Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-10-11 i Weekend Argus Saturday

It’s fair to say we should probably stay far, far away from any place named Wayward. Remember the series Wayward Pines? That town was everything wrong with small-town creepiness: electrified fences, secrets lurking behind every door, and adults doing very questionable things while pretending it was all for your own good. Netflix’s Wayward takes that unsettling vibe and cranks it up several notches, except this time it’s all about “troubled teens” and the institution supposedly trying to fix them. Created by Mae Martin, who also stars as Alex Dempsey, the series leans hard into the “ship off your problem child and hope they come back better” concept. Only, the place they’re shipped to looks like a literal prison and for the teens, the conditions are as harsh as you’d imagine.…

In the world of reality television, alcohol often plays a starring role. Whether it’s cocktails on a dinner table, wine on an excursion or a celebratory toast, drinking seems to be part of the script. Reality TV thrives on tension, and alcohol has become a quick way to amplify it. Producers know even the calmest cast members can become more emotional, impulsive or outspoken after a drink. Those explosive arguments, heated confessions, and shocking antics often happen around a table of drinks. While drinking is not officially mandatory for reality TV participants, the environment often makes it feel that way. Night outs, dinner parties and social challenges frequently centre around alcohol. Refusing a drink can make someone feel out of place, or at least less part of the on-screen story.…

The ANC’s 10-point economic action plan announced on October 6 is an ambitious attempt to steer South Africa towards recovery. It recognises the gravity of the crises we face in electricity, logistics, and industrial decline, and it aspires to rebuild state capacity and diversify trade. Yet, instead of breaking the grip of narrow market-led growth and placing the needs of the majority at the centre, it remains a familiar pattern of technocratic announcements shaped to appease global markets and domestic conglomerates. The country’s current economic distress was not inevitable. Much of it is the result of deliberate policy choices. For decades, the ANC’s allies – the South African Communist Party and the Congress of South African Trade Unions – repeatedly warned that a market-centred approach would entrench inequality and weaken…

KwaZulu-Natal’s police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has ignited a firestorm of controversy this week as he made several high-profile requests to Parliament. During a two-day testimony at a parliamentary inquiry, Mkhwanazi urged for investigations into critical matters concerning the integrity of the Crime Intelligence unit and alleged misconduct within the judiciary. In a dramatic series of allegations made during the inquiry, Mkhwanazi accused various state bodies, including the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), among others. He specifically charged that the judiciary appears to be complicit in major criminal activities, expressing frustration over a magistrate’s ruling that barred Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo from entering intelligence offices, saying it did not make sense. “I believe in this case that bail condition that was imposed…

The Madlanga Commission will resume its hearings on Monday, although proceedings are expected to be held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the evidence. In a statement on Thursday, Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that the evidence leaders will seek permission to hold the next round of hearings in camera. “In view of the nature of the evidence to be presented when the hearings resume, the evidence leaders will apply for the hearings to be conducted in camera, in a closed session at which the media and members of the public will not be allowed,” he said. If the application is approved, the hearings will proceed in private until further notice. Michaels added that Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo will not be testifying during this period. The Commission emphasised…

In the shadow of Cape Town’s most troubled areas, the echoes of gunfire provide a chilling backdrop to daily life for residents of communities like Manenberg, Hanover Park, Lavender Hill, Nyanga, and Elsies River. For many families, the sound of gunfire has become a haunting soundtrack, a constant reminder of the violence that grips their lives. With children anxious about their safety on the way to school and parents huddled indoors at night, the stakes could not be higher. Amidst this turmoil, Grant Oosterwyk, a lecturer and PhD candidate in Information Systems at the University of Cape Town (UCT), is lighting a crucial conversation on the potential – and limitations – of technology in combatting violence in these marginalised areas. Central to this discourse is the City of Cape Town’s…

As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly integral part of workplaces, experts say the most “future-proof” learners will be those who can confidently use AI tools while also bringing human skills to the table – leading teams, empathising with others, solving problems creatively, and adapting to change. Some schools, such as Koa Academy, are experimenting with new approaches to meet these demands. The academy uses small learning Pods of just eight learners to foster daily practice in communication, collaboration, and leadership. Students use real-time dashboards to track their progress and reflect on learning, building self-management, adaptability, and problem-solving skills often overlooked in traditional classrooms. Mark Anderson, Koa Academy’s co-founder and principal: “We integrate digital fluency by encouraging students to collaborate on shared platforms and explore age-appropriate AI uses under the guidance…

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) celebrated extraordinary talent and dedication at its annual Cultural Awards ceremony at the Artscape theatre last week. The prestigious event recognised outstanding contributions across arts, culture, language, heritage, libraries, museums, and archives sectors in the province, highlighting individuals who have transformed their communities through creative expression. Renowned musician Loukmaan Adams was among the distinguished recipients of a Ministerial Commendation, celebrated for his decades-long contribution to Cape Town’s vibrant performing arts scene. Dr. Isaac Balie received the coveted Ministerial Legacy award for his lifelong dedication to heritage preservation, while Thandi Swartbooi, founder of the all-female ensemble Women Unite, was recognised for her pioneering work in preserving indigenous dance and music, and empowering communities through the arts. The evening’s theme, “Journey from…

On a Sunday where the sounds of whimpering and barking harmonised with reverent prayers, Washington National Cathedral celebrated its beloved annual tradition, the Blessing of the Animals. This special service, marking the feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, welcomes not only the faithful congregants but also their cherished pets – transforming the solemnity of a church service into a vibrant, joyous spectacle. Reverend Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan, who has been part of the cathedral community for nearly a decade, expressed her delight in the event's unique nature. “This is one of the most joyful services that we have,” she said with enthusiasm. “It’s not just about the people who worship here at the cathedral; this is for the community.” Hundreds of animal lovers made their way to…

Cape Town is facing an alarming mental health crisis, with attempted suicide cases surging by 145% over the past year at the city’s Community Day Centres. This dramatic increase has prompted City Health officials to intensify their focus on mental wellness as a strategic priority, implementing new screening tools and expanding services across all districts. According to officials, the City of Cape Town has treated over 163 attempted suicide cases at its 13 Community Day Centres (CDCs) in the past year. In response to this concerning trend, a comprehensive mental health screening tool has been successfully implemented at these facilities, with plans under way to expand to all City clinics, ensuring every resident who visits these facilities receives appropriate assessment. “City Health is placing mental health firmly at the heart…

Volkswagen’s Tiguan has been a mainstay of the company for a while now, with more than 7.4 million units sold globally since its introduction in 2007. A total of 41 000 of the popular SUV have found homes in South Africa since 2009. We’re also a nation that likes a diesel engine, and thankfully, VW hasn’t pulled the plug on that option yet, which makes the Tiguan 2.0 TDI Life 4Motion introduced earlier this year, which we had on test, rather desirable. Exterior Unlike its flashier R-Line sibling, this Life version is more understated, preferring instead to go about its business without attracting too much attention. Still, LED headlights, a glass-covered horizontal bar with an integrated LED strip instead of the traditional grille, giving it a futuristic look, don’t mean…

South Africa’s vehicle manufacturing industry relies heavily on exports to the European Union, but with this region poised to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles in 2035, the sector remains in peril unless it gains export contracts for electric vehicles. South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has joined the chorus of industry heavyweights calling for South Africa’s industry to adapt to this fundamental shift in the global automotive landscape, and embrace new energy vehicles (NEVs). Addressing industry stakeholders at the 2025 South African Auto Week, hosted by Naamsa in Gqeberha on Friday, Tau reiterated that the future competitiveness of the auto sector hinged on rapidly embracing NEVs. “Global markets are rapidly transitioning away from internal combustion engines. The United Kingdom and the European…

When Mandla Mandela stepped off that plane, tired, handcuffed, still defiant, the cameras flashed like we’d just won a World Cup. But what exactly were we celebrating? That he survived detention? That our government got him back? That we still remember what moral courage looks like? It’s wild, isn’t it? A humanitarian flotilla sails into international waters with food and medicine, and comes back with bruises and body-cam footage of humiliation. And somehow, the world barely blinks. Maybe because these days, outrage has a shorter lifespan than a TikTok trend. But make no mistake – their return isn’t just a homecoming, it’s a mirror. It reflects how sovereignty has become a muscle some nations flex and others neglect. When power gets paranoid Israel called the interception “protection.” Sure. But protecting…

The two-pot regime, which allows pension fund members to access a third of every contribution made into their retirement investments from last September, is expected to shine a spotlight firmly on companies that breach the requirements of the Pension Funds Act. The Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) has, as of September 25, identified 5 830 employers that are in breach of the section in the Pension Funds Act that mandates companies have seven days to pay over pension fund deductions to the fund. As a result, Pension Funds Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane expects complaints to rise simply because pension fund members won’t be able to access a third of the investment that should have been paid over. As of last September, two pots – a vested pot and a savings pot…

As South Africa joins the global observance of World Investor Week 2025 (6-12 October), the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) has issued a considered appeal to consumers to broaden their understanding of financial wellness. While budgeting and investment remain central pillars of financial planning, SAIA emphasises that non-life (asset) insurance is equally vital in safeguarding individuals and households against unforeseen financial shocks. According to SAIA, non-life insurance, which includes cover for motor vehicles, homes, and business assets, plays a critical role in promoting financial resilience. It enables consumers to transfer the financial risk associated with unexpected loss or damage to an insurer, thereby preserving personal wealth and facilitating recovery. SAIA encourages consumers to view insurance premiums not as discretionary expenses, but as strategic investments in long-term financial stability. “As consumers,…

Thomas Tuchel blasted England's "silent" fans for failing to back his team loudly enough during their 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley on Thursday. Tuchel's side delivered an eye-catching first half display as Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka all netted inside the first 20 minutes. England's swaggering performance, which followed a 5-0 demolition of Serbia in a crucial World Cup qualifier in September, was a promising sign as they gear up for next year's World Cup. But Tuchel took exception to what he felt was a tepid response from England supporters in the sell-out crowd. "We did very, very well. We had an excellent first half, we were 3-0 up very quickly but could have been four or five. “ Then we couldn't score the fourth one…

As Christmas decorations begin to appear across cities and shopping centres, it’s a reminder that the festive season is fast approaching. For many, the idea of a “white Christmas” – one marked by snow, twinkling lights and the warmth of indoor gatherings – remains the ultimate holiday dream. Whether it’s the nostalgia of festive films or the allure of snow-dusted landscapes, a white Christmas captures the magic and tradition of the season. If you’re planning to travel this December, here are some of the best destinations around the world to experience a truly wintry Christmas. Lapland, Finland: Few places embody the spirit of Christmas like Lapland, Finland. Located above the Arctic Circle, Lapland offers a genuine winter wonderland experience with guaranteed snow, reindeer sleigh rides, and the chance to…

If you haven’t checked out Tyler Perry’s latest romance, Ruth & Boaz, yet, you’re missing out on more than just a touching story. There’s a lot to admire, especially Boaz’s good looks, but let’s dive into what truly makes this film special beyond its eye-catching cast. At the heart of the Netflix film is Ruth Moably (Serayah), a talented singer dating Naomi’s (Phylicia Rashad) son, Marlon (Chaundre Hall-Broomfield). Ruth receives an incredible opportunity from a Grammy-winning producer, but the music she’s been performing leaves her spirit feeling empty. Previously, Ruth and her singing partner, Breana (Nijah Brenea), used to write powerful songs about love and social issues, but in pursuit of fame, they shifted their focus to themes of wealth and power. Ruth decides to back down from the eight-figure…

We’ve all been there. You notice a strange ache, an unfamiliar rash, or a stubborn cold, and the first thing you do is search online for answers. Before you know it, you’re convinced it’s something serious. Studies show that over two-thirds of Americans and 69% of Canadians head straight to the internet for health information. In South Africa, where almost 60% of the population has internet access, the trend is just as common. The problem is, search engines don’t know anything about you. They can’t take your age, medical history, or personal health needs into account. Even worse, much of the information online is outdated or simply incorrect. Pharmacists do much more than fill prescriptions. They are highly trained healthcare professionals who can give you reliable, personalised advice without needing…

The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) is sounding the alarm over Eskom’s controversial plans regarding the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, as discussions heat up around a potential 20-year licence extension for Unit 2. Experts, including SAFCEI’s Executive Director Francesca de Gasparis, argue that the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is poised to approve the extension based on absent, outdated, and incomplete safety data – a decision that they claim violates both the spirit and letter of South Africa’s nuclear safety regulations. At the heart of this mounting controversy lies Eskom’s Time-Limited Ageing Analysis (TLAA), a new engineering report that seeks to assess the condition of Unit 2 by extrapolating data from the completely different Unit 1 reactor. De Gasparis likens this approach to a car buyer test-driving one vehicle…

The Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Ronald Lamola, says the country owes the late ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, a debt of gratitude for his service and devotion. Lamola spoke at a memorial service of Mthethwa held at the Dirco Conference Centre in Pretoria yesterday. Mthethwa, 58, died after falling from a 22nd-floor hotel room in Paris last week. French officials are examining the circumstances of his death. Speaking at the memorial service, Lamola said one of Mthethwa’s last acts of quiet magic was coordinating the South Africa Investment Conference in Paris, led by deputy president Paul Mashatile in May this year. “Since its inception in 2018, this investment forum has seen French companies commit over R70 billion in sectors such as renewable…

Frontline Urban Waste Management staff in Cape Town are facing an alarming surge of hijackings and violent attacks, putting their lives at risk and disrupting essential waste collection services relied upon by hundreds of thousands of residents. The City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management Directorate has condemned the ongoing incidents, which have affected multiple critical departments, including Cleansing, Collections, Disposal, and Public Awareness. Between July 2024 and June 2025, a total of 57 hijackings of service vehicles were reported, with a high concentration in the Cape Flats and parts of the Overberg subregion. Only 21 of the hijacked vehicles have been recovered. The incidents include the hijacking of Bingo, the City’s anti-litter mascot, and his driver. Mayoral committee member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg, described the attacks…

The Embassy of France in South Africa, along with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Electric South, has unveiled an innovative initiative dubbed “Futures_Past: Amplifying Memory with Immersive Technologies”. This two-year project aims to transform the way archives engage with the public by leveraging the powerful tools of immersive storytelling. In a world where the heritage sector faces significant challenges – from insufficient digitisation efforts to evolving audience expectations – this initiative emerges as a timely solution, offering new avenues to connect with history, memory, and culture. According to Ingrid Kopp of Electric South, “Futures_Past is not only about preserving heritage, but also about amplifying it for new generations. By merging archives with immersive technologies, we can honour memory while inspiring future innovation”. The initiative comprises three essential…

On a blue-sky afternoon, kayakers paddle past dozens of sea lions lolling in the sun and make a beeline toward the sea otters lounging on beds of eel grass at Elkhorn Slough on California’s central coast. The playful predators not only generate millions of dollars in tourism revenue but their voracious appetite for destructive species has revived this sprawling estuary while making the region’s carbon-sequestering kelp forests more resistant to climate change. The US government determined in 2022 that reintroducing sea otters to their historic range on the West Coast would be a boon to biodiversity and climate resilience, laying out a roadmap to restoration that would cost up to $43 million (about R738.9m). But as the Trump administration moves to slash funding for wildlife programmes, a nonprofit co-founded by…

YESTERDAY marked World Mental Health Day, coinciding with the return of Cape Town’s beloved kite festival that has championed mental health awareness for over three decades. As colourful kites prepare to soar above Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery, the event shines a spotlight on this year’s critical theme: the devastating impact of violence on South African mental health. The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) has chosen “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” as this year’s global theme, while the South African Federation of Mental Health (SAFMH) highlights “Addressing Violence as a Significant Challenge to Mental Health in South Africa”. Violence as a mental health crisis Cape Mental Health emphasises that persistent violence in Cape Town, through ongoing gang and gender-based violence, alcohol and drug-related incidents,…

When BMW unveiled its brand-new iFactory in Debrecen, Hungary, much of the global attention focused on the European milestone, a ground-up site designed to build the Neue Klasse, BMW’s next generation of vehicles. But for South Africa, it’s important too. BMW’s Rosslyn plant, just north of Pretoria, has been a cornerstone of the country’s automotive sector since 1973, and the Debrecen principles could soon trickle through to Rosslyn. South Africa’s role in BMW’s worldwide production network is long established. The plant was the first BMW facility outside Germany. Today, it produces the X3 for export to more than 40 markets. Dr Milan Nedeljkovicć, BMW production board member, stressed that Rosslyn’s future remains central to BMW’s global ambitions. “Rosslyn is currently a 15-unit plant producing around 75 000 to 80…

Creating generational wealth requires the discipline to save consistently and the insight to invest wisely. Even small amounts set aside over the long term can improve the financial well-being of multiple generations. On paper, these principles may seem straightforward to apply, but in a South African context, generational wealth creation is challenging. Due to the country’s underperforming economy, rising consumer inflation, existing debt, and financial hardship, many South Africans are struggling to cover daily essentials with their disposable income, such as food and utilities. Consequently, South Africa’s Household Saving Rate decreased to -1,20 percent at the beginning of 2025. Compared to the global average of 10%, South Africa has one of the worst savings rates in the world. However, the global savings rate is calculated with national accounting standards based…

The retirement reality check: Why 'later' is now for younger South Africans It is said that success favours the focused and that retirement is not an age, but a mindset. This also rings true for retirement planning, when fear of complexity often leads to procrastination in younger generations. The landscape of retirement is changing. South Africans are living longer, navigating unpredictable job markets, and grappling with the rising costs of living. Generation Z (born between 1995 and 2012) and younger generations can often only start saving for retirement much later because many could not find immediate employment in a struggling economy. However, retirement planning cannot be a distant, abstract concern to worry about “later” for these generations. As soon as they have found employment, they must realise that later is…

For the last couple of weeks, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson might have been wondering why he hadn’t handed the captaincy reins to Ruhan Nel in previous seasons. The veteran outside centre has taken to his leadership role in the United Rugby Championship (URC) like a duck to water, stepping up during a period when the Cape side’s usual leaders have either been sidelined by injury, are only just returning to full fitness, or have hung up their boots altogether. Nel’s calm authority and wealth of experience have proven invaluable. As a former Blitzbok, he was part of the South African Sevens squad during a period when they dominated the World Series, beating some of the best teams to claim consecutive titles under Neil Powell in 2017 and 2018.…

While success has eluded the Sharks on their URC tour, a big positive has been their strong set piece, with newcomers Simphiwe Matanzima and Marvin Orie contributing significantly against Glasgow and the Dragons. There have been shades of the Springboks in the way the Sharks’ scrum has advanced, and coach John Plumtree needs that, and more, when his team concludes their tour with a daunting visit to champions Leinster. The Irish giants are smarting from their two recent defeats in South Africa, while they are bringing back a raft of experienced internationals in James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Garry Ringrose, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter, Jack Conan, and Tadhg Furlong for the Aviva Stadium encounter. Matanzima has formed a powerful front row with hooker Fez Mbatha and veteran Ruan Dreyer,…

Another day, another trend. Kanye West recently decided to get dramatic again by posting what he called a “Betrayal List” on his socials. The man loves theatrics, so this one didn’t exactly come as a shocker. Before deleting it, he declared he was in “pain that no one person can fix”, then shared a list titled The Betrayal. The now-viral post included everyone from his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian (obviously), to Diddy, Pusha T, Kid Cudi and Ty Dolla $ign. He even threw in NBA star LeBron James, US president Donald Trump, and fictional characters like Curious George and Patrick Star. But the real fun started when the internet decided to make their own betrayal lists, and they’re pure gold. Instagram user @dancingbird222 posted, “My betrayal list inspired by Kanye,” featuring…

Despite the long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza, South Africans standing in solidarity with Palestine say a fragile truce cannot erase the scars of months of bombardment, displacement, and loss. For many, the relief of silence after relentless airstrikes is overshadowed by grief, anger, and the urgent demand for accountability. The ceasefire, which followed mounting international pressure and global protests, brought hope to a world weary of war headlines and death tolls. Across the country, voices of conscience are insisting that justice, accountability, and recognition of Palestinian rights must form the foundation of any lasting solution. Dr Fatima Hendricks, a South African humanitarian volunteer recently released after being detained by Israeli forces, provided a harrowing account of her ordeal. Hendricks described how the boat she was travelling on, carrying humanitarian aid, was…

Just a short drive from the bustling Cape Town lies Montagu, the stunning town recognised as the “Gateway to the Karoo”. Nestled between the picturesque Cape Winelands and the renowned Garden Route, it’s surrounded by the dramatic Langeberg mountain range, offering a perfect escape for those yearning for tranquillity and natural beauty. In the heart of Montagu sits the recently refurbished Montagu Country Hotel, a four-star family establishment that blends a relaxed country vibe with modern comforts. Since its establishment in 1875, the Montagu Country Hotel has been a hallmark property of Cape Country Routes, captivating guests with its original Art Deco architecture and welcoming atmosphere. Emphasis on hospitality shines through as attentive staff greet visitors, ready to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. The hotel features comfortable accommodation,…

THERE is a fierce battle under way for control of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Africa’s largest asset manager, entrusted with over R3 trillion in assets. According to highly placed sources, the tension reached a climax with the organisation severely divided over the suspension of its chief investment officer (CIO), Kabelo Rikhotso, earlier this week. On one side stands the established board of directors, and on the other, a challenging faction, reportedly linked to former spokesperson Adrian Lackay, which – according to insiders – is attempting to wrest control of the PIC through covert manoeuvres. The sources alleged that the “Lackay grouping” had actively intercepted communications involving senior PIC executives and was orchestrating a campaign to remove the current board and install a new one. “They have been intercepting internal…

Police in Mokopane, under the Waterberg District in Limpopo, have launched a massive manhunt for a group of armed suspects after two passengers were fatally shot and robbed inside a bus along the N1 freeway. Images shared online show a child clutching at the body of her lifeless mother, covered in blood, seated in the bus. Other pictures show the body of the deceased man, and the bus surrounded by emergency medical services vehicles. Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the horrific incident occurred on Wednesday night, before 10 pm, approximately eight kilometres before the Nyl Plaza tollgate. “Reports indicate that the complainant, a 42-year-old bus driver from Zimbabwe, had departed from the Power House (bus station in Johannesburg) driving a Volvo 60-seater bus with 54 passengers on board.…

The City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department has been unlocking opportunities for emerging artists through sustained interventions since 2019, with its latest exhibition at the SA Sendinggestig Museum in Long Street, highlighting human creativity in an increasingly virtual world. Exhibition explores human intelligence in digital era The exhibition, currently running at the Cape Town Civic Centre Exhibition Space until October 25, is the first of three set to take place before the end of the year.The theme centres on displaying human intelligence through art, in a world that is becoming increasingly virtual and populated with questionable data influencing our views on the world. “In this age of artificial intelligence, we wanted to create a space that celebrates the irreplaceable human touch in artistic expression,” said Francine Higham, Mayco member…

SOME 105,051 visitors thronged national parks across the country during South African National Parks Week which ran from September 22-28. This annual campaign allowed South Africans an opportunity to receive a day pass at a national park of their choice free of charge, resulting in significant increases in visitor numbers. Some parks recorded dramatic growth, with Mapungubwe seeing a 52.3% increase, Mountain Zebra 52%, Addo 47.3%, Kruger 39%, and Kgalagadi 26.7% compared to regular visitor periods. “We’re thrilled to see so many South Africans embracing their natural heritage,” said South African National Parks (SANParks) CEO Dumisani Dlamini. “This initiative is about more than just tourism numbers – it’s about connecting people with conservation efforts and building a sense of ownership over our natural treasures.” The week cultivates a sense of…

In a momentous achievement for South African science, Professor Michael Wingfield, the founding director of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria (UP), has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). This prestigious accolade acknowledges his pioneering contributions to global forest science and his relentless quest to uncover the hidden enemies threatening the world’s forests. Professor Wingfield’s career encompasses a remarkable journey of over 40 years, focused on combating fungal pathogens and pests that pose severe risks to ecosystems, industries, and human survival. His influence extends far beyond the borders of South Africa, reaching institutions across continents – from the prestigious laboratories of FABI to the international networks of the International Union for Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO). Under his…

The University of Fort Hare has taken decisive legal action to curb unrest at its Alice and East London campuses by securing an interim interdict against ten students believed to be instigating the ongoing protests. Issued by the Bhisho High Court, the order prohibits these students from organising demonstrations, disrupting classes, or intimidating their peers as protests escalate across the institution. The unrest, which erupted on Monday, has seen students engaging in increasingly aggressive demonstrations, including burning tyres, blocking roads, and setting fire to the staff centre in Alice. The students are demanding the immediate resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, whom they accuse of corruption and of overstaying his tenure following an alleged unlawful extension of his contract beyond retirement age. Beyond the call for Prof Buhlungu’s resignation, the…

Chinese vehicles have become irresistible to many South African vehicle buyers, thanks to pricing that often significantly undercuts the established brands and feature-packed interiors that belie those tempting price tags. Chery and GWM are now regular fixtures on the top 10 vehicle sales charts, and their Tiggo 4 and Haval Jolion models are among the best-selling SUVs in the country. Naturally, there has also been a rise in demand for Chinese vehicles on the used car market, with AutoTrader’s latest Mid-Year Report showing that searches for Chinese vehicles grew by 69% in the first half of 2025, while enquiries grew by 81%. But how well have Chinese vehicles held their value over the years? As most Chinese brands are relatively new to the market, this has been a difficult factor…

This week, I had the honour of attending the 13th Pan-African Conference on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation (PAC) in Sandton, a gathering that reaffirmed what many of us have long known: multinational corporations are bleeding Africa dry, and our people are paying the price. The theme of this year’s conference, Honouring a Legacy, Building the Future, could not have been more fitting. It marked ten years since the release of the High-Level Panel (HLP) Report on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa, chaired by former President Thabo Mbeki. That report was a watershed moment. Before its publication, most conversations around capital flight were narrowly focused on corruption and the misuse of public funds. But the HLP exposed something far more insidious, a global system designed to extract wealth from our…

“When America sneezes, the world catches a cold.” This saying, which has been around forever, epitomises the dominance of the US financial system in the global economy. And it reflects the love affair investors globally have had with the US and how dependent they have become on its stocks and bonds. You would have thought that the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008, which wiped billions of dollars off investors’ balance sheets worldwide, would have reset the global financial system, shifting it away from US dominance. But it didn’t. The US government and Federal Reserve stepped in to avert a repeat of the Great Depression of the 1930s by bailing out bankrupt financial institutions, reducing interest rates to near-zero, and printing money, euphemistically called “quantitative easing”. Stock markets bounced back,…

Affordable adventures in shoulder season The shoulder season for travelling, which falls before the busy summer months, has seen a big jump in travel plans among Gen Z. According to Airbnb, searches by these young travellers have soared by 26% as it’s more affordable during this time. A recent Focaldata survey found that over 80% of Gen Z respondents say that the cost of travel is a major factor in their choices – 42% of them prefer to travel between September and November. According to Airbnb, Paris, Osaka, Munich, Mexico City and Porto, Portugal, are some of the top destinations for Gen Z travellers. They are also searching for hidden gems without crowds. According to Airbnb, here are some of their peaceful finds: Naha, Japan: Sometimes referred to as…