Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-04 i Weekend Argus Saturday

The news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death at 76 on July 27 sent shockwaves across the globe, plunging his fans into mourning. The sudden resurgence of clips from The Osbournes on social media felt surreal, almost like a fever dream. It was a reminder of how he genuinely loved his kids and felt remorse for the way he treated them in the past. But Ozzy also had this way of making you laugh just by being himself, and that humour is part of what made the Osbourne family so special. The one-hour documentary was initially set to air on August 18, but was pulled from the schedule at the last minute following the family’s wishes to wait a bit longer. Directed by Paula Wittig, the documentary was filmed over three…

We all know growing older is inevitable, but did you know that most of what makes skin look “aged” has less to do with the number of candles on your birthday cake and more to do with daily habits? According to research, around 80% of visible facial ageing is linked to things we can actually control. That means fine lines, pigmentation and dullness often arrive earlier than they should because of a hidden culprit: oxidative stress. Think of oxidative stress as the skin’s version of rust. It’s triggered when free radicals, tiny unstable molecules from things like pollution, sun exposure, or even stress, overpower your skin’s natural defence system. Over time, this damage weakens skin cells, speeds up ageing, and can even aggravate conditions like acne or rosacea. As an…

A cap, a coat, and a remote control: these were the belongings handed to the widow of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi “Nathi” Emmanuel Mthethwa, after his tragic death at an upmarket Paris hotel this week. New details emerged yesterday surrounding the death of the senior South African diplomat. In the latest developments, family spokesperson Sifiso Buthelezi, a former deputy finance minister, reportedly said that French police had visited the official residence to update the widow, Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the family on the ongoing investigations – and to hand over the ambassador’s personal belongings. “The police came to the residence just to update us, as to where they are with the investigation and what they found, and also to give Phili the belongings of the ambassador – which was…

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has admitted to making errors in its revenue decision for Eskom, a blunder that could see consumers paying more for electricity over the next three years. The regulator acknowledged mistakes in its calculations for Eskom’s sixth Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD6), including errors in depreciation and asset values. This resulted in a R54 billion shortfall that Eskom will now recover through a court-approved settlement. The deal means no extra price increases for 2025/26, but tariffs will climb higher than planned in the years ahead. Instead of a 5.36% increase in April 2026, households and businesses will face an 8.76% hike. In 2027/28, the rise will be 8.83%, up from the originally announced 6.19%. NERSA said the phased increases were designed to soften the…

The Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, presided over a significant medal parade at the Air Force Base in Ysterplaat on Friday, recognising the dedication and commitment of men and women from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Many recipients have devoted 30 to 40 years of their lives to the force, exemplifying loyalty and sacrifice in service to South Africa. A Reminder of selfless service In his address, the Chaplain reminded attendees that the recipients had made a conscious decision to serve their country and the world above themselves. “These men and women receiving those medals today chose to love their country and the world more than they love themselves. They gave up their lives for 30 to 40 years in service. We…

Crime incidents in the Cape Town CBD dropped by 35% year-on-year from January to mid-September, according to statistics released by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID). The number of crime-related incidents reported to CCID Safety & Security’s 24-hour control room in the city centre dropped from 1 186 incidents to 773 from 1 January – 15 September 2024 compared with the same reporting period this year. A notable decrease was recorded in cases of credit card fraud and scamming, with incidents dropping from 116 in 2024 to 51 for the same period in 2025. “This is a decrease of 56% which is very positive as card swapping is a huge concern, not only in the CBD but in the neighbouring precincts and other areas in greater Cape Town…

Call it the Thrilla in Thuringia. Last Friday evening, two boxers stepped into the ring in the small Thuringian city of Mühlhausen to settle a centuries-old debate: Who can claim title to the world’s oldest bratwurst? In one corner stood a fighter from the northern Bavarian city of Nuremberg, where bratwurst dates back at least 600 years. In the other, his opponent from Thuringia, which a newly discovered document suggests may have been making bratwurst 150 years earlier – in the 13th century. The Nurembergers and Thuringians had long squabbled over who created bratwurst, based on historical documents, passed-down legend and more than slightly subjective regional pride. The fight would, at long last, settle the matter. The seeds for the bout were sown when researchers from Erfurt, the Thuringian capital,…

South Africa, like many countries, faces the challenge of ensuring its teachers are equipped for a digital-first classroom. Education experts say that building digital skills, updating training models, and closing the technology gap between urban and rural schools are critical to preparing learners for the future. Dr Michael Naidoo, School Manager of the MANCOSA School of Education (SOE), said: “On this global day when teachers are recognised, we reaffirm our commitment to equip every teacher not just to adapt, but to lead in the digital-first classroom. Empowering teachers to thrive ensures that students are able to soar.” Digital competencies Given the growing trend towards technology-based education and teaching models, it is critical that teachers possess the digital skills necessary to educate learners effectively. Dr Naidoo points out that, in today's…

Few moments stir the soul like the South African national anthem being sung before rugby matches. Over the years, the anthem has produced some of the most stirring scenes of unity, while also delivering a handful of infamous off-key performances. Although the blunders are still spoken about, the powerful renditions far outweigh the bad. The Best Performances At the very top is Talitha Luiters, who in 2025, at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, became the youngest performer to lead Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika at a rugby match. Her powerful yet composed delivery instantly became a fan favourite, praised for its poise, clarity, and emotion. For many South Africans, her performance captured a perfect blend of pride and inspiration, placing it among the greatest ever heard on rugby’s biggest stage. Other…

In a significant move aimed at revitalising South Africa’s fishing industry while ensuring ecological sustainability, Dr Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has announced a remarkable 58.4% increase in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Total Allowable Effort (TAE) for the upcoming West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) fishing season. This decision is grounded in recent scientific assessments indicating signs of resource recovery, reflecting a multi-faceted approach that seeks to balance environmental protection with economic opportunities for local communities. New TAC Distribution The new distribution of the TAC is set as follows: n Commercial Offshore: 400 tonnes (50%) n Commercial Nearshore: 136 tonnes (17%) n Recreational: 24 tonnes (3%) n Small Scale Nearshore: 136 tonnes (17%) n Small Scale Offshore: 104 tonnes (13%) This increase will see the…

Krystal Sheehan’s hobbies include walking dogs at the US National Arboretum, feeding dogs cups of whipped cream and cuddling with dogs on her couch. Yet Sheehan, 23, doesn’t own a dog. She loves spending time with them, she said, but she doesn’t have time to care for one every day. She hangs out with one almost every week, though, through an animal shelter that encourages people to take out its dogs for a few hours. It’s one of many programmes that have emerged across the US in recent years that give people and dogs a chance to spend time together without making a major commitment. Psychologist Kerri Rodriguez, who leads a group at the University of Arizona that researches animal-human interactions, said spending just five or 10 minutes with a…

When discussing tourism in South Africa, typical imagery conjures up encounters with majestic wildlife at the Kruger National Park, sun-soaked beaches in Durban, or the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain framed against a sunset. However, for Louisa Jordaan, a master’s student at the University of Pretoria, the tourism landscape paints a far more sinister picture – one that revolves around serial killer tourism. The emergence of a dark niche Although it may sound like the premise of a gritty crime drama, serial killer tourism represents a burgeoning niche within the global travel landscape. This form of tourism is characterised by visits to locales associated with infamous serial killers, such as crime scenes, residences, courts, and even places where these criminals faced their demise. While dark tourism, which encompasses various forms…

BMW has entered a new chapter in its production story with the opening of its state-of-the-art facility in Debrecen, Hungary. More than just another plant, the site represents the physical embodiment of BMW’s iFactory philosophy – lean, green, digital and human-centred. The facility not only extends the company’s global production network but also signals a bold new era for how premium cars are conceived, built and delivered. Dr Milan Nedeljkovic, member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for production, emphasised the scale of BMW’s global operations. “We now have 32 plants across four continents with more than 80 000 associates,” he explained. “Together they built more than two and a half million vehicles last year.” The network includes a supply chain of more than 2 500 suppliers…

The legal dispute involving the pension assets of the late former Deputy President David Mabuza highlights the fact that there are important structural and legal differences between financial products, where certain rules come into effect on death. It’s vital that you are fully aware of these rules when choosing a certain type of product. It’s also important to know which assets or products fall within your estate and are therefore governed by your will, and which ones fall outside your estate and over which your will has no say. At the centre of the dispute is R44.7 million in Mabuza’s living annuity. The disbursement of the proceeds of the annuity to Mabuza’s widow, Nonhlanhla Mnisi, was suspended by the Mpumalanga High Court following an application by a customary wife of…

Financial insecurity is not only about depleted bank accounts, it chips away at psychological resilience. When people lack financial confidence, they carry an invisible burden that permeates every aspect of their well-being. Sanlam’s Age of Confidence campaign shows that most South Africans will need to work until the age of 80 to retire comfortably. That sobering projection alone creates a heavy psychological strain. Added to this, our 2025 Sanlam Benchmark report found that 44% of households have already dipped into emergency savings simply to make ends meet, a clear sign of how fragile financial and mental resilience have become. A study confirms the link; financial resilience is associated with an approximately 37% decrease in the occurrence of mental health disorders. Importantly, the study also shows that this relationship is mediated…

Khanyisa Mayo mustn’t allow his blooper start at Amakhosi to define his journey. A season is a marathon, not a sprint — so there’s ample time for him to find his rhythm. When Mayo joined Kaizer Chiefs a few weeks ago, he realised a childhood dream. But such has been the turn of events, he hasn’t had the ideal start to life as a Glamour Boy. A son of Chiefs' legend Patrick Mayo, Khanyisa spent some of his childhood years at the Taung Village in Naturena. I can imagine him daring to dream that he’d one day don the famous gold-and-black jersey of the club and follow in his father's footsteps. After many detours — which included spells at Richards Bay, Cape Town City, and most recently CR Belouizdad —…

As part of their ongoing commitment to international football development and community engagement, Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05 made a significant contribution in Cape Town. A contingent from Mainz 05, including Franz May, Head of Internationalisation, and Stephan Bandholz, Director of CSR & Stadium Management, alongside Fotios Potsis, International Soccer School Coach and Director of Sports at Schächter Sports, held exclusive coaching sessions while engaging with local Cape Town football clubs. The initiative aimed to share professional expertise and strengthen grassroots football structures in the region. On Thursday, they held clinics at the Vygiesskraal Stadium with local clubs including Golden United FC, Valencia FC, East End Ladies, Heideveld, and Rygate LAD. These sessions will be an invaluable opportunity for aspiring players, coaches, and football enthusiasts to learn from experienced…

Opinions are divided among netizens regarding the use of sleeping pods at airports. Travel content creator Lounge Guru recently shared his experience on TikTok, showcasing his time spent in a sleeping pod at Istanbul International Airport. The video has garnered over 31.1 million views. In the footage, the creator is seen packing his belongings into a pod before lying down to sleep after a four-hour flight delay. “I was exhausted and really needed a nap. A friendly lady brought me a fresh pillow and a blanket,” he said. “I caught some sleep, but it was a little hot inside.” The iGA Sleeppods cost €12 (R242) per hour during the day and up to €20 per hour at night. Each pod features a USB port, a regular socket, a…

Earlier this week, Imran Hamdulay’s The Heart is a Muscle was put forth as South Africa’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. This feat is huge for the writer and producer, who marked his directorial debut with the crime drama. I got to see the film at the 13th Silwerskerm Film Festival, and I was blown away by the storyline trajectory. Set in the Cape Flats, the film opens with Ryan (Keenan Arrison) and his wife Laila (Melissa de Vries) hosting the family for their son Jude’s (Troy Paulse) fifth birthday celebration. But it quickly devolves into a frantic search for Jude, who disappears while playing outside. At the outset, it appears that a kidnapping is the main thrust of the film.…

ON September 16, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry released its most damning conclusion yet: Israeli actions in Gaza meet the legal threshold of genocide under the Genocide Convention (A/HRC/60/CRP.3). This determination was reached through systematic investigation, documentation, and legal analysis – not through speculation. Yet, in a recent television interview, DA leader Helen Zille responded to the report with evasion. “Genocide is a very big word,” she said, adding that she had “not been to Gaza” and therefore could not say. Instead, she reverted to the stock phrase that peace will come only when both sides “recognise each other’s right to exist.” This response is not just inadequate; it is deeply irresponsible. International legal findings are not validated by whether politicians have personally toured a war zone.…

The future of the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) remains under review as the City of Cape Town explores the possible sale of its 72.7% shareholding in the landmark facility. The proposal is currently out for public comment, with officials stressing that no final decision has yet been made. Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, Mayco Member for Finance, confirmed that the process is still exploratory. “The matter is currently out for public comment, and no decision has been made regarding whether the City will sell or not. At this stage, it remains purely exploratory, as stated in the advert,” Mbandezi said. He added that if Council were to proceed, the business model would remain unchanged. “Should Council consider the sale of the CTICC, it will be on the clear understanding that…

Child protection experts, civil society advocates, and political leaders are warning that proposed legislative changes by the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) could increase baby abandonment and endanger newborn lives across South Africa. The warning comes as the Western Cape has already seen five newborn babies being dumped in separate incidents, four in one week. In Lwandle, a baby was found in a canal among debris, while another was discovered in an open field near the M5 in Parkwood, still with its umbilical cord attached. In Kraaifontein, two infant girls were found dead in the Wallacedene area just days apart, one by a passerby and the other in a drain. Earlier in August, the body of another baby was found in a bin in Zono Street, Kraaifontein. Dr. Whitney…

Despite progress, women remain under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, with less than 13% of South African women pursuing studies in these disciplines compared to 28% of men, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021. A new initiative, the Dream Women in STEM Technovation Summit, co-created by the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) and Dream Big Stay Humble, aims to change that by empowering 100 high school girls each year with hands-on exposure to engineering, science and technology. The summit will run from October 3 – 5, 2025, at the American Corner Maponya Hub in Johannesburg. “Girls and women who had exposure to the STEM industry through family members or teachers are more likely to pursue a career path in this sector,” said Khaye…

Thirty-two schools from across South Africa have been selected as finalists in the annual National EduPlant School Gardening Competition 2025. The schools were shortlisted from a total of 300 schools onboarded as EduPlant participants at the start of 2024. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 7, during an official gala event. The top three national winners will be announced along with the two top Centres of Excellence schools, which mentored the participating schools in the new cycle. In addition, a winning school will be selected within each province. EduPlant is a national school nutrition and food security programme, initiated in 1994 and implemented by Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), EduPlant has been supported by Tiger Brands since 2019. The 300 schools initially onboarded as EduPlant food garden…

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is gearing up for an exhilarating conclusion to its Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP), which has become a beacon of hope for budding artists across South Africa. This year’s finale will feature two hallmark events: the ACT NSP Visual Arts Exhibition, taking place at the MTN Head Office in Fairland, Johannesburg, on Thursday, followed the next day by the ACT NSP Performing Arts Gala Showcase at Market Lab, Johannesburg. Both events promise to offer a rare glimpse into the talents of tomorrow and the creativity blossoming within the nation. A prestigious platform for young artists This year, the invitation-only Visual Arts Exhibition will serve as a prestigious platform where industry leaders, select media, producers, and corporate partners can mingle with the next generation of artists.…

One thing about living in the Western Cape is that just when you think you’ve discovered most of its glories, another paradisical nature spot pops up to surprise and delight. This province is surely the gift that keeps on giving! On a recent trip up the West Coast, I uncovered two new reserves I’d never encountered before: the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve. Exploring Cape Columbine Nature Reserve Known locally as Tietiesbaai, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve spans 263 hectares and lies about 5km outside the charming village of Paternoster. Who’d have known you can jump on a bike here and, minutes later, enter a world of nature and history, complete with a historical lighthouse, all within the reserve? Less than an hour’s drive from…

Attendees at Stellenbosch University’s inauguration ceremony were treated to a rare glimpse of all sides of the 13th Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, the professional, the visionary, the emotional, and even the humorous. From the outset, it was clear that his vision is ambitious: to position Stellenbosch among the top 100 universities globally and as Africa’s leading research-intensive institution. The event brought together Chancellor Dr Lesetja Kganyago, representatives from universities across the country, heads of faculties, students, and the Rector’s family. Dr Ronel Retief, University Registrar, opened the ceremony: “The Rector is entrusted with leadership, management, and administration of the University, ensuring operations serve the community and public good. The term is five years, with the possibility of one renewal.” Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Nico Koopman added: “The University thrives…

The Children’s Hospital Trust celebrated a landmark achievement with the opening of a R90 million, state-of-the-art Orthopaedic Unit at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, delivered the keynote address, paying tribute to the hospital team who “make miracles happen.” “May this new orthopaedic unit raise the bar even higher and enable you to bring more hope, more comfort, better care, and new opportunities in life to even more boys and girls in our city.” At a cost of R90m, fully funded by donors, the new facility represents one of the largest private investments in paediatric healthcare infrastructure in recent years. Built by the Children’s Hospital Trust, it consolidates all paediatric orthopaedic services under one roof and boasts a 30-bed inpatient…

jason.woosey@iol.co.za We’ve spent the past four months with the Magnetic Grey Ford Puma ST-Line Vignale and soon IOL will be bidding a sullen farewell to this cheeky little crossover. What I have come to appreciate most is the engaging driving experience that makes every journey an enjoyable one. These days, engineers and bean counters at car manufacturers pay little attention to how enjoyable a car is to drive. And I get it. The market is becoming more cost-competitive and most buyers are more concerned with practicality, comfort and style. It’s what people want. But for those few who enjoy nippy handling, a well-weighted steering system that makes you feel connected to the front wheels and a responsive drivetrain, the Ford Puma excels in the way that reminds us of discontinued…

The Sorbonne University, founded in Paris in 1253 and known globally as a symbol of education, science and culture, has just announced that, starting in 2026, it will stop submitting data to Times Higher Education rankings. It is joining a growing movement of universities questioning the value and methodology of these controversial league tables. Rankings companies add together various indices that purport to measure quality. The indices include research outputs, the results of reputation surveys, the amount of money they receive in research grants and donations and how many Nobel prize winners they have employed. Nathalie Drach-Temam, president of the Sorbonne, stated that the data used to assess each university’s performance was not open or transparent, and the reproducibility of the results produced could not be guaranteed. This echoes…

A year after the implementation of the two-pot retirement system, as lawmakers iron out technical issues so that laws line up, trade federation Cosatu is suggesting several major changes to help workers in financial distress. While National Treasury is willing to consider some of Cosatu’s proposals, it's made clear it won't compromise on the system's fundamental purpose: ensuring South Africans have enough money to retire on. The tug-of-war played out during a recent report back by the Select Committee on Finance on the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill for 2025, with the first iteration of this law having passed in 2023 to provide the legal framework under which the Two-Pot retirement system could come into effect. The Bill itself is fairly dry stuff – technical changes to align the Income Tax…

The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has this week published the Draft Report into alleged eFiling Profile Hijacking for public comment. The report aims to unpack the scope and impact of this growing threat, assess how vulnerable taxpayers are to it, evaluate the South African Revenue Services (Sars)’s response mechanisms, and offer recommendations for improvement. At the heart of the issue is the Sars eFiling profile, a digital identity created by taxpayers or tax practitioners on the Sars eFiling portal. When this profile is hijacked, it means that unauthorised individuals have unlawfully accessed, taken over, or manipulated it, often with serious financial consequences. According to the OTO, eFiling profile hijacking can occur through various methods of identity theft. “Criminals may physically steal wallets, documents, or mail containing sensitive data.…

In the aftermath of the Bafana Bafana’s yellow card debacle, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie’s promised investigation highlights a critical intersection of national pride and international protocol, raising questions about the limits of government oversight in sport. He announced a comprehensive investigation into the South African Football Association (Safa), sparking both hope and scepticism within South Africa’s football community. The docking of log points in Bafana Bafana’s 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign has left fans and stakeholders frustrated and seeking accountability. While many commend the initiative as a step towards rectifying the association’s accountability, it is essential to recognise the constraints imposed by Fifa’s stringent regulations. Fifa maintains an unequivocal policy against government interference in the governance of national football associations. This poses a significant challenge to the government’s intentions,…

Glenrose Xaba’s status as South Africa’s queen of the 10km is already beyond doubt. The national record holder has multiple titles to her name and has once again secured the SPAR Grand Prix crown with a race to spare in 2024. That might be reason enough for the Boxer Athletic Club star to ease off and focus on her marathon training – but not when history beckons. Xaba has won all four races in the series so far, in Durban, Cape Town, Tshwane and Gqeberha, and now has her sights firmly set on completing a clean sweep at Marks Park in Emmarentia on Sunday. “My aim is to win the Jozi SPAR Grand Prix title on Sunday, which will give me five out of five Grand Prix titles this year,”…

FIFA has unveiled the official match ball for the 2026 World Cup, combining high-tech refinements and design details celebrating the three co-host countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada. The ball, called Trionda, was again designed by German manufacturer Adidas, provider of the official World Cup balls since the 1970 tournament. “I am delighted and proud to present the Trionda,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said as the ball was revealed at an event in New York on Thursday. The first World Cup organized by three countries, with 48 teams competing, inspired both the name and the design of the ball featuring red, blue and green colors. Iconography from each host nation - maple leaves from Canada, the eagle from Mexico and stars from the United States also feature, with…

I used to believe dating only threw punches at a select few, but the reality is that everyone can experience heartbreak or betrayal. No matter your age or relationship history, relationships often teach us unexpected lessons about ourselves. One of the newest buzzwords doing the rounds in conversations about relationships is “monkey branching”. If you haven’t heard it yet, monkey branching, sometimes referred to as monkey barring, occurs when someone quietly forms a new romantic connection while remaining committed to their existing relationship. Only when they’re confident that the new relationship is secure do they let go of the old one. Aside from health and wealth, most people just want to feel loved, understood and appreciated. This universal desire for love and connection can sometimes lead individuals to monkey branch,…

Pickets against the ongoing crisis in Palestine are a familiar sight, but yesterday, gatherings across South Africa focused on the detention of humanitarian volunteers captured by Israeli forces while en route to aid Gaza. The activists set sail in August as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying food, medical supplies, and essential aid to civilians in the war-torn region. On Wednesday evening, the flotilla was intercepted by the Israel Defence Force (IDF), and crew members were taken into custody. South Africans among those detained include Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, Reaaz Moolla, Zaheera Soomar, and Fatima Hendricks. The Global Sumud Flotilla organisation announced that its last remaining vessel, the Marinette, was intercepted at 10.29am local time on Friday, approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza. A statement from the…

“Over the years, I met the most amazing and talented children. But hearing and seeing the neglect and abuse they suffer day after day made me realise that the voice of the child is not always heard and that listening and protecting them must start with me.” Those are the words of Sarah Roberts, who has officially taken office as the Western Cape’s second Commissioner for Children. For Roberts, a mom of two, the role is not simply about filling a statutory post, but about building an institution that is closer to children, more responsive to their everyday struggles, and able to amplify their voices in a way that cannot be ignored. The Commissioner for Children is an independent governance institution reporting directly to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. Its…

Two of Cape Town’s oldest and most respected schools, Wynberg Girls’ High School and Wynberg Boys’ High School, are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year – marking 141 and 184 years of history, tradition, and excellence. Founded in 1884, Wynberg Girls’ High School (WGHS) will commemorate its 141st anniversary with a special Founders’ Day assembly on September 19. Just across the campus, Wynberg Boys’ High School (WBHS), established in 1841, is reflecting on 184 years of shaping generations of young men. Tradition and values At WGHS, principal Dr Jennifer Wallace said the school’s motto, “Honour before honours”, continues to guide its mission of developing confident, compassionate women. “‘Honour’ means living truthfully and treating others with dignity, while ‘honours’ refers to recognition and achievement. Our motto prioritises character over accolades, emphasising that…

At just 20 years old, Talitha Luiters has already made history as the youngest singer ever to perform the national anthem at a rugby match and it was a moment to remember. Dressed in a breathtaking emerald green gown with her hair sleekly pulled back, Luiters commanded the stage with a poise beyond her years. But it was when she took the microphone that the real magic happened. The crowd, fully captivated, could be seen singing along with their eyes closed, immersed in the emotion of the moment. Reflecting on the experience, Luiters said, “It felt surreal standing on that field, knowing millions were watching. I felt such pride and responsibility, and once I began singing, it was as if everything I’d worked for led to that exact moment.” Her…

Jane Goodall, the esteemed primatologist and conservationist, has passed away at the age of 91. Her death, announced by the Jane Goodall Institute, marks the end of an era for a woman whose groundbreaking work transformed our understanding of wildlife, particularly chimpanzees. Goodall’s exceptional observations in the field provided unparalleled insights into the lives of our closest living relatives and challenged longstanding beliefs about human uniqueness. The path that led to Goodall’s monumental contributions to science began in an unlikely manner. Born on April 3, 1934, in London, she grew up in a household dominated by women, where her fascination with nature blossomed from a young age. Unable to pursue a formal education due to financial constraints, Goodall worked in various secretarial jobs until chance led her to Kenya at…

jason.woosey@iol.co.za The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Act, commonly known as AARTO, officially comes into effect on December 1. Most sections of the act will be implemented in major municipalities across the country from that date, with smaller municipalities following in April, but the dreaded demerit points system is only set to be rolled out in September 2026. Nonetheless, speeding will still be a major factor that could lead to drivers earning demerit points and eventually facing licence suspension, and hefty fines are also on the cards for those caught exceeding the limit. As before, there will still be a “grace” of 10km/h for speeding infringements, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has confirmed. This, authorities say, is to account for different speedometer calibrations. This means that if…

You need a mid-sized crossover for your family, so you look at the sales charts and see the Corolla Cross killing it. It comes across as an affordable, no-nonsense crossover backed by Toyota’s legacy of reliability. And it’s not bad-looking, striking the right balance between beefy and svelte, while managing to be almost entirely anonymous and vanilla. But the anonymous, vanilla lifestyle isn’t for you. You don’t want a car that says, “I’ve resigned myself to a life of carting my kids around”. ◄ You want a car that inspires you. You want to sit inside it and feel excited. This is why you need the BAIC Beijing X55. It’s similar in proportions to the Corolla Cross – not too big, not too small. But it’s sexy. The sexiest among…

Machine Learning (ML) is being positioned as a game-changer in financial services, but the latest research from Experian, conducted by Forrester Consulting, suggests that the reality is more nuanced than the tech industry would have us believe. While ML is making inroads across financial institutions and telcos in South Africa and abroad, its promise of inclusion, efficiency, and profitability is still entangled in practical, ethical, and regulatory complexities. The report’s headline takeaway is that ML is helping South African organisations reach thin-file and underbanked consumers, those who’ve historically been excluded from formal credit systems. By using alternative data sources, ML models can assess eligibility more accurately than traditional scorecards. That sounds progressive, especially in a country where access to credit is often skewed by legacy systems and rigid criteria. But…

The digital economy is not without challenges, especially for the less educated and or marginalised groups. According to a Reserve Bank report in 2023, “The South African economy has remained structurally the same in the last 60 years. Despite the significant progress made to digitise the payments landscape, cash usage in South Africa remains resilient and in defiance of corporate desires. Cash in circulation in South Africa has been growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% over the last few decades, and 9% when calculated per capita”. A few incidents in my personal experience made me question the move to a cashless society. A person who has worked as a gardener in South Africa for the last twenty years, just before he went back to his homeland…

Despite the World Cup qualification setbacks, coach Hugo Broos remains optimistic about Bafana Bafana team’s journey towards securing a place in the upcoming tournament in North America. With the mental resilience and strong camaraderie among the players, Bafana appears determined to rise above the challenges ahead. With both remaining qualifiers set to unfold on home soil, Bafana’s chances to secure their place in the World Cup intensify. They will face Zimbabwe, unexpectedly, at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 10, followed by a warm welcome to Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium just four days later. The stakes have never been higher, and Broos believes the team is more than equipped to handle the pressure of these back-to-back qualifiers. Broos, exuding confidence, addressed concerns regarding the team’s mentality after some unsettling news…

Amajita’s coach Raymond Mdaka, says they will leave no stone unturned when they face the United States in their final group stage match at the ongoing Fifa U-20 World Cup. Amajita have blown hot and cold since the start of the global showpiece. They kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 loss to France, before hammering the group’s whipping boys, New Caledonia, 5-0 yesterday morning. That win ensured they are still in the running to qualify for the knockout stages – either as group winners, runners-up, or one of the best third-place finishers. However, their task is cut out for them. They’ll face group leaders and already-qualified United States, who beat both New Caledonia and France, scoring 11 unanswered goals. Amajita's chances of finishing top of the group are…

Pop culture is an integral part of our lives, influencing everything from the music we listen to and the shows we watch to even how we travel. In recent years, a new trend has emerged – pop culture tourism – which involves travelling to real-world locations associated with popular culture such as film, television, music, literature, gaming or sports. With the evolution of pop culture tourism, travellers are seeking deeper, authentic connections with their favourite movies, shows and celebrities through immersive experiences. The rise of pop culture tourism: As a travel trend, pop culture tourism is characterised by a desire for experiential travel that goes beyond traditional sightseeing. Social media plays a significant role in this trend. From visiting iconic filming locations to participating in fan events and conventions, pop…

The South African tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, with recent statistics indicating a promising rebound in the tourist accommodation industry. According to Stats SA, total income for the sector rose by a noteworthy 11.1% in July compared to the same month in the previous year. This surge reflects a renewed enthusiasm for travel and the gradual recovery towards pre-pandemic norms. Income generated from accommodation alone saw a 10.4% increase year-on-year in July, attributed to a 7.9% rise in the number of stay unit nights sold and a 2.4% boost in the average income per stay unit night. Key contributors to this positive performance were hotels, which recorded an impressive growth of 18.3%, contributing 9.7 percentage points, while “other” accommodation types also added to the mix with a 2.7%…

As the school holidays approach, families across South Africa are gearing up for a much-needed break filled with adventure, relaxation and quality time together. Family time is a top priority for South African travellers, with 66% emphasising its importance, according to Flight Centre’s Global PR survey. With the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage that South Africa has to offer, there is no shortage of exciting destinations to explore. Whether your family enjoys the thrill of outdoor adventures, the tranquillity of nature or the joy of discovering new cultures, there is something for everyone. Here is a list of family-friendly destinations that promise unforgettable experiences during the upcoming break. Nature lovers’ paradise – Garden Route road trip: For families who love nature, this is an absolute must. This iconic route…