the appointed executor is legally required to wind it up in its entirety. This includes settling all liabilities in the estate, regardless of which spouse incurred the debt or whether it was acquired before or after the marriage. In other words, both spouses are jointly and…

More young South Africans are prioritising wellness through therapy and fitness, but they continue to overlook financial well-being, and it is costing them more than they realise. Money stress spills into every part of life, from relationships to mental health, yet many young people build their early careers without building a financial plan According to a Sanlam report, 57% of South Africans cite financial stress as the top factor affecting their mental health, with 18–24-year-olds the most vulnerable. Yet, despite South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate, there are 20.9 million working young people aged 15 to 34 who still face financial challenges due to limited financial literacy. The 1Life Youth Generational Wealth Survey found that while 80% believe they can build wealth once employed, only 30% have a monthly budget,…

The visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community has significantly grown in the travel industry over the years as gay rights and inclusivity are championed globally with an increasing number of destinations becoming LGBTQIA+ friendly. However, some countries still remain unwelcoming towards LGBTQIA+ individuals. In Africa, for instance, 33 out of 55 countries still criminalise homosexuality, with nations such as Kenya, Ghana, Namibia, Niger, Tanzania and Uganda tightening anti-homosexuality laws, making these destinations less desirable for the community. With June being Pride Month, it commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice for the LGBTQIA+ community. As the strides made in creating a more inclusive world are celebrated, here are a handful of the most popular LGBTQIA+ destinations to consider for your next adventure. Cape Town,…

After decades of meetings, milestones and making sure everyone else was taken care of, many South Africans over 60 are finally placing themselves at the top of the priority list. Whether it’s sipping espresso in Italy, spotting the Big Five on a midweek Kruger escape or joining the grandkids on a cruise, retirement is less about slowing down and more about showing up for the life you’ve dreamed of. And the best part? You don’t need to feel guilty or go broke to make it happen. South Africans are finding smarter ways to fund their bucket-list travel. According to a recent survey, 32% of South Africans aged 60 and up are planning to dip into their retirement savings to fund a holiday in 2025. Financial advisors say that allocating 5-10%…

As digital landscapes transform rapidly, so too does the educational playground for today’s students. Gone are the days of poring over dog-eared textbooks and scribbling notes. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in a new era for learners. Arno Jansen van Vuuren, Managing Director of Futurewise, said the implications of AI in education and what parents need to know to support their children in this evolving landscape. With tools like ChatGPT at their fingertips, students are empowered like never before. These large language models are redefining study habits, assisting with tasks such as drafting essays, summarising chapters, checking maths problems, and even brainstorming science projects. However, this remarkable facilitation raises an important question: Are these tools enhancing learning, or are they inadvertently replacing it? As Youth Month unfolds,…

Viewers have once again been transported into some of the world’s most remarkable homes on the latest season of Listing Cape Town. The property-themed reality lifestyle show provides insight into the booming Mother City market as it showcases designer penthouses, beachfront villas and sprawling winelands estates. These properties feature breathtaking views, luxurious amenities and the intense negotiations. Season three of the series kicked off with a bang when it premiered on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) at the end of last month. The first episodes showcased renowned local singer Jarrad Ricketts viewing a sensational Camps Bay villa for his family vacation. This multi-storey property in one of the Mother City’s most exclusive suburbs featured uninterrupted views from all rooms of the house, leaving the entertainer insisting that his wife will…

After a long day, there’s nothing quite like slipping under a warm blanket and savouring a moment of peace. This winter, a new trend is taking social media by storm – cosymaxxing, which encourages us to create comforting, relaxing environments anytime. Rooted in self-soothing rituals, cosymaxxing is more than a fleeting TikTok trend – it’s a lifestyle choice that speaks to a deeper need for comfort and intentional living. What is cosymaxxing? At its core, this trend is about layering self-soothing activities that engage your senses and evoke feelings of warmth and tranquillity. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, what matters is that you find joy in the little things. Picture this: you’re wrapped in a soft blanket with a steaming cup of rooibos tea, a favourite…

Although my journey with social justice began in primary school under the labels of “outreach” and “charity drives”, I only came to understand its depth at university. While charity and community outreach fall under the umbrella of social justice, the concept is much more expansive at its core. It is about finding sustainable ways to ensure all people have equal rights and access to basic resources. Social justice is far more personal than charity. It involves putting yourself in the shoes of those whose rights you are fighting for – feeling what others feel and being personally invested in their stories. To mark Youth Day on June 16, this piece explores the following key question: “Why should young people in South Africa be social justice campions?”. Struggling nation It can…

The family of a 91-year-old woman is in a bitter feud with her retirement home and has sought an urgent court order to get her back into her cottage that she bought at a Durbanville retirement village after she was forcefully evicted and placed into a frail care unit at the village. Anthea Gray who lives with her partner Jade Coetzee in Umhlanga, Durban, said she got a frantic call from her mother, telling her that people from the Green Pastures Rest Home (GPRH) came barging in, packed up her stuff and evicted her, placing her in the frail care facility that she shares with other residents. Joan Blaber, 91, has been living independently at the Home in a cottage that she paid R270 000 for in 2010 and on…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has sent a clear and uncompromising message in Parliament underscoring the government’s intensified focus on consequence management in the water sector to combat corruption and inefficiency. “We are stepping up consequence management. “Water boards, municipal managers, and service providers will be held accountable – no exceptions,” Mashatile stated, addressing concerns over poor performance, criminal interference, and service delivery failures. The deputy president was responding to questions in the National Assembly in Cape Town on Thursday. He acknowledged that many of the country’s water authorities were managed at the municipal level, with oversight from the Department of Water and Sanitation. “Their performance is under scrutiny. We cannot afford weak leadership in these critical institutions. When individuals don’t deliver, action must follow – because failure costs lives and…

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has disclosed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is currently facing a backlog of about 200 applications from officers awaiting the processing of their medical boarding applications. Almost half of the total number of the total applications was approved about five months ago. Mchunu revealed this when he was responding in writing to parliamentary questions from DA MP Lisa Schickerling, who enquired abut delays in the processing of medical boarding applications. “There are currently approximately 200 applications which are pending adjudication,” he said. Mchunu disclosed that the most recent medical boarding process conducted by the SAPS was conducted on January 15, 2025. “A total of 97 members were granted medical boarding.” The minister said they considered several factors when determining the eligibility of police members…

THE click of a camera shutter and the improvisation of a jazz saxophone may seem worlds apart. Yet, in the hands of South African photojournalist and cultural organiser Rashid Lombard, they became inseparable instruments of resistance and celebration. Born in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in 1951, Lombard began his journey as a photographer during one of the most turbulent periods in South African history. He documented pivotal moments in the country’s journey towards democracy, including the release of former president Nelson Mandela in 1990 and South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. I am an African Studies scholar working at the intersection of creativity, memory and restorative justice. His work came into sharp focus when I conceptualised and curated the exhibition Martyrs, Saints and Sellouts: The Photographs of Benny Gool,…

In celebration of Youth Month, the Cotton On Foundation has launched a bold initiative aimed at transforming literacy outcomes in South Africa. Titled “Beyond Words”, the campaign sees the Cotton On Foundation and the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation come together in a long-standing and now extended partnership, with the goal to raise and invest R20 million into literacy across the country. The initiative comes in response to the stark reality that 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa are unable to read for meaning, while 78% of public schools still operate without libraries. But it also signals hope: a united, focused and long-term drive to improve literacy across the country and change the story. The Beyond Words Library and Literacy Project was officially launched at John Pama Primary School in…

In 1998, Nelson Mandela said, “The future belongs to our youth.” That sentiment remains just as powerful today. However, as South Africa’s young people chart their path forward, they face more than just one challenge. From entering the job market to learning to manage their finances, today’s youth must navigate a complex, fast-changing world. “Youth unemployment remains a serious concern. But the truth is, many young people are also grappling with limited financial literacy, access to quality education, and a lack of guidance on how to grow both personally and professionally. Our job is to support them on all these fronts, so they can take ownership of their futures,” said Sandi Richardson, HR Executive at RCS. While the job market can be daunting, industries like retail and call/contact centres continue…

After Jill Walker finished the bike portion of a triathlon, her friend informed her that the top runner in her age group was only about seven minutes ahead. But Walker didn’t speed up to try to clinch first place. Her main objective was to pet as many dogs as possible. Walker paused running to pet dozens of dogs over the rest of the course in Madison, Wisconsin. She was about a quarter-mile from winning her age group when she saw a spectator near the finish line holding a puppy above his head. Walker couldn’t resist; she delayed her victory to pet her 45th dog that race in September. Walker, 57, is now preparing for her 100th Ironman triathlon, which consists of a grueling 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and…

As the bustling pulse of Cape Town's nightlife beats louder on concert nights, executive chef, Keshan Rambarun, is redefining the culinary experience for concertgoers with an innovative approach that melds gourmet flavours with the street food culture. Knowing that many audience members may have only a fleeting 20 minutes before the lights dim, Rambarun embraces a global culinary trend by offering “flavour-packed foods that can be picked up and eaten on the go”. The new hot food station, strategically located en route to the Grand Arena, serves as both an enticing pitstop and a showcase of culinary creativity. Rambarun, who conceptualised this initiative shortly after joining GrandWest two years ago, has observed an overwhelmingly positive reception from patrons eager to enjoy vibrant, tasty options before the show kicks off.…

The Ineos Grenadier has been with us for a while now but it still turns heads wherever it goes, especially in the off-road community and more so among those that have a soft spot for the original Land Rover Defender. How did it come about? We know that billionaire and chairperson of multi-national chemical company, Ineos, Sir Jim Ratcliff, expressed an interest in buying the tooling for the Defender when JLR stopped production, which they declined in no uncertain terms. So he and a couple of mates, while sipping on some beers at the Grenadier pub in London, drew a rough design of what he wanted on a napkin and from there the Grenadier was born. That napkin is now framed and has pride of place in the pub. He…

In the aftermath of the fiery attack on a group of people in Boulder, Colorado, who had gathered for a march calling for the release of hostages in Gaza, the brick plaza where they once stood was cordoned off with police tape. Men and women had essentially been fire bombed on a Sunday afternoon, so workmen washed the residue of mayhem from the ground in front of the county courthouse. In the distance, hanging over the courthouse’s double doors was the rainbow flag, a symbol of tolerance and inclusivity – more hope than fact. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the Egyptian man who was arrested for the violence, which the FBI has characterised as a “targeted terrorist attack”, was reported to have shouted, “Free Palestine,” before allegedly flinging molotov cocktails at the…

It’s almost time for the typical mid-year public school holidays, with the resultant need to replace some articles of clothing, buy new textbooks, or otherwise spend money on a child’s, or children’s, education. Online schooling is likely to be more cost-effective as there is no need to purchase uniforms, textbooks are often online, and stationery doesn’t need to be a certain colour. Other cost pushers that can be eliminated include transport, either via public transport or in fuel for mom and dad – tuckshop money, and school infrastructure levies. In the most recent Statistics South Africa inflation release, for March – the month that it measures the cost of education – the agency noted that the price index for education increased by 4.5%. Although this was a slower rate of…

The financial landscape for young South Africans is rapidly evolving, shaped by economic pressures, shifting priorities, and a growing reliance on digital financial tools. The Youth Barometer, which harnesses data from Standard Bank’s Personal and Private Banking and Liberty, offers a revealing snapshot of how South Africans aged 18 to 35 are navigating their financial journeys—balancing essential expenses with discretionary spending, financing their first assets, supporting their families, and planning for their long-term futures. The inaugural Youth Barometer was launched this week in Rosebank. According to the head of youth and mass market segments at Standard Bank, Tshiamo Molanda, these insights are more than data points; they are a call to action. “They challenge us to design solutions that are relevant, inclusive, and forward-looking. Solutions that not only respond to…

The Proteas Women will have to learn how to adapt quicker to the conditions if they want to level the series against West Indies in Barbados, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp said. The 35-year-old, one of the team's most decorated players, joined the Proteas squad after missing the Tri-Series tournament in Sri Lanka last month. During the series last month, the Proteas women kicked off the tour in a similar fashion, losing the first game. Only this time, they do not have multiple opportunities at redemption. If the Proteas lose the next ODI today, they lose the series 2-0. All three ODI’s will be played at the 3w’s Oval in Barbados. Kapp said they were surprised at how good the batting conditions were and may have made it seem a little…

THE WORLD CUP is not a name you ordinarily associate with South Africa. At least we have not really had reason to since we hosted the 2010 edition of the global soccer showpiece. Having missed out on the last three editions of FIFA’s crown jewel, it looks like we might finally go back to the spectacle next year given the good from Bafana Bafana are enjoying in the qualifiers. Prior to us going to the Americas next year where the United States, Canada and Mexico are going to jointly host the tournament, we’ve got a World Cup to get excited about starting this week. Granted, the FIFA Club World Cup has nothing on the main one contested by countries. But it is a World Cup alright, and we should be…

R Kelly has made a bid to be released from prison. The I Believe I Can Fly singer – who is serving a 31-year sentence for child sexual abuse crimes – is seeking to be removed from federal custody and placed on house arrest after alleging his life is in danger behind bars. An emergency motion for temporary furlough was filed in federal court this week and alleges three officials with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) devised a plot to have Kelly killed by another inmate. The filing, which was obtained by People magazine, contains a declaration from the inmate, Mikeal Glenn Stine, who alleged he was asked to carry out the plot by three high-ranking individuals while serving his sentence at the United States Penitentiary Tucson in Arizona. Stine…

FORty-nine years after the 1976 youth rose up for their future, a new generation is still fighting – this time, for access to basic survival. Blocked by digital dead-ends, outdated databases, and silent systems, many young South Africans are being denied the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant – an essential support in a country where jobs are scarce and promises often fall flat. These technical barriers are hindering the efforts of youth applicants to secure these funds, according to the social justice organisation, Black Sash. South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) spokesperson Andile Tshona said while there are currently over four million young beneficiaries receiving SRD grants, it is difficult to say whether this figure is more or less than the previous years, as the numbers keep changing.…

Plans to redevelop the Strand Street Quarry into a multi-use community precinct have reached the public feedback assessment phase, following the closure of the official comment period on 30 May 2025. The proposed redevelopment – initially presented for public comment on 17 April 2025 – aims to transform the site at the corner of Strand and Hudson Streets, and 101 Vos Street, into a hub of sports, tourism, and community activity. The plans include a multi-purpose practice sports field and additional sports courts, the reconfiguration of Metro Police facilities, new tourist attractions such as markets and restaurants, and associated parking infrastructure. The proposal stems from a vision that has been developed in consultation with the community and local stakeholders since 2023. Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee…

The National Police boss, Senzo Mchunu, said crime levels in South Africa remain unacceptably high and outlined a series of reforms to strengthen law enforcement. Speaking on Friday morning at the SAPS Academy in Pretoria, Mchunu reflected on his first year in office and the state of the South African Police Service (SAPS). “It has been 11 months and 14 days since the new administration was ushered in and the new Ministry took office,” he said. “Shortly after joining the Ministry, we received an elaborate orientation from SAPS top management, which helped us assess the current crime-fighting programs and the organogram.” Mchunu said it soon became clear that some programs and structures, while helpful, had significant shortcomings. “Where changes were necessary, we have implemented them – and will continue to…

Bidders Choice is hosting the online liquidation auction of two one-bedroom flatlets in Milnerton. The apartments are situated in Residence on 42nd, North Road. • Lot 1, is section 21 – a ±60m², third-floor unit comprising one bedroom, one bathroom, an open-plan kitchen/lounge area, a balcony and a parking bay. • Lot 2 is section 23 – a ±61m², third-floor unit comprising one bedroom, one bathroom, an open-plan kitchen/lounge area, a balcony and a parking bay. Viewing is on June 17 from 10am to 2pm.Bids open on June 24 at 8am and close on June 25 from 11am. For more information, please visit www.bidderschoice.co.za or call Casper on 082 459 8877. |…

Arno Jansen Van Vuuren, Managing Director of Futurewise, shares what parents need to know about AI in the classroom – the good, the bad…and the dangerous. Back in the day (which is really only a few short years ago) students studied in “analogue”; think dog-eared textbooks, handwritten notes, Google Search – and maybe a text or two to an overachieving friend. From drafting essays to summarising chapters, checking maths problems and brainstorming science projects, ChatGPT and similar tools are rapidly and dramatically redefining how young people approach their studies. But are these tools boosting learning – or replacing it? As the world celebrates Youth Month, Van Vuuren believes it’s worth asking: what does the advent of AI mean for education in South Africa, and how can parents guide their children…

Completely reforesting Earth might help cool the planet more than expected but still not enough to offset the warming that has occurred since industrial times, a recent analysis finds. The scientists modeled what might happen if humans reached the planet’s reforestation potential, adding about 4.6 million square miles of trees and bringing Earth’s forests back to preindustrial levels. The good news is that trees’ natural emissions could help with cooling, the researchers write in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. The researchers predicted the outcomes of full reforestation both taking and not taking the effects of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) into consideration. These natural, tree-emitted compounds interact with atmospheric molecules, encouraging cloud production, reflecting sunlight and cooling Earth’s surface. In a news release, the researchers acknowledge that achieving full…

As the death toll rose to 67 on Thursday from the recent floods in the Eastern Cape, Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, Managing Director of the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), along with her research collaborators, just released a comprehensive analysis of weather-related disasters in South Africa from 1980 to 2023. The research, utilising data from respected sources such as the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) and synoptic charts provided by the South African Weather Service, offers critical insights that are set to transform our understanding of climate resilience and disaster management. The study, which draws on sophisticated meteorological reanalyses such as the fifth generation European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting reanalysis (ERA5) and data from the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), identifies floods and storms as…

As climate change continues to wreak havoc on South Africa’s agricultural landscape, the future of food security hangs in the balance. With predictions indicating a potential 50% decline in agricultural production by 2050, the spectre of hunger looms ever larger for the 18 million households, or roughly 21% of the population, who are currently grappling with food insecurity. Recent studies forecast a 25% increase in maize yield variability due to shifting weather patterns, including reduced rainfall and soaring temperatures. As the staple food source for many low-income households, maize is already feeling the pinch, with prices climbing by 30% in recent years, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity. According to Roscoe van Wyk, a research fellow at Stellenbosch Business School, the agricultural sector must be restructured…

Buckle up, Mzansi. The local automotive scene just got a significant jolt of electrified energy as the Omoda and Jaecoo brands officially unleash their latest plug-in hybrid contenders onto South African roads. Leading the charge are two distinct SUVs: the premium-focused Omoda C9 PHEV and the more accessible Jaecoo J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System), signalling a bold commitment to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in our market. Pivotal moment For Omoda, the arrival of the C9 PHEV marks a pivotal moment. Positioned as their flagship luxury SUV, this plug-in hybrid aims to blend the serene efficiency of electric driving with the reassurance of petrol power and a hefty dose of premium appeal. Hans Greyling, general manager for Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa, says: “The C9 PHEV represents a fresh chapter for…

Every day is “Taco Tuesday” for US Democrats this week. Ever since US President Donald Trump angrily dismissed a reporter’s question about the “Trump always chickens out” trade theory – the market’s bet that Trump will back off his trade bluster – it has become a non-stop meme, complete with a taco truck to taunt Republicans. I’m head of a progressive opposition research shop, so you might assume I’m celebrating this outbreak of trolling. You’d be wrong. Democrats need to drop it immediately. I understand that the claim that “Trump always chickens out” on trade policy feels vindicating. To see his political allies on Wall Street call him weak and goad him into a Truth Social tantrum scratches a particular itch. But this attack enrages Trump only when it’s coming…

When you take out a life insurance policy, you need to take particular care that you get it right the first time. The trouble with life insurance is that it becomes more expensive as you age, and that, if you put it off until later, there is the possibility you’ll have health issues that may even prevent you from being covered at all. Many people are under the misconception that life cover is easily replaceable, like short-term cover (the insurance of things) where, if you are not happy with an insurer, you can shop around. They are not aware of how it differs from short-term cover and the pitfalls of treating it in the same way. Advisers and brokers have a responsibility not only to fully inform their clients about…

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) has come down hard on the South African Local Authorities Pension Fund for ignoring repeated requests for information, in what it describes as serious non-compliance with regulatory obligations. Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane reported the fund to the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) after it failed to respond to multiple enquiries from her office in the course of investigating a complaint. “There were several complaints against the fund,” Lukhaimane says. “And the lack of response from the fund reflects a disregard for the Pension Funds Act, its rules, and the best interests of members.” The complaint in question was brought by a former South African Police Service employee who believed his withdrawal benefit had been improperly calculated. He asked the OPFA to determine whether…

Bulls coach Jake White, for some time, has been advocating that the Springbok players based overseas should be brought home to strengthen the local teams, but Bok centre Jesse Kriel disagrees. Kriel, who is based in Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen that occurs when players from all over the world are pooled together, as is the case in the Japanese teams. Joining Kriel in the current Bok squad preparing for the Barbarians season-opener on June 28 are fellow Japan-based players in Lood de Jager, Faf de Klerk, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe and Malcolm Marx. That is a hefty chunk of polished Springboks. Kriel pointed to White himself as a good example of how overseas…

As travellers set their sights on Spain’s sun-soaked and culturally rich cities this summer, they must tread carefully after a new clampdown on Airbnb lodgings. Spain’s effort to curb the adverse effects of overtourism has led to just over 65 000 holiday rental listings ordered for deletion due to violations of local regulations. The Spanish Consumer Rights Ministry has noted many listings reportedly lack required licence numbers, fail to clarify whether the property owner is an individual or a corporation, and often present discrepancies between the listed information and the official records. These violations come amid a housing affordability crisis that has ignited protests across the nation, particularly in hot spots like Madrid and Barcelona. “Airbnb will continue to appeal against all decisions related to this case. No evidence of…