Innehållsförteckning för 2025-05-31 från Saturday Star

Every city has that hidden culinary gem in the suburbs. In Birdhaven, Joburg, Arbour Cafe & Courtyard is one such spot. Nestled within a charming yet lively shopping complex, it is well-known among foodies, worth their weight in salt, or anyone who enjoys delicious French-inspired dishes. This is a wonderful breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, with an extensive menu. Despite Arbour Cafe being open for almost a decade, I only recently visited. I am a procrastinator of note. Having heard positive feedback about Chef Precious Ntsalaze's culinary journey, where she worked her way from the scullery to the top, I took up the offer to try her dishes and see what the fuss was about. I was completely blown away, and I'll explain why shortly. First, a quick history…

South Africa's investigative ability is facing a serious crisis with 1.9 million case dockets and detectives sitting with 300 to 500 dockets each. On top of it is a growing concern about the experience of detectives with more and more younger police officers absorbed into the detective services. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, described the current backlog as untenable. Mchunu said the shortage of detectives is hampering the timely investigation of cases, which in turn affects the prosecution process. “The shortage of detectives causes serious backlogs in respect of the investigation of cases and processing of cases for prosecution." "The minister has reported on previous occasions that there is a backlog of 1.9 million case dockets within the South African Police Service, which is untenable,” the police ministry shared. Only 15.1%…

THE Joshlin Smith trial has gained significant attention as it coincides with National Child Protection Week, a period dedicated to raising awareness about child safety. This year's theme is: "Working Together to End Violence Against Children." On Thursday, Judge Nathan Erasmus of the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha sentenced Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith to life imprisonment for human trafficking, alongside 10 years for kidnapping. This trial, which unfolded over a matter of weeks, was one of the most anticipated cases in South Africa. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi welcomed the sentencing, stating that it brings a measure of justice in what has been an emotionally charged case. "Our hearts remain heavy for Joshlin and for every child who suffers harm," Kubayi expressed. "No…

During his imprisonment, Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o decided he would never write in English again, a defiant move that helped put literature in African languages firmly on the map. Ngugi died at the age of 87 on Wednesday, his daughter announced on Facebook. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong'o this Wednesday morning," wrote Wanjiku Wa Ngugi. "He lived a full life, fought a good fight." Widely regarded as east Africa's most influential writer, Ngugi sought to forge a body of literature reflecting the land and people from which he came, and not follow in the footsteps of Western tradition. "I believe so much in equality of languages. I am completely horrified by the hierarchy of languages," he told…

For the sixth consecutive year, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden did not exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), which manages the iconic garden, confirmed that its decision to step away from the world-renowned event was made in 2019 and remains in place. According to Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Director of Marketing, Communication and Commercialisation at SANBI, the decision was based on a combination of practical and strategic considerations. “The Chelsea Flower Show was a costly exercise for the organisation with no clear return on investment,” said Mpulo. “Our displays featured indigenous flowers and materials that were often confiscated at the UK border and not permitted for use. Additionally, our sponsors withdrew their support.” The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic further affected SANBI’s financial stability, and…

With the latest unemployment figures revealing a deepening jobs crisis, partnerships between the education and private sectors are essential to South Africa’s future. According to Statistics South Africa’s Q1 2025 Labour Force Survey, the official unemployment rate has risen to 32.9%, while the expanded definition of unemployment, which includes discouraged job seekers, now sits at a staggering 43.1%. Among young South Africans aged 15–24, 59.4% are unemployed, the highest of any age group. Skills “South Africa’s young people are talented, hungry to learn and eager to work, but they need the opportunity to gain real-world skills that translate into jobs,” said Thembinkosi Pantsi, Vice-Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (Nada). One of the ways to address youth unemployment in the country is through structured work-based learning. Internships and…

Even during the darkest moments of India and Pakistan’s volatile history – through wars, terrorist attacks and diplomatic breakdowns – artists and activists tried to keep the countries connected. Mumbai’s plays found an audience in Karachi. Lahore’s painters held shows in New Delhi. Activists walked across the disputed border, past soldiers marching in elaborate drills, hoping to bridge one of the world’s most intractable divides. “When you travel, and meet the other side, it gives them a human face,” said Suhasini Mulay, an Indian actor and co-founder of the Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD). “All that demonisation that you’ve been fed – it just begins to melt away.” But after years of declining relations, punctuated by the latest eruption of violence between the nuclear-armed neighbours, even the…

What contributes to people’s quality of life? The obvious factors include financial security, physical health, education, political freedom, a low crime rate, and trust in government. The World Happiness Report 2025, published in March and powered by Gallup World Poll data, among other sources, found that these factors featured strongly in the world's happiest nations. Country rankings were based on a three-year average of each population’s average assessment of their quality of life. As in past reports, the Nordic countries were rated among the highest on the World Happiness Index. The top five were Finland (for the eighth year in a row), Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands. Out of 147 countries assessed, South Africa came 95th, down from its position of 83rd in last year’s report. There was a…

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said his club are being "patient" as they wait for the verdict on charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. City were referred to an independent commission in February 2023 over the charges, which the club strongly deny. The case was heard between September and December last year but no decision has yet been announced. City could face a points deduction, a heavy fine or even relegation from the Premier League if they are found guilty. "Well, I suppose the only thing I can say is we still don't have a ruling," Khaldoon said this week. "Once there's a ruling, I'll be able to speak about it. Until then we just have to be patient, and it'll come, and we will talk…

One in three travellers aged 60 and above plan to use a portion of their retirement savings to fund holidays in 2025, according to Flight Centre’s recent Global PR Survey, which surveyed participants from South Africa, Canada, the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. South Africans are closely following this trend, with 32% indicating similar intentions. After decades of hard work, raising families and navigating life’s challenges, mature travellers are eager to fulfil their once-in-a-lifetime travel dreams. There are numerous ways pensioners can travel without dipping into their retirement savings or overspending on experiences. “Travel shouldn’t come with guilt,” says Sue Garrett, general manager of supply, pricing and marketing at Flight Centre South Africa. Garrett shared a few tips on how over-60s can fulfil their travel dreams without breaking…

Travel has an incredible power to bring people together, offering moments that transcend the mundane routines of our everyday lives. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Cape Town or relaxing on a sun-drenched beach in Croatia, the connections formed during your journeys can lead to lifelong friendships that enrich your existence. “The banter on a game drive or sightseeing tour, striking up a conversation at the pool or the simple kindness of a stranger offering directions can lead to surprising connections that enrich your entire holiday and beyond,” said Samantha Pillay, chief executive of ekko. Beyond the joy of discovery, friendships formed while travelling contribute significantly to our mental and physical well-being. Pillay shares valuable strategies for initiating friendships, no matter where you find yourself. Break the ice at…

Mushrooms pack a punch, in the pot, plate and in your body. But what is the best way to store this powerhouse of vitamins? According to the The Washington Post, mushrooms have a high moisture content of around 90 percent. And their structure is such that they can easily lose that water, which, if trapped on the fungi, can expedite spoilage. So the key to storing mushrooms for longevity is all about moisture control. The National Library of Medicine states that a higher storage temperature accelerates the senescence (ageing), browning, weight loss and textural loss of mushrooms. While you can leave freshly harvested mushrooms on the counter for about a day or so, they are best stored in the fridge. (Since grocery store mushrooms were harvested at least a couple…

DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile has issued a stern warning against political interference and incompetence within government ranks, asserting that ministers and their deputies who fail to perform should be removed from office. Speaking at a high-level roundtable discussion on strengthening the political-administrative interface yesterday, Mashatile emphasised the urgent need to restore good governance across all spheres of government. The session was attended by ministers, deputy ministers, premiers, and director-generals. This was to address the political interference in government and ensure that all spheres of government had good governance. “Many challenges that the government is dealing with are also a result of relationships where ministers or political leaders are not pulling together. “That’s why we have a high turnover of director-generals leaving government because of political interference, while political leaders would…

THE Jacob Zuma-led MK Party (MKP) decision to axe Zuma's longtime confidante Mzwanele Manyi as Chief Whip has raised questions over the future of the current Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu. It has been reported that Manyi’s removal as a party’s parliamentary chief whip was prompted by his fallout with Zuma's deputy, John Hlophe and stemmed from the State of the Nation Address debate, where Manyi reportedly duped Hlophe into delivering a speech under the pretext that it was supplied by Zuma. It later emerged that Manyi had allegedly lied, and the two exchanged heated arguments in front of the caucus members in a meeting, which many said almost degenerated into a physical fight. Party insiders said Manyi’s removal signalled that more significant changes were to come and Shivambu’s position was tenuous,…

Kim White Towne and Alexander Towne met in Dubai, where she worked as a teacher and he served in the military. Their relationship began as a whirlwind romance. However, Kim’s brother, Jason White of Parklands in Cape Town, noticed that there were early signs that all was not as it seemed. Then on May 25, a chilling call was made to US emergency services, 911. “I don’t think she’s with us any longer.” With those haunting words, 32-year-old Alexander Towne caleed for police assistance at his home in Chantilly, West Virginia. Inside, authorities found the lifeless body of his wife, Kim. She had been strangled, reportedly while their toddler son was in another room. Kim, 32, from Parklands, Cape Town, had visible upper body trauma and was pronounced dead…

The 2025 edition of the annual Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge (AGEC) is now open for entries for schools and learners across Southern Africa and this year the legendary business competition offers even more action-packed games, prizes and opportunities for high school learners to pursue their business dreams. “As the Challenge enters its ninth year in 2025, the mission to ignite entrepreneurial thinking among youth across Southern Africa – in more schools, more provinces, and even reaching learners in neighbouring countries like Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana – is getting more critical and more exciting,” said Programme Lead of the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Challenge, Marcel Manikum. AGEC plays a unique role in Southern Africa by focusing on early-stage entrepreneurial exposure - targeting high school learners and sparking curiosity through fun, gamified learning.…

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) proudly unveils the select group of exceptional learners set to represent the nation at two prestigious international mathematics competitions: the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) in Australia, scheduled for 10–20 July 2025, and the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in Botswana, taking place from 11–18 June 2025. This selection marks a significant milestone in a decade-long journey that begins as early as Grade 4 with the SAMF's South African Mathematics Challenge. To qualify for these teams, students journey through a rigorous pipeline. Learners achieving 50% or higher in the first round of the Old Mutual South Africa Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) advance to the second round. The top 100 Juniors (Grades 8–10) and top 100 Seniors (Grades 11–12) then proceed to a final round where the top…

In an age where nations teeter between promise and peril, the true measure of leadership is not in grand speeches but in the ability to confront the crises that define a generation. Nowhere is this more urgent than in South Africa, where the future of millions of young people hinges on bold action, not empty rhetoric. It is in this context that the recent awarding of the Global Trailblazer Award to South African entrepreneur Dr. Iqbal Survé by the T20/G20 Future of Jobs Summit feels less like a surprise and more like the natural outcome of a life lived with purpose. The Award, reserved for individuals who have shattered boundaries and sparked global movements, acknowledged Dr Survé’s lifetime of work in business innovation, social transformation, and international cooperation. In the…

Mark Davis loves to pretend he is a criminal. During a 30-year career as an FBI undercover agent, he posed as a cocaine smuggler, negotiated million-dollar deals with money launderers and showed up at a criminal rendezvous with $200 000 in cash. He retired from the FBI in 2016 to work another beat. Today, he runs under- cover assignments to help arrest rhino horn smugglers, jaguar skin dealers and spider monkey brokers. Davis gathers evidence for international law enforcement agencies, working to take down smugglers profiting from the illegal trade in wildlife and endangered species. In Bolivia, he secretly filmed meetings with jaguar traffickers and, in China, he negotiated the sale price for shark fin. In a McDonald’s parking lot in Chula Vista, California, near the border with Tijuana, Davis…

Launched five years ago, the (Land Rover) Defender has received several upgrades, including finishes, design, and technology enhancements across 90, 110 and 130 body designs as well as the Defender Octa. It gets a new headlight design with signature detailing and fog lights as standard and flush rear lights with smoked lenses. There are new exterior colour options that include Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey, enhanced detailing and upgraded materials, as well as a larger 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control is available as an option, while the Defender 130 is now available with an optional integrated air compressor. The Octa gets a new Sargasso Blue exterior colour, a Patagonia White exterior with Matte Protective Wrap and tactile textured Graphite accents. The Defender receives optimised surfaces for the…

THE love of money is the root of all evil. And this is what often happens when a family member has a role to play when it comes to devolving assets for a deceased estate when they have been appointed as executors. Several court cases deal with misdeeds or conflicts of interest by family members of someone who has died and are then in a position of power when it comes to wrapping up the dead person’s estate. In one, a gentleman called Ronnie died and appointed his life partner, Susanna, and his tax practitioner as co-executors. Ronnie’s son, Sean, and Susanna were set to inherit his estate in accordance with Ronnie’s will. This is not illegal. Capital Legacy explained that it is possible for someone to both be a…

It is a sad event when a loved one, especially a parent, passes away. Dealing with grief, family members, funeral arrangements, insurance companies, and the retirement fund of your deceased parent can increase the anxiety levels of adult children who must take control of a situation that most of us cannot fully prepare for. Emotions are high, and we try to control everything. One thing we cannot control is the allocation and payment of the death benefits by the retirement fund of our deceased parents. In terms of section 37C of the Pension Funds Act, the trustees of a retirement fund have the obligation and discretion, to: 1. Find the dependants and nominees of the deceased member; 2. Allocate death benefits to qualifying dependants and nominees in a just and…

SA’s 400m star Zakithi Nene will be confident of setting the record straight when he lines up for the one-lap event at the Kip Keino Classic at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, Kenya today. The in-form 27-year-old sprinter took second position at last weekend’s Diamond League meeting in Rabat, in 44.46 seconds. He looked on track for the win but was chased down on the home straight by American Jacory Patterson, who clocked 44.37. Olympic champion Quincy Hall took third in 44.90. Nene set a personal best time of 44.22 at the SA championships in Potchefstroom in April. He will headline another strong field today that will include Africa Games champion Chidi Okezie and Australia’s Cooper Sherman and Portugal’s Joao Coelho. Former national 400m champion Zablon Ekwam, who boasts a…

In an era where travel and music intertwine more than ever, the allure of music tourism is captivating a growing number of globetrotters. Among them is American solo female traveller and content creator Mimi Pinkjested, whose journey to South Africa was fuelled by the euphoric rhythms of Amapiano and Afro-house music. This genre, synonymous with South Africa’s vibrant musical culture, has not only influenced her travel decisions but also transformed her experience while exploring the rainbow nation. Pinkjested took to TikTok to share her compelling story of why she ventured to Mzansi, revealing how Amapiano became the heartbeat of her adventure. “I will say that Amapiano is what really pushed me to visit the country. There is just something about Amapiano, Afro-house and South African music altogether that just makes…

A little bit of nostalgia can be a sweet escape, but not when it’s served cold and bland. Fear Street: Prom Queen, Netflix’s latest addition to the Fear Street franchise, tries to blend ‘80s camp with teen slasher horror but ends up limping somewhere between laughably corny and painfully dull. Set in 1988, the film follows Lori Granger, played by India Fowler, a shy outsider at Shadyside High with dreams of winning the coveted prom queen title. Haunted by a vicious rumour tied to her family, Lori believes that if she can snag the crown, she’ll finally shake her bad rep and change her destiny. She’s tired of being the town’s punchline, so in a bid to reclaim her narrative, she signs up to compete against the usual suspects: the…

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has warned that those that will not comply with controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act will face the full might of the law. Gwarube, who has yet to gazette the Bela Act’s regulations, said there was a legislative framework on how the department’s districts and schools should implement the new law. “This piece of legislation is now the law of the Republic of South Africa. Anybody who does not comply with the law will face the consequence of not complying with the law,” she said. Gwarube made the comment during the question-and answer-session in the National Assembly when she was asked by EFF MP Mandla Shikwambane how she planned to address potential resistance for former Model C and Afrikaans-medium schools to use the admission…

As the three people convicted of kidnapping and trafficking Joshlin Smith begin serving life sentences, the missing six-year-old’s father, Jose Emke, has broken his silence, calling for the truth and expressing deep fears for the safety of his surviving daughter. Joshlin disappeared from her Middelpos, Saldanha Bay home, on February 19, 2024. Her mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, reported her missing that evening, telling police she had left her daughter in the care of her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, while she went to work. Within two weeks, Kelly, Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn were arrested and later charged with kidnapping and human trafficking. On May 2, Kelly, Appollis, and Van Rhyn were found guilty in the Western Cape High Court. On Thursday, they were sentenced to life imprisonment…

Forget the Cannes Film Festival’s strict dress code: Guests at the popular Palm Dog Awards last weekend used their time in the spotlight to roll around on stage and bark at the competition. Dozens of people gathered at the Plage du Festival tent along the crowded Croisette boulevard to celebrate the film world’s canine celebrities at the ceremony, now in its 25th year. Human guests sipped on glasses of wine and excitedly crowded around the four-legged attendees of various breeds, who seemed all too happy for the attention, if not a bit confused. This year’s award winner was Panda, an Icelandic sheepdog who stars in the Icelandic family drama The Love That Remains by director Hlynur Palmason that’s playing out of competition. Panda, who is Palmason’s dog in real…

while the thrilling finales of the Premier League and Betway Premiership may have drawn to a close, Showmax Premier League is excited to announce that the beautiful game is far from over. Football fans across Africa can look forward to an exhilarating off-season filled with world-class action, ensuring not a single moment goes by without live football entertainment. The football feast includes the highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup, on June 15 2025, where the planet's elite clubs will battle it out for the prestigious global trophy. In a moment of immense pride for South African football, Mamelodi Sundowns will represent the nation on this grand stage, joining other formidable African contenders like Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, and Esperance de Tunis. The tournament also features a galaxy…

The Black Business Council in the Built Environment (BBCBE) has taken significant strides in transforming Tshwane’s development landscape by unveiling several key projects designed to draw investors and built environment professionals. Established in 2007, BBCBE's core mission is to engage with government and statutory bodies to influence legislation that fosters opportunities for Black professionals within the construction and building sectors. Speaking at the breakfast, Carrington Tlale, the head of BBCBE's Project Management Unit (PMU), shared insights into the group's recent initiatives. “We established BBCBE investment holdings, and we just completed one of its long-term projects, and we are looking forward to participating in so much more. We established the BBCBE training academy. “The organisation used to do training internally, but we have found that could be problematic. And the work…

Fiat has introduced a funky electric three-wheeler called the TRIS aimed at urban logistics and last-mile delivery to mobile businesses and it’s coming to South Africa. Think of it as a kind of sophisticated Tuk-Tuk without the exhaust smoke. The name “TRIS” draws its inspiration from the vehicle’s three wheels, its modular design, and its three-light LED arrangement. It ensures easy pronunciation across multiple languages, allowing it to resonate with diverse global audiences. Three configurations It comes in three configurations: Flat Bed, Pick-Up and Chassis Cabin. The Pick-Up version speaks for itself and is the ready-to-work option, while the Flat Bed and Chassis Cabin options can be customised by Fiat Professional’s certified partners or directly by customers. Power The lithium battery, with a capacity of 6.9 kWh powers a 48-volt…

As political, financial and social leaders met this week in Abidjan for the Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the continent stands at a crucial turning point. Digitalisation can be the engine of inclusive and resilient development, but only if approached with local leadership and strategic vision. The questions being asked at this year’s meeting – how to mobilise African capital, how to foster transformative partnerships and how to accelerate the shift to greener, more inclusive economies – are not rhetorical. They are urgent. Africa is not short on potential. On the contrary, it is home to 18% of the world’s population, yet holds less than 1% of global data centre capacity. It is a hyper-connected continent – over 600 million Africans use mobile phones today – but…

THE latest findings from the Tax Ombud’s eFiling Profile Hijacking survey paint a stark picture of the vulnerabilities within South Africa’s tax system. The Tax Ombud, Yanga Mputa, presented these findings this week. The numbers alone tell a worrying story: nearly half of the respondents were registered tax practitioners, while 32.7%, were individual taxpayers. The hijacking of tax profiles is not a minor inconvenience; it is a direct assault on the integrity of Sars, the security of taxpayers, and the trust that businesses and individuals place in the tax system. Alarmingly, a significant portion of those surveyed had firsthand experience with eFiling hijacking, with 41% reporting that they encountered this form of fraud. Meanwhile, 38% of tax practitioners had clients who fell victim to it, and 21% had witnessed it…

While playing a quarter-final at home offers a psychological advantage, the Bulls will know all too well that a victory over Edinburgh is not a fait accompli in the quarter-finals of the United Rugby Championship (URC). Despite finishing higher on the official URC log and boasting a formidable record at Loftus Versfeld, the hosts cannot afford to approach the knockout match today (1.30 pm kick-off) under the illusion that victory is guaranteed. While Edinburgh may have slipped into the playoffs through the back door, play-off rugby is a different beast, and the Scottish side has proven they can grind out results against more fancied opposition and will relish the chance to upset the Pretoria giants on their home turf. Complacency may be the real enemy for the home side and…

Iga Swiatek kept her bid for a fourth consecutive French Open title on track yesterday, advancing to the last 16 at Roland Garros along with top women's seed Aryna Sabalenka and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. Reigning men's champion Carlos Alcaraz will look to book his place in the last 16 later to join Italy's Lorenzo Musetti and Dane Holger Rune who both rallied to set up a fourth-round clash. Swiatek came through despite a very close second set against Romania's world number 60 Jaqueline Cristian, winning 6-2, 7-5 in nearly two hours in sweltering conditions on Court Suzanne Lenglen. "Before it was 20 degrees when I played my first match but today it was 30 degrees. It is not easy to adjust but I have played in every condition," said…

Amid the relentless hustle and bustle of our busy lives, a different kind of travel beckons, one that resonates deeply with introverts – quiet destinations. These are places that offer a reprieve from the relentless pace of modern life, characterised by serene landscapes, minimal crowds and an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and introspection. Quiet destinations also offer unique cultural experiences that encourage deeper connections with the local environment and its people. The benefits of quiet travel include enhanced mental clarity, reduced stress levels and the opportunity to engage in meaningful self-reflection. For shy travellers looking for tranquillity, here are some serene havens where you can recharge your spirit, find inspiration and create lasting memories. Morocco: A tapestry of culture and calm Morocco captivates with its remarkable blend of rich cultural…