Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-09-20 i Weekend Argus Saturday

Scarlett Johansson has praised “warm and kind” Robert Redford for teaching her “what acting could be”. The Black Widow actress worked with the Hollywood legend, who died on Tuesday, aged 89, on one of her first movies, 1998’s The Horse Whisperer, and she’s reflected on the impact her director and co-star had on her future career. She told Entertainment Weekly: “Bob Redford cast me in The Horse Whisperer when I was 11 years old. Every day before each scene, he would take the time to sit with me and walk me through all of the beats that led my character up until that particular point in the story. “No matter the reality of the day’s rush, I always felt he had all the time in the world for our work.”…

Gangsterism has become entren-ched in the city’s social fabric, exploiting the historical inequalities created by apartheid. Vulnerable children are often recruited as foot soldiers and tragically end up as both perpetrators and victims of the violence. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not yet found a sustainable solution to counter these gangs, who act with impunity and brazen disregard for law and order. Every day, South Africans wake up to grim news reports of turf wars, revenge killings, and innocent lives lost. Disturbingly, many of the shooters are teenagers under the age of 17. The question ordinary South Africans ask is: who benefits from this cycle of horror? Some argue that drug lords and or the “big fish(s)” profit most. Others believe government officials linked to procurement processes, may…

Horseracing is a multi-million rand business in South Africa, but behind the glitz and glamour of racing events and the betting that goes with it, are the horses, whom the National Council of SPCA’s (NSPCA) say are subject to abuse, illegal harnessing, including the racing of horses that are too young to race. In a tense meeting between the NSPCA and the National Horseracing Authority, concerns were raised on crop (short whip) use, tongue-ties, and the racing of two-year-old horses. The NSPCA, which recently launched its #ReinInThePain campaign, said the industry’s practices “compromise equine welfare” and questioned whether a regulatory body “so reliant on the success of the commercial side of horse racing can consistently and objectively enforce animal welfare standards.” Dr Bryce Marock, consulting veterinarian at the NSPCA,…

Power utility Eskom says it has made major progress in tackling fraud linked to its Online Vending System (OVS), following a serious breach that came to light last year. IOL previously reported that the state-owned entity announced that it had implemented new security and oversight measures for its prepaid electricity system, aimed at strengthening its OVS and improving control across its operations. This decision to implement the new measures followed the release of a forensic report detailing a breach of the OVS in Eskom’s full-year financial results for 2024, which were published in December 2024. The breach is believed to have caused significant financial losses to the utility, with reports indicating that millions of rands were lost due to fraudulent activities. In a statement on Thursday, the power utility said…

Eskom has successfully finalised the leasing process for five of its historically significant steam locomotives. This follows an open tender process that commenced on May 18, 2024, aimed at preserving the country’s rail heritage. During a handover ceremony at Eskom Rotek Industries, the energy giant announced New Cape Central Railway Ltd as the successful bidder. Eskom Group chief executive, Dan Marokane, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to protecting its valuable heritage assets. “At Eskom, we acknowledge our duty not only to deliver electricity but also to safeguard the valuable heritage assets entrusted to us. “By opting for a lease arrangement rather than a sale, Eskom retains custodianship of these assets, affirming its commitment to heritage preservation as a proudly South African company,” he said. This lease agreement aligns with this year’s…

September is Heritage Month, a time to reflect on values and traditions. Schooling is central to these conversations. For many, online school isn’t an escape, it protects what’s important at home while raising academic standards. If you’re considering options, use this practical checklist to test if online school suits your child and family rhythm. Let’s explore the key points to consider: 1. Time that respects family life First, consider your family’s need for flexibility. Need flexibility for sport, arts or faith? Strong online programs help you build a timetable that preserves family rituals while maintaining strong academics. If your routines are part of your heritage, flexibility counts. 2. Personalisation and pace Next, think about your child’s individual academic journey. Does your child excel in one subject and struggle in another?…

French cyclist Théotime Massot has pedalled over 20,000km across Africa, travelling from Paris to the Cape of Good Hope in just under a year – 335 days to be exact – arriving in his Faf de Klerk underpants. The 24-year-old started by cycling from Paris to Turkey, for more than 3 000kms and hopped on a plane to Kenya where he cycled through Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho, reaching South Africa last week. Massot set out to raise €10,000 (about R204,445) for Fighting Against Cystic Fibrosis, one of Europe’s leading foundations supporting research and families affected by the disease. He is now closing in on his target, with less than €3,000 remaining to be raised. Massot, who first took on a long-distance cycling challenge for…

The Toyota Hilux has been around for 56 years, leading the market for most of that time and the current generation continues to outsell every other vehicle on the market despite having been around since 2016. This solid and dependable bakkie has a recipe for success that makes other manufacturers green with envy, with only Ford’s sophisticated Ranger coming anywhere close to it on the sales charts. But as I mentioned, the current Hilux is getting on in life, and company representatives revealed to us, on the launch of the Legend 55 special edition, that the new-generation model is due next year, although it could be later rather than earlier in the year. The new Legend 55 might be a year late, with the Hilux turning 56 this year, but…

South Africa’s literacy crisis is deepening, with new research showing that most young learners are unable to read with understanding by Grade 4 – a challenge experts warn threatens the country’s education system and future economic growth. According to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), children in Africa who learn to read in a familiar language are 30% more likely to read with understanding before they start high school. This is significant for South Africa where, as revealed by the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS 2021), 81% of Grade 4 learners across all languages cannot read for meaning. Underscoring the gravity of the problem, the 2030 Reading Panel set up in 2022 by the government to track early-grade literacy, says that by Grade 6, almost 70%…

A social media story caught my eye recently, one that’s stayed with me. A woman had lived with her partner for nearly a decade. They shared a home, built a life, and raised children together. But when he passed away suddenly, she found herself locked out of the house they had called home. His family insisted she had no legal right to remain there. No marriage certificate. No cohabitation agreement. No will. Just memories, and now, a legal void. It’s a painful reminder that in South Africa, love and shared life don’t automatically translate into legal protection. As Shaka Zwane, head of insurance and fiduciary at Standard Bank, puts it: “Living together before marriage has become common in South Africa for several reasons. Sometimes it’s due to economic circumstances, and…

It says a lot about global gender inequality that the world still needs an Equal Pay Day, a date set aside each year to highlight how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the year before. It says even more that in 2025, the world observed this symbolic day on March 25, indicating that women had to work nearly three extra months to match what their male counterparts earned by December 31, 2024. No matter how you crunch the numbers, they hurt The gender pay gap in South Africa ranges between 23% and 35%, meaning women earn roughly R72.44 for every R100 earned by men. According to recent data from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and other sources, this is down from R89 for every…

Real Madrid have made a perfect start to life under new coach Xabi Alonso and are aiming to extend that run today in La Liga when they host an Espanyol side who have also begun the season in impressive form. The Catalan minnows are one of four teams yet to taste defeat in the Spanish top flight, but have not beaten Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu since 1996. Los Blancos are the only team to win all four of their opening La Liga games and then they beat Marseille on Tuesday to kick off their Champions League campaign with a victory. Alonso said this was just the beginning and his team was still improving and finding their way. “We’re growing, and the players are getting a sense of purpose,” said…

South Africa is full of opportunities for self-care and wellness – experiences that help visitors unwind, recharge and reconnect with themselves. Consider these activities and destinations to help nourish both body and mind. Beach yoga in Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, Langebaan, Jeffreys Bay, Coffee Bay or Port St Johns: These coastlines provide the perfect setting for yoga at sunrise. The rhythmic sound of waves enhances focus and relaxation, allowing participants to centre themselves before the day begins. Practising yoga on the sand also strengthens balance and promotes a deeper connection with nature. Mindful hiking in the Drakensberg: The Drakensberg Mountains offer guided hikes designed to combine physical activity with mindfulness. These hikes focus on walking meditations, breathing exercises and observing the natural environment. Along the trails, participants are encouraged to…

From lush forests to pristine beaches, Africa is a continent that truly has it all. With a myriad of travel experiences, you don’t need to venture outside of Africa for adventure. Known for its unparalleled wildlife and safari opportunities, including the “Big Five” and rare primates, Africa boasts stunning and diverse natural landscapes, rich cultures steeped in thousands of years of history, and a plethora of adventure activities like mountain climbing, hiking and water sports. The continent also offers incredible opportunities for historical learning, exploring ancient sites, and experiencing unique culinary traditions. As the world looks forward to Tourism Day (September 27), it is crucial to highlight the importance of exploring and travelling across the continent. Like Europe and Asia, the continent has dreamy bucket list destinations worthy of admiration.…

I took umbrage with Beauty and the Bester not because of the production value or compelling content, which it has, but for the misleading nature of the title, trailer and docuseries as a whole. After all that bedlam over Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magudumana’s last-minute court interdict to stop the three-part documentary from airing on Netflix, which failed, it debuted on the streaming platform. Naturally, the public’s fascination with this real-life Bonnie-and-Clyde true crime saga propelled it to the forefront as the top trending show on the streaming platform. By now, South Africans are au fait with the background of Bester faking his death at Mangaung Prison in Bloemfontein on May 3, 2022. On March 17, 2023, the “Facebook rapist” was spotted shopping with Magudumana in Sandton City and subsequently…

Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit neatly into the “introvert” or “extrovert” box? Maybe you’re friendly and enjoy one-on-one conversations, but group settings leave you feeling out of place. Think about when you meet a friend for a cosy coffee chat, sharing deep thoughts and experiences, and relish the moment, yet when it comes to attending big parties, you feel the urge to stay home. If that sounds familiar, you might just be an otrovert, a term that’s gaining attention for describing the “in-between” personality that many of us have long struggled to explain. For years, personality discourse has been framed around introverts versus extroverts, leaving those who don’t neatly fit either side confused or unseen. But as the idea of otroversion enters the neurodivergent space, it’s…

Investor confidence in the Cape Town CBD soared in 2024/25, with the total value of property development exceeding R9.031 billion, a significant jump from the R7.285bn recorded in 2023. This is one of the headline findings of the State of Cape Town Central City Report 2024. A Year in Review (SCCR), published annually by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID). Now in its 13th edition, the report reveals a vibrant, high-growth urban economy that is bucking national trends and attracting serious investor interest. With an official property valuation of R42.5bn and over R4bn in new developments already in planning, Cape Town’s City Centre is positioning itself as a premier destination for long-term capital growth and property-driven income opportunities. The 2024/25 period saw a total of 27 developments in…

The vigilance of City of Cape Town traffic officers yesterday morning led to the discovery of an injured colleague. According to the City of Cape Town’s spokesperson for Traffic Services, Maxine Bezuidenhout said a traffic officer on patrol came across a stationary vehicle along Baden Powell Drive just before 6.30am. “The vehicle was empty, but the officer noticed blood stains and that the key had been broken off in the ignition. It emerged that the vehicle belongs to an off-duty Traffic Officer. “The South African Police Service (SAPS) was notified along with the Safety and Security Investigative Unit and Information Management Service (SSIU and SSIMs),” Bezhuidenhout said. Efforts at the time were focused on finding the officer, who, by indication of blood stains, may be injured. Bezuidenhout confirmed an aerial…

Cape Town became a city of images this week as the Cape Town Photography Festival opened across multiple venues, bringing together exhibitions, talks, live experiences and workshops that celebrated photography’s power to tell stories. Among the highlights was Uitsig at the Sanlam Art Gallery in Bellville, a landmark exhibition by Cape Town photographer Ashley Walters. Curated by Stefan Hundt, head of the Sanlam Art Gallery, the exhibition is described as an “extensive investigation into the notorious Cape Town suburb of Uitsig, next to Parow”. Hundt said the work was both intimate and far-reaching. “His photographs speak of his environment. Uitsig is just down the road from Sanlam, and it’s where many of the people who work here come from,” he explained. “They tell the story of a community with an…

Learners at the Philip Kushlick School in Diepkloof, Soweto, are growing more than just vegetables. Through the EduPlant programme, a national school food security and nutrition initiative, learners with special needs are developing practical skills, improving their nutrition, and building confidence through a thriving food garden on campus. EduPlant is run by Food & Trees for Africa (FTA) and has reached more than 1 200 schools across South Africa since 2019. The programme provides a mix of theoretical training and hands-on workshops to help schools establish and maintain their own food gardens, often becoming vital contributors to school nutrition programmes, community food support, and even small-scale income generation. At Philip Kushlick School, the programme’s inclusive approach is particularly meaningful. The school caters to learners with special educational needs, and the…

Internationally acclaimed producer, composer, and cultural ambassador, Lebo M, will celebrate the legacy of South African musical icon Joseph Shabalala with the official launch of Honouring Joseph Shabalala tribute today at Nu Metro VIP Cinemas in Ballito Junction. The event, held in partnership with Ukhozi FM, marks a significant tribute to the founder of the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo, known for enchanting the world with the traditional sounds of Isicathamiya. The highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of Nkosinathi Shabalala’s music video Imisebenzi, paying homage to his father, Joseph Shabalala. The festivities will officially commence at 7:15pm, with Lebo M presenting a deeply personal tribute that underscores the enduring influence of Shabalala’s artistry. Joseph Shabalala’s monumental contributions to South African music have taken him from the streets…

African Jackass Penguins, already driven to near-extinction by overfishing, predators like sharks, seals and killer whales among others, are facing a new enemy – honey bees. Ten African penguins, part of one of the last surviving colonies of this critically endangered species, have died at Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town, after being stung by honeybees. The deaths are not the fault of the bees. Nor are the penguins to blame. Instead, conservationists point to the human hand: an unnaturally high concentration of managed honeybees in the area, fuelled by unregulated beekeeping, bee poaching, and urban hobby hives. Jenny Cullinan, the world’s first wild honeybee researcher, said the deaths were “a direct consequence of human interference”. She explained: “It is not right for the penguins to be in these fake nests, as…

In a compelling testament to the intersection of technology and healthcare, Dr Mpho Mokoatle has emerged as a beacon of hope following her recent PhD graduation in Computer Science from the University of Pretoria (UP). Her groundbreaking research, which seeks to harness advanced computational methods for DNA analysis, holds the promise of enabling early detection of diseases like cancer. The roots of Dr Mokoatle’s quest can be traced back to a deeply personal loss. “My grandfather raised me as his own daughter, so losing him to prostate cancer in 2019 was devastating,” she said. Determined to uncover the reasons behind her grandfather’s limited response to treatment, Dr Mokoatle poured herself into her studies. Within months, she discovered genetic mutations linked to aggressive forms of prostate cancer, particularly affecting males of…

Our long-term Ford Ranger Wildtrak Supercab isn’t a hardcore off-road beast, but then neither are most bakkies that have a low range and a rear differential lock. And like many owners, not every weekend is spent off the beaten track, but if you’re an off-road enthusiast like me, I’ll take every opportunity I get to lift a wheel. I’ve been doing it for a long time, and it’s a wonderful way to be outdoors, enjoying the sun and dust testing yourself and the car with a group of friends and occasionally a newcomer. There’s normally a regular group of us who go out to “paw-by-paw”, and over the years we’ve dented body panels, broken side shafts, dinged a chassis or two and exploded diffs. We’ve also witnessed some really stupid…

The relationship between inequality and economic growth is a complex one, especially in Africa. Inequality is the result of a host of factors. Professor Imraan Valodia, director of the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, spoke to Ernest Aryeetey, emeritus professor of Development Economics at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research at the University of Ghana, about the issues. Q: What African policy choices have worsened inequality? A: Firstly, structural adjustment policies. Many African countries undertook these during the late 20th century, often encouraged by international financial institutions. These policies included public sector retrenchments, the removal of subsidies and reduced social services. They disproportionately affected the poor by weakening the state’s role in redistributing public goods and limiting access to essential services. The programmes also increased income inequality by…

The South African Reserve Bank's (SARB's) decision to hold rates could offer consumers extra relief in the longer term, despite providing no immediate respite from high borrowing costs. On Thursday, the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee voted four to two to hold the prime lending rate at 10.5%, with the repo rate steady at 7%. Four members preferred to keep rates on hold, while two favoured a cut of 0.25 percentage points. While this may appear to offer no additional consumer relief, the decision represents a strategic pause rather than inaction, according to market watchers. “What the SARB did may sound like 'nothing happened', but it amounts to keeping your foot gently on the economy's brake pedal to make sure the speed stays safe,” explains Liam Dawson, Portfolio Manager at…

According to Statistics South Africa, household income and expenditure are fundamental components of a country’s economic landscape, influencing everything from consumer behaviour and savings rates to economic growth and stability. On average, the estimated household consumption expenditure per household in South Africa was R143 691. Households spent most of their income on housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (34,7%), followed by food and non-alcoholic beverages (16,3%), transport (15,3%), and insurance and financial services (9,3%). An application for a market operator (MO) license was made to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) in terms of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act no 4 of 2006) as amended. This licence will enable the MO to operate the systems that facilitate the trading of electricity or other energy commodities within…

KwaZulu-Natal’s representatives in the Betway Premiership head into today’s tricky double-header as Golden Arrows visit log leaders Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium (3pm), before Richards Bay travel to the Danie Craven Stadium to take on Stellenbosch FC (5:30pm). Arrows face the toughest possible task in their upcoming fixture. Sekhukhune have made a blistering start under Eric Tinkler, sitting top of the table after six games with five wins and a draw. Their success has been built on defensive organisation — only two goals conceded all season — and the ruthless finishing of striker Bradley Grobler. The veteran forward leads the scoring charts with four goals, underlining his importance to Babina Noko’s impressive early run. For Abafana Bes’thende, who remain stuck in mid-table, this encounter represents both a daunting…

Holders Arsenal will take on eight-time winners Lyon, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the new-look league phase in this season's Women's Champions League. Arsenal are one of three English sides in the draw with Chelsea and newcomers Manchester United. The Gunners, who beat Barcelona 1-0 in last season's final, will also play Benfica, Twente of the Netherlands and Belgians OH Leuven in the 18-team league phase, in which all clubs play six matches - three at home and three away. Last season, Arsenal beat Lyon and Real Madrid in the knockout rounds en route to their second Champions League crown in May. They met Bayern twice in the group stage. Chelsea will host three-time champions Barcelona, who have featured in six of the past seven finals, as well as…

While on a motorbike journey from Thailand to the UK, British tourist vlogger Harry has unexpectedly become a celebrated journalist. Known for sharing travel content on his YouTube channel, We Hate the Cold, Harry gained international fame for his coverage of the Gen Z protests in Nepal. The Gen Z protests erupted following a nationwide ban on several social media platforms in Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha. These protests, which took place from September 8 to 13, reflected the public’s frustration with corruption, the ostentatious display of wealth by government officials and their families, and allegations of mismanagement of public funds. Dubbed “that one foreign guy in Nepal”, Harry was enjoying the beauty of the country when he decided to document the unfolding events. Throughout his journey back home through…

On October 23, the Western Cape High Court will hear an application brought by Adam Mendelsohn against UCT Council members to review and have set aside the UCT Council resolution of June 22, 2024 in relation to the Gaza conflict. The article below is an abbreviated version of a statement signed by over 1 600 UCT Alumni in support of the resolutions. For nearly two years the world has watched Israel’s unrelenting assault on the Gaza Strip accompanied by intensified land invasions on the West Bank and supplementary regional wars in Iran and Syria. Most recently, the IDF has adopted a brutal strategy of mass starvation and attacks on those who try to access food as part of its genocidal campaign. Repeated legal guidance from the ICJ and ICC clearly…

Outrage is growing over persistent crime in communities across Cape Town, with various marches held since Sunday and initiatives put forward to end the reign of terror gangs have unleashed. In Mitchells Plain, religious leaders said they are introducing 13 “safe zones” aimed at combating the gang violence bedevilling the community. This was announced after an interfaith march in the area against persistent gang violence, led by Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. Residents from Overcome Heights informal settlement in Muizenberg returned to Parliament yesterday, chaining themselves to the precinct gates to demand urgent action from Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia on the ongoing gun violence in their area. This was after they did the same earlier in the week. Also yesterday, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has called for the introduction of…

Police believe they have cracked an extortion syndicate operating in Delft and Mfuleni after arresting six suspects and seizing a cache of illegal firearms and drugs. The arrests were made at about 5am on Thursday during a joint operation involving the Anti-Economic Crime Task Team, the Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team, and Crime Intelligence. According to provincial police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk, the operation followed intelligence about a group terrorising residents in the two communities for extortion money. “Identified addresses were visited, resulting in the arrest of six males aged between 22 and 31 for possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and possession of drugs,” said Van Wyk. In light of the ongoing gang violence plaguing Cape Town, police also…

Michael James Organisation is set to offer an export table grape producing farm in Worcester (bordering the Hex River) for public auction on October 8 at 11am. The agricultural property, known as Vredelust, are portions 11, 31, 86 and 87 of Farm 319 Twee Fonteinen. The Hex River Valley is the gateway between the Western Cape's Boland region and the coast beyond to the south and the plains of the Great Karoo to the north. The 63 6795ha property features: • Open vineyards - 15.6ha • Shade net vineyards - 10.46ha • Ample water and excellent infrastructure • Main house • Storerooms • Labourer's cottages • Pack shed with cold rooms • Workshop • Pumphouse The onsite auction will take place at Farm 800, Worcester Road, 33°36’55.6”S 19°30’27.9”E The web…

In communities across Johannesburg where access to books is rare and illiteracy is rife, the simple gift of a brand-new storybook is changing young lives – one child at a time. As part of National Literacy Month, over 600 children from 17 early childhood development (ECD) centres across the city received 1 200 multilingual and multicultural storybooks, bringing literacy – and hope – to some of Johannesburg’s most underserved neighbourhoods. The handover is part of a grassroots literacy initiative led by non-profit organisation Ladles of Love, in collaboration with Read with Wimpy. The campaign aims to get mother-tongue books into the hands of South Africa’s youngest learners, targeting communities where the literacy crisis begins: early childhood. For many of the children from areas including Soweto, Rosettenville, Midrand, Diepsloot, Orange Farm,…

The stage is set as a variety of South African artists will participate in the Russia InterVision Music Contest in Moscow today. Representing South Africa will be Mzansi Jikelele, a dynamic collective of talented local artists, who will deliver an inspirational performance of their original composition titled “Home”. Participants in the music contest will be drawn from 23 countries, highlighting the multicultural tapestry of creativity and musical expression. Audiences can catch the live performance on the SABC streaming platform, SABC+, at 7:30pm, followed by a delayed broadcast on SABC 3 at 9:30pm. Mzansi Jikelele is a powerful ensemble, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. The group is composed of: n Tshepo Nkadimeng: A blind singer and actor whose voice is a beacon of hope and resilience. n Nhlanhla…

The Environment Minister, Dion George, said he will not immediately approve trophy hunting quotas for black rhinos, elephants and leopards, deepening a dispute with an industry that generates R44 billion in economic activity. George said he will wait until a judge rules on a case filed by Wildlife Ranching South Africa demanding the allocation to be set. The organisation has said a five-year hiatus in the setting of quotas is hurting Africa’s biggest hunting industry and harming its reputation with foreign hunters, who are willing to pay as much as $350,000 (approximately R6 million) to shoot a rhino. “Once a judgment has been delivered, the minister will consider the court’s ruling and decide on the way forward in line with South Africa’s conservation objectives,” George’s office said. The hold on…

In a remarkable operation, Animal Survival International (ASI) has announced the successful relocation of three lions – a lioness named Cleopatra and two cubs, Zorya and Mira – from the ravages of war-torn Ukraine to a tranquil sanctuary in South Africa. The journey, replete with logistical hurdles and danger, marks a significant achievement for animal welfare amidst the backdrop of conflict. The lions were rescued by ASI’s partner, the Wild Animal Rescue Centre (WARC), an organisation committed to the safety of animals in perilous situations. Cleopatra, a majestic lioness, was salvaged from a private zoo that had run out of funds as the war escalated, leaving her in a vulnerable position where survival seemed bleak. Meanwhile, cubs Zorya and Mira were found wandering near the frontline, both suffering from broken…

Nissan’s commitment to South Africa was underscored last week with the introduction of two more models to its product line-up, says Maciej Klenkiewicz, managing director of Nissan South Africa and Independent Markets Africa. There are also more model launches in the pipeline. Speaking at the launch of the model year change for the seven-seater Nissan X-Trail as well as the second edition of the Nissan Magnite Kuro, Klenkiewicz said he was proud of the company’s legacy in South Africa. “We have been in this country for 60 years. I am always super excited when I travel across South Africa in my Nissan Navara Warrior and see examples of this, like old models of the Champ (the 1400 half-ton bakkie, which ended production in 2008 after a 37-year production run) lasting…

South African artist Esther Mahlangu is not just an icon in art circles but also in the automotive world, where her Ndebele-inspired Art Cars have wowed the world for decades. Traditionally, Ndebele women decorate the outside of their homes with continuous patterns in bright colours, each panel celebrating an event in the history of the family that lives there. However, Mahlangu has put these decorations and patterns into new contexts, including pictures, vessels, carpets and vehicles. In 1991, Mahlangu was the first woman ever invited to create a BMW Art Car, which saw her design a 525i sedan decorated with the bright colours and geometrical shapes characteristic of Ndebele artwork. A quarter century later, in 2016, she worked her magic on a BMW 740Li sedan and then in 2024, her…

“We respectfully suggest … ” the letter says. It was sent by a group representing more than 300 veterans of American diplomacy, intelligence and national security and addressed to the leaders of the intelligence committees in the Senate and House. For a fleeting moment, I thought (hoped?) that I was reading a Swiftian satire in the tradition of A Modest Proposal. Then it hit me with full force that the entreaty was dead serious and reflected what I and other observers of US foreign policy under President Donald Trump have been worrying about for months. The letter asks Congress to demand a classified intelligence assessment that answers questions such as the following: Whether America’s allies believe the US remains a stable democracy; whether they regard the US as a reliable…

ABOUT a decade ago, the financial services world was abuzz with the concept of robo-advice – financial advice provided by a “bot” on an online platform. Basically, you could punch in details such as your income, savings, expected retirement date, and risk profile, and the bot would do the calculations, select a handful of appropriate investment products, and present you with a rudimentary financial plan. Robo-advice was not designed for higher earners with more complex financial affairs; it was just your regular middle-class worker whose finances were relatively straightforward and who needed a basic investment plan at low cost. In other words, the mass market. At the time, it was thought that robo-advice would dramatically change the financial advice landscape and that many advisers would end up out of a…

National Treasury has proposed three major amendments affecting portfolios of Collective Investment Schemes (CISs) in the draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2025 (TLAB). The first amendment is the removal of tax-neutral rollover relief for 'asset-for-share' transactions under section 42 of the Income Tax Act (ITA) for all CISs. This change is due to what the National Treasury terms “unintended tax avoidance”. The Explanatory Memorandum (EM) highlights a scenario in which an investor transfers listed shares to a CIS, which then sells them, with the subsequent capital gains being tax-exempt at the CIS level. The provenance for this amendment can be traced back to September 29, 2016, shortly before the SABMiller – AB InBev takeover, when the South African Revenue Service (Sars) issued a media release warning that a CIS acquiring…

Football fans across Africa are set for an electrifying weekend as Showmax Premier League showcases three blockbuster fixtures packed with intense rivalries and top-tier football. The action kicks off with the fierce Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield, followed by a high-stakes clash between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford. The weekend culminates with a title-contender showdown as Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. Fans can look forward to exclusive previews and interviews with star players like Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Rodri, Chelsea’s João Pedro, and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, offering unique insights ahead of these monumental matches. Q: What is the mood like after the emphatic win against Manchester United last weekend? Rodri: Really great atmosphere, to be honest. The international break was way…

Struggling Lazio host Roma in the first Rome derby of the Serie A season with both teams still finding their feet, while Napoli host Pisa as their top-of-the-table battle with Juventus continues. Derby day danger? Neither Lazio nor Roma are in the rudest of health heading into what is always a fiery local affair in the Italian capital, with both teams needing desperately not to lose the derby after dismal defeats last time out. Roma, on six points from three fixtures, fell at home to Torino last weekend and are yet to really look like a Gian Piero Gasperini team, a transformation that could take more than one season to complete. But Roma fans are notorious for their lack of patience even in a country where a bad week or…