Indholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-15 i Weekend Argus Saturday

Over the last two decades, we have entered a profoundly different period in global history, the era of a multipolar world. The emergence of the BRICS grouping, which represents around 40% of the world’s population and GDP, is significant because, for the first time, it offers people from the Global South a genuine opportunity to benefit from the growing wealth of the world. I have never seen BRICS as being opposed to the West. On the contrary, for many years, BRICS has supported globalisation. Remembering Thomas Friedman’s The World Is Flat, the sharing of information, resources, knowledge, and technology has the potential to create immense wealth for the entire world. This is the promise of BRICS and of a multipolar world. The BRICS Heads of State Summit One of the…

The magistrate presiding over the custody battle involving a Mitchells Plain family has been placed under protection after the brother – arrested for murdering his two sisters, one of whom had custody of his children – allegedly tried to gain access to the magistrate’s house. A highly placed source close to the investigation said Ederees Smith was stopped at the entrance to the magistrate’s house by security. Days later he would go to his children's school in Portlands, Mitchells Plain, where his two sisters were waiting for his two boys. Here he allegedly shot dead his one sister that was waiting in her car, before he pursued his other sister and also shot her dead. A child who was waiting nearby was also injured. The two sisters, Zainab Jacobs and…

A wave of recent killings in Cape Town has intensified calls for urgent action against gender-based violence (GBV). In just four days, five women were murdered in the city. Among the victims were a 22-year-old raped and killed in Khayelitsha, an 18-year-old shot in Delft, a 22-year-old woman killed during a home invasion in Fish Hoek, and two sisters allegedly murdered by their brother in Mitchells Plain. Women For Change is calling on women and the LGBTQI+ community to make their absence felt -socially and economically – on November 21. The campaign urges participants to: refrain from all paid and unpaid labour, withdraw from the economy for 24 hours, lie down at noon for 15 minutes to honour the 15 women murdered every day, wear black in mourning and resistance…

A Gqeberha family has been found guilty of defrauding the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) 10 years after committing the crime. Dimitri Jantjies, 48, Barbara Jantjies, 77, Thomas Jantjies, 77, Virsinese Jantjies, 42, and Tania Jantjies, 49, were convicted in the Gqeberha Commercial Crime Court. The NPA said the matter was marked by medical delays, technical challenges, and legal wrangling. The five were found guilty on one count of fraud and 12 counts of money laundering. Explaining the case, NPA spokesperson in the Eastern Cape said the fraud, which ran from May 2009 to March 2011, involved the manipulation of official documents, including employer declaration forms (UI-19s), to divert UIF funds into bank accounts controlled by the accused. “The investigation revealed that the accused used their positions and influence within…

CAPE TOWN has welcomed home a fleet of intrepid sailors, marking the triumphant arrival of the Clipper Race at the iconic V&A Waterfront. After battling the unforgiving treacherous waters of the South Atlantic, the teams have docked, bringing their epic adventure ashore and offering locals a rare glimpse into the thrilling, yet brutal, reality of life at sea. Hailed as one of the planet’s toughest endurance challenges, the Clipper Race sees10 teams of non-professional sailors push themselves to their absolute limit. The fleet arrived in Cape Town following an intense 3,500 nautical mile journey, Stage 3: the Musto South Atlantic Challenge, which followed earlier stops in Puerto Sherry, Spain, and Punta del Este, Uruguay. Throughout the challenging leg, sailors endured relentless waves and cold, fast conditions, experiencing exhilarating downwind sailing…

In a groundbreaking development, South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Good Work Foundation (GWF) have signed a memorandum of understanding that promises to increase access to conservation education and generate job opportunities for young rural South Africans residing near national parks. This partnership serves as a beacon of hope, aiming not only to educate but also to empower local communities through sustainable practices deeply tied to South Africa's rich natural heritage. The agreement outlines ambitious plans to broaden GWF’s existing initiatives by establishing digital learning campuses adjacent to some of the country’s most iconic national parks. Currently, GWF operates five campuses in Mpumalanga, focusing on providing digital education to schoolchildren and training opportunities for young jobseekers. These include a central campus in Hazyview and four satellite campuses situated in…

A groundbreaking study led by the University of Cape Town (UCT) has unveiled a concerning trend among adults living with tuberculosis (TB) patients: the majority of TB cases is asymptomatic at the time of screening. Published in The Lancet Global Health, the research highlights the pressing need to rethink how TB testing is approached in South Africa and other high-burden countries. Dr Simon Mendelsohn, the lead author of the study and a senior researcher at UCT’s South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), emphasised that the standard practice of testing individuals only after they exhibit symptoms, such as a persistent cough, is grossly inadequate. “National surveys typically determine who gets a sputum test by first checking for symptoms or conducting a chest X-ray. “This new study shows that these methods miss…

Omoda is quickly becoming a familiar name on South African roads, and after spending a week with the brand’s latest arrival, the all-new mid-size C7, it’s clear the company is serious about stepping up its game. Slotting between the entry-level C5 X Series and the flagship C9, the C7 aims to blend style, technology and everyday practicality into one compelling mid-size SUV package. Bold design The first thing that struck me about the C7 was its bold, futuristic styling. Up front, Omoda’s signature frameless X-shaped grille gives the SUV an aggressive stance, complemented by slim LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights that make a strong visual statement, especially at night. Red-painted brake calipers and 19-inch wheels on the petrol variant add a touch of sportiness, while the SHS plug-in…

You may have seen the social media posts around the life-sized Lego Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 car doing the rounds, and not to be outdone, Lego South Africa has pulled off its most ambitious project to date. The company has shipped a detailed, up-scaled Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance build from Singa- pore to South Africa, making the largest life-size Lego build ever brought into the country, shown at the Mercedes-Benz AMG Experience Centre at Zwartkops Raceway. “The reveal forms part of Lego South Africa’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creativity and innovation through play,” said Valery Kasimov, the newly appointed country manager for Lego South Africa. By the numbers Based on the 1 642-piece Lego set available in stores, the scaled-up |Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance build took a…

Financial abuse is one of the least visible forms of domestic violence – yet one of the most damaging. According to the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) National Gender-Based Violence Study conducted in 2024, one in eight women over the age of 18 has experienced financial abuse, defined as the unreasonable deprivation of financial resources to which a person is legally or rightfully entitled. From 25 November to 10 December each year, the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign reminds us of the importance of protecting independence and security. Momentum’s Science of Success reminds us that success favours the focused; those who make deliberate and well-informed decisions rather than reactive ones. In the context of financial abuse, it means not just responding to…

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why Melusi Buthelezi has featured so little this season, while also praising the rapid rise of young left-back Nkosikhona Ndaba in his debut campaign. Buthelezi, now 27, has made just one substitute appearance in the current campaign and has featured only six times across all competitions over the past two seasons. His busiest period came in the 2023/24 term when he accumulated 15 appearances in domestic and continental matches. With Sipho Chaine now firmly established as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, Ouaddou said his decisions are rooted in maintaining stability. “I think the daily work with the goalkeepers is very important,” the Moroccan tactician explained. “It’s a special department. “The mentality of goalkeepers is unique. They are in their own world, and we…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has hinted at a strong alignment between the squad he will field today in Gqeberha and the one expected to represent South Africa in next month’s AFCON. Broos disclosed that at least 80% of the players selected for the crucial match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo will likely form a significant part of next month’s AFCON contingent. This assertion leaves a slim margin for talents on the periphery to make their case for selection. Broos has expressed confidence in a core group of players which he believes will deliver the performance needed to carry the team forward into AFCON. He can depend on a trio of standout foreign-based talents: Lyle Foster, who has been making waves at Burnley in England; Siphephelo Sithole, currently showcasing his skills…

Few cities in the world are more exciting to visit than Tokyo. Japan’s capital city is vast, vibrant, energetic and a shopper’s paradise. It’s a sensory overload of skyscrapers, bright lights and traffic, with myriad train lines weaving their way over the metropolis. It’s a city where technological innovation is juxtaposed with age-old traditions. It’s also strangely calming in how everything is so clean and controlled – its services run like clockwork, its people are polite and respectful. “Oh, but it must be so expensive!” I hear you say. You might be surprised. Mid-range hotels start at under R1 800 per night, and more affordable options are available, too, if you don’t mind roughing it a bit. Granted, it can be a very costly city if you follow the well-heeled…

Where do we even start with the ninth season of Selling Sunset? The show, which started off as a glossy peek into high-end real estate, has slowly morphed into a metaphorical blood bath. Put a bunch of competitive, high-maintenance “Barbies” in one office and, well, chaos happens. The original focus on property is barely hanging on, as drama now seems to be the main product. Sure, I enjoyed the earlier seasons when it was about real estate and majestic homes, where i could watch gorgeous landscapes, jaw-dropping interiors, and the crazy amounts people will pay for their dream pad, even if it’s just being rented. This season? Maybe four houses got a proper showing, but most of the screen time is devoted to back‑stabbing, gossip and passive‑aggressive theatrics. Chrishell Stause…

Unless you have been living under a rock, you must have seen people change their profile pictures to purple on social media, even the random acquaintance on WhatsApp you haven’t seen in ages. But what is up with all the profile picture changes? Women’s rights advocacy group Women For Change is urgently calling for gender-based violence (GBV) to be declared a national disaster. They also urged social media users to put up purple profile pictures in solidarity. On November 21, South African women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are being urged to stage a nationwide shutdown in protest against GBV and femicide. But what if you changed the picture and want to do more? Or what if you haven’t but want to participate in other ways? Several ways you…

As December draws nearer, South Africa is preparing to enter its customary season of jollity, with the fires of braais replacing the fires of politics. Yet, beneath this merriment, a corrosive current moves quietly, threatening the reputation and cohesion of our democracy. The country’s image is consistently being tarnished by a small clique of right-wing Afrikaner nationalists whose agenda has found unsettling resonance abroad. Within South Africa, these elements are increasingly isolated. Their nostalgia for a segregated past is no longer tolerated in the mainstream of public life. However, their calculated campaign of grievance has infiltrated conversations in foreign capitals and distorted perceptions of who we are as a nation. The damage is most visible in the opportunism of Donald Trump, who has seized upon their false claims of “white…

The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum’s China-Africa partnership conference yesterday heard calls for trade between the continent and the Asian country to be conducted using its currency, the yuan. Zimbabwe Now managing partner Monica Mpambawashe told delegates at the two-day conference held in Johannesburg that there were already a few countries that were on track to do so. “Currently, most of our trade is in US dollar denominations, and this is a burden on the people, and there are also a few left out. We need to advocate for trade that is direct between the African countries. “I think Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Tanzania are already making strides in converting. Kenya, as well, I believe, is converting their debts to China into yuan,” she said. According to Mpambawashe, her…

In another blow to the case of accused husband killer, Zurenah Smit and her co-accused Derek Sait, an application for Judge Derek Wille’s recusal from the matter was refused in the Western Cape High Court this week. Judge Wille, in his ruling on the interlocutory application for his recusal before the defence case was to get under way, refused the application on a number of grounds, including that the application was piloted at a very late stage. “The accused have failed to demonstrate a violation of any of their fair trial rights in accordance with section 35 of the Constitution,” said Judge Wille. During proceedings, Judge Wille said the “subjective anxiety” of Smit regarding the number of rulings and an order in terms of a failed section 174 application which…

In a dramatic turn of events at Small Bay Beach, near Bloubergstrand, a man’s life was saved by the brave intervention of Steven Sykes, a retired police officer and respected figure in the local surfing community. The incident unfolded rapidly when the man encountered serious difficulties while swimming, ultimately losing consciousness and being pulled from the surf with no sign of life. Without a moment’s hesitation, Sykes sprang into action. He swiftly dragged the man to shore and began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), demonstrating a remarkable calmness under pressure that lasted for at least 10 minutes. His efforts continued until emergency responders arrived, who took over and continued CPR for an estimated 30 minutes. Ultimately, their combined dedication led to the successful resuscitation of the individual – an extraordinary effort…

The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department is making a significant splash as it begins the phased reopening of community swimming pools in preparation for the 2025/2026 summer season. With 37 swimming pools spread across the metropolitan area, this comprehensive initiative is set to provide residents with safe, accessible, and well-maintained facilities throughout the warmer months. Phased opening schedule Five pools have remained open year-round, including indoor facilities at Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat, and Strand, alongside the popular seawater pool in Sea Point. The reopening schedule is progressing rapidly: n As of now, 22 pools have opened their gates to the public. n By the end of November, this number is set to rise to 29. n A total of 36 pools will be fully operational by…

Every afternoon, I pick up my daughters from school and, like clockwork, ask: “So, how was school today?” And the predictable one-word answer - “Good.” For years, I wondered why this question never sparked a conversation. It wasn’t until a chat with a friend’s 25-year-old daughter that I realised I’d been asking the wrong thing all along. “It always felt too impersonal,” she told me. “Try asking ‘How are you?’ instead - it’s about me, not just school.” That small change opened the door to more honest, thoughtful conversations with my daughters. Suddenly, I was hearing about playground triumphs, classroom dramas, and the little moments that made up their day. And it turns out, child psychologists agree - the secret lies in asking more meaningful questions. Experts say that open-ended,…

Triston Fortune, a Grade 10 learner at Bergvliet High School, is already making an impact beyond his years. He was recently sworn in as the Western Cape Child Ambassador and Deputy President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament. He is also a member of the Junior City Council and the chairperson of his school’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL). Triston is from Westridge, Mitchells Plain. He attended Westville Primary School, which he described as “like a second home.” “I felt at home when I went there. My marks were great, everything. It just felt like a really safe environment.” He said attending a non-fee-paying school motivated him because he got to see firsthand the struggles of children who couldn’t afford certain opportunities and how one would need to work towards…

CapeNature has officially declared the Lettas Kraal Nature Reserve, marking a critical expansion of the Western Cape’s Protected Area Estate. The new 7,050-hectare reserve, situated near Touws River, is now a crucial shield for the critically endangered riverine rabbit within the internationally recognised Succulent Karoo biome. The declaration, formalised on November 7, protects a significant stretch of natural rangeland in the Little Karoo – a global biodiversity hotspot. A vital conservation step Anton Bredell, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, hailed the move. “Lettas Kraal’s inclusion is another positive stride towards achieving our conservation goals,” Bredell said. “Every hectare protected strengthens the ecological networks that sustain local communities. We are ensuring our children inherit a healthier, more resilient environment.” The path to formal declaration…

An international team of geologists and paleontologists, led by Dr Ryan Tucker from the Department of Earth Sciences at Stellenbosch University, has unveiled a revolutionary approach to dating fossil-bearing rocks by directly examining fossilised dinosaur eggshells. Published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, this study promises to reshape our understanding of ancient ecosystems and the evolutionary timelines of dinosaurs. Traditionally, dating fossil sites has posed significant challenges, with many relying on coarsely dated geological formations. Fossils’ precise geologic age offers crucial insights for paleontologists attempting to decipher the complex relationships among various species across different periods. The common practice has involved dating minerals such as zircon or apatite associated with fossils; however, these minerals are not always available, and dating methods applied to the fossils themselves have often led…

Diabetes, a disease once predominantly associated with adults, is now impacting children at an alarming rate. As childhood obesity rates soar and lifestyles shift towards inactivity, the incidence of diabetes is on the rise, warranting urgent attention from parents and guardians alike. Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, emphasises: “Children are being diagnosed at growing rates, and early recognition is vital. The sooner parents act on warning signs, the better the chances of preventing life-threatening complications.” Type 1 diabetes, Diabetes occurs in two principal forms: Type 1 diabetes, where the body fails to produce adequate insulin, and Type 2 diabetes, where insulin is ineffective. Insulin is crucial for converting glucose into energy; without it, harmful glucose levels build up in the bloodstream, leading to severe health complications. In children, diabetes…

Ford South Africa are phasing out their 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine in the Ranger and Everest as they “optimise” their powertrains for the future. Its replacement is set to be the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. The company says a tweaked single turbo 2.0-litre motor will remain, while the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel will be expanded into more derivatives. EcoBoost engine According to Ford, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine provides customers with a compelling new powertrain, delivering a blend of strong performance, advanced technology, and enhanced driving refinement. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, a proven performer in other Ford vehicles globally, is specifically tuned for the Ranger and Everest. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost is a turbocharged, direct-injection, inline 4-cylinder engine, with a lightweight aluminium block and turbocharger that delivers 222kW of power and…

“Who will get your vote?” asked the email from Fifa. Soccer’s governing body wanted me to help select the world’s outstanding male and female outfield players and goalkeepers for the Best Fifa Football Awards. Fifa, however, did not ask me who should win the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize. This newly created honour will be awarded by Fifa boss Gianni Infantino in December at the World Cup draw, which will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington. We don’t know who will win, but here’s a hint: if you don’t live in a partially demolished dwelling with golden bathroom fixtures at 1 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, you are probably not in the running. Asking who will win the Fifa Peace Prize seems a bit like asking who will win the Russian…

This column is not for everyone. The majority of South Africans exist hand to mouth, with far too many households living below the breadline. “All this talk of saving,” they will say, “when we don’t even earn enough to feed our families.” Let’s consider their situation for a moment. The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group publishes a monthly Household Affordability Index, which calculates the cost of a basic basket of groceries in different parts of the country and compares it with wages. For October, the average basket of essential foods for a household of four costs R5 441. A worker earning the minimum wage, working 23 days in the month at just R28.79 per hour, brings in R5 297. Add two Child Support Grants of R560 each and a…

As summer arrives, it brings with it a wealth of opportunities to embrace the great outdoors, and one of the most enjoyable ways to do so is through camping. This season is ideal for gathering friends and family to explore nature together, as the warm weather and extended daylight hours create the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. With an abundance of activities available, from swimming in rivers to hiking along scenic trails, summer camping allows families to reconnect and create lasting memories. Camping not only fosters teamwork – whether it’s setting up a tent or preparing meals together – but also invites families to experience the vibrant wildlife and lush plant life that summer has to offer. With the nights warming up, there’s no better excuse to cool down and…

Earlier in the week, I got to chat with Thabang Molaba. Of course, fans know him better as KB in the hit Netflix teen series Blood & Water. A few TV shows into his career, the 30-year-old actor clocked a significant milestone by making his Hollywood debut in Ruben Fleischer’s Now You See Me, Now You Don’t 3. And if you’ve been a fan of this star-studded heist film franchise, you know how big a deal this is for Molaba. During our chat, he unpacked how he landed this role. “I obviously had the audition, and then had a callback, where the director was in the meeting as well. He was giving me pointers on what to do, what to change and all of that. This character was being searched…

If there’s one thing South Africans love, it’s a good gathering, whether it’s a Christmas lunch under the jacarandas, a New Year’s braai by the pool or a Sunday spread that stretches well into the evening. But as the festive season creeps closer, even the most seasoned hosts know that “the season of joy” can quickly turn into “the season of chaos”. Enter the queen of calm, Martha Stewart. In a recent interview with E! News, the lifestyle icon shared her tried-and-tested tips for surviving the holiday madness with grace, style, and a touch of organisation. “Be careful about being organised for your holiday entertaining,” Stewart advised. “If you’re going to have a party, start working on it now, making your list, figuring out when and where things can be…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana yesterday hit back at critics of the 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) and the proposed 3% inflation target. Godongwana said there was a mistaken assumption that an inflation target will necessarily generate high interest and higher costs. “Our projection is that the interest rate, as a result of lower inflation, is also going to come down, which will cushion the impact on the poor and their cost of living,” he said. Godongwana was responding to questions when the National Treasury was briefing the parliamentary committees on finance and appropriation on the revised and proposed fiscal framework.Tabling the MTBPS o n Wednesday, the minister lowered the inflation target to 3% with a one percentage point tolerance band. However, EFF MP Omphile Maotwe accused Godongwana of lowering…

A former Zimbabwean Member of Parliament, Job Sikhala, was released on bail after he was allegedly found with explosives. The 53-year-old was arrested alongside his elderly uncle Alexander Ferrowst Thema, 78, and appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Courts where they are facing charges of possession of explosives. They were released on R10,000 bail each. Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Lumka Mahanjana, said on November 6, the two accused were stopped by police while driving along Kgosi Mampuru Street. “When the police searched the car, they found 26 units of blasting cartridge and 15 units of connector cap fusers,” said Mahanjana. She added that in court, the State did not oppose bail and there was confirmation that both accused are in the country legally – Sikhala holds…

The Royal Cape Yacht Club held their Armistice Day Remembrance Parade at the Royal Cape Yacht Club this week. David Garrard, commodore of the Royal Cape Yacht Club and vice-commodore Lynette Finlay laid wreaths and set off a canon to commemorate the end of World War 1 when the armistice (ceasefire agreement) was signed between the Allies and Germany on November 11, 1918, at 11am – “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”. Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. The day is also marked by…

A vivid blue diamond weighing 9.51 carats and previously belonging to Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, the aristocratic philanthropist and a close friend of Jacqueline Kennedy, has sold in Geneva for $25 million (R426m), according to Christie's auction house. The internally flawless pear-shaped diamond mounted at the tip of a swirling ring design is named the “Mellon Blue”, after its former owner who had it set as a pendant. It sold for $32.6 million (R555m) in 2014, the year Mellon died at the age of 103. That was the highest price at the time ever paid for a coloured diamond at auction, Christie's said. But the world record for a blue diamond is the “Oppenheimer Blue”, which sold for over $57 million (R971m) in Geneva in 2016. Mellon, an avid, self-taught horticulturalist,…

In a bright moment for education in South Africa, five private schools have secured places in the coveted Spear’s Magazine 2025 Schools Index - a benchmark list of the top 100 private schools globally. It’s a strong sign that South Africa’s independent-school sector is excelling on the world stage. What the index measures The Spear’s Schools Index, now in its sixth year, is compiled by a panel of international education experts. While academic and examination performance remain important, the ranking places heavy emphasis on broader criteria - such as reputation, social and cultural impact, and value-based factors. “In some cases, schools with strong academics have been omitted where they fall short in relation to these wider considerations,” Spear’s has noted. The top South African schools • Hilton College (KwaZulu-Natal) •…

The Italian Film Focus (IFF) is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year, marking 25 years of cultural exchange between Italy and South Africa. To commemorate this occasion, the IFF is taking one of its standout films, the lively comedy US Palmese, to the vibrant community of Mitchells Plain, with the aim of connecting Italian cinema to new audiences. Set to take place at RLabs, a dynamic community hub that empowers local youth through innovation and creativity, this special screening is part of a broader initiative to engage the community in the arts. RLabs is known for its far-reaching programs that include digital skills training and community projects focused on sustainability and social innovation. By partnering with RLabs, the IFF not only showcases Italian cinema but also invites local talent to…

The elusive Moonlight Mountain Toadlet and a Critically Endangered Erica now have a permanent home. The Western Cape has formally declared the Mount David Nature Reserve, securing over 800 hectares of vital fynbos ecosystem. The declaration, formalised on November 7 2025, protects the site known historically as Diepgat. This remarkable reserve is the culmination of 17 years of tireless rehabilitation by landowner Antony van Hoogstraten. Seventeen years of restoration Van Hoogstraten purchased the property in 2008. The land had been degraded by livestock and grain farming. He dedicated nearly two decades to transforming it into a thriving natural area. His efforts included the systematic clearing of alien vegetation, restoring the land’s ecological integrity, The site now boasts flourishing wetlands and pristine fynbos. Crucial finds confirmed protection The site’s critical…

In a groundbreaking study that shines a light on the complex pathology of long Covid, researchers have uncovered a significant structural association between microclots and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the blood of affected patients. This finding not only elucidates the underlying physiological interactions at play but also hints at potential therapeutic avenues for managing long Covid symptoms. Microclots, a term gaining traction in medical literature, refer to abnormal aggregations of blood-clotting proteins found circulating in the bloodstream. The concept emerged in 2021, introduced by Prof Resia Pretorius from Stellenbosch University when her team detected these clots in the blood samples of Covid-19 patients. As studies during the pandemic explored their implications for various coagulopathies, microclots captured attention amid fears of prolonged illnesses associated with Covid-19. On the other hand,…

With vehicle hijackings and violent crimes increasingly targeting high-end SUVs in South Africa, SVI Engineering have expanded their range of discreet protection solutions by introducing the SVI Lite bullet-resistant B2 armouring package for the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. Level B2 protection is rated to stop 9mm and 124-grain rounds fired from a handgun. Better than smash and grab Earlier this year, the Bashewa-based company in Pretoria introduced the SVI Lite product range, which slots in below its B4 discreet and B6 discreet 360-degree armouring packages but well above smash-and-grab window film. Launched with the Toyota Corolla Cross and Ford Ranger, the SVI Lite treatment has since been extended to several other models, from the Suzuki Jimny through to the Audi Q7 and now the Cayenne Coupe. “In addition to its cost-effectiveness…

The excitement that greeted Zohran Mamdani this weekend at an annual gathering of New York lawmakers and power brokers in San Juan, Puerto Rico was effusive. But that excitement at the Somos el Futuro conference couldn’t mask the fault lines that his decisive win in last week’s mayoral election exposed within the state’s Democratic party. Divisions over taxation, immigration and Israel will be tested in almost every major political contest next year. A growing list of Democratic incumbents will face challenges from the Left, where Mamdani’s improbable win is emboldening progressive candidates. In San Juan, Governor Kathy Hochul – who has to win her own primary before she can compete for re-election against Republican Elise Stefanik – struggled to juggle the enthusiasm for Mamdani’s policies with their fiscal reality.…

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's decision to lower South Africa's inflation target to 3% – ending a 25-year framework of targeting a 3% to 6% range – has bolstered the rand and will bring relief to millions of South Africans. Godongwana announced during Wednesday's presentation of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). While conceding that the move will make life harder in the near term, especially for economic growth, the minister says the new target, which takes effect immediately and will be phased in over the next two years, will “enhance price stability”. Aligning fiscal and monetary policy Clarity on the move towards the lower inflation target of 3% was something on Anchor Capital economist Casey Sprake's wish list. She says Godongwana's endorsement aligns fiscal and monetary policy. “While the South…

South Africa’s latest Mid-term Budget Speech tabled on Wednesday has drawn a cautiously optimistic response from key voices in finance, youth development, and energy. Jurgen Eckmann, wealth manager at Consult by Momentum, says: “The Minister’s upbeat tone today reflects what many investors have been hoping to hear for years: that South Africa’s finances are finally on a stronger footing.” The country’s removal from the FATF grey list has helped restore investor confidence, though it remains uncertain whether this will translate into a surge in foreign direct investment. More notably, for the first time since 2008, government debt is expected to stabilise and South Africa will post a primary budget surplus, meaning core spending is being funded through tax revenue rather than new borrowing. Eckmann called this “an important shift, showing…

Lando Norris’ charge toward a maiden Formula One world championship has been one of the defining stories of the 2025 season, but as the final stretch approaches, one thing has become increasingly clear: there will be no early coronation. Despite his consistent podiums, sprint victories, and moments of sheer brilliance, the McLaren star cannot seal the title ahead of schedule. Every remaining point on the table will matter, and the final three race weekends promise to be a high-pressure test of composure, execution, and raw pace. For much of the year, Norris appeared to be building an unstoppable rhythm. His early-season win tally, combined with McLaren’s impressive development rate, placed him firmly in control of the championship picture. But the margins in modern Formula One are razor thin, and the…

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ladies team are exactly the outfit they believe themselves to be, and that’s why they deserve to be given their flowers while they can still smell them. Sundowns are yet to be officially crowned the Hollywoodbets Super League champions this season, but I think we can all agree that it’s just a matter of time. Their position at the top of the log with a five-point lead and a game in hand is no fluke. And that’s not all. They know how to raise the stakes and hit top gear during crunch time. After all, they are the undisputed champions of the land, having won the title every season since the league was launched in 2019/20. Of course, it’s well documented that their success is partly due to…