Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-07-19 i Weekend Argus Saturday

Unlike their Hollywood counterparts, such as Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Aniston, who have demonstrably moved on from their divorces, many high-profile personalities in Mzansi are still navigating their healing journeys. This couldn’t be more apparent than on Showmax’s Untied, where the well-known guests share their no-holds-barred take on marriage and divorce. With Relebogile Mabotja tactfully broaching issues that audiences want answered, she does a sterling job in celebrating her guests while empathising with them too. Of course, some of the scandals made headlines, too, while others were kept low-key. I watched episode one with Nonku Williams, who unpacked her tumultuous marriage before her rise to fame on The Real Housewives of Durban. And who could forget the “cheesecake saga” between Sonia and Matthew Booth that turned the country…

Scrolling through TikTok lately, you might have come across videos about the “Orange Peel Theory”. At first glance, it sounds oddly specific. Why is peeling an orange suddenly a relationship trend? But the idea behind it is as sweet and thoughtful as it sounds, and it’s making many people rethink what love truly looks like. The Orange Peel Theory suggests that the small, everyday acts we do for our partners, like peeling an orange, can mean far more than big romantic gestures. Not because someone can’t peel their own orange, but because it shows care, thoughtfulness and the kind of gentle attention that makes us feel safe and loved. While you won’t find the “Orange Peel Theory” in any psychology textbook, the conversation it sparked is deeply rooted in relationship…

Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane has come under fire again after failing to appear before Parliament to account for the controversial appointments to the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards, which included several ANC allies. She instead opted to attend a GBV event in the Eastern Cape. Nkabane sent a last-minute apology to the portfolio committee, citing a gender-based violence (GBV) event at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in the Eastern Cape as the reason for her absence. Her apology was rejected by committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie. Letsie said after receiving the letter, he told Nkabane that he is not accepting her apology because it does not make sense for her to be absent from the meeting. Nkabane was expected to brief members again…

Local content producers and actors are concerned that the French Television Giant Canal+’s acquisition of Multichoice may lead to fewer local productions and could lead to an increase in unemployment for those working in the entertainment industry, especially those dependent on commissions from Multichoice. The Competition Commission Tribunal hearing this week, focused on public interest clauses of the merger, especially around commitments to support local content creators and historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs). Regulators and commissioners sought to understand how local content creators and HPDs will be supported under the merged entity. Canal+ and MultiChoice had committed to obligations to continue procuring goods and services from a diverse group of beneficiaries, including HDP firms, small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), and South African content creators. Concerns were raised during Thursday’s hearing…

The City of Cape Town has shed more light on its recent changes to the Municipal Planning By-law (MPBL), aimed at unlocking affordable rental accommodation through small-scale, incremental housing developments. On June 26, 2025, Council approved an additional land use right for properties in designated areas, allowing for the development of up to eight small-scale rental units in addition to a main dwelling, or up to 12 rental units if no main dwelling is present. City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo, said: “The additional right must be exercised in lieu of the existing right to a second and third dwelling and the property owner will need to make a choice between the new and the existing right.” Tyhalibongo explained that this move forms part of the City’s broader approach to managing rapid…

The gruesome and heartbreaking murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek has reopened a dark and painful question: what causes a mother to murder her own child? Jayden-Lee’s body was discovered in May at a residential complex in Fleurhof, Johannesburg. His mother, Tiffany Nicole Meek, who initially appeared to be a grieving parent, now stands accused of his murder, crimen injuria, and defeating the ends of justice. The horrifying allegations have not only shattered public trust but also drawn renewed focus to a string of similar incidents across South Africa. “From the beginning, this case raised serious concerns about the circumstances of his death,” said Siya Monakali of Ilitha Labantu. “The formal charges against the mother now confirm the worst fears that another child has allegedly been killed by the very person…

LAWYERS who mislead the court with fake, AI-generated citations face being struck off the roll, the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) has warned. The professional body said submitting bogus AI produced information, even by mistake, is serious misconduct that can ruin a legal career. The warning follows a growing number of cases that have been jeopardised because of inaccurate AI content, both at home and as far afield as Poland, Denmark and the United Kingdom. Speaking for the LSSA, Azhar Aziz-Ismail, chairperson of the Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA) stressed that when using AI, every output must be verified, … “no shortcuts, no excuses”. “Submitting court documents that contain AI-generated, fictitious case citations constitutes serious professional misconduct, regardless of whether this occurs knowingly or unknowingly. Such matters are referred to…

The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) has concluded its 20th edition with a resounding triumph, marked by the Festival Symphony Orchestra’s electrifying encore of “Shostakovich’s Polka”. This spirited finale not only brought the audience to their feet but also produced the loudest applause ever recorded in the Endler Hall, encapsulating the festival’s vibrant atmosphere and the transformative power of music. Over the course of 10 exhilarating days, the SICMF showcased an extraordinary array of performances, uniting a richly diverse audience in a celebration of connection, creativity, and joy. Dutch maestro Antony Hermus, conductor of the Festival Symphony Orchestra, expressed his delight at the festival’s success. “This festival was a celebration of connection, creativity, and joy. Incredible music, brilliant people, Stellenbosch in full glory, and many extremely talented students with…

Snout pressed to the ground, a border collie named Delta zigzagged through the shrubs on a private nature reserve near Cape Town, frantically sniffing for critically endangered tortoises. The dog stopped abruptly in front of a small bush and lay down, signalling a find as Delta’s handler moved in to search the surrounding area. Hidden in the tall grass was a tiny reptile, its shell marked with yellow star-like patterns – a clear sign it was a geometric tortoise, a species found only at the southern tip of Africa. “It’s an adult female, you can tell by its flat belly,” said Esther Matthew, the dog’s handler and a conservation officer for South Africa’s Endangered Wildlife Trust. She explained that the organisation uses canines to sniff out the endangered species by…

At a remote bone bed in Arizona, dense with fossils dating back around 209 million years, a Smithsonian-led team of researchers has discovered North America’s oldest known pterosaur, according to a news release. Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to develop powered flight, soaring above dinosaurs and other surreal creatures that called the prehistoric world home. The finding, detailed in an article in PNAS published Monday, offers clues to the evolution of the winged reptiles, which have more than 150 named species, including the Hollywood favourite - the pterodactyl. Before the study, there were only two known Triassic pterosaurs from North America, Ben Kligman, a paleontologist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and an author on the study, said in an email. This is the only early pterosaur globally…

In an inspiring journey of motherhood and compassion, Amber Jade de Beer, a mother of two, has become a beacon of hope, donating enough lifegiving breast milk for over 50 babies. Her selfless acts have not only deepened her sense of fulfilment but have profoundly affected the lives of vulnerable newborns at the Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital. Amber’s journey began after the birth of her first child when she joined a mothers’ group at the Stork’s Nest Clinic, nestled within the hospital’s walls. “Like so many women, I was experiencing a bit of post-natal depression and found support in the community of moms there,” she explained. It was at the hospital that she first learned about breast milk donation, leading her to act on her oversupply of milk. The decision to…

Mercedes-AMG has unleashed its E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ Edition 1 model in South Africa, featuring an exclusive colour palette and a “meticulously curated” list of high-value options. Only 12 units will be available locally, priced at R3,228,200, a significant premium over the “standard” E53, which costs a shade over R2.5 million, but exclusivity and meticulous curation don’t come cheap these days. To that end, the E53 Edition 1 flaunts an AMG Exterior Carbon Package, AMG Night Package, and larger forged alloy wheels, at 21 inches versus the regular version’s 20” rims. The cabin treats occupants to AMG Performance seats and the MBUX Superscreen with hybrid-specific displays, which stretches across the dashboard and includes a screen for the front passenger. This model is also set apart by yellow seatbelts, an AMG Performance…

Gang-related crime in South Africa is widespread, but is under-reported outside hot spots such as the Cape Flats in Cape Town or Westbury in Johannesburg. In these areas, gangs are deeply rooted and contribute to ongoing violence, drug trafficking and territorial conflict. But gangs have continued to evolve and gang violence has consistently increased throughout South Africa, particularly in the Gauteng and Free State provinces. In the Free State in the east-central part of the country, devil-worshipping and witchcraft-related gang practices have been reported. Gang-related violence is fuelled by poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and the need for protection from rival gangs. In my doctoral study in criminology, I explored the phenomenon of occult-inspired gangs in the Free State. I interviewed 23 active gang members, 16 offenders who weren’t affiliated to…

It seems that everyone has a story to tell about insurance companies seemingly trying to get out of settling claims. One recent one involved someone who was hijacked. If that isn’t traumatic enough, the jacker then went on a joy ride around the Alexandra township, near Sandton in Johannesburg, completely writing off the car before stripping it bare.’ There was no car left to recover. And the only reason it was recovered was because she phoned the tracking company. The insurance company had insisted that she use a policy-mandated tracking device. To use a tired cliché, to add insult to injury, that person’s insurance company tried to argue that the car was written off instead of forcefully stolen. Many policies have a clause saying that you have to give permission…

Debt may seem like a means to an end – a necessary part of modern life. But for many, it’s more than just money owed. Debt is a weight that holds you back, a chain that limits your freedom, and a slow drain on your financial future. The harsh reality is that every rand of debt you carry isn’t just a number – it’s a claim on your time, your income, and your choices. For those caught in the cycle of debt, financial progress can feel like running on a treadmill. No matter how hard you work, you’re not moving forward. The burden of repayments eats into your salary before you even see it. That car loan, those store cards, the mortgage – they all claim a portion of your…

KEVIN Lerena steps into the ring for his second ever heavyweight title bout when he squares up to Englishman Lawrence Okolie at the Wembley Stadium tonight. South Africa’s boxing darling – the WBC bridgerweight champion – will be looking to do better than he did against Daniel Dubois back in 2022 when he was sent crashing to the third round, having himself sent his adversary to the deck on two occasions in the first round. Prior to his departure to London, Lerena oozed confidence and promised to knock Okolie out so he can bring home the WBC silver heavyweight title. It is a mammoth task but should he be successful, he will add his name to a very short list of South Africans who have held world heavyweight titles. Lerena…

Former Liverpool and Manchester United star Paul Ince has been banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £7,085 after a drink-driving offence. Ince admitted driving his black Range Rover while over the limit on June 28 in Cheshire. The ex-England captain had a reading of 49 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when he was stopped by police, Chester Magistrates court heard yesterday. Nigel Jones, prosecuting, said: “On the day in question, the defendant was witnessed by an off-duty police officer driving a vehicle perceived to be swerving across the road.” He said the 57-year-old’s car swerved across the central reservation, hitting bollards and causing two tyres to burst. Frank Rogers, defending Ince, said: “My client finds himself today facing the huge impact of a…

SARINA Wiegman heaped praise on England icon Lucy Bronze after she stepped up to help drag the Lionesses through to the semi-finals of Women’s Euro 2025 on Thursday. England were trailing by two goals and looked to be heading out of the tournament with 11 minutes remaining before Bronze halved the deficit by heading home Chloe Kelly’s cross. And after Michelle Agyemang fired home the leveller, Bronze stepped up to smash in what turned out to be the winning penalty of an eventful shootout won 3-2 by England. “Lucy Bronze is just one of a kind. I have never, ever seen this before in my life. And I’m a very lucky person that I’ve worked with so many incredible people, incredible football players. And there are so, so many,” England…

While Mandela Month is a time for reflection, kindness and generosity, it is also a reminder to help combat poverty and inequality. And The Academy on Disney+ reveals how some of the issues are being championed in pioneering ways. As part of the streaming platform’s People & Places: Shorts collection, it celebrates individuals who have made giant strides in their profession despite facing numerous socio-economic obstacles. Under the direction of award-winning film-maker Julia Jansch, the short feature spotlights Azile Arosi. This young woman from Khayelitsha discovers healing and purpose through sailing at The Academy, a transformative training programme offered by the Royal Cape Yacht Club. In a chat with Jansch, she shed light on how the project came about. “I made a movie called My Father the Mover, which won…

We all love a good gadget, but I never expected to find life-changing gems while sitting in bed casually scrolling through Temu when bored with the choices on Netflix. These weren’t expensive, flashy tech buys, just simple little tools that have now become part of my everyday life. I didn’t think I needed any of them until they arrived… and now, I honestly can’t imagine living without them. From speeding up my morning routine to solving problems I didn’t even know I had, here are 5 gadgets I never knew I needed, but am so glad I bought. 1. Hairline powder for quick coverage I didn’t expect much from this little compact of hairline powder, but wow, it works. It comes with a sponge applicator that inserts into the…

The Constitutional Court has opened the ring for a sparring match between the City of Cape Town and national government, by granting the City direct access to challenge the controversial Public Procurement Act, a case with potentially far-reaching consequences for the autonomy of municipalities and the future of local service delivery across South Africa. The case, which now heads to the country’s highest court, revolves around both procedural and substantive concerns: that the Act was passed unlawfully, and that its implementation would severely constrain municipalities’ ability to respond quickly to critical infrastructure needs. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya issued directions on July 14, giving national government until August 8 to file its answering affidavit. The City has until August 22 to respond. The Presidency has confirmed it will make its position…

While the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment celebrated the revitalisation of South Africa’s Proclaimed Fishing Harbours – with infrastructure and safety upgrades rolled out across 12 key Western Cape sites – communities like Hout Bay and Kalk Bay say they’re being sidelined in the process. According to the Department’s June 2025 progress report, recent improvements include round-the-clock security at high-risk locations, full signage installations, and the clearance of derelict vessels. More than 300 vessels now make use of mooring facilities at the upgraded harbours, which collectively handled over 1 000 vessels in the last financial year. Minister Dion George praised the progress. “These harbours are more than physical structures. They are the engine rooms of local economies. We are now seeing the impact of steady, focused work to…

Dynamic Auctioneers have a rare Western Cape highlands opportunity for investors with the auction of a rooibos farm on August 6. The ±1 266-hectare agricultural property is perfectly suited to rooibos cultivation, livestock farming, or renewable energy development. Located near Vredendal, the property comprises two adjoining farms – Portion 1 of Farm 367 “Klipheuvel Kraal” and Portion 2 of Farm 368 “Ouden Wagenweg”. The terrain features a semi-arid Mediterranean climate, acidic sandy soils, and ±300 hectares already allocated for rooibos production, with the next harvest due in October 2025. Agri-infrastructure includes a 10.3km water pipeline from a mountain “kuil” (natural catchment), estimated to have a 50-year lifespan. The main dwelling is modest, compris ing two bedrooms, a kitchen, living area and bathroom and is in need of refurbishment, while the…

The Cape Town Stadium was the place to be on Mandela Day, as Ladles of Love hosted its biggest celebration of compassion and service yet. In a powerful show of unity, the non-profit held simultaneous events at the stadium and at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg. These gatherings went beyond simply ticking off community service hours. They were vibrant celebrations of purpose and compassion, bringing together scholars, families, and community members for hands-on activities that nourished preschool children and fought child food poverty. Danny Diliberto, founder of Ladles of Love, smiled from ear to ear as scores of people from all ages, genders, and races walked into the stadium, full of excitement. “I remember our first Mandela Day. I had a vision to feed 600 people, now…

In South Africa’s townships and informal settlements, millions of cats and dogs live side by side with people, often in poverty and largely without access to basic veterinary care. It’s here, in the heart of De Doorns, just outside Worcester, that a small but powerful intervention is changing lives. In 2022, Sidewalk Specials opened the Sidewalk Steri Clinic, a community-based project aimed at providing accessible vet care, sterilisation, parasite control, vaccinations and pet education to township residents. For Rachael Sylvester Van Wyk, the organisation’s founder, the idea was born from an urgent need. “In South Africa, it’s estimated over 10 million people live in townships and informal settlements. In turn, millions of domestic dogs and cats are living alongside them, facing a daily struggle to survive and with limited or…

As the world of competitive canoeing prepares for the 2025 International Canoeing Federation’s (ICF) Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships, one young athlete stands out among the seasoned competitors. Jordan Klopper, an 18-year-old first-year BCom student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), is set to make waves as he represents South Africa for the sixth time on the international stage. Scheduled for July 23-27, 2025 in Portugal, the championships promise to be a thrilling contest, particularly as Klopper enters this new age category knowing he will compete against more experienced paddlers. “This year I’m in a new age group (U23); and I’m quite young, as I’m only 18, and will be racing against guys much older than me,” Klopper said. Despite the challenges, his mindset is refreshingly optimistic.…

Ford South Africa has added some luxury and spice to its Tourneo Custom passenger van range with the introduction of the Sport and Titanium X models. These slot above the existing Tourneo Custom Active and Trend long-wheelbase models, which are priced at R1,063,000 and R1,104,500 respectively. Expect to pay R1,218,000 for the new Sport model and R1,264,000 for the Titanium X. The two new models are both built on the short-wheelbase platform, and seat eight occupants. Power comes from the familiar 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine, which delivers 125kW and 390Nm, an increase over the 100kW and 360Nm offered by the Active and Trend versions. It drives the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Also setting the new models apart are their specification levels. The Sport, as its name suggests,…

South Africans are no strangers to online scams. From dodgy emails promising instant riches to fake investment groups on WhatsApp, we've seen them all. But a new scam is doing the rounds that should have everyone on high alert. This time, it’s not just fake profiles or phony schemes. It’s deepfake videos, disturbingly realistic clips using artificial intelligence to impersonate some of the most trusted figures in the country’s financial sector. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has issued an urgent warning after videos began circulating on Facebook and other platforms, falsely featuring their Group CEO, Dr Leila Fourie, and Mark Randall, Director of Information Services. In these manipulated clips, the executives appear to be promoting fraudulent investment schemes. They are not. These videos are complete fabrications, designed to mislead and…

Leaving an inheritance to minor children requires careful planning, especially when it comes to selecting appropriate vehicles, structuring beneficiary nominations, and complying with legislation. In the absence of property planning, your children’s inheritance could end up in the hands of unintended parties or be sub-optimally managed. In this article, we explore how to safeguard an inheritance for your minor children by considering the type of asset, the role of legal guardians, and the benefits of testamentary trusts. Bequeathing fixed property to a minor child Our law allows a minor child to inherit fixed property and transfer it with the help of a legal guardian. While this provides a degree of legal protection, it’s important to be aware of the practical risks. Firstly, it’s important to ensure that your estate is…

THE Premier Soccer League has officially announced its nominees for the 2024/25 season, recognising the standout performers across all domestic competitions. From established stars to emerging talents, the nominees reflect the depth of quality in South African football. Here are our picks in each category – and why they deserve the accolade. Footballer of the Season: Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Mamelodi Sundowns) Costa was central to Sundowns’ undefeated league campaign. ‘His creativity, consistent goal contributions, and intelligence in tight spaces made him the most feared attacker in the league. Betway Premiership Coach of the Season: Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns) Taking over mid-season is tough. Going unbeaten while doing it is extraordinary. Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season : Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) Mofokeng didn’t just show promise –…

Liverpool are preparing to launch a bid for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after missing out on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, according to reports that surfaced yesterday. The Premier League champions have switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle’s refusal to sell Sweden striker Isak, who is valued at around £150 million by the Magpies. The Reds are trying to complete a deal for France international Ekitike by this weekend after he reportedly indicated he was willing to move to Anfield. Liverpool are set to offer over £70 million for Ekitike, who has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Manchester United. The 23-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo…

Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles insisted he was ready to bring his showman persona to a sell-out London Stadium in the 11th Diamond League meet of the season today. A crowd of 60,000 is expected to pack out the home stadium of Premier League club West Ham, which served as the venue for track and field during the 2012 Olympics in the British capital. Lyles, with his outspoken persona, is used to being the posterboy for such meets, and the 28-year-old American said it would be no different this time around. “It’s definitely my type of place,” Lyles said of London Stadium yesterday. “I love a big crowd and l like it even better when they’re engaged and they want to be there and want to see something. “Being a…

There’s something about travel that opens your eyes to how other people live, and makes you quietly question why we aren’t doing things the same way back home. South Africans are resilient, warm and inventive, but it’s always fun to dream about ways we could make everyday life just a little bit better.Whether it’s sipping an espresso at 10pm in Italy, napping after lunch in Spain, or enjoying a city where bicycles and dogs are welcomed just about everywhere, it’s hard not to come back from Europe with a bit of lifestyle envy. Brent Lindeque from digital platform Good Things Guy recently took to social media to list 10 things he’d love to bring back to South Africa from his European travels, and honestly, I’m right there with him. Here’s…

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi recently took his children on a heartfelt township tour during their holiday visit. Sharing the experience on TikTok, Kolisi posted a video of himself walking through the township of Rolihlahla (named after the late former president Nelson Mandela) in Gqeberha with his sister, Liphelo (Phelo), and his daughter, Keziah. “This is Phelo’s hood. This is where she lived. I’m just showing her so she doesn’t forget eRolihlahla,” Kolisi explained in the video, playfully teasing his younger sister about her blonde braids by saying, “You’re blonde at the moment.” As they strolled down a street lined with informal dwellings on a warm winter’s day, Kolisi reflected on his roots. Rolihlahla informal settlement, behind the Nelson Mandela University’s Missionvale Campus, was established in 1999 and has been waiting…

Mandela Day is a time when individuals, companies, and institutions commit themselves to making a difference, often by dedicating 67 minutes to good deeds that benefit others. For the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), this day is an opportunity to take action through its annual Clear River Campaign, which mobilises efforts to clean rivers across the country. Water is the most valuable resource we have as humans; without it, we would not exist. It is crucial to keep our rivers and streams clear of pollutants and trash, as this has an adverse effect on the towns downstream. The Department of Water and Sanitation embarks on the Clear River Campaign annually to clean rivers but more importantly, the campaign aims to educate communities about not polluting the water resources. The…

As part of honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Survé Philanthropies spent Mandela Day giving back to the communities of Athlone and Simon’s Town. In Athlone, the staff and trainees of Athlone’s Training Workshop Unlimited, which is a project of Cape Mental Health, were treated to a warm meal and drink as part of Survé Philanthropies’ continued charitable efforts. Training Workshops Unlimited provides appropriate skills and employment training to empower persons with intellectual disability to achieve their fullest potential. They also work with individuals aged 18 to 60. Madiga Ryklief, who was in attendance on behalf of the Survé Philanthropies, said the reason they chose to work with Training Workshop Unlimited is that many in the area are poverty-stricken, and disabled people are left on the periphery of society. “Some…

Cape Town has once again cemented its status as a global icon, being crowned Best City in the World in the 2025 The Telegraph Travel Awards. The honour comes after more than 20 000 UK travellers cast their votes – placing the Mother City ahead of top-tier destinations like Seville and Sydney. This marks the seventh time Cape Town has earned the coveted title from The Telegraph readers, and the second time this year that it has been recognised as the world’s best. According to The Telegraph, few places on earth can rival South Africa’s most celebrated city for “photogenic power”: from the shimmering Victoria & Alfred Waterfront that hugs the Atlantic Ocean, to the iconic rise of Table Mountain, and the dramatic sweep of coastline stretching past Camps Bay…

Bidders Choice is hosting the online auction of a three-bedroom house in Driebergen Estate, Pinehurst, Durbanville. The property, situated in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs, is perfect for families and has an extent of ±355m² and comprises: Three bedrooms (two en-suite) Separate bathroom Kitchen with built-in cupboards Dining room Open-plan family area Scullery Covered entertainment area with built-in braai Electric double garage The property also includes an established garden, a courtyard and an inverter. Viewing is on July 22 from 10am to 3pm. Bids open on August 6 at 8am and close on August 7 from 12pm. For more information, please visit www.bidderschoice.co.za or call De Waal on 083 387 3592 or 082 459 8877. | Auctions Writer…

The WGRUV Dance Company is set to enchant audiences once again with a powerful repeat season of “Letters of Reflection”, following the overwhelming response to its debut earlier this year at the Lesedi at Joburg Theatre. The contemporary ballet performance will grace the stage at the Art Centre, UJ Kingsway Campus in Johannesburg on Saturday, July 26, at 6pm and Sunday, July 27, at 3pm, before moving on to the Homecoming Centre in Cape Town for performances on Friday, August 15, at 7.30pm and Sunday, August 16, at 3pm and 7.30pm. “Letters of Reflection” comprises seven original pieces choreographed by Holly and Lex Gruver, alongside the much-acclaimed work titled “Unsquared” by American choreographer Tyler Gilstrap. Each composition unfolds like a personal letter, delving into themes of love, loss, and the…

GrandWest Casino’s Grand Arena was transformed into a hive of community action on Mandela Day as about 1 080 volunteers joined forces to pack 250 000 meals for vulnerable children across South Africa. The event, hosted in partnership with Rise Against Hunger Africa (RAH), formed part of a national campaign to pack about 2.5 million meals during the month of July, benefiting 225 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. The meals, packed in just under five hours, will help feed more than 1 086 children for a full year. Working in 24 production lines, teams of volunteers including GrandWest staff, corporate partners, and learners each dedicated 67 minutes in honour of Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service. Participating schools included Elswood High (Elsies River), Bellville South High, and Rocklands High (Mitchell’s…

Ships trigger seafloor methane emissions while moving through shallow water, researchers report in Communications Earth & Environment. The scientists said the unexpected discovery has nothing to do with the type of fuel used by the ships. Instead, “ship-induced pressure changes and turbulent mixing” trigger the release of the gas from the seafloor. Bubbles and gas diffusion push the methane into the atmosphere, where it acts as a greenhouse gas. Scientists had noticed unexpected methane emissions in the Baltic Sea’s Neva Bay shipping lane while conducting other research, the researchers said in a Behind the Paper article for Springer Nature Research Communities. The team was in the “right place at the right time, looking for everything other than methane plumes, but with a methane sensor they didn’t expect to give any…

The Western Cape Department of Health has intensified its public health efforts in response to a surge in measles cases across Gauteng. A public health expert from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has also urged a further scale-up of measles vaccinations to help curb the ongoing outbreak. Prof Talitha Crowley, the Academic Division Head at the School of Nursing, said that vaccination coverage in the province, reportedly under 75%, is well below the threshold to prevent outbreaks. “To prevent any measles outbreak, we actually need less than 5% who are not vaccinated in a community. In other words, 95% vaccination coverage.” In Gauteng, a total of 181 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been reported from January 1 to June 13, 2025, with many of these cases emanating from Johannesburg,…

After a nearly six-year hiatus, Nissan has reintroduced the Navara Stealth double-cab bakkie to the South African market. Built at their Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, the Stealth uses the LE grade Navara as the foundation and fits in below the premium Warrior and Pro range. And what’s not to like when manufacturers add a couple of nice-to-haves to make it stand out from the rest? Black is back Black is, of course, the favourite colour to replace the silver and chrome bits, so the roof rails, grille, mirror caps, door handles, and side steps get the deep black finish treatment in addition to the Stealth signature on the doors and tailgate. It also receives a black nudge bar, a sports bar and 17-inch alloys. The interior is refreshed and…

The simplified, somewhat apocryphal story I was taught about the origins of vaccines is this one: In 1796, at the height of the smallpox epidemic, physician Edward Jenner noticed that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox, a related but milder illness, appeared to be immune to the more severe disease, which killed 30% of the people who caught it. Jenner took a cowpox sample from an infected milkmaid and injected it into the arm of a willing subject, and the subject became immune, and smallpox became eradicated, and we never looked back. What I didn’t learn until recently is that the subject was an 8-year-old boy. His name was James Phipps, and he was the son of Jenner’s gardener. Only a small amount is known about Phipps’s life, pre- or postvaccination,…

In spite of heightened global tensions and local squabbling within the GNU, investors, especially in local assets, fared surprisingly well in the second quarter to the end of June. When one would have expected equity markets to buckle under the various pressures they were facing, including an alarming but mercifully brief war involving Iran, they held up and, for the most part, delivered very pleasing returns. The JSE enjoyed an excellent quarter to the end of June. The FTSE/JSE All-Share Index (Alsi) closed at 96,429 points, off slightly from a record 97,029 points on Thursday, June 12. It began the three-month period at 88,637, but almost immediately plunged by 9.3% on April 2 in response to US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements. When Trump backed off, postponing the…

In preparation for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, Pakistan will host South Africa in a three-match 50-over series, with the games to be played on September 16, 19 and 22. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also said the side will play a three-match T20I series against Ireland in Dublin in early August. Following the home ODI series against South Africa, Pakistan will travel to Sri Lanka to participate in ODI World Cup, where they are set to play their seven league-stage matches from October 2 to 24 in Colombo. Should Pakistan qualify for the knockouts of ODI World Cup, their semi-final on October 29 and the final on November 2 will be held in Colombo. After this, Pakistan women’s international schedule will be majorly focused on preparing for the…

Scottie Scheffler ignited his bid for a maiden British Open title by surging to within one shot of the clubhouse lead held by 2023 champion Brian Harman and China’s Li Haotong at Royal Portrush yesterday. The world number one brushed aside a brief heavy rain shower to pour in four birdies on the front nine of his second round and reach seven-under for the tournament. Matthew Fitzpatrick was also four-under on the day through 11 holes and tied at the top of the leaderboard alongside Harman and China’s Li. Home favourite Rory McIlroy carded a two-under par 69 to reach three-under for the tournament, five strokes off the pace, as he continues his bid for a second Claret Jug. Scheffler struggled off the tee on Thursday but still carded a…

SNOOP Dogg has become co-owner of Championship side Swansea City in an unlikely alliance between the world of rap and football, the Welsh club announced. The 53-year-old American star joins former Real Madrid stalwart and Croatia World Cup finalist Luka Modric in the club’s ownership structure. Snoop Dogg made a surprise appearance on the club’s social media channels last week modelling their new home jersey for the 2025-26 season and the club announced on Thursday that he has become an investor. His involvement comes after American businessmen Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen took over the club last November. Swansea will hope that Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, can use his 100 million-plus social media followers to boost the club’s profile as they seek to return to the…

In an increasingly fast-paced world, the concept of work-life balance has never held more importance. With escalating demands from employers and intense personal commitments, individuals are striving to find a harmonious co-existence between their professional and private lives. This pursuit is more than merely managing time – it encompasses managing energy and prioritising what truly matters for overall well-being. Understanding this, many people are looking towards relocation in the hopes of achieving a better balance. In 2025, several countries stand out for their commitment to work-life balance that promotes both employee satisfaction and productivity. As we delve into the best countries for work-life balance, it’s important to consider the benefits that emerge from a balanced lifestyle. A healthy equilibrium mitigates stress, reduces burnout and even amplifies creativity, leading to better…

If you’re a South African living in New Zealand, chances are you’ve experienced the agonising wait for passport renewals, often dragging on for six to 12 months. For many, it means rearranging work leave, enduring costly international flights and waiting in limbo for travel documents that should be far easier to obtain. But there's good news on the horizon as new processing offices promise to cut those timelines down to mere weeks. Traditionally, South African passport renewals in New Zealand have been handled by the South African High Commission in Wellington. While applicants could submit their documents locally, everything still had to be sent back to South Africa for final approval and processing. According to the High Commission’s official website: “It takes six to 12 months to process new South…